Day 304: Benefits

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Monday, October 31^st, 2016
Lamentations 4:1-5:22
Hebrews 2:1-18
Psalm 103:1-22
Proverbs 26:23
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1wKLUkQ
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases… – Ps 103:2-3

Salvation has benefits! Yes, being “saved” means that when you die, you will meet God face to face and have nothing to fear. God will not see your sin; He will see His son. But salvation also has benefits that start here and now – in this life – at the moment you give your life to Jesus:

1) Forgiveness (v 3). God doesn’t just forgive some of your sins when you believe in Jesus; He forgives them all! Your sins are removed from you, as far as the East is from the West (v 12).

2) Healing (v 3). By His stripes, you are healed (Is 53:5)!

3) Redemption (v 4). Because you are hidden in Jesus, you don’t get what you deserve. You receive what He deserves: eternal life in Heaven with God!

4) Lovingkindness (v 4). God’s kindness is not mood-dependent. He loves you because you are His child: no matter what, and with no strings attached!

5) Refreshing (v 5). God renews your youth! Five minutes alone with God can reinvigorate you to go out and live your life with purpose and drive.

Do not forget the benefits of the Cross! You are blessed because you are in Jesus.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for blessing me! I am so privileged to be saved by grace. Help me to believe you with all that I am, and love you with all of my heart, in Jesus’ name!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-304-be-fearless/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-304-stop-moving-so-fast/

Day 303: Angels

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Sunday, October 30^th, 2016
Lamentations 3:1-66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1nRK6qr
Get your Daily Word on Periscope! https://www.periscope.tv/PMikeWhite/

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

Are [angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? – Heb 1:14

Angels are, “…ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.” If you believe in Jesus, that means angels are dispatched on your behalf! When you profess your faith in Jesus and trust in the Cross for the forgiveness of sins, the resources of Heaven open up to you. God will send angels to prepare the way for you. He will send angels to minister for you!

This verse does not mean we get to command angels. We don’t pray to angels; we pray to God the Father. However, we can ask God to release His servants, the angels, on our behalf, in the name of Jesus.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for sending angels to prepare the way for me. Help me to know that I am never alone, because your ministering angels surround me all the time!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-303-affliction-and-grief/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-303-wait-and-seek/

Day 302: Input => Output

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Saturday, October 29^th, 2016
Lamentations 1:1-2:22
Philemon 1:1-25
Psalm 101:1-8
Proverbs 26:20
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1xCte76
Get your Daily Word on Periscope! https://www.periscope.tv/PMikeWhite/

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me. – Ps 101:3

Input determines output. If you set wicked things before your eyes, you will crave them. Eventually, you will produce them! But if you set pure things before your eyes, you will learn to love them. Eventually, you will live to produce them.

Keep your eyes on Jesus. As you behold Him, you will become more like Him.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. – Phil 4:8

Prayer:

Father, help me to block out wickedness! Help me to fill my eyes and mind with holiness. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-302-soft-landing/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-302-its-not-what-you-say/

Day 301: Speak Evil of No One

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Friday, October 28^th, 2016
Jeremiah 51:54-52:34
Titus 3:1-15
Psalm 100:1-5
Proverbs 26:18-19
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1teBMSB
Get your Daily Word on Periscope! https://www.periscope.tv/PMikeWhite/

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

Remind them…to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. – Titus 3:1-2

I live by the following motto: Don’t say anything you wouldn’t want the whole world to hear. Don’t text, e-mail, or post something on social media that you wouldn’t say to someone’s face. It’s not worth it! If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all.

Imagine what the church would look like if we never spoke evil of others. Imagine what Sunday service would look like if we took a strong stance on Biblical holiness, but refused to condemn people who struggle with sin!

Change starts with you. Refuse to speak evil. Be peaceable and gentle, and show humility to all men!

Prayer:

Father, help me to bite my tongue. I pray that at the end of my life, my testimony will be that I never spoke evil of anyone!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-301-gods-kindness/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-301-youve-been-there/

Day 300: When to Stay & When to Flee

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Thursday, October 27^th, 2016
Jeremiah 51:1-53
Titus 2:1-15
Psalm 99:1-9
Proverbs 26:17
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/10uspmT
Get your Daily Word on Periscope! https://www.periscope.tv/PMikeWhite/|

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

Flee from the midst of Babylon, and every one save his life! Do not be cut off in her iniquity, for this is the time of the Lord’s vengeance; He shall recompense her. – Jer 51:6

God will tell you when to stay, and when to flee. In the past, God’s prophet had told Israel to stay put, and even to pray for the land of their captivity:

And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. – Jer 20:7

Now, however, He told them to get out! It would have been unprofitable for Israel to flee when God told them to stay, or to stay when God told them to flee.

Are you stuck in an uncomfortable situation? Not sure whether you should stay or go? Maybe you should stay; but maybe you should go! Ask God. He will tell you what to do.

Prayer:

Father, lead and guide me wherever You want me to go. I trust You, with all of my heart, in Jesus’ name!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-300-god-who-forgives/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-300-god-who-forgives-2/

Day 299: Lost Sheep

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Wednesday, October 26^th, 2016
Jeremiah 49:23-50:46
Titus 1:1-16
Psalm 97:1-98:9
Proverbs 26:13-16
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/ZRXe3o
Get your Daily Word on Periscope! https://www.periscope.tv/PMikeWhite/

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

“My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray; they have turned them away on the mountains. They have gone from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place.” – Jer 50:6

How can on-fire Christians become lost sheep? Jeremiah gives us the blueprint:

1) Following Bad Shepherds. Do you have strong men and women of God speaking into your life?

2) Deliberate Disobedience. We tend to turn from God on the mountaintop, and turn to Him in the valley. When you get to the mountaintop, don’t forget Who put you there!

3) Settling for Less. Why settle for a hilltop when God has promised you a mountaintop? Pursue the highest point.

4) Forgetting Rest. Relax! Stop trying so hard to please God and earn everything He has promised you. Sit back, relax, and receive.

Get under the covering of a good pastor. Listen to God’s voice. Refuse to settle for anything less than the fullness of His promise. Rest in the finished work of the Cross, knowing that Jesus already did all the work!

Prayer:

Father, stir up my desire to follow You with all my heart. I want to know You like never before!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-299-melting-mountains/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-299-are-you-concealing-gods-word/

Day 298: Fickle Friends

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Tuesday, October 25^th, 2016
Jeremiah 48:1-49:22
2 Timothy 4:1-22
Psalm 95:1-96:13
Proverbs 26:9-12
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1z9sla4
Get your Daily Word on Periscope! https://www.periscope.tv/PMikeWhite/

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. – 2 Tim 4:16

When the stuff hit the fan, Paul’s friends ran! But Paul didn’t hate the people who abandoned him. He prayed for them. He refused to let bitterness creep in, and prayed that God wouldn’t hold them accountable for their faults.

People in your life may leave your side when you need them most. Nobody’s perfect! Don’t hold it against them. Forgive them, and pray for them. Men will scatter; but Jesus will always stand by your side.

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. – 2 Tim 4:17

Prayer:

Father, thank You for Your strength. In my weakest moments, I know You are standing with me!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-298-true-strength/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-298-freedom-captivity/

Day 297: Foolish Disputes

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Monday, October 24^th, 2016
Jeremiah 44:24-47:7
2 Timothy 2:22-3:17
Psalm 94:1-23
Proverbs 26:6-8
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1uSJ2Qp
Get your Daily Word on Periscope! https://www.periscope.tv/PMikeWhite/

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

…but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. – 2 Tim 2:22-23

Christians are your family. Men who believe in Jesus are your brothers, and women who believe in Jesus are your sisters. Are you at peace with your brothers and sisters in Christ?

Arguing is always a last resort. Scripture cautions us to avoid “foolish and ignorant disputes.” A foolish dispute is one that creates division instead of reconciliation. An ignorant dispute is one in which we claim to know more than we actually do. Both kinds of arguments generate strife; and strife prevents peace!

Arguing takes more energy than peace. Make peace! Pursue Jesus, and enjoy the people God has placed around you.

Prayer:

Father, help me to love my church family. Help me to love other people – especially the Christian men and women with whom You have blessed me. Help me to see them as You do – righteous and blameless!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-297-know-the-truth/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-297-properly-equipped/

Day 296: Confident Prayer

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Sunday, October 23^rd, 2016
Jeremiah 42:1-44:23
2 Timothy 2:1-21
Psalm 92:1-93:5s
Proverbs 26:3-5
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1yn205t
Get your Daily Word on Periscope! https://www.periscope.tv/PMikeWhite/

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

…and [the people] said to Jeremiah the prophet, “Please, let our petition be acceptable to you, and pray for us to the Lord your God, for all this remnant (since we are left but a few of many, as you can see)”… – Jer 42:2

You don’t need someone else to pray for you! The Cross of Jesus Christ has given you access to God’s presence. He invites you to “boldly approach the throne of grace” (Heb 4:16). You can pray on your own, knowing that 1) God hears and 2) when you ask according to His will, your prayer is as good as answered!

There was a fundamental breakdown in Israel’s prayer life. God had invited His people to speak to Him directly (Ex 20:19), but they declined. Instead, they chose to rely on men like Moses and Jeremiah to speak to Him for them. They abdicated their responsibility to pray for themselves – and their privilege of being in God’s presence – to someone else.

God wants to restore balance in your prayer life! You don’t need to ask someone else to pray for you. Pray for yourself, with boldness and confidence, knowing that when you pray according to His will, you have the petitions you have asked (1 Jn 5:14-15)!

Prayer:

Father, fill me with confident prayer! Remind me that I don’t need someone else to pray for me. Because of the Cross, I get to pray for myself!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-296-ten-days/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-296-strong-in-grace/

Day 295: Beloved Son

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Saturday, October 22^nd, 2016
Jeremiah 39:1-41:18
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Psalm 90:1-91:16
Proverbs 26:1-2
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1s5jddU
Get your Daily Word on Periscope! https://www.periscope.tv/PMikeWhite/

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. – 2 Tim 1:2

Paul took Timothy under his wing. He called him a beloved son, the same way God called Jesus His beloved Son (Lk 3:22). Paul loved Timothy, and invested in him!

You are a Christian today because people invested in you. Someone took time to pray you would be saved. Someone took time to show you Scriptures that would you get through the toughest times in your life. Someone took time to treat you as a beloved son or daughter, even when you didn’t deserve it.

Now it’s time to pass it on. In whom are you investing? Who are your spiritual sons and daughters? The only way the next generation will be stronger than the current one is if we take time to lovingly disciple the people around us as sons and daughters!

Prayer:

Father, give me the time and strength I need to invest in the people around me. Thank You for sending people to treat me like a beloved son (daughter). Help me to do the same for the people in my life who need it the most!

Archives

See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-295-whos-been-praying-for-you/

See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-295-rebuke-all-fear/

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