Our Bible Reading 10/21 through 11/3/10

Here is your reading schedule for the next two weeks. Keep on keeping on!

Thursday - 10/21
Matthew 5:13-16

I am the salt and light of the earth

Like salt, you are here to preserve

God's truth and to flavor this world with God's love. He needs you to shine His light in the darkness. No matter where you go today, be some "light salt"!

Friday - 10/22
John 15:5
I am a branch of the true vine
You are connected to the most powerful being in the universe. He is the source of your strength.

Saturday - 10/23
John 15:16
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit
John 15 is about remainingin Christ. We are not required to bear fruit...but as we remain in Christ (putting Hi first), the results will be that we bear fruit.

Sunday - 10/24
Acts 1:8
I am a personal witness of Christ's
Does your heart break when you think of all the people who do not have Jesus in their lives? Who comes to mind that you personally know? Will you pray and ask God to give you opportunities to be a witness to those people this week?

Monday - 10/25
2 Corinthians 5:17-20
I am a minister of reconciliation
We are ambassadors for Christ to everyone we meet. We could have the awesome privilege of helping lead them to reconcile with God...but only if we truly understand that God works through us - His ministers.

Tuesday - 10/26
2 Corinthians 6:1
I am God's coworker
What work has God called you to? Which of His people is He entrusting to your care? Whom does He need you to demonstrate His grace to this week?

Wednesday - 10/27
Colossians 3:23
My work is significant because i am working for the Lord
You, my sister, are not waiting for God to bring significant work to you. Wherever He has you right now...that is the work that He has for you right now. Be faithful in the small things so He may trust you with more. (Matthew 25:21)

Thursday - 10/28
Ephesians 2:6
I am sealed with Christ in the heavenly realm
Because of our position in/with Christ, we also have been given authority - the authority to do God's will. We do not need to fear Satan - we have the responsibility and authority to rebuke him in Jesus name.

Friday - 10/29
Ephesians 3:12
I may approach God with freedom and confidence
What famous person would you like to meet? You'd probably feel nervous if you actually got to meet him/her.
As thrilling as that would be...consider that 24/7, you have complete access to the God of the universe...the God who made that famous person you'd like to meet. How amazing that He allows us that free access.

Saturday - 10/30
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
I am God's temple
You are God's dwelling place. You cannot go anywhere, do anything or say anything that He is unaware of...because He is dwelling in you! You bring Him glory when you use your temple to build up others, to serve, to quietly get filled up through His Word. On the other hand, you defile His temple when you abuse your body, when you utter words that are destructive or you go your own way. Pray for a deeper understanding of what it means to be God's temple.

Sunday - 10/31
Ephesians 2:10
I am God's workmanship
You are God's workmanship...not your parents, your friends, your spiritual leaders, your boss....
God has created you for His pleasure and purpose. There is no sense in looking to others for approval. God created you - God has gifted you - God has a purpose for you.

Monday - 11/1
Isaiah 41:9-10
I am strengthened and upheld because I am a child of God.
You have been chosen...it doesn't get much more significant that that! Don't question "if" you were chosen. When you accept Christ by faith, you are getting into agreement with God's will for your life...because He chose to love you. Becuase you are chosen, this Scripture tells us that God has you - strengthening you - upholding you.
Appropriate it.

Tuesday - 11/2 Election Day - Don't forget to vote!!!
Jeremiah 29:11
I have hope because God has a plan for me
We all want to walk through every day with purpose. Do you think that God will reveal His plan for your life some day when you've been good for long enough? That's dangerous theology. God has a plan for your life. Plain and simple. You are worthy of finding out what that plan is - simply by merit of you placing your faith in Christ. If God had to wait for all His people to be "good" before He could use them...He'd be waiting a long time. Hope: Your desires + the expectation that God is working on your behalf to bring about His will in the situation.

Wednesday - 11/3
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
This doesn't mean that everything we set out to do will be a success. It means that God will be with you no matter what you do. Claiming this truth - that you can do all things - allows you to take risks.
Even if you commit a mistake - through this truthful filter, you'll see it as a learning step, not a failure. God works to strengthen your inner spirit...that is more powerful than if all your circumstances turned out just like you want them to.

See you tonight!

I Am Significant.....!!!!

Hey Ladies,
I don't have a lot of time and so I am going to post a few things and then catch y'all later! Here is the summary of all our scriptures Lisa has used and referred to in the last few weeks.

WHO I AM IN CHRIST

I am accepted...
John 1:12 I am God's child.
John 15:15 I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Cor. s 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:18-19 I am a saint.
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
Psalm 139: 13-14 I am wonderfully made.
Genesis 1:26-27 I am created by God.
2 Corinthians 3:18 I am being transformed.

I am secure...
Romans 8:1-2 I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be
separated from the love of God.
2 Cor. 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and discipline.
Hebrews 4:16 I can find grace and mercy in time of need
1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
Proverbs 29:25 I find my security in the Lord – not any man.
Romans 5:3-5 I am secure enough in my trust in God that I can persevere through
difficult times.
Romans 6:8-14 I am secure because I am dead to sin through the blood of Jesus.

I am significant...
Matthew 5:13-16 I am the salt and light of the earth
John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
Acts 1:8 I am a personal witness of Christ’s
2 Cor. 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
2 Corinthians 6:1 I am God’s coworker.
Colossians 3:23 I find my work significant because I am working for the Lord.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
1 Cor. 3:16-17 I am God’s temple.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship.
Isaiah 41:9-10 I am strengthened and upheld because I am a child of God.
Jeremiah 29:11 I have hope because God has a plan for me.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Here is some more information that Lisa wanted to share:

Several GEMS are wondering more about our authority to command demons -- and we need to have Scriptural support for this empowering spiritual endeavor.

Bible verses that speak to this: Luke 11:24-26, Mark 12:43-45, Mark 9:24

Below are some Biblical commentaries that expound on this more.

When commanding evil to go - we must verbally command it to leave, bind it by commanding it to never return and send it to arid places where it will be tormented -- all through the power and authority of Jesus Christ.


Luke 11:24 That there was a vast difference between the devil’s going out by compact and his being cast out by compulsion. Those out of whom Christ cast him he never entered into again, for so was Christ’s charge (Mk. 9:25); whereas, if he had gone out, whenever he saw fit he would have made a re-entry, for that is the way of the unclean spirit, when he voluntarily and with design goes out of a man, v. 24–26. The prince of the devils may give leave, nay, may give order, to his forces to retreat, or make a feint, to draw the poor deluded soul into an ambush; but Christ, as he gives a total, so he gives a final, defeat to the enemy. In this part of the argument he has a further intention, which is to represent the stat e of those who have had fair offers made them,—among whom, and in whom, God has begun to break the devil’s power and overthrow his kingdom,—but they reject his counsel against themselves, and relapse into a state of subjection to Satan.
Here we have, Henry, Matthew: Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible : Complete and Unabridged in One Volume. Peabody : Hendrickson, 1996, c1991, S. Lk 11:24

Mark 9:24
“Help me overcome my unbelief” (9:24). Faith has two aspects: objective and subjective. Objectively our faith is in Jesus, and He is unshakable. Subjectively our faith is often mixed with hesitancy and doubt. The way to overcome uncertainty is to remember that what makes faith valid is not its subjective strength, but the trustworthiness of its object. We can confidently affirm this truth: “I can’t, but Jesus can.”
“Only by prayer” (9:29). We can never take for granted any authority God has given us (cf. 6:67). Any ministry must be performed in total reliance on the Lord.
Richards, Lawrence O.: The Bible Readers Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton : Victor Books, 1991; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996, S. 641

Mark 9:24 The main lesson of this miracle is the power of faith to overcome the enemy (Mark 9:19, 23–24; and see Matt. 17:20). Why had the nine disciples failed? Because they had been careless in their personal spiritual walk and had neglected prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29). The authority that Jesus had given them was effective only if exercised by faith, but faith must be cultivated through spiritual discipline and devotion. It may be that the absence of their Lord, or His taking the three disciples with Him and leaving them behind, had dampened their spiritual fervor and diminished their faith. Not only did their failure embarrass them, but it also robbed the Lord of glory and gave the enemy opportunity to criticize. It is our faith in Him that glorifies God (Rom. 4:20).
Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. Mk 9:14


I will post the Bible Reading later this evening! Enjoy ladies!!!

Thoughts.......

Good Morning Sweet GEMS!

Happy Lord's Day! 10/10/10 - What memories will you make today?

I plan to go to church and worship with friends and family! I have my bags ready for the Food Drive and will share with others! It promises to be a beautiful day and my kids, a friend and I are going to take a ride this afternoon to celebrate God's gorgeous creation in the changing of the colors, the warm breeze, the fields that have been harvested, and hopefully some of His wildlife. Can't wait! I love being a Mom and spending time with my kids.

I just read a quote this morning that I wanted to share:
"God did not give you your children so you could fix them or whip them into shape. God gave you your children to make you more like Jesus!" ~Donna Partrow

What an awesome responsibility! God has blessed me with two beautiful children and I love them so very much. I want to become more like Jesus everyday, as I know I am a child of God! HE is always there/here for me and I can lean on Him and know that all things work together for good for those that love the Lord! I can find grace and mercy in time of need! I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. As I care and raise my children, I do and will remember these things! We are so blessed! May our children, our little gems see Jesus in us each and every day! I am not saying that it is easy, but I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected! I am a work in progress!!!! Praise God - HE isn't finished with me yet!

I love y'all and will be praying for you today and every day!
"As for me and my house - we will serve the Lord!"
Cheri Lynn

The rest of the Bible Reading!

Hey GEMS!
I am posting the rest of the Bible Reading Schedule and I apologize for not getting it all done the other morning. At least you shouldn't have missd any days! :o) Read on and enjoy!

Love y'all!
Cheri Lynn

10/10/10 - Sunday Isn't it great that a once in a century happening is happening on the Lord's Day? Did you see the date? 10/10/10 Wow! Awesome! (Sorry, I get excited about little things like this!?)
Romans 8:35-39
I cannot be separated from the love of God
He does not put up any barriers between Him and us...we conjure up the barriers with our sin -- our refusal to turn from it. God is always there ready to love you.

10/11 - Monday
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
I have been established, annoited and sealed by God
Being a daughter of God should not be an afterthought. You have been sealed - bought at a very dear price...and have been given the Holy Spirit to live in you! Your inheritance -- what is to come -- is your continued walk with Christ for eternity...which began the moment you accepted Christ.

10/12 - Tuesday
Colossians 3:3
I am hidden with Christ in God
When you accepted Jesus as your Savior, you died...to your old ways of doing things. This is not something you grow into -- you need to truly understand that the old you IS dead...do not listen to the lies that say you will never change. Tap into your identity...you already died -- now enjoy your new life!

10/13 - Wednesday
Philippians 1:6
I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected
There are two truths here: 1 - God has something going on in your life. 2 - What He has started in you is destined to happen...because HE started it! Have you asked God what is the "good work" that He has for you?

10/14 - Thursday
Philippians 3:20
I am a citizen of heaven
Where is your focus? If the things of this world freak you out, you are living as though you are a citizen of this world. Christians are eternal, heavenly people. The things of this world become less intimidating when you truly understand that you are a citizen of heaven.

10/15 - Friday
2 Timothy 1:7
I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind
The only thing we should fear is God...in an attitude of reverence and awe. Nothing else is worthy of us fearing. God gives us love, power to handle things and a sound mind to work through them.

10/16 - Saturday
Hebrews 4:16
I can find grace and mercy in time of need
God gives you what you need...even when you might not think you deserve it...that's grace. It is yours because the Bible says so. It is His to decide when He will show you His grace -- but we know He is a gracious God.

10/17 - Sunday
1 John 5:18-20
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me
The name of Jesus is more powerful that any evil in the world. You are God's child -- and you can rebuke evil in Jesus' name. Talk about security!

10/18 - Monday
Proverbs 29:25
I find my security in the Lord -- not any man
People have agendas, and when we don't fit them, they can withdraw their love, attention, and support. They will look for people who will let them be lord over them. Jesus is all we need...by fully trusting Him, we can trust that He will keep us safe.

10/19 - Tuesday
Romans 5:3-5
I am secure enough in my trust in God that I can persevere through difficult times
"Running away from difficult situations is not where our hope lies. God's plan is that we 'hang in there' and grow up. Our hope lies in proven character, not in favorable circumstances." (Anderson)

10/20 - Wednesday
Romans 6:8-14
I am secure in knowing that I am dead to sin through the blood of Jesus.
"It is important to realize that we do not make ourselves dead to sin by considering it so; we consider it so because it is so." (Anderson)

See you tonight at GEMS!!

Our Bible Reading Schedule 10/7 - 10/20

Hey GEMS:
I will have the whole schedule out in the next day or so, but I only have time to put a couple days out here right now! I am praying for y'all!

10/7 - Thursday
Romans 8:1-2
I am free forever from condemnation
We know Jesus forgives, but it can be hard to really accept His gift. Satan wants to make us doubt Jesus - and will put the thoughts in front of us like "If they only knew what you did....you will never be clean...you will never be smart enough...you just play at being spiritual....there is no way God can forgive 'this sin'" The TRUTH is that Jesus does not condemn us when we confess our sin.

10/8 - Friday
Romans 8:28
I am assured that all things work together for good
The Bible does not promise that things will be smooth sailing since you become a Christian. It does promise thatHe'll never leave nor forsake us. Even the messes in our lives can become a means to glorify God when we submit the situation to Him.

10/9 - Saturday
Romans 8:33-34
I am free from any condemning charges against me
"Satan can't do anything about our position in Christ. However, if he can get us to believe our position isn't true, we will live as though it is not." (Anderson) Choose to believe the truth instead of listening to the lies.