355 2 Chronicles 17 – 18; Revelation 15
Jehoshaphat was a good king for Judah. He sought the Lord with His heart. Here is one of the accounts of him with another king:
2 Chronicles 18:5-7 (MSG)
5 The king of Israel got the prophets together—all 400 of them— and put the question to them: "Should I attack Ramoth Gilead or should I hold back?" "Go for it," they said. "God will hand it over to the king." 6 But Jehoshaphat dragged his feet, "Is there another prophet of God around here we can consult? Let's get a second opinion." 7 The king of Israel told Jehoshaphat, "As a matter of fact, there is another. But I hate him. He never preaches anything good to me, only doom, doom, doom—Micaiah son of Imlah." "The king shouldn't talk about a prophet like that!" said Jehoshaphat.
Four hundred prophets told them to go ahead and attack. This did not seem to settle well with Jehoshaphat and he wanted hear another prophet. The one prophet left never had a good word for the King of Israel. Sure enough he told them in the end not to attack. Micaiah listened to the Lord. The majority many times are wrong. We have to listen to the Lord!
Seven angels that carry with them seven disasters. For some reason we do not associate angels with disasters. God will use His angels to bring punishment to those who disobey Him. In the book of Revelation the curtain is pulled back and we see the inner workings of heaven. It is obvious that there is no panic and that God is in control. This is where we have to trust Him. On the stage of life it may be utter confusion, but God is in control.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
354 Sunday, December 20, 2009
354 2 Chronicles 15 – 16; Revelation 14
2 Chronicles 15:5-6 (MSG)
5 At that time it was a dog-eat-dog world; life was constantly up for grabs—no one, regardless of country, knew what the next day might bring. 6 Nation battered nation, city pummeled city. God let loose every kind of trouble among them.
Perhaps this is an apt description of the world we live in today. In the midst of this chaos God wants you and me to seek Him. God will let Himself be found. The people finally turned to the Lord. Here is an account of what happened when they sought the Lord:
2 Chronicles 15:14-15 (MSG)
14 They shouted out their promise to God, a joyful sound accompanied with blasts from trumpets and rams' horns. 15 The whole country felt good about the covenant promise—they had given their promise joyfully from the heart. Anticipating the best, they had sought God—and he showed up, ready to be found. God gave them peace within and without—a most peaceable kingdom!
God's people found peace within and without. God can touch us and help us, but we have to come to Him on His terms. Will you?
It is really important to understand there is the anger of the Devil and then there is the wrath of God. This planet will see both and God's is much worse. Listen to these verses:
Revelation 14:9-11 (MSG)
9 A third Angel followed, shouting, warning, "If anyone worships the Beast and its image and takes the mark on forehead or hand, 10 that person will drink the wine of God's wrath, prepared unmixed in his chalice of anger, and suffer torment from fire and brimstone in the presence of Holy Angels, in the presence of the Lamb. 11 Smoke from their torment will rise age after age. No respite for those who worship the Beast and its image, who take the mark of its name."
It is a very good thing to always trust the Lord and follow Him no matter what the cost!
2 Chronicles 15:5-6 (MSG)
5 At that time it was a dog-eat-dog world; life was constantly up for grabs—no one, regardless of country, knew what the next day might bring. 6 Nation battered nation, city pummeled city. God let loose every kind of trouble among them.
Perhaps this is an apt description of the world we live in today. In the midst of this chaos God wants you and me to seek Him. God will let Himself be found. The people finally turned to the Lord. Here is an account of what happened when they sought the Lord:
2 Chronicles 15:14-15 (MSG)
14 They shouted out their promise to God, a joyful sound accompanied with blasts from trumpets and rams' horns. 15 The whole country felt good about the covenant promise—they had given their promise joyfully from the heart. Anticipating the best, they had sought God—and he showed up, ready to be found. God gave them peace within and without—a most peaceable kingdom!
God's people found peace within and without. God can touch us and help us, but we have to come to Him on His terms. Will you?
It is really important to understand there is the anger of the Devil and then there is the wrath of God. This planet will see both and God's is much worse. Listen to these verses:
Revelation 14:9-11 (MSG)
9 A third Angel followed, shouting, warning, "If anyone worships the Beast and its image and takes the mark on forehead or hand, 10 that person will drink the wine of God's wrath, prepared unmixed in his chalice of anger, and suffer torment from fire and brimstone in the presence of Holy Angels, in the presence of the Lamb. 11 Smoke from their torment will rise age after age. No respite for those who worship the Beast and its image, who take the mark of its name."
It is a very good thing to always trust the Lord and follow Him no matter what the cost!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
353 Saturday, December 19, 2009
353 2 Chronicles 13 – 14; Revelation 13
There is a victor in this war, but they are all losers. This is God's chosen people fighting with each other. The unity has been shredded. Judah has two tribes and only had 400,000 soldiers as compared to the ten tribes to the north that had 800,000 fighters. Yet the battle was won by the smaller army. Here is why victory came to Judah:
2 Chronicles 13:18 (MSG)
18 The army of Israel fell flat on its face—a humiliating defeat. The army of Judah won hands down because they trusted God, the God of their ancestors.
Trusting God is not all pie in the sky. Trusting God not only helps you with your internal life, it also helps you in a very practical way. What are some obstacles that you are facing today? Where do you need to trust God in a practical way? Take a few minutes and write those down and then turn them over to the Lord.
As you read this chapter in the book of Revelation it is important to remember that the devil has an impostor for every real spiritual agent. The Beast and the Dragon will mesmerize people with their miracles and their display of power. They want to be worshiped and will demand to be worshiped. The mark of the Beast is for buying or selling; without it you will be unable to do those things. If you do not worship the Beast you will be killed. The mark is 666. If the church is here during this time it is a very practical thing to remember: do not get the mark of the Beast! It is a good thing to trust the true and living God.
There is a victor in this war, but they are all losers. This is God's chosen people fighting with each other. The unity has been shredded. Judah has two tribes and only had 400,000 soldiers as compared to the ten tribes to the north that had 800,000 fighters. Yet the battle was won by the smaller army. Here is why victory came to Judah:
2 Chronicles 13:18 (MSG)
18 The army of Israel fell flat on its face—a humiliating defeat. The army of Judah won hands down because they trusted God, the God of their ancestors.
Trusting God is not all pie in the sky. Trusting God not only helps you with your internal life, it also helps you in a very practical way. What are some obstacles that you are facing today? Where do you need to trust God in a practical way? Take a few minutes and write those down and then turn them over to the Lord.
As you read this chapter in the book of Revelation it is important to remember that the devil has an impostor for every real spiritual agent. The Beast and the Dragon will mesmerize people with their miracles and their display of power. They want to be worshiped and will demand to be worshiped. The mark of the Beast is for buying or selling; without it you will be unable to do those things. If you do not worship the Beast you will be killed. The mark is 666. If the church is here during this time it is a very practical thing to remember: do not get the mark of the Beast! It is a good thing to trust the true and living God.
Friday, December 18, 2009
352 Friday, December 18, 2009
352 2 Chronicles 10 – 12; Revelation 12
When do you listen to your Elders and when do you not listen to them? I have been told to listen to my Elders and then even some of my wisest Elders have told me not to always listen to your Elders--sometimes you just have to lead. King Rehoboam should have listened to his Elders, but in this case he chose to listen to other counsel. The Word says he went with the advice of the younger set. King Rehoboam never recovered from that one decision. His rule was opposed from the moment they realized he had not listened to the Elders. He did gain a little footing in his rule in Jerusalem. Egypt attacked and of course won the battle. King Rehoboam then did do some repenting. Be careful who you listen to for advice. If you are your own adviser then you are really in danger.
The woman here we believe is Israel and the son is Jesus. The dragon is the devil. This is a picture of Christ being born in a battleground and not a playground. From the beginning, the evil one has opposed Israel because it was this nation that was to birth the Messiah. If you kill off Israel you kill the Messiah. If you kill all the two year olds in Bethlehem then you kill Jesus. If you kill Jesus on a cross then you finally have him! Not!!! The cross is where Jesus wanted to be caught. The book of Revelation is a behind the scenes look at the work of God on this earth. It reveals the interaction between God's decisions in heaven and how they are carried out here on earth. God truly is at work right here on earth. Rejoice in that if in nothing else.
When do you listen to your Elders and when do you not listen to them? I have been told to listen to my Elders and then even some of my wisest Elders have told me not to always listen to your Elders--sometimes you just have to lead. King Rehoboam should have listened to his Elders, but in this case he chose to listen to other counsel. The Word says he went with the advice of the younger set. King Rehoboam never recovered from that one decision. His rule was opposed from the moment they realized he had not listened to the Elders. He did gain a little footing in his rule in Jerusalem. Egypt attacked and of course won the battle. King Rehoboam then did do some repenting. Be careful who you listen to for advice. If you are your own adviser then you are really in danger.
The woman here we believe is Israel and the son is Jesus. The dragon is the devil. This is a picture of Christ being born in a battleground and not a playground. From the beginning, the evil one has opposed Israel because it was this nation that was to birth the Messiah. If you kill off Israel you kill the Messiah. If you kill all the two year olds in Bethlehem then you kill Jesus. If you kill Jesus on a cross then you finally have him! Not!!! The cross is where Jesus wanted to be caught. The book of Revelation is a behind the scenes look at the work of God on this earth. It reveals the interaction between God's decisions in heaven and how they are carried out here on earth. God truly is at work right here on earth. Rejoice in that if in nothing else.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
351 Thursday, December 17, 2009
351 2 Chronicles 7.11 – 9.31; Revelation 11
Everything that Solomon set out to do was done. God appeared to him and gave him this wonderful promise. It is 2 Chronicles 7:14 "...and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I'll be there ready for you: I'll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health." Faith and grace, there is no other way. It has always been that way and will always be that way. The promise I believe still holds true for today. God is in the restoration business. He wants all of us to be restored: the Christian, the seeker, and the non-seeker. Do you need to turn to Him? Then turn with a humble heart. Let God bless you!
This is heady stuff. The two witnesses are like God's special agents--007 and 008. Nobody can touch them. Then they do die but are resurrected. Are the two witnesses, two real people or are they organizations. I lean toward two real people, not angels or organizations. I take the time period of 1360 days as a real time period. The intensity of the last days will beyond anything we can imagine. God wins!
Everything that Solomon set out to do was done. God appeared to him and gave him this wonderful promise. It is 2 Chronicles 7:14 "...and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I'll be there ready for you: I'll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health." Faith and grace, there is no other way. It has always been that way and will always be that way. The promise I believe still holds true for today. God is in the restoration business. He wants all of us to be restored: the Christian, the seeker, and the non-seeker. Do you need to turn to Him? Then turn with a humble heart. Let God bless you!
This is heady stuff. The two witnesses are like God's special agents--007 and 008. Nobody can touch them. Then they do die but are resurrected. Are the two witnesses, two real people or are they organizations. I lean toward two real people, not angels or organizations. I take the time period of 1360 days as a real time period. The intensity of the last days will beyond anything we can imagine. God wins!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
349 Tuesday, December 15, 2009
349 2 Chronicles 4.1 – 7.10; Revelation 10
Solomon completes the work on the Temple. Job number one after that was to install the Ark of the Covenant. The only articles in the Ark was the stone tablets that Moses had brought down from the mountain. The Ark was placed in the Holy of Hollies. When the priest had completed this task they were all consecrated before the Lord. The musicians were there in force to help lead in prayer and worship. There were 120 trumpets alone blowing there horns--that will make some loud noise! What happened next is the miracle. The glory of God filled the Temple. God's presence was taking up a permanent residence. God, today, has taken up permanent residence in us. The latter is the bigger miracle. Blow some trumpets and celebrate that continuous miracle.
If you have noticed that there are a lot of Angels in the book of Revelation. These are real Angels of God. Some of these Angels carry out the destruction that is to come upon earth. There are other Angels like this one in today's passage that deliverers a book ie. they carry out what God would have them do. The word Angel means messenger. Angels are God's messengers.
Solomon completes the work on the Temple. Job number one after that was to install the Ark of the Covenant. The only articles in the Ark was the stone tablets that Moses had brought down from the mountain. The Ark was placed in the Holy of Hollies. When the priest had completed this task they were all consecrated before the Lord. The musicians were there in force to help lead in prayer and worship. There were 120 trumpets alone blowing there horns--that will make some loud noise! What happened next is the miracle. The glory of God filled the Temple. God's presence was taking up a permanent residence. God, today, has taken up permanent residence in us. The latter is the bigger miracle. Blow some trumpets and celebrate that continuous miracle.
If you have noticed that there are a lot of Angels in the book of Revelation. These are real Angels of God. Some of these Angels carry out the destruction that is to come upon earth. There are other Angels like this one in today's passage that deliverers a book ie. they carry out what God would have them do. The word Angel means messenger. Angels are God's messengers.
Monday, December 14, 2009
348 Monday, December 14, 2009
348 2 Chronicles 1 – 3; Revelation 9
Just because you have a great start does not mean you will finish well. Solomon had such a great foundation to be a great leader and yet faltered. His first act of leadership was a thing of beauty. He addressed the people of Israel and then they went to the worship center in order to pray and worship. It is there that Solomon asks for wisdom in order to rule God's people. The Lord blesses him with the wisdom and the wealth. Solomon got it all. It was not long before Solomon begins construction on the Temple. If you don't start well, does that mean you can't finish well?--NO! Stay focused all the way to the finish line.
Are these real locusts? I really do not know. I have been on both sides of the fence on this one. Some say they are helicopters. I don't know about that either. The way the locusts are described it would seem to be something other than locust. John says they have gold crowns, human faces women's hair etc.. Sure doesn't sound like locust. But are they helicopters? We will one day know for sure. The one thing I know for sure now is that I don't want to be here when they show up. Notice the timing for the sixth Angel to let loose the four Angels. "The Four Angels were untied and let loose, Four angels, all prepared for the exact year, month, day and even hour when they wee to kill a third of the human race." God has the last days on exact time table. Look to heavens for your help comes from there. Amen!
Just because you have a great start does not mean you will finish well. Solomon had such a great foundation to be a great leader and yet faltered. His first act of leadership was a thing of beauty. He addressed the people of Israel and then they went to the worship center in order to pray and worship. It is there that Solomon asks for wisdom in order to rule God's people. The Lord blesses him with the wisdom and the wealth. Solomon got it all. It was not long before Solomon begins construction on the Temple. If you don't start well, does that mean you can't finish well?--NO! Stay focused all the way to the finish line.
Are these real locusts? I really do not know. I have been on both sides of the fence on this one. Some say they are helicopters. I don't know about that either. The way the locusts are described it would seem to be something other than locust. John says they have gold crowns, human faces women's hair etc.. Sure doesn't sound like locust. But are they helicopters? We will one day know for sure. The one thing I know for sure now is that I don't want to be here when they show up. Notice the timing for the sixth Angel to let loose the four Angels. "The Four Angels were untied and let loose, Four angels, all prepared for the exact year, month, day and even hour when they wee to kill a third of the human race." God has the last days on exact time table. Look to heavens for your help comes from there. Amen!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
347 Sunday, December 13, 2009
347 1 Chronicles 27 – 29; Revelation 8
David calls the leaders together and speaks to them about the future. David is preparing them for the transition of leadership and the vision of the Temple. David's instruction about how to retain the land was about obedience to the Lord. To Solomon, David let him know that the Lord would be with him. He also encouraged his son to seek the Lord and to be brave in his leadership. David addresses the issue of building the Temple and asks for donations. First David gave and then asked for others to give to this God inspired project. There are so many leadership lessons in David's life that books could be written about them. David ruled for forty years. What have you learned from David?
It would seem in the last days that the actual earth is deeply affected by cataclysmic events. Some would say that these are just metaphorical and not actual events. I respectfully disagree with those who propose that interpretation. This is certainly apocalyptic language, but within that language there can be actual realities. These angels are sent to bring destruction to earth. The question is when is it going to happen or has it already happened? By the way, Jesus wins.
David calls the leaders together and speaks to them about the future. David is preparing them for the transition of leadership and the vision of the Temple. David's instruction about how to retain the land was about obedience to the Lord. To Solomon, David let him know that the Lord would be with him. He also encouraged his son to seek the Lord and to be brave in his leadership. David addresses the issue of building the Temple and asks for donations. First David gave and then asked for others to give to this God inspired project. There are so many leadership lessons in David's life that books could be written about them. David ruled for forty years. What have you learned from David?
It would seem in the last days that the actual earth is deeply affected by cataclysmic events. Some would say that these are just metaphorical and not actual events. I respectfully disagree with those who propose that interpretation. This is certainly apocalyptic language, but within that language there can be actual realities. These angels are sent to bring destruction to earth. The question is when is it going to happen or has it already happened? By the way, Jesus wins.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
346 Saturday, December 12, 2009
346 1 Chronicles 23 – 26; Revelation 7
Get your house in order. These words are not usually associated with a positive circumstance. The first words we read today is "When David got to be an old man..." and what follows is David getting God's house in order, not his own. David with all his flaws was a man after God's own heart. He knew that the most important thing was to make sure that everyone understood their assignment in God's house. David took care of the worship, the security detail, and of course the accountants for the monies that would be coming in. If you were told to get your house in order, what would that look like for you? Would you see to it that those around you are taken care of in a spiritual way? We usually think of the financial first, but what is more important the money or seeking God?!
People are almost always interested in the end times. What we read today is often misunderstood by people. The confusion comes from the question of "who are the 144,000?" In my opinion, there should be no confusion because the Bible tells us that they are from the tribes of Israel. Why then the confusion? People tend to take the whole of Revelation as apocalyptic instead of understanding that some of it is apocalyptic and you have to pay attention to the context and the syntax. I have understood that the 144,000 are those Jews who give their life to Christ in the Great tribulation. Again, John who wrote this book, says that is who they are. People have tried to say it is the true church that gets to go to heaven and others stay here on earth. Still others say it is metaphorical in that their will people from the Great tribulation who will stand up for God and they can be Jew or gentile. The most logical way of taking this passage is to understand what Paul says in the book of Romans that God is not done with the people of Israel and this is another reminder that God has not forsaken the promise given to Abraham. We live in anxious, but exciting times. God is shaping history and is preparing this earth for His Son's return. Are you ready?
Get your house in order. These words are not usually associated with a positive circumstance. The first words we read today is "When David got to be an old man..." and what follows is David getting God's house in order, not his own. David with all his flaws was a man after God's own heart. He knew that the most important thing was to make sure that everyone understood their assignment in God's house. David took care of the worship, the security detail, and of course the accountants for the monies that would be coming in. If you were told to get your house in order, what would that look like for you? Would you see to it that those around you are taken care of in a spiritual way? We usually think of the financial first, but what is more important the money or seeking God?!
People are almost always interested in the end times. What we read today is often misunderstood by people. The confusion comes from the question of "who are the 144,000?" In my opinion, there should be no confusion because the Bible tells us that they are from the tribes of Israel. Why then the confusion? People tend to take the whole of Revelation as apocalyptic instead of understanding that some of it is apocalyptic and you have to pay attention to the context and the syntax. I have understood that the 144,000 are those Jews who give their life to Christ in the Great tribulation. Again, John who wrote this book, says that is who they are. People have tried to say it is the true church that gets to go to heaven and others stay here on earth. Still others say it is metaphorical in that their will people from the Great tribulation who will stand up for God and they can be Jew or gentile. The most logical way of taking this passage is to understand what Paul says in the book of Romans that God is not done with the people of Israel and this is another reminder that God has not forsaken the promise given to Abraham. We live in anxious, but exciting times. God is shaping history and is preparing this earth for His Son's return. Are you ready?
Friday, December 11, 2009
345 Friday, December 11, 2009
345 1 Chronicles 19 – 22; Revelation 6
David did a lot of fighting. Israel in many ways is a picture of where we live today as Christians. Israel was always having to defend itself from its enemies.
A. W. Tozer wrote a book that took on the subject of earth as a playground or a place of war. ‘We wrestle not against flesh and blood’ is what Paul tells us in Ephesians. Paul does not say if you will wrestle, but that we will wrestle against the enemy--Satan. We do not live on a playground, we live on a battlefield. Perhaps you could read Ephesians 6:10 ff. for further reflection.
David did not count the troops for the right reasons. God had commanded at times for a census to be taken. David wanted to know how strong he was then he stepped up and took his punishment. Motives count, today make sure of yours.
The sixth seal is when everything breaks loose. The words used are essential for you to know and they are: "Hide us from the One Seated on the Throne and the wrath of the Lamb." The wrath of the Lamb is different than the anger or wrath of Satan. It is a very important distinction to make, this wrath of the Lamb and the wrath of Satan. God has promised to save us from the wrath of God, but not from the wrath of Satan. Remember the people of God have been fed to the lions while alive. Followers have been used as human torches, drowned, sawed in two and just about everything else you can imagine. This why Scriptures tells us to be fearful of the one who can destroy your body and your soul. Only God can destroy our soul. Satan can only attack our bodies. If you know Christ then all is well!
David did a lot of fighting. Israel in many ways is a picture of where we live today as Christians. Israel was always having to defend itself from its enemies.
A. W. Tozer wrote a book that took on the subject of earth as a playground or a place of war. ‘We wrestle not against flesh and blood’ is what Paul tells us in Ephesians. Paul does not say if you will wrestle, but that we will wrestle against the enemy--Satan. We do not live on a playground, we live on a battlefield. Perhaps you could read Ephesians 6:10 ff. for further reflection.
David did not count the troops for the right reasons. God had commanded at times for a census to be taken. David wanted to know how strong he was then he stepped up and took his punishment. Motives count, today make sure of yours.
The sixth seal is when everything breaks loose. The words used are essential for you to know and they are: "Hide us from the One Seated on the Throne and the wrath of the Lamb." The wrath of the Lamb is different than the anger or wrath of Satan. It is a very important distinction to make, this wrath of the Lamb and the wrath of Satan. God has promised to save us from the wrath of God, but not from the wrath of Satan. Remember the people of God have been fed to the lions while alive. Followers have been used as human torches, drowned, sawed in two and just about everything else you can imagine. This why Scriptures tells us to be fearful of the one who can destroy your body and your soul. Only God can destroy our soul. Satan can only attack our bodies. If you know Christ then all is well!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
344 Thursday, December 10, 2009
344 1 Chronicles 16 – 18; Revelation 5
The Ark of God (the chest of God!!!) was brought into the tent that was pitched for that purpose. The ark was a visible reminder of God's work on behalf of Israel. It was very important!! David assigned to some of the Levites the care of the Ark and the worship of God. It was on this day that David set up regular times of Worship, that was to be led by Asaph. David writes a song to commemorate this time and gives us insight as to what he thought worship ought to be; a lot of thanks and praise for our God. God then gives specific instructions about the Temple that is to be built. It was not going to be David--to much blood on his hands. God will raise up one of David's sons to build a Temple for the Lord. David submitted to this instruction from the Lord. What has God told you that need to submit to?
Who is worthy to open the seal? No one in heaven could open the seal to carry out the instructions of the Lord. Then one of the Elders spoke up and said here is the Lion of the tribe of Judah who has conquered, He can open the seal. They sang a new song! In heaven they sang a new song. It was a praise song about the Lord Jesus. John looks again and there are more who join in and they sing this song which is about the Lamb who is worthy. Angels, thousands and thousands of angels singing to Jesus--can you imagine? Wow! One fine day we will gather with that heavenly choir and sing our hearts out. Hallelujah!
The Ark of God (the chest of God!!!) was brought into the tent that was pitched for that purpose. The ark was a visible reminder of God's work on behalf of Israel. It was very important!! David assigned to some of the Levites the care of the Ark and the worship of God. It was on this day that David set up regular times of Worship, that was to be led by Asaph. David writes a song to commemorate this time and gives us insight as to what he thought worship ought to be; a lot of thanks and praise for our God. God then gives specific instructions about the Temple that is to be built. It was not going to be David--to much blood on his hands. God will raise up one of David's sons to build a Temple for the Lord. David submitted to this instruction from the Lord. What has God told you that need to submit to?
Who is worthy to open the seal? No one in heaven could open the seal to carry out the instructions of the Lord. Then one of the Elders spoke up and said here is the Lion of the tribe of Judah who has conquered, He can open the seal. They sang a new song! In heaven they sang a new song. It was a praise song about the Lord Jesus. John looks again and there are more who join in and they sing this song which is about the Lamb who is worthy. Angels, thousands and thousands of angels singing to Jesus--can you imagine? Wow! One fine day we will gather with that heavenly choir and sing our hearts out. Hallelujah!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
342 Tuesday, December 8, 2009
342 1 Chronicles 13 – 15; Revelation 4
Sometimes there is a right way to do something and there is a wrong way. There are many different ways to peel a potato, to cook a roast, or to make a cake. However, when it comes to serving God we don't get to choose whatever path we feel good about. David knows it is time to go and retrieve the Ark of the Covenant. His mission was right, but in this case His method was totally wrong. Hence we have these words recorded,
1 Chronicles 15:12-13 (MSG)
12 He said, "You are responsible for the Levitical families; now consecrate yourselves, both you and your relatives, and bring up the Chest of the God of Israel to the place I have set aside for it. 13 The first time we did this, you Levites did not carry it properly, and God exploded in anger at us because we didn't make proper preparation and follow instructions."
David had to admit his sin of not following the instructions of the Lord. Where have you been sloppy in your following the Lord? Where does God want to correct you and help you to follow Him in a more pure and focused way?
Revelation 4:8-11 (MSG)
8 The Four Animals were winged, each with six wings. They were all eyes, seeing around and within. And they chanted night and day, never taking a break: Holy, holy, holy Is God our Master, Sovereign-Strong, The Was, The Is, The Coming. 9 Every time the Animals gave glory and honor and thanks to the One Seated on the Throne—the age-after-age Living One— 10 the Twenty-four Elders would fall prostrate before the One Seated on the Throne. They worshiped the age-after-age Living One. They threw their crowns at the foot of the Throne, chanting, 11 Worthy, O Master! Yes, our God! Take the glory! the honor! the power! You created it all; It was created because you wanted it.
We pray that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. What is His will? His will is that we worship Him just as they are in heaven. Read this passage out loud and ask God to help you to truly lift the name of the Lord up this moment and this day.
Sometimes there is a right way to do something and there is a wrong way. There are many different ways to peel a potato, to cook a roast, or to make a cake. However, when it comes to serving God we don't get to choose whatever path we feel good about. David knows it is time to go and retrieve the Ark of the Covenant. His mission was right, but in this case His method was totally wrong. Hence we have these words recorded,
1 Chronicles 15:12-13 (MSG)
12 He said, "You are responsible for the Levitical families; now consecrate yourselves, both you and your relatives, and bring up the Chest of the God of Israel to the place I have set aside for it. 13 The first time we did this, you Levites did not carry it properly, and God exploded in anger at us because we didn't make proper preparation and follow instructions."
David had to admit his sin of not following the instructions of the Lord. Where have you been sloppy in your following the Lord? Where does God want to correct you and help you to follow Him in a more pure and focused way?
Revelation 4:8-11 (MSG)
8 The Four Animals were winged, each with six wings. They were all eyes, seeing around and within. And they chanted night and day, never taking a break: Holy, holy, holy Is God our Master, Sovereign-Strong, The Was, The Is, The Coming. 9 Every time the Animals gave glory and honor and thanks to the One Seated on the Throne—the age-after-age Living One— 10 the Twenty-four Elders would fall prostrate before the One Seated on the Throne. They worshiped the age-after-age Living One. They threw their crowns at the foot of the Throne, chanting, 11 Worthy, O Master! Yes, our God! Take the glory! the honor! the power! You created it all; It was created because you wanted it.
We pray that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. What is His will? His will is that we worship Him just as they are in heaven. Read this passage out loud and ask God to help you to truly lift the name of the Lord up this moment and this day.
Monday, December 7, 2009
341 Monday, December 7, 2009
341 1 Chronicles 10 – 12; Revelation 3.7 – 3.22
These are some sad words, "Saul died in disobedience, disobedience to God. He didn't obey God's words." David becomes King but not without his mighty men. David had people around him who had his back. There were thirty of them and in that thirty there were three that were especially close. Remember when you see a turtle up on a fence post, you know it did not get there by itself. David had the Lord and his men. The band of men soon became an army.
Saul had his men but what he lacked was the walk before God. David was a man after God's own heart. Saul needed that in his life as we all do. The relationship with the Lord is more important than any other relationship. How is your relationship with the Lord?
To the church of Philadelphia Christ tells them, "I've opened a door before you that no one can slam shut." The church has been persecuted and is weak, but God still has set an open door before them. Jesus tells them that he will be there for them. Listen to the Lord and then obey.
The church at Laodicea really gets its head handed to them. Christ says to them, "I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot--far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit." Wow. God does not want us in limbo.
God want us there--totally attentive. If God was to write you a letter what would it say?
These are some sad words, "Saul died in disobedience, disobedience to God. He didn't obey God's words." David becomes King but not without his mighty men. David had people around him who had his back. There were thirty of them and in that thirty there were three that were especially close. Remember when you see a turtle up on a fence post, you know it did not get there by itself. David had the Lord and his men. The band of men soon became an army.
Saul had his men but what he lacked was the walk before God. David was a man after God's own heart. Saul needed that in his life as we all do. The relationship with the Lord is more important than any other relationship. How is your relationship with the Lord?
To the church of Philadelphia Christ tells them, "I've opened a door before you that no one can slam shut." The church has been persecuted and is weak, but God still has set an open door before them. Jesus tells them that he will be there for them. Listen to the Lord and then obey.
The church at Laodicea really gets its head handed to them. Christ says to them, "I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot--far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit." Wow. God does not want us in limbo.
God want us there--totally attentive. If God was to write you a letter what would it say?
Sunday, December 6, 2009
340 Sunday, December 6, 2009
340 1 Chronicles 6 – 9; Revelation 2.18 – 3.6
War and worship is what you find in the O.T.. There is more, but there is a huge portion of Scripture that is about worship and war. David not only gets his troops in line, but also makes sure people are worshiping and that they have leaders in those areas. Notice the term that was used when referring to music and that is ministers of music. There was more than music, but that is what is first mentioned. In the last chapter David really lays out in detail what each of the Levites are to do for the worship in the Temple. God wants things done right when it comes to worshiping Him. Today we are to be right when we are worshiping the Lord.
Listen to all the good things said about Thyatira: they have love, faith, service, and persistence. However, what they had not done is stand up to a false prophet who was misleading people in the church. What did this false religion promote? It promoted sex and religion i.e. idol worship. Listen to what the Spirit says are the final words to the church.
Now the church of Sardis is addressed and there is a rebuke right from the start. Christ says, "I see right through your work. You have a reputation for vigor and zest, but you're dead, stone-dead." Jesus calls this church to come back to Him and come alive. Listen is how this passage is finished. Listen, listen, listen is what God is saying to all His church. Listen to what the Spirit is saying to us who call ourselves followers of Christ.
War and worship is what you find in the O.T.. There is more, but there is a huge portion of Scripture that is about worship and war. David not only gets his troops in line, but also makes sure people are worshiping and that they have leaders in those areas. Notice the term that was used when referring to music and that is ministers of music. There was more than music, but that is what is first mentioned. In the last chapter David really lays out in detail what each of the Levites are to do for the worship in the Temple. God wants things done right when it comes to worshiping Him. Today we are to be right when we are worshiping the Lord.
Listen to all the good things said about Thyatira: they have love, faith, service, and persistence. However, what they had not done is stand up to a false prophet who was misleading people in the church. What did this false religion promote? It promoted sex and religion i.e. idol worship. Listen to what the Spirit says are the final words to the church.
Now the church of Sardis is addressed and there is a rebuke right from the start. Christ says, "I see right through your work. You have a reputation for vigor and zest, but you're dead, stone-dead." Jesus calls this church to come back to Him and come alive. Listen is how this passage is finished. Listen, listen, listen is what God is saying to all His church. Listen to what the Spirit is saying to us who call ourselves followers of Christ.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
339 Saturday, December 5, 2009
339 1 Chronicles 1 – 5; Revelation 2.1 – 2.17
It is in these chapters we find the prayer that was published and became a national best seller. It was astounding that the prayer of Jabez would cause such a stir. Here is the prayer that is recorded in I Chronicles, "Jabez prayed to the God of Israel: ' " Bless me, O bless me! Give me land, large tracts of land. And provide your personal protection---don't let evil hurt me."’ What is the next sentence after that prayer? It may surprise you that it says, "God gave him what he asked." Perhaps today you could pray that the Lord bless you. The Lord in Christ has already blessed you in so many ways. Yet, have you prayed that the Lord would bless you? Wouldn't you want your Father in heaven to pray a blessing over you? Go ahead--Jabez did.
The Lord's first order of business is to speak to the churches in Asia minor. The first church Christ addresses is that of Ephesus. This is a local church located in Ephesus. First, it is praise for all their hard work and their stand against false teachings. Then Jesus rebukes them for losing their first love. It is easy to do the work and even protect the church from false teachings and lose the love for Christ in the middle of that good stuff. The church is to turn back and recover their early love. Where are you? Are you working hard for the Lord, while losing sight of Christ? It is easy to do.
The next church is in Smyrna and the Lord knows their poverty and pain. Jesus also knows the pretenders and lets the church know that he knows. He tells them to tough it out even when they are thrown in jail. He addresses the issue of dying by reminding them he has a crown of Life for them. It is the tangible verses the intangible. Don't give up even if it costs you your life--why? I have a crown of Life for you.
The last church for today is that of Pergamum. Already Antipas has lost his life for staying true to Christ. This church is in a tough location with Jesus talking about being on Satan's turf. But, Christ is fed up with them (Satan's crowd) and is promising to come to even the odds or tip the odds. The last promise for staying true is that each one will get a smooth stone with their new secret name inscribed on it. Jesus not only knows your name He knows your secret name.
It is in these chapters we find the prayer that was published and became a national best seller. It was astounding that the prayer of Jabez would cause such a stir. Here is the prayer that is recorded in I Chronicles, "Jabez prayed to the God of Israel: ' " Bless me, O bless me! Give me land, large tracts of land. And provide your personal protection---don't let evil hurt me."’ What is the next sentence after that prayer? It may surprise you that it says, "God gave him what he asked." Perhaps today you could pray that the Lord bless you. The Lord in Christ has already blessed you in so many ways. Yet, have you prayed that the Lord would bless you? Wouldn't you want your Father in heaven to pray a blessing over you? Go ahead--Jabez did.
The Lord's first order of business is to speak to the churches in Asia minor. The first church Christ addresses is that of Ephesus. This is a local church located in Ephesus. First, it is praise for all their hard work and their stand against false teachings. Then Jesus rebukes them for losing their first love. It is easy to do the work and even protect the church from false teachings and lose the love for Christ in the middle of that good stuff. The church is to turn back and recover their early love. Where are you? Are you working hard for the Lord, while losing sight of Christ? It is easy to do.
The next church is in Smyrna and the Lord knows their poverty and pain. Jesus also knows the pretenders and lets the church know that he knows. He tells them to tough it out even when they are thrown in jail. He addresses the issue of dying by reminding them he has a crown of Life for them. It is the tangible verses the intangible. Don't give up even if it costs you your life--why? I have a crown of Life for you.
The last church for today is that of Pergamum. Already Antipas has lost his life for staying true to Christ. This church is in a tough location with Jesus talking about being on Satan's turf. But, Christ is fed up with them (Satan's crowd) and is promising to come to even the odds or tip the odds. The last promise for staying true is that each one will get a smooth stone with their new secret name inscribed on it. Jesus not only knows your name He knows your secret name.
Friday, December 4, 2009
338 Friday, December 4, 2009
338 Nehemiah 10 – 13; Revelation 1
What a scene to behold. The ones who are leading the people, who have influence with and over the people are joining in on a binding oath to follow the Word of God. They had agreed to separate themselves from their neighbors and to follow God. The neighbors had religions that put other gods ahead of Yahweh. These neighbors pushed their religion and expected whoever married their daughters to let her continue to worship her way. This separation was key in Israelites life to keep them on the straight and narrow. Notice the first two items that they are agreeing to carry out has to do with marriage to foreigners and secondly not buying or selling on the Sabbath (money). You could summarize that it has to do with sex and money. Really things have not changed that much over the years. Notice when they dedicated the wall that they brought in the Levites and the singers. Celebration usually included music and in this case in a big way.
The book we have all been waiting for, Revelation. The opening sentence has to be remembered throughout your reading or you get lost in the apocalyptic language in this book. The opening words are, "A revealing of Jesus, the Messiah." It is just a few paragraphs into the book that John describes his meeting Jesus. Christ is a little different this time around. What an awesome picture of our Savior. John evidently faints and Jesus pulls him up. It is then that Jesus speaks to reassure John to not be afraid. Christ also identifies himself as the first and the last, the one who was dead and is now alive. Christ is making sure John knows who he is dealing with--it is the Christ the Messiah. John had recorded these words in his Gospel, "My sheep know my voice." These words were spoken by Christ.
When has Christ spoken to you? Did you recognize His voice?
What a scene to behold. The ones who are leading the people, who have influence with and over the people are joining in on a binding oath to follow the Word of God. They had agreed to separate themselves from their neighbors and to follow God. The neighbors had religions that put other gods ahead of Yahweh. These neighbors pushed their religion and expected whoever married their daughters to let her continue to worship her way. This separation was key in Israelites life to keep them on the straight and narrow. Notice the first two items that they are agreeing to carry out has to do with marriage to foreigners and secondly not buying or selling on the Sabbath (money). You could summarize that it has to do with sex and money. Really things have not changed that much over the years. Notice when they dedicated the wall that they brought in the Levites and the singers. Celebration usually included music and in this case in a big way.
The book we have all been waiting for, Revelation. The opening sentence has to be remembered throughout your reading or you get lost in the apocalyptic language in this book. The opening words are, "A revealing of Jesus, the Messiah." It is just a few paragraphs into the book that John describes his meeting Jesus. Christ is a little different this time around. What an awesome picture of our Savior. John evidently faints and Jesus pulls him up. It is then that Jesus speaks to reassure John to not be afraid. Christ also identifies himself as the first and the last, the one who was dead and is now alive. Christ is making sure John knows who he is dealing with--it is the Christ the Messiah. John had recorded these words in his Gospel, "My sheep know my voice." These words were spoken by Christ.
When has Christ spoken to you? Did you recognize His voice?
Thursday, December 3, 2009
337 Thursday, December 3, 2009
337 Nehemiah 7 – 9; Jude 1
The walls were rebuilt before the houses were rebuilt. That was a priority that was so right and practical. The wall was their protection from the enemy. The first order of business is to find out who is there. Seven months later they all gathered as one person. Ezra read from the book of Moses to all the people. He stood on a platform, read, and explained the Word to the people. It was not only Ezra explaining it, he had small group Bible study leaders out with the people helping out as well. People were burdened by the Word read that day. The leaders also were trying to get them to celebrate what the Lord has done. This is where the phrase came from, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Even when God's Word is convicting us we need His strength.
Fight for the faith. We have lost some of that ‘call to arms’, to be a defender of the faith. We need to be on guard against thinking it wrong to defend the faith. It is unpopular, but oh so necessary in a society that wants everyone to be right. Lies are truth, truth are lies--shhhhh, don't say anything. You can fight for your team, for your politics, but in the faith arena just be quiet and let it be. Jude says no--souls are at stake. The stakes are higher in the faith arena than in any other area. No wonder they want us to just shut up. Speak up for God and His truth.
The walls were rebuilt before the houses were rebuilt. That was a priority that was so right and practical. The wall was their protection from the enemy. The first order of business is to find out who is there. Seven months later they all gathered as one person. Ezra read from the book of Moses to all the people. He stood on a platform, read, and explained the Word to the people. It was not only Ezra explaining it, he had small group Bible study leaders out with the people helping out as well. People were burdened by the Word read that day. The leaders also were trying to get them to celebrate what the Lord has done. This is where the phrase came from, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Even when God's Word is convicting us we need His strength.
Fight for the faith. We have lost some of that ‘call to arms’, to be a defender of the faith. We need to be on guard against thinking it wrong to defend the faith. It is unpopular, but oh so necessary in a society that wants everyone to be right. Lies are truth, truth are lies--shhhhh, don't say anything. You can fight for your team, for your politics, but in the faith arena just be quiet and let it be. Jude says no--souls are at stake. The stakes are higher in the faith arena than in any other area. No wonder they want us to just shut up. Speak up for God and His truth.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
335 Tuesday, December 1, 2009
335 Nehemiah 4 – 6; 3 John 1
More trouble because the work of God is going forward. More times than not when you are going forward with the work of God, there will be opposition. Nehemiah countered with prayer and he set guards. They used to say in the revolutionary war, "Trust God, but keep your powder dry." It usually is prayer and action. Sometimes it is prayer while acting, but it is always served up with prayer. The work is being attacked from the outside and next attack comes from within. The Jewish people were very hungry and they are selling off their children to pay the bills. Nehemiah calls the nobles together and rebukes them for gouging the people. He then calls a big meeting and stirs everyone up.
They were charging obscene interest rates and then taking the property etc.. The nobles promised to stop and to give it all back. Prayer and action are a powerful force. What is God asking you to pray about and do?
John gets to the real practical side of Christian love--hospitality. He exhorts them to keep Christian travelers overnight, even if you do not know them. Then John the Gospel writer of love calls out a brother by the name of Diotrephes. Who would not listen to John's counsel? On top of that, he is spreading vicious rumors about John. This guy is looking for trouble. Is there a person that you need to call out? Is there someone who needs an accountability check? It is rare that anyone ever does anything like this. If you do it be careful--pray and then act.
More trouble because the work of God is going forward. More times than not when you are going forward with the work of God, there will be opposition. Nehemiah countered with prayer and he set guards. They used to say in the revolutionary war, "Trust God, but keep your powder dry." It usually is prayer and action. Sometimes it is prayer while acting, but it is always served up with prayer. The work is being attacked from the outside and next attack comes from within. The Jewish people were very hungry and they are selling off their children to pay the bills. Nehemiah calls the nobles together and rebukes them for gouging the people. He then calls a big meeting and stirs everyone up.
They were charging obscene interest rates and then taking the property etc.. The nobles promised to stop and to give it all back. Prayer and action are a powerful force. What is God asking you to pray about and do?
John gets to the real practical side of Christian love--hospitality. He exhorts them to keep Christian travelers overnight, even if you do not know them. Then John the Gospel writer of love calls out a brother by the name of Diotrephes. Who would not listen to John's counsel? On top of that, he is spreading vicious rumors about John. This guy is looking for trouble. Is there a person that you need to call out? Is there someone who needs an accountability check? It is rare that anyone ever does anything like this. If you do it be careful--pray and then act.
Monday, November 30, 2009
334 Monday, November 30, 2009
334 Nehemiah 1 – 3; 2 John 1
Nehemiah wept before God because he saw the real needs of the people. Ezra did the same thing when he realized the people had not separated themselves from sin. Do we see the real need of people? Do we take the time to assess the real need? Once we see the real need what do we do with it? Ezra and Nehemiah took it before God. They prayed about the situation. Real men and women pray. Real men and women know that without God the real need will not be met. Nehemiah heard through his messenger that the people were suffering in Jerusalem and the walls and the gates were in rubbles. "When I heard this, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God-of-Heaven." Every good thing that happens in the kingdom of God begins with prayer. Ezra and Nehemiah both took action! It is prayer with feet, not just knees.
John is telling us we must love one another and that has not changed. Then he goes and calls people deceivers. Where is the love John? John knew that if the truth of Jesus was compromised (especially the truth about Jesus himself) the love would go out the door as well. There is no higher calling than to defend the Gospel. The sad part is that many today who say they are protecting the Gospel are destroying the Gospel. They want everyone to conform to their lifestyle--what you wear, where you go, the length of your hair--on and on it goes. Notice John was saying these people were teaching that Jesus was just a human, that Jesus was not divine. That is the time to pick up arms and go on the march. May we first protect the Gospel by living it out loud in our lives.
Nehemiah wept before God because he saw the real needs of the people. Ezra did the same thing when he realized the people had not separated themselves from sin. Do we see the real need of people? Do we take the time to assess the real need? Once we see the real need what do we do with it? Ezra and Nehemiah took it before God. They prayed about the situation. Real men and women pray. Real men and women know that without God the real need will not be met. Nehemiah heard through his messenger that the people were suffering in Jerusalem and the walls and the gates were in rubbles. "When I heard this, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God-of-Heaven." Every good thing that happens in the kingdom of God begins with prayer. Ezra and Nehemiah both took action! It is prayer with feet, not just knees.
John is telling us we must love one another and that has not changed. Then he goes and calls people deceivers. Where is the love John? John knew that if the truth of Jesus was compromised (especially the truth about Jesus himself) the love would go out the door as well. There is no higher calling than to defend the Gospel. The sad part is that many today who say they are protecting the Gospel are destroying the Gospel. They want everyone to conform to their lifestyle--what you wear, where you go, the length of your hair--on and on it goes. Notice John was saying these people were teaching that Jesus was just a human, that Jesus was not divine. That is the time to pick up arms and go on the march. May we first protect the Gospel by living it out loud in our lives.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
333 Sunday, November 29, 2009
333 Ezra 7 – 10; 1 John 6
Because God's hand was upon him the king did so and so for Ezra. Because God's hand is upon him is that which we should covet. What Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha, David, yes what they had was the hand of God upon them. Now we come upon Ezra and his success is attributed to God being with him. In all these cases and many more this phrase the "hand of God is upon him" or an equal wording, it is in context of doing the purposes of God. God wants us to join Him in His work here on earth. God will empower us to that end, just look at Ezra. God had the most powerful King on earth roll out the red carpet for him and the people of God. Why? The hand of God was upon him. Make that your prayer today and everyday. Amen
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, that is the degree to which God wants us to know that we are His. This testimony is from above and has to do with His Spirit working in our lives as to whether or not we have the Son. The Lord above has made this time the Son's time. Faith in God is not enough. Not enough--no it's not because the Lord above has said put your faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. Those who have the Son, have life and those without the Son do not have life. Cut and dry that is how the Lord above rolls. Either you are in or you are out. Simple! We should do everything we can do to help people understand this truth and especially now during His birthday celebration.
Because God's hand was upon him the king did so and so for Ezra. Because God's hand is upon him is that which we should covet. What Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha, David, yes what they had was the hand of God upon them. Now we come upon Ezra and his success is attributed to God being with him. In all these cases and many more this phrase the "hand of God is upon him" or an equal wording, it is in context of doing the purposes of God. God wants us to join Him in His work here on earth. God will empower us to that end, just look at Ezra. God had the most powerful King on earth roll out the red carpet for him and the people of God. Why? The hand of God was upon him. Make that your prayer today and everyday. Amen
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, that is the degree to which God wants us to know that we are His. This testimony is from above and has to do with His Spirit working in our lives as to whether or not we have the Son. The Lord above has made this time the Son's time. Faith in God is not enough. Not enough--no it's not because the Lord above has said put your faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. Those who have the Son, have life and those without the Son do not have life. Cut and dry that is how the Lord above rolls. Either you are in or you are out. Simple! We should do everything we can do to help people understand this truth and especially now during His birthday celebration.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
332 Saturday, November 28, 2009
332 Ezra 4 – 6; 1 John 4
There is always opposition. It is a fact of life. It is not a fun fact of life. The passage starts with these words, "Old enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building The Temple of the God of Israel." Once they heard the news they came and asked if they could help. The answer was no. It was the right answer, but that did not please them so, they set out to ruin the project. These enemies went to great lengths to stop the Temple from being built and eventually were successful. However, the Jewish leaders stepped up and started rebuilding the Temple again with the backing of Darius the King. It is hard enough to build or rebuild in good conditions, let alone with people riding your back the whole time. It was a combined effort with Haggai, Zechariah, and Zerubbabel. It took a team to do this job. They were the leadership team. The people followed them and there was success. What did they do once it was completed--they worshiped and celebrated the finishing of the Temple.
Here is a telling sentence, ‘Not everyone who talks about God comes from God. There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world.’ What was the test of whether or not the preacher is telling the truth? The question to ask them is, "Did Jesus come in the flesh." A person must believe that Jesus came in real flesh. Jesus was not a pretender; He was the contender and no one else. Here we are coming into the Christmas season and the truth that we must believe is that Jesus was born into this world in real flesh and blood. If one does not believe this they are a liar! Pray that we can help people sort out this truth this season.
There is always opposition. It is a fact of life. It is not a fun fact of life. The passage starts with these words, "Old enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building The Temple of the God of Israel." Once they heard the news they came and asked if they could help. The answer was no. It was the right answer, but that did not please them so, they set out to ruin the project. These enemies went to great lengths to stop the Temple from being built and eventually were successful. However, the Jewish leaders stepped up and started rebuilding the Temple again with the backing of Darius the King. It is hard enough to build or rebuild in good conditions, let alone with people riding your back the whole time. It was a combined effort with Haggai, Zechariah, and Zerubbabel. It took a team to do this job. They were the leadership team. The people followed them and there was success. What did they do once it was completed--they worshiped and celebrated the finishing of the Temple.
Here is a telling sentence, ‘Not everyone who talks about God comes from God. There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world.’ What was the test of whether or not the preacher is telling the truth? The question to ask them is, "Did Jesus come in the flesh." A person must believe that Jesus came in real flesh. Jesus was not a pretender; He was the contender and no one else. Here we are coming into the Christmas season and the truth that we must believe is that Jesus was born into this world in real flesh and blood. If one does not believe this they are a liar! Pray that we can help people sort out this truth this season.
Friday, November 27, 2009
331 Friday, November 27, 2009
331 Ezra 1 – 3; 1 John 3
Jeremiah had prophesied years ago that the Temple would be rebuilt. King Cyrus, a secular king is moved to rebuild the Temple. This King releases the Jews to go and rebuild the Temple. God uses secular people to accomplish His purposes and plans. There is even a free-will offering taken for the Temple. I wonder will King Cyrus be in heaven or was this God of the Jews just another god to him? Heaven is going to be a fun place for a lot of reasons. The foundation of the Temple was laid and then they had a celebration. Notice just the foundation was laid and they celebrated. God was at work and they celebrated and worshiped.
What marvelous love the Father has lavished on us through His Son Jesus Christ. The new foundation of the Temple is Jesus Christ. We are to build our lives upon Him for He is the chief cornerstone. We are the living stones of that temple called the church. More than that we called His children. We are called His children and we will end up face to face with Jesus and then be like Him. Who knows what that will all entail, we can only imagine. These are wonderful and real thoughts, but John wants us to put into practice this love that we have received from the Father. How do you know you are a child of God--do you love others in a practical way? John is forcing us to get real about our faith.
Jeremiah had prophesied years ago that the Temple would be rebuilt. King Cyrus, a secular king is moved to rebuild the Temple. This King releases the Jews to go and rebuild the Temple. God uses secular people to accomplish His purposes and plans. There is even a free-will offering taken for the Temple. I wonder will King Cyrus be in heaven or was this God of the Jews just another god to him? Heaven is going to be a fun place for a lot of reasons. The foundation of the Temple was laid and then they had a celebration. Notice just the foundation was laid and they celebrated. God was at work and they celebrated and worshiped.
What marvelous love the Father has lavished on us through His Son Jesus Christ. The new foundation of the Temple is Jesus Christ. We are to build our lives upon Him for He is the chief cornerstone. We are the living stones of that temple called the church. More than that we called His children. We are called His children and we will end up face to face with Jesus and then be like Him. Who knows what that will all entail, we can only imagine. These are wonderful and real thoughts, but John wants us to put into practice this love that we have received from the Father. How do you know you are a child of God--do you love others in a practical way? John is forcing us to get real about our faith.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
330 Thursday, November 26, 2009
330 Daniel 10 – 12; 1 John 2
First, let me wish you a happy Thanksgiving! Those religious outlaws from England came to settle a colony called Plymouth. Over half died that first winter. The leaders reached out to the Indians of that area and those Indians taught them how to survive. The Indians had a tradition of a harvest festival and the colonist adopted that tradition. I can only imagine that the Colonist were happy to give thanks since now they were not dying off at a significant rate. What are you thankful for?
I am thankful for Daniel! For three weeks Daniel fasted and prayed. I am sure you noticed that he ate some food, but abstained from the lets say, the “good stuff” and did not take a bath. He did this because of his people's suffering. Nehemiah mourned over his people and their suffering. An Angel speaks to Daniel by the Tigris River and even explains why the answer to his prayer took so long. This angel was in fight with an angel prince of the kingdom of Persia i.e. a demon, but Michael the chief angel-prince intervened on this angel’s behalf. This is one of those times where you read real slow and start connecting the dots. This is a picture of what goes on in the unseen world. This is the O.T. telling us that our fight is not against flesh and blood but against principalities set in high places (Ephesians 6:10 ff.). Also, another scripture that goes with this is 11 Corinthians 10:4-5. These wars have to do with God's people and the future of the promise. God has to protect Israel for the Messiah comes through their bloodline. The spiritual warfare behind the scenes results in war here on earth. Our weapons are that of Daniels--prayer.
How can a person be sure they are a Christian? This, believe it or not, in many circles, is a huge issue. A person says they believe in Jesus Christ, but they do not bother to keep His commandments--are they a Christian? If you say no, then a group of people will say you believe in works salvation. If you say yes, they are a Christian, then the other group will say you believe in cheap grace. I say both are missing the point. How can "you" know you are a Christian? There is the internal witness of His Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are His children (Romans 8:16). There is also the external witness of my keeping His commandments. When I sin I confess that sin and that is an external witness as well. I cannot say who is in and who is out, but God wants "us" to have assurance of salvation. If a person says they believe, but they do not behave in like manner, there is no way they can know for sure they are a child of God. You and I can argue all day long about whether or not they are a Christian but how can we help this person experience transformation. John says, "Here's how we can be sure that we know God in the right way: Keep His commandments." How can we be sure we are one of His--keep His commandments. This does not get us into Heaven, but it helps us to know if our heart has been changed by the power of His Spirit.
First, let me wish you a happy Thanksgiving! Those religious outlaws from England came to settle a colony called Plymouth. Over half died that first winter. The leaders reached out to the Indians of that area and those Indians taught them how to survive. The Indians had a tradition of a harvest festival and the colonist adopted that tradition. I can only imagine that the Colonist were happy to give thanks since now they were not dying off at a significant rate. What are you thankful for?
I am thankful for Daniel! For three weeks Daniel fasted and prayed. I am sure you noticed that he ate some food, but abstained from the lets say, the “good stuff” and did not take a bath. He did this because of his people's suffering. Nehemiah mourned over his people and their suffering. An Angel speaks to Daniel by the Tigris River and even explains why the answer to his prayer took so long. This angel was in fight with an angel prince of the kingdom of Persia i.e. a demon, but Michael the chief angel-prince intervened on this angel’s behalf. This is one of those times where you read real slow and start connecting the dots. This is a picture of what goes on in the unseen world. This is the O.T. telling us that our fight is not against flesh and blood but against principalities set in high places (Ephesians 6:10 ff.). Also, another scripture that goes with this is 11 Corinthians 10:4-5. These wars have to do with God's people and the future of the promise. God has to protect Israel for the Messiah comes through their bloodline. The spiritual warfare behind the scenes results in war here on earth. Our weapons are that of Daniels--prayer.
How can a person be sure they are a Christian? This, believe it or not, in many circles, is a huge issue. A person says they believe in Jesus Christ, but they do not bother to keep His commandments--are they a Christian? If you say no, then a group of people will say you believe in works salvation. If you say yes, they are a Christian, then the other group will say you believe in cheap grace. I say both are missing the point. How can "you" know you are a Christian? There is the internal witness of His Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are His children (Romans 8:16). There is also the external witness of my keeping His commandments. When I sin I confess that sin and that is an external witness as well. I cannot say who is in and who is out, but God wants "us" to have assurance of salvation. If a person says they believe, but they do not behave in like manner, there is no way they can know for sure they are a child of God. You and I can argue all day long about whether or not they are a Christian but how can we help this person experience transformation. John says, "Here's how we can be sure that we know God in the right way: Keep His commandments." How can we be sure we are one of His--keep His commandments. This does not get us into Heaven, but it helps us to know if our heart has been changed by the power of His Spirit.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
328 Tuesday, November 24, 2009
328 Daniel 7 – 9; 1 John 1
Chapter seven of Daniel is a fascinating book. I have read and heard so much about the last animal with ten horns. Let me tell you what I have heard. The last animal is Rome. The desecration in the Temple by the new horn was Antiochus Epiphanus in seventy A.D.. In other words, this prophecy has already been fulfilled. God's holy people were the Jews and they were once again scattered abroad. The second interpretation is that this has yet to happen and one day it will. The question then what is the kingdom, who is the leader i.e. that new horn that does so much damage, and are we God's people being persecuted in like manner? The third interpretation is that it is a double fulfillment prophecy. In other words, this was fulfilled in the time of Rome and will come true today. An old alliance will come together that will look like the Rome of old and the persecution will happen to God's people--us. Notice Daniel says that the persecution lasts two and half which equals three and half years. What many teach in prophecy is that there is a seven year period and the first three and a half are peaceful and the second three and half is when the anti-Christ goes to war against the Saints. Wow! There is so much to understand when it comes to prophecy. I used to be so into the end times. Now I am into the now times. That was what Peter was trying to communicate. Right now be ready to taken by Christ or ready to die. We must always be ready to meet our Savior.
Walk in the light. There is a goal for today. Walk in the light and let God reveal life to you. If walk in the light, that means we are confessing our sin. What sin do you need to confess? The Lord will forgive you and set you back in the light.
Chapter seven of Daniel is a fascinating book. I have read and heard so much about the last animal with ten horns. Let me tell you what I have heard. The last animal is Rome. The desecration in the Temple by the new horn was Antiochus Epiphanus in seventy A.D.. In other words, this prophecy has already been fulfilled. God's holy people were the Jews and they were once again scattered abroad. The second interpretation is that this has yet to happen and one day it will. The question then what is the kingdom, who is the leader i.e. that new horn that does so much damage, and are we God's people being persecuted in like manner? The third interpretation is that it is a double fulfillment prophecy. In other words, this was fulfilled in the time of Rome and will come true today. An old alliance will come together that will look like the Rome of old and the persecution will happen to God's people--us. Notice Daniel says that the persecution lasts two and half which equals three and half years. What many teach in prophecy is that there is a seven year period and the first three and a half are peaceful and the second three and half is when the anti-Christ goes to war against the Saints. Wow! There is so much to understand when it comes to prophecy. I used to be so into the end times. Now I am into the now times. That was what Peter was trying to communicate. Right now be ready to taken by Christ or ready to die. We must always be ready to meet our Savior.
Walk in the light. There is a goal for today. Walk in the light and let God reveal life to you. If walk in the light, that means we are confessing our sin. What sin do you need to confess? The Lord will forgive you and set you back in the light.
Monday, November 23, 2009
327 Monday, November 23, 2009
327 Daniel 3 – 6; 2 Peter 3
These guys were on fire for their God. It did not catch them off guard that by not bowing down to the image they were going to catch some "fire." By the way, the small group leader, Daniel, was not in on this episode. The other heroes of this story were not bowing down. The miracle is that a fourth showed up in the furnace with them and the King saw the fourth. Most agree that it was Jesus Christ in what is called a Theophany. The King ordered them to come out of the furnace. This all happened in front all of the important people. This was no accident. All these people examined these men and they found that there was no evidence they were in the fire. The King blessed the God of these men. He also put out a decree that nothing derogatory could be said against their God. Wow! It was to be a party for the King, but it turned into a celebration of Yahweh. Isn't God great? It is a shame that the king did not remember his decree about honoring Yahweh. He ended up acting like a cow. He went a little crazy. It does seem he truly found the Lord when he was healed. The next big thing is Daniel being put in the lion’s den for praying. There is not a better person to place in a lion’s den than a prayer warrior. The Lord shut the lion’s mouths. Now there is answer to prayer. Amen!
Be alert for the day is coming of Christ's return. It may seem like a long time off, but a day is thousand years and a thousand years is like a day with the Lord. Christ comes like a thief in the night. Those who know him will see Him. So grow in the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
These guys were on fire for their God. It did not catch them off guard that by not bowing down to the image they were going to catch some "fire." By the way, the small group leader, Daniel, was not in on this episode. The other heroes of this story were not bowing down. The miracle is that a fourth showed up in the furnace with them and the King saw the fourth. Most agree that it was Jesus Christ in what is called a Theophany. The King ordered them to come out of the furnace. This all happened in front all of the important people. This was no accident. All these people examined these men and they found that there was no evidence they were in the fire. The King blessed the God of these men. He also put out a decree that nothing derogatory could be said against their God. Wow! It was to be a party for the King, but it turned into a celebration of Yahweh. Isn't God great? It is a shame that the king did not remember his decree about honoring Yahweh. He ended up acting like a cow. He went a little crazy. It does seem he truly found the Lord when he was healed. The next big thing is Daniel being put in the lion’s den for praying. There is not a better person to place in a lion’s den than a prayer warrior. The Lord shut the lion’s mouths. Now there is answer to prayer. Amen!
Be alert for the day is coming of Christ's return. It may seem like a long time off, but a day is thousand years and a thousand years is like a day with the Lord. Christ comes like a thief in the night. Those who know him will see Him. So grow in the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
326 Sunday, November 22, 2009
326 Daniel 1 – 2; 2 Peter 2
I am thankful for the book of Daniel. I am thankful for Daniel and his three friends. It is a study of how a small group Bible study can survive in stark conditions. God especially equipped Daniel for his stay in Babylon. Daniel could interpret dreams and this gift came very handy. All these Jewish teenagers were equipped with courage to say no to the food offered them. They negotiated a deal with the head of the palace staff to let them eat what they wanted and then to evaluate them. When the time came they looked better and were very wise. They went into the King’s service and he was very pleased with their gifts of service. The King had a dream and called upon Daniel to interpret the dream and he had until morning--no pressure! This was a pass/fail class. If he failed he died, but if he succeeded he lived, what a deal. He passed the test. It was a dream about the five kingdoms, one of the present and those to come. He nailed it and got himself a promotion. Another Jewish man making it in a secular, religiously pluralistic society. You can make it as well.
They give truth a bad name. That is a great line. We still have them with us today. We have false prophets who come to sell us the keys to the kingdom. The keys are for free, bought and paid for by the Savior. Peter is really laying it on those who twist the truth out of lust for power and whatever else they are after. We must redeem the truth and give it a good name. The truth will set you free, but the converse of that is equally true. The lie will enslave you. Live in the zone of truth. These are the words of God through His apostle Peter.
I am thankful for the book of Daniel. I am thankful for Daniel and his three friends. It is a study of how a small group Bible study can survive in stark conditions. God especially equipped Daniel for his stay in Babylon. Daniel could interpret dreams and this gift came very handy. All these Jewish teenagers were equipped with courage to say no to the food offered them. They negotiated a deal with the head of the palace staff to let them eat what they wanted and then to evaluate them. When the time came they looked better and were very wise. They went into the King’s service and he was very pleased with their gifts of service. The King had a dream and called upon Daniel to interpret the dream and he had until morning--no pressure! This was a pass/fail class. If he failed he died, but if he succeeded he lived, what a deal. He passed the test. It was a dream about the five kingdoms, one of the present and those to come. He nailed it and got himself a promotion. Another Jewish man making it in a secular, religiously pluralistic society. You can make it as well.
They give truth a bad name. That is a great line. We still have them with us today. We have false prophets who come to sell us the keys to the kingdom. The keys are for free, bought and paid for by the Savior. Peter is really laying it on those who twist the truth out of lust for power and whatever else they are after. We must redeem the truth and give it a good name. The truth will set you free, but the converse of that is equally true. The lie will enslave you. Live in the zone of truth. These are the words of God through His apostle Peter.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
325 Saturday, November 21, 2009
325 Esther 7 – 10; 2 Peter 1
The gallows you have built for someone else are going to be used on you. Haman never saw it coming. It all started with a generous gesture. The king asked the Queen what it is that she wanted. Queen Esther said she wanted her people to be saved from the massacre--that was about to happen. The king wanted to know who was behind this plot. She gladly answered it is Haman. Haman had built the gallows for her uncle Mordecai. Now Haman was hung from those gallows. Not only does Mordecai get saved from the gallows, he is appointed over the estate of Haman. The order was given by the king that the Jews could defend themselves against this attack. The Jews won every battle. It was almost unsafe not to be Jew. People were becoming Jews, I do not know their motivation. In a secular, religiously pluralistic society, the Jews were the buzz of the whole nation. By the way, have you found the name of God in this book? The book of Esther is the only book in the Word of God that does not have the name of God in it. God is behind the scenes all the time doing what God does. The name of God does not have to be used in order for God to be at work.
We participate in the very nature of God. God is in us through the person of the Holy Spirit. There is no time to waste we must build upon that great foundation. It might good for you to list the qualities that Peter lays out for the Christian. These words are great focus words. They grab your attention and help you measure some growth in your life. The next paragraph Peter calls Christians to examine their calling on Christ. Make sure you are one of His. Peter is not apologizing to his recipients for staying on the message of staying alert in order to serve Christ. He reminds them that he was a personal witness to this Jesus Christ. In other words, he is speaking the truth from a first hand account. Jesus is real!!! Act like it!
The gallows you have built for someone else are going to be used on you. Haman never saw it coming. It all started with a generous gesture. The king asked the Queen what it is that she wanted. Queen Esther said she wanted her people to be saved from the massacre--that was about to happen. The king wanted to know who was behind this plot. She gladly answered it is Haman. Haman had built the gallows for her uncle Mordecai. Now Haman was hung from those gallows. Not only does Mordecai get saved from the gallows, he is appointed over the estate of Haman. The order was given by the king that the Jews could defend themselves against this attack. The Jews won every battle. It was almost unsafe not to be Jew. People were becoming Jews, I do not know their motivation. In a secular, religiously pluralistic society, the Jews were the buzz of the whole nation. By the way, have you found the name of God in this book? The book of Esther is the only book in the Word of God that does not have the name of God in it. God is behind the scenes all the time doing what God does. The name of God does not have to be used in order for God to be at work.
We participate in the very nature of God. God is in us through the person of the Holy Spirit. There is no time to waste we must build upon that great foundation. It might good for you to list the qualities that Peter lays out for the Christian. These words are great focus words. They grab your attention and help you measure some growth in your life. The next paragraph Peter calls Christians to examine their calling on Christ. Make sure you are one of His. Peter is not apologizing to his recipients for staying on the message of staying alert in order to serve Christ. He reminds them that he was a personal witness to this Jesus Christ. In other words, he is speaking the truth from a first hand account. Jesus is real!!! Act like it!
Friday, November 20, 2009
324 Friday, November 20, 2009
324 Esther 3 – 6; 1 Peter 5
There is always one in the crowd. Everybody else is doing it, but that one person. There is always one in the crowd and in this case it is Mordecai. Haman was greeted by the king's servants by bowing down to him, but not Mordecai. Why wouldn't Mordecai bow down? Even though Mordecai was in a foreign land He still had a heart for God. He was not going to bow down to Haman. This of course infuriated Haman and now he is looking for a way to eliminate all the Jews in the kingdom. He gets approval from the King to destroy all the Jews throughout the kingdom at his own expense. There is a message sent out that this will happen and now Mordecai is mortified. He contacts Esther in hopes that she, as the Queen, can influence the King to rescind the order. One problem is that anyone approaching the king uninvited is killed. But, God has other ways and even uses a bad nights rest to help Xerxes go over past events. While studying the records he learns that Mordecai had exposed a plot to kill the king. Yet, nothing had been done to honor him. By the way, have you found the name of God in your reading of this book? God is at work around you. For such a time as this had Esther been born and raised to a place of honor.
Those in leadership of the church must be diligent in watching over the church. This care has to come from a heart of "I want to _____" not that "I have to _____." When the leaders are helping take care of the church they must keep in mind that the chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, is watching over all of us. Peter once again warns believers to stay alert for we have an enemy that wants to devour us. This theme of being alert is prominent in Peter’s book--why? Peter had let his guard down and failed the Lord. Stay alert in your spirit.
There is always one in the crowd. Everybody else is doing it, but that one person. There is always one in the crowd and in this case it is Mordecai. Haman was greeted by the king's servants by bowing down to him, but not Mordecai. Why wouldn't Mordecai bow down? Even though Mordecai was in a foreign land He still had a heart for God. He was not going to bow down to Haman. This of course infuriated Haman and now he is looking for a way to eliminate all the Jews in the kingdom. He gets approval from the King to destroy all the Jews throughout the kingdom at his own expense. There is a message sent out that this will happen and now Mordecai is mortified. He contacts Esther in hopes that she, as the Queen, can influence the King to rescind the order. One problem is that anyone approaching the king uninvited is killed. But, God has other ways and even uses a bad nights rest to help Xerxes go over past events. While studying the records he learns that Mordecai had exposed a plot to kill the king. Yet, nothing had been done to honor him. By the way, have you found the name of God in your reading of this book? God is at work around you. For such a time as this had Esther been born and raised to a place of honor.
Those in leadership of the church must be diligent in watching over the church. This care has to come from a heart of "I want to _____" not that "I have to _____." When the leaders are helping take care of the church they must keep in mind that the chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, is watching over all of us. Peter once again warns believers to stay alert for we have an enemy that wants to devour us. This theme of being alert is prominent in Peter’s book--why? Peter had let his guard down and failed the Lord. Stay alert in your spirit.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
323 Thursday, November 19, 2009
323 Esther 1 – 2; 1 Peter 4
I hope you read Esther slowly and as you read it try to find God's name mentioned in it. There are so many things to highlight in this book. I find it amusing that the Queen would not come to King Xerxes when he had commanded her to come. She did this while the King threw a party for “the guys”. When the men saw what the Queen had done they immediately went into protection mode. ‘Wait a minute, your Kingship, if the women get wind of what the Queen has done here there may be a feminist outbreak!’ Oh my things have not changed that much, if at all. They actually pass a law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked, that the Queen is forever banished from the Kings presence. Now a new show will air that will be a contest to find a new Queen for the King. Let's call it "Queen." How original is that? You’re ahead of the story if you are thinking that Esther, a Jewish girl, might win this contest. God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform. This fight between the Queen and the King ends up being the event that triggers other events that save the lives of the Jews. God is at work around you.
Peter is teaching us about a mindset that we must have as Christians. It is so easy to fall prey to the thinking that when everything is going smoothly or at least with just a few bumps that God is blessing us. Peter wants us to deeply understand that part of the Christian's life is to suffer. It is not fun to suffer but we can pass the test. We can hang in there by His grace and His power. It is a time of refining in order to bring out the true richness of life. It is so easy to get caught up in the things that do not count. Let's stay focused and let God be God in our lives.
I hope you read Esther slowly and as you read it try to find God's name mentioned in it. There are so many things to highlight in this book. I find it amusing that the Queen would not come to King Xerxes when he had commanded her to come. She did this while the King threw a party for “the guys”. When the men saw what the Queen had done they immediately went into protection mode. ‘Wait a minute, your Kingship, if the women get wind of what the Queen has done here there may be a feminist outbreak!’ Oh my things have not changed that much, if at all. They actually pass a law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked, that the Queen is forever banished from the Kings presence. Now a new show will air that will be a contest to find a new Queen for the King. Let's call it "Queen." How original is that? You’re ahead of the story if you are thinking that Esther, a Jewish girl, might win this contest. God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform. This fight between the Queen and the King ends up being the event that triggers other events that save the lives of the Jews. God is at work around you.
Peter is teaching us about a mindset that we must have as Christians. It is so easy to fall prey to the thinking that when everything is going smoothly or at least with just a few bumps that God is blessing us. Peter wants us to deeply understand that part of the Christian's life is to suffer. It is not fun to suffer but we can pass the test. We can hang in there by His grace and His power. It is a time of refining in order to bring out the true richness of life. It is so easy to get caught up in the things that do not count. Let's stay focused and let God be God in our lives.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
321 Tuesday, November 17, 2009
321 Lamentations 3 – 5; 1 Peter 3
Here is the point when God has "ground your face into the gravel." It comes down to "God's loyal love couldn't have run out, His merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left." Even when we are being disciplined by God, or questioning God; go with God! It is counter-intuitive, but it is right. The Lord is all we have to begin with and it is all we will have in the end.
What is more important the outward or the inward? Christians and a lot of non-Christians would say it is the inward that counts the most. Peter is drilling that point home when giving instructions to husbands and wives. It is the inward that counts the most. Yet, how much energy, thought, and actual time do we spend on the inward? In the next forty-eight hours do some real time examination on the thoughts given to the inward. Maybe, you could even carry a small notebook to keep a record.
Here is the point when God has "ground your face into the gravel." It comes down to "God's loyal love couldn't have run out, His merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left." Even when we are being disciplined by God, or questioning God; go with God! It is counter-intuitive, but it is right. The Lord is all we have to begin with and it is all we will have in the end.
What is more important the outward or the inward? Christians and a lot of non-Christians would say it is the inward that counts the most. Peter is drilling that point home when giving instructions to husbands and wives. It is the inward that counts the most. Yet, how much energy, thought, and actual time do we spend on the inward? In the next forty-eight hours do some real time examination on the thoughts given to the inward. Maybe, you could even carry a small notebook to keep a record.
Monday, November 16, 2009
320 Monday, November 16, 2009
320 Lamentations 1 – 2; 1 Peter 2
We cannot turn ourselves to the will of God, but we can be broken towards it. Suffering is a part of life. Life is difficult. Lamentations is the blues book of the Bible. The message is that God is faithful in the midst of our suffering. We can turn from the Lord when all is well, just out of neglect. When we suffer we can doubt God, His love, and certainly His wisdom as one who plans our life. When we were born, it was destined that we would suffer. The Quester heard this loud and clear. We can run from it, medicate it, philosophize about it--the fact remains we hurt. God is faithful! Turn towards the Lord and seek His comfort, it is our only hope.
Clean your life up. We can get sloppy with this gift of salvation. Stop it! Peter is forthright about our lives. We are the living stones built upon the living Stone. Alleluia!! The living Stone can be the cornerstone for your life or it can be the death of you. Build your life upon the Stone and not your own wisdom. With all this in mind Peter reminds us that this world is not our home. We are but pilgrims passing through. We have to be so careful not to get attached. Live life with a loose grip on this stuff and a tight grip on Jesus. So get a grip--on Jesus!
We cannot turn ourselves to the will of God, but we can be broken towards it. Suffering is a part of life. Life is difficult. Lamentations is the blues book of the Bible. The message is that God is faithful in the midst of our suffering. We can turn from the Lord when all is well, just out of neglect. When we suffer we can doubt God, His love, and certainly His wisdom as one who plans our life. When we were born, it was destined that we would suffer. The Quester heard this loud and clear. We can run from it, medicate it, philosophize about it--the fact remains we hurt. God is faithful! Turn towards the Lord and seek His comfort, it is our only hope.
Clean your life up. We can get sloppy with this gift of salvation. Stop it! Peter is forthright about our lives. We are the living stones built upon the living Stone. Alleluia!! The living Stone can be the cornerstone for your life or it can be the death of you. Build your life upon the Stone and not your own wisdom. With all this in mind Peter reminds us that this world is not our home. We are but pilgrims passing through. We have to be so careful not to get attached. Live life with a loose grip on this stuff and a tight grip on Jesus. So get a grip--on Jesus!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
319 Sunday, November 15, 2009
319 Ecclesiastes 8 – 12; 1 Peter 1
Part of the job of wisdom is to interpret the meaning of life. The other part of the job is to then craft a life full of meaning based upon that interpretation. The first part then is very important, because if you do not get the interpretation right, the building of that life will be wrong. Who is in control? The king who is now the Quester is letting us in on the biggest truth of all--God is in control and not us. The King--not a peasant is telling us--give up--you are not in control. This is coming from one who would have a lot of control. Then the preacher turns his attention to the fact that all suffer the some fate--death. In the face of these two truths, we are not in control and we are all going to die--seize life. What?!?! Yea, you heard the preacher. Get on with living and stop worrying. Go to the end of the book and it really makes sense as to what the teacher is going after. In the end, "Fear God. Do what He tells you." The Westminster Catechism tells us that, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." The life that God has given you--live it! Live that life for the Lord.
Peter lets us in on a little secret. In the end, God will find our faith more important than our possessions. Peter had lost his faith when he needed it most. It is no wonder that he starts right off the bat telling us to hang onto our faith, it is very precious. Peter points us to the fact that Jesus is coming back and we should be ready. The pattern of evil that we once attended to needs to be avoided at all costs. In light of Christ's return live a life that is wholly given over to our Savior. Amen.
Part of the job of wisdom is to interpret the meaning of life. The other part of the job is to then craft a life full of meaning based upon that interpretation. The first part then is very important, because if you do not get the interpretation right, the building of that life will be wrong. Who is in control? The king who is now the Quester is letting us in on the biggest truth of all--God is in control and not us. The King--not a peasant is telling us--give up--you are not in control. This is coming from one who would have a lot of control. Then the preacher turns his attention to the fact that all suffer the some fate--death. In the face of these two truths, we are not in control and we are all going to die--seize life. What?!?! Yea, you heard the preacher. Get on with living and stop worrying. Go to the end of the book and it really makes sense as to what the teacher is going after. In the end, "Fear God. Do what He tells you." The Westminster Catechism tells us that, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." The life that God has given you--live it! Live that life for the Lord.
Peter lets us in on a little secret. In the end, God will find our faith more important than our possessions. Peter had lost his faith when he needed it most. It is no wonder that he starts right off the bat telling us to hang onto our faith, it is very precious. Peter points us to the fact that Jesus is coming back and we should be ready. The pattern of evil that we once attended to needs to be avoided at all costs. In light of Christ's return live a life that is wholly given over to our Savior. Amen.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
318 Saturday, November 14, 2009
318 Ecclesiastes 4 – 7; James 5
"A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped." so says the Quester. Basically, if you are alive make sure you find some good friends. He also says, if you are never born count your lucky stars. The preacher is laying it out that life is difficult. Do you believe life is difficult? It is and we need more than all the trinkets to get us through. The preacher, as you will learn, has had the opportunity to have much of the fluff. He is saying it is all empty. In the midst of that you still have to eat, work, live and breathe. In the midst of all of this life, don't go it alone. In the midst of this life make the most of what God gives you.
James has harsh words for those who gather wealth by being corrupt. The corrupt are not stockpiling wealth, but judgment. What need do you have? Figure out what need you have and do something about it. If you feel great, then sing--you have a need to sing. If you are hurting--pray. If you are sick, call the Elders to anoint you and pray over you. Please read James five carefully, especially about the healing. We need more of this in the church and by God's grace it will happen. Let's pray together that the Lord would touch our people and relieve some of the suffering.
"A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped." so says the Quester. Basically, if you are alive make sure you find some good friends. He also says, if you are never born count your lucky stars. The preacher is laying it out that life is difficult. Do you believe life is difficult? It is and we need more than all the trinkets to get us through. The preacher, as you will learn, has had the opportunity to have much of the fluff. He is saying it is all empty. In the midst of that you still have to eat, work, live and breathe. In the midst of all of this life, don't go it alone. In the midst of this life make the most of what God gives you.
James has harsh words for those who gather wealth by being corrupt. The corrupt are not stockpiling wealth, but judgment. What need do you have? Figure out what need you have and do something about it. If you feel great, then sing--you have a need to sing. If you are hurting--pray. If you are sick, call the Elders to anoint you and pray over you. Please read James five carefully, especially about the healing. We need more of this in the church and by God's grace it will happen. Let's pray together that the Lord would touch our people and relieve some of the suffering.
Friday, November 13, 2009
317 Friday, November 13, 2009
317 Ecclesiastes 1 – 3; James 4
When Peterson uses Quester it is his translation of teacher or preacher. The Quester is a plain talker and says it is all smoke and mirrors, this life that is before us. The life we try to create, manipulate, and consecrate on our own terms. The Quester wants to alert us that all of our best efforts will be in vain if we are not connected with the eternal God. At first you may think the Quester is a de-motivating speaker, but it is just the opposite. He is trying to motivate us to lean into the Lord. He wants us to truly understand with every fiber of our being that this life is worthless without the Lord in charge of our lives. Open your hearts up to one of the wisest humans to ever grace this planet.
A person once said to me that many brainstorming meetings are just blamestorming meetings. James does some blamestorming of his own--he points his finger right at us. Where do the fights come from? They come from our own lust--us wanting our own way. We even pray that way thinking that God will not see through us. Who is the champion of the "my way" camp? The devil is the champion of that camp and we have to be cognizant of his activities and rebuke the devil and the evil ways. Stand against the devil and draw near the Lord with a humble heart. What are you trying to do right now that is from the "my way" camp and not God's way? Let God purify you and your motives. Amen.
When Peterson uses Quester it is his translation of teacher or preacher. The Quester is a plain talker and says it is all smoke and mirrors, this life that is before us. The life we try to create, manipulate, and consecrate on our own terms. The Quester wants to alert us that all of our best efforts will be in vain if we are not connected with the eternal God. At first you may think the Quester is a de-motivating speaker, but it is just the opposite. He is trying to motivate us to lean into the Lord. He wants us to truly understand with every fiber of our being that this life is worthless without the Lord in charge of our lives. Open your hearts up to one of the wisest humans to ever grace this planet.
A person once said to me that many brainstorming meetings are just blamestorming meetings. James does some blamestorming of his own--he points his finger right at us. Where do the fights come from? They come from our own lust--us wanting our own way. We even pray that way thinking that God will not see through us. Who is the champion of the "my way" camp? The devil is the champion of that camp and we have to be cognizant of his activities and rebuke the devil and the evil ways. Stand against the devil and draw near the Lord with a humble heart. What are you trying to do right now that is from the "my way" camp and not God's way? Let God purify you and your motives. Amen.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
316 Thursday, November 12, 2009
316 Song of Songs 4 – 8; James 3
When you read Song of Songs you would think you are reading a hallmark card or a poet from the romantic period. Here is just a taste, "The fire of love stops at nothing--it sweeps everything before it. Flood waters can't drown love...". Wow--they must really be in love. Here is the deal you hook up eros with agape and you have a powerful combination that is explosive. How is your love life?
Step right up ladies and gentlemen and see for yourself the one and only tongue tamer in North America. There are none like the tongue tamer for the lion may make a kill, the elephant move a tree, but the tongue can wreak havoc by turning harmony into chaos and send the world up in smoke. There is none more powerful than the tongue and we have the tamer here tonight in the big tent. Watch your words and pray to God for a tame tongue. James chapter three has got to be one of the most sobering passages in the Bible. Pray for yourself, for your church, and pray especially for each other that God would help us to tame our tongues.
When you read Song of Songs you would think you are reading a hallmark card or a poet from the romantic period. Here is just a taste, "The fire of love stops at nothing--it sweeps everything before it. Flood waters can't drown love...". Wow--they must really be in love. Here is the deal you hook up eros with agape and you have a powerful combination that is explosive. How is your love life?
Step right up ladies and gentlemen and see for yourself the one and only tongue tamer in North America. There are none like the tongue tamer for the lion may make a kill, the elephant move a tree, but the tongue can wreak havoc by turning harmony into chaos and send the world up in smoke. There is none more powerful than the tongue and we have the tamer here tonight in the big tent. Watch your words and pray to God for a tame tongue. James chapter three has got to be one of the most sobering passages in the Bible. Pray for yourself, for your church, and pray especially for each other that God would help us to tame our tongues.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
314 Tuesday, November 10, 2009
314 Song of Songs 1 – 3; James 2
The Song of Songs was for years seen as an allegory. The groom expressing his love for the bride was seen as Christ revealing His love for the church. One of our church fathers preached for thirteen years on the Song of Songs. I can't even imagine being in that congregation! The Song of Songs is no more or no less a love story. It is man and a woman expressing their love for each other. It is affectionate love and it is eros love. This book pulls those two loves together and our society needs to hear that message again and again! It is this pure love between bride and groom that yes includes sex and it is right in the Bible. If God made us, then God made sex. He also made it a pleasurable experience. God has not hidden this fact from us, yet many times the church has literally been in the dark ages on the subject. The shame should be that we don't talk about it; not the other way around.
James is reminding us that we are all made in the image of God. To treat someone better in the church because they are perceived as more influential is a sin!! I mean it is a sin--big time. James is pushing the love commandment that we are to love one another. Love… one… another!! This is never easy. You have to bring it into context of each and every relationship. This royal law is never to be disregarded for any reason! Tough! If you don't think so get in a room and explain a situation you are in and see how many answers you get on what you ought to do in light of “love one another”. Today show some love to your spouse and to someone that may not expect it. LOVE!!!
The Song of Songs was for years seen as an allegory. The groom expressing his love for the bride was seen as Christ revealing His love for the church. One of our church fathers preached for thirteen years on the Song of Songs. I can't even imagine being in that congregation! The Song of Songs is no more or no less a love story. It is man and a woman expressing their love for each other. It is affectionate love and it is eros love. This book pulls those two loves together and our society needs to hear that message again and again! It is this pure love between bride and groom that yes includes sex and it is right in the Bible. If God made us, then God made sex. He also made it a pleasurable experience. God has not hidden this fact from us, yet many times the church has literally been in the dark ages on the subject. The shame should be that we don't talk about it; not the other way around.
James is reminding us that we are all made in the image of God. To treat someone better in the church because they are perceived as more influential is a sin!! I mean it is a sin--big time. James is pushing the love commandment that we are to love one another. Love… one… another!! This is never easy. You have to bring it into context of each and every relationship. This royal law is never to be disregarded for any reason! Tough! If you don't think so get in a room and explain a situation you are in and see how many answers you get on what you ought to do in light of “love one another”. Today show some love to your spouse and to someone that may not expect it. LOVE!!!
Monday, November 9, 2009
313 Monday, November 9, 2009
313 Ruth 1 – 4; James 1
I hope you read the introduction to Ruth. He really nails it! I often tell people to remember when they feel low, "that they are unique like everyone else." There are times in life that we can feel like bench-warmers. We are on the stage, but we have the bit parts--like playing a tree. Ruth helps us understand that we never know what we might contribute to the kingdom of God. Tragedy had struck this family and Naomi is trying to do what is best for her two daughter-in-laws. One takes Naomi's advice and goes back home but Ruth says, "Where you go, I go; and where you live, I'll live." Ruth goes back with Naomi to her people the Jews. To make a short story even shorter Ruth ends up marrying Boaz and they had a son named Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse and Jesse was the father of David. This seemingly insignificant event led to Ruth being part of the Messianic line. By the way, Ruth was not Jewish--how about them apples?!? Way to go Ruth!!!
Martin Luther did not want this book to be in the Cannon of Scripture. Dr. Luther had his reasons because it had been so misused by his denomination. However, Martin was wrong because James is explaining the other side of faith. The side of faith that James was wrestling with was those that said they believed, but never saw any changes in their behavior. James did not believe that you worked for faith, but he did believe in a faith that works.
Right off the bat the brother of Jesus hits us with the thought that when troubles come to consider it a gift. In the NIV it says, "to count it pure joy." In the context of living in troublesome times James clues us in on the priority of prayer. Pray, pray, pray and then ask some more--God loves to give His children gifts. Give it a shot today--got trouble-pray!
I hope you read the introduction to Ruth. He really nails it! I often tell people to remember when they feel low, "that they are unique like everyone else." There are times in life that we can feel like bench-warmers. We are on the stage, but we have the bit parts--like playing a tree. Ruth helps us understand that we never know what we might contribute to the kingdom of God. Tragedy had struck this family and Naomi is trying to do what is best for her two daughter-in-laws. One takes Naomi's advice and goes back home but Ruth says, "Where you go, I go; and where you live, I'll live." Ruth goes back with Naomi to her people the Jews. To make a short story even shorter Ruth ends up marrying Boaz and they had a son named Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse and Jesse was the father of David. This seemingly insignificant event led to Ruth being part of the Messianic line. By the way, Ruth was not Jewish--how about them apples?!? Way to go Ruth!!!
Martin Luther did not want this book to be in the Cannon of Scripture. Dr. Luther had his reasons because it had been so misused by his denomination. However, Martin was wrong because James is explaining the other side of faith. The side of faith that James was wrestling with was those that said they believed, but never saw any changes in their behavior. James did not believe that you worked for faith, but he did believe in a faith that works.
Right off the bat the brother of Jesus hits us with the thought that when troubles come to consider it a gift. In the NIV it says, "to count it pure joy." In the context of living in troublesome times James clues us in on the priority of prayer. Pray, pray, pray and then ask some more--God loves to give His children gifts. Give it a shot today--got trouble-pray!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
312 Sunday, November 8, 2009
312 Proverbs 28 – 31; Matthew 28
We are at the end of Proverbs and I hope you make it a habit to read them at least twice a year (more would be better). There are thirty-one chapters in the book of Proverbs and that lines up with some calendar months. So much of the book of Proverbs is reminding us that there are fools, wicked people, and then there righteous and wise people. Is it the wise path or the foolish path that you are on right now? What decisions are you making and what is the basis for those decisions? The sage exhorts us to "Walk straight--live well and be saved; a devious life is a doomed life." Everyday we are given another chance to walk the straight and narrow and enjoy the blessings of God. If we stray the sage reminds us that, "You can't whitewash your sins and get by with it; you find mercy by admitting and leaving them." We must always go toward God. We must believe that God is full of mercy and grace. We must believe that grace and mercy is for us!!
Bam!!! What do you mean the tomb is empty? Where is this Jesus? Yes boys and girls our Lord is risen! Christ has beat the last enemy--death. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and life and those who believe in me shall not die." This is Terry's paraphrase. Do you believe? No other religious leader even dared to make the claims that Christ made and especially that He would rise from the dead. Jesus is who He said He is or He is a sick psychopath. I believe He is the way, the truth, and the life. Do you?
We are at the end of Proverbs and I hope you make it a habit to read them at least twice a year (more would be better). There are thirty-one chapters in the book of Proverbs and that lines up with some calendar months. So much of the book of Proverbs is reminding us that there are fools, wicked people, and then there righteous and wise people. Is it the wise path or the foolish path that you are on right now? What decisions are you making and what is the basis for those decisions? The sage exhorts us to "Walk straight--live well and be saved; a devious life is a doomed life." Everyday we are given another chance to walk the straight and narrow and enjoy the blessings of God. If we stray the sage reminds us that, "You can't whitewash your sins and get by with it; you find mercy by admitting and leaving them." We must always go toward God. We must believe that God is full of mercy and grace. We must believe that grace and mercy is for us!!
Bam!!! What do you mean the tomb is empty? Where is this Jesus? Yes boys and girls our Lord is risen! Christ has beat the last enemy--death. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and life and those who believe in me shall not die." This is Terry's paraphrase. Do you believe? No other religious leader even dared to make the claims that Christ made and especially that He would rise from the dead. Jesus is who He said He is or He is a sick psychopath. I believe He is the way, the truth, and the life. Do you?
Saturday, November 7, 2009
311 Saturday, November 7, 2009
311 Proverbs 25 – 27; Matthew 27
A proverb a day will keep the Devil away. No! Don't you wish it was that easy? Living out a proverb a day will surely go a long way to build you up in wisdom and for walking with the Lord, but that is it. One of the ways we are suppose to walk with the Lord is how we pick our friends. We think they are picking us, but in realty we do the picking by the person we are. Solomon tells us that, "Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat--refreshing!" The word reliable is a powerful word. When I was younger it did not strike me as such a powerful word but it sure does now! What happens is the longer we live the more chances we have of being disappointed. The converse of that can be true as well, in that we have more opportunities to see good things happen. I have had the chance for people to tell me either as pastor or a friend that thus and so will be done and for it not to happen is very frustrating. I have also had those experiences where people follow through on their word and it is amazing. Those experiences build trust, it builds unity, it truly helps build the human nation.
We are now at the point of the story that is hard to bear. It is our Lord being crucified. Jesus was sold out for thirty pieces of silver. He was crucified on trumped up charges. It was all illegal. He did it all for us. He was forsaken by His Father, when He became sin for us. He took the penalty for our sin while upon the cross. He did it all for us. Drink in this Gospel message today with all your heart.
A proverb a day will keep the Devil away. No! Don't you wish it was that easy? Living out a proverb a day will surely go a long way to build you up in wisdom and for walking with the Lord, but that is it. One of the ways we are suppose to walk with the Lord is how we pick our friends. We think they are picking us, but in realty we do the picking by the person we are. Solomon tells us that, "Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat--refreshing!" The word reliable is a powerful word. When I was younger it did not strike me as such a powerful word but it sure does now! What happens is the longer we live the more chances we have of being disappointed. The converse of that can be true as well, in that we have more opportunities to see good things happen. I have had the chance for people to tell me either as pastor or a friend that thus and so will be done and for it not to happen is very frustrating. I have also had those experiences where people follow through on their word and it is amazing. Those experiences build trust, it builds unity, it truly helps build the human nation.
We are now at the point of the story that is hard to bear. It is our Lord being crucified. Jesus was sold out for thirty pieces of silver. He was crucified on trumped up charges. It was all illegal. He did it all for us. He was forsaken by His Father, when He became sin for us. He took the penalty for our sin while upon the cross. He did it all for us. Drink in this Gospel message today with all your heart.
Friday, November 6, 2009
310 Friday, November 6, 2009
310 Proverbs 22 – 24; Matthew 26.31 – 26.75
More fun and learning in the book of proverbs. It is not wrong to ask what the payoff is for living a wise and God-loyal life. Here is the reward, "The payoff for meekness and Fear-of God is plenty and honor and a satisfying life." Excuse sir, ma'am would you like some more? "No thank you we are very satisfied." Listen to those three words--plenty, honor, and a satisfying life--wow where can we buy that? You can't but by living for the Lord with a whole heart good things can come your way. The sage breaks down the next writings by categorizing the precepts into thirty different groupings. The introduction to these the wise writer says the sterling principles are here, " To make sure your foundation is trust in God." So many times we think trust in God is a feeling but it is a lifestyle of living out what the Lord has told. Do you trust in God with what you do?
The Savior is preparing His sheep for the crucifixion. The Shepherd will be struck and the sheep will be scattered. They come after the teacher with clubs and swords. That is like coming for an eight year old with a tank. They had witnessed his life and should have known there would be no resistance. Yet, they come in full force and then sling false charges His way. This is all being done for us. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Peter is doing his denying thing on Jesus. Don't worry, it turns out okay. All of this sadness turns to gladness.
More fun and learning in the book of proverbs. It is not wrong to ask what the payoff is for living a wise and God-loyal life. Here is the reward, "The payoff for meekness and Fear-of God is plenty and honor and a satisfying life." Excuse sir, ma'am would you like some more? "No thank you we are very satisfied." Listen to those three words--plenty, honor, and a satisfying life--wow where can we buy that? You can't but by living for the Lord with a whole heart good things can come your way. The sage breaks down the next writings by categorizing the precepts into thirty different groupings. The introduction to these the wise writer says the sterling principles are here, " To make sure your foundation is trust in God." So many times we think trust in God is a feeling but it is a lifestyle of living out what the Lord has told. Do you trust in God with what you do?
The Savior is preparing His sheep for the crucifixion. The Shepherd will be struck and the sheep will be scattered. They come after the teacher with clubs and swords. That is like coming for an eight year old with a tank. They had witnessed his life and should have known there would be no resistance. Yet, they come in full force and then sling false charges His way. This is all being done for us. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Peter is doing his denying thing on Jesus. Don't worry, it turns out okay. All of this sadness turns to gladness.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
309 Thursday, November 5, 2009
309 Proverbs 19 – 21; Matthew 26.1 – 26.30
Here we are in Proverb heaven. So many Proverbs, so little time. I will list some of the negative words in today's reading. They are as follows: ignorant, lazy, perjury, mean, nagging, unprincipled, irreverent, gossips, cheating, impulsive, rebels, dolts, arrogance, pride, lying, unscrupulous, brash, impudent, and of course blasphemer. I did not list all of them, but it's a good start to give an impression. God does not want us to have these words associated with our names. Many of the proverbs are juxtaposed to offer the “God way” in contrast to the “sinner way”. Many times it's a whole proverb contrasted with another proverb that is listed below it. It may even be a block of proverbs that is really nailing a point about what a wise person would not do and how sin will entice us down that path. One of the proverbs says this, "Keep the rules and keep your life: careless living kills." Careless living kills and so it does. Hence, all the negative words that we are to avoid. Here are some words in the same reading we are to become friends with: generous, wise, clear, good, forgive, forget, congenial, mercy, discipline, counsel, correction, loyal, loving, God-loyal, truth, integrity, clean, right, kind, giving, respected, best, and trust. Here is a proverb to remember in November, "Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within." How deep is your well? How much time do you take to dig a little deeper, to know more, to mine the truths of God, and to let them sink in? Make these listed words your best friends--they will not let you down. They will be your guide to go deeper with God.
There is a time to not be frugal and to lavish God with gifts. A woman comes in and pours very expensive perfume on Christ. The disciples were outraged because this could have been sold on Craig's list and then the money given to the poor. Christ had to set them straight about priorities in the kingdom of God. Christ was supposed to be honored at this time and the disciples were clueless at this time. Jesus later has his last meal with the disciples where he changes the Passover to the Lord's supper. They were still clueless. By the way I would have been too! Today let us remember Christ!!!
Here we are in Proverb heaven. So many Proverbs, so little time. I will list some of the negative words in today's reading. They are as follows: ignorant, lazy, perjury, mean, nagging, unprincipled, irreverent, gossips, cheating, impulsive, rebels, dolts, arrogance, pride, lying, unscrupulous, brash, impudent, and of course blasphemer. I did not list all of them, but it's a good start to give an impression. God does not want us to have these words associated with our names. Many of the proverbs are juxtaposed to offer the “God way” in contrast to the “sinner way”. Many times it's a whole proverb contrasted with another proverb that is listed below it. It may even be a block of proverbs that is really nailing a point about what a wise person would not do and how sin will entice us down that path. One of the proverbs says this, "Keep the rules and keep your life: careless living kills." Careless living kills and so it does. Hence, all the negative words that we are to avoid. Here are some words in the same reading we are to become friends with: generous, wise, clear, good, forgive, forget, congenial, mercy, discipline, counsel, correction, loyal, loving, God-loyal, truth, integrity, clean, right, kind, giving, respected, best, and trust. Here is a proverb to remember in November, "Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within." How deep is your well? How much time do you take to dig a little deeper, to know more, to mine the truths of God, and to let them sink in? Make these listed words your best friends--they will not let you down. They will be your guide to go deeper with God.
There is a time to not be frugal and to lavish God with gifts. A woman comes in and pours very expensive perfume on Christ. The disciples were outraged because this could have been sold on Craig's list and then the money given to the poor. Christ had to set them straight about priorities in the kingdom of God. Christ was supposed to be honored at this time and the disciples were clueless at this time. Jesus later has his last meal with the disciples where he changes the Passover to the Lord's supper. They were still clueless. By the way I would have been too! Today let us remember Christ!!!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
307 Tuesday, November 3, 2009
307 Proverbs 16 – 18; Matthew 25.31 – 25.46
My prayer is that you will really take your time in the Proverbs, they can light up your life. A few words and a ton of input such as, "Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better then political power." If that doesn't grab you how about this one, "There's a way that looks harmless enough look again--it leads straight to hell." It was this verse that struck a chord with me over thirty-four years ago when Jim shared it with me before I became a Christian. Yes, God used not only the Gospel to lead me to Himself, but also one of His Proverbs. Here is the last one that I will point out, "A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired." A great part of a cheerful disposition has to do with you following hard after God, and hanging with the right people. One more for the road, "Gracious speech is like clover honey--good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body." Wow--I guess the implication would be that we should be careful with our speech and watch who we are hanging around--they can take us up or bring us down!
This Matthew passage is one of the most scary passages in the Bible. Jesus comes back and arranges the nations before Him to separate the sheep from the goats--you do not want to be a goat--I repeat, you do not want to be a goat. What is the criteria for the separation--"I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me." The sheep ask, how did we do that to you? Jesus answered, "I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me--you did it to me."
Have a great weekend and be ready for Jesus!
My prayer is that you will really take your time in the Proverbs, they can light up your life. A few words and a ton of input such as, "Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better then political power." If that doesn't grab you how about this one, "There's a way that looks harmless enough look again--it leads straight to hell." It was this verse that struck a chord with me over thirty-four years ago when Jim shared it with me before I became a Christian. Yes, God used not only the Gospel to lead me to Himself, but also one of His Proverbs. Here is the last one that I will point out, "A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired." A great part of a cheerful disposition has to do with you following hard after God, and hanging with the right people. One more for the road, "Gracious speech is like clover honey--good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body." Wow--I guess the implication would be that we should be careful with our speech and watch who we are hanging around--they can take us up or bring us down!
This Matthew passage is one of the most scary passages in the Bible. Jesus comes back and arranges the nations before Him to separate the sheep from the goats--you do not want to be a goat--I repeat, you do not want to be a goat. What is the criteria for the separation--"I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me." The sheep ask, how did we do that to you? Jesus answered, "I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me--you did it to me."
Have a great weekend and be ready for Jesus!
Monday, November 2, 2009
306 Monday, November 2, 2009
306 Proverbs 13 – 15; Matthew 25.1 – 25.30
"A God-loyal life keeps you on track; sin dumps the wicked in the ditch." In more ways than one this proverb may some up the whole book of Proverbs. Perhaps the hardest thing the human has to do is to stay on track. There are so many distractions, detractors, and infiltrators that to actually stay on track for a long period of time is almost a modern day miracle. That is why the writer also says "The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, so, no more drinking from death-tainted waters." Be careful of where you drink and what you drink. We seem to be hyper-sensitive to the water we drink, but what about the stuff that gets into our heads and hearts? The real pollution in the world is in the world of ideas. What ideas are floating around in your head that are not from the fountain of life? Dump them now!!
God wants us to be like the wise virgins and the good investors. The wise virgins had oil in their lamps and they were ready to go. The foolish virgins were not ready--are you ready for Christ's return? The good investors took what the master had given them and immediately put it to work so there would be more. The one who had taken the talents and hid them so he could return them to the master, lost out big time. The others were rewarded for what they had done with their talents. Are you ready for Christ's return and in the meantime are you investing in God's work?
"A God-loyal life keeps you on track; sin dumps the wicked in the ditch." In more ways than one this proverb may some up the whole book of Proverbs. Perhaps the hardest thing the human has to do is to stay on track. There are so many distractions, detractors, and infiltrators that to actually stay on track for a long period of time is almost a modern day miracle. That is why the writer also says "The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, so, no more drinking from death-tainted waters." Be careful of where you drink and what you drink. We seem to be hyper-sensitive to the water we drink, but what about the stuff that gets into our heads and hearts? The real pollution in the world is in the world of ideas. What ideas are floating around in your head that are not from the fountain of life? Dump them now!!
God wants us to be like the wise virgins and the good investors. The wise virgins had oil in their lamps and they were ready to go. The foolish virgins were not ready--are you ready for Christ's return? The good investors took what the master had given them and immediately put it to work so there would be more. The one who had taken the talents and hid them so he could return them to the master, lost out big time. The others were rewarded for what they had done with their talents. Are you ready for Christ's return and in the meantime are you investing in God's work?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
305 Sunday, November 1, 2009
305 Proverbs 10 – 12; Matthew 24.23 – 24.51
An honest life is a good life, no, it is a great life. Be careful because it doesn't start with the big lie, it is the little ones, then it goes to the big ones. The great life is to make sure you enjoy the blessings of God. Why? "God's blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God." Listen to what the wise man says, "The Fear-of-God expands your life; a wicked life is a puny life." Just think it is not living for God that makes you puny it is the other way around. It is easy to let the words of the world get in and make our life seem the wrong way, the small way, but don't listen.
Jesus is coming back! Christ will come back as a thief in the night. We will not know when so we must be ready for Him at anytime! Are you ready for Christ's return? Walk with Him and talk with Him and be ready for Him.
An honest life is a good life, no, it is a great life. Be careful because it doesn't start with the big lie, it is the little ones, then it goes to the big ones. The great life is to make sure you enjoy the blessings of God. Why? "God's blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God." Listen to what the wise man says, "The Fear-of-God expands your life; a wicked life is a puny life." Just think it is not living for God that makes you puny it is the other way around. It is easy to let the words of the world get in and make our life seem the wrong way, the small way, but don't listen.
Jesus is coming back! Christ will come back as a thief in the night. We will not know when so we must be ready for Him at anytime! Are you ready for Christ's return? Walk with Him and talk with Him and be ready for Him.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
304 Saturday, October 31, 2009
304 Proverbs 7 – 9; Matthew 24.1 – 24.22
Headlines of the day "Adultery Is A Fools Game." For the completion of the thought, "Sex Outside Of Marriage Is A Fools Game." It used to be more of a man's game, but now women are wanting to jump in. For what reason do they want to join fools? I have no idea. One of the pictures that the wisdom writers use is a lady out on the street calling people to wisdom. She is called lady wisdom. Lady wisdom calls out to us not to live well, but to live at our best. I often tell people who talk to me about God's will that God's will in the Bible has to do with His moral will not finding the place, the person, etc. The study of the Bible will reveal that 99% of the time when God's will is talked about it is about God's moral will. In my time here on earth I have seen people fret more over finding the right job, the right mate, the right house, the right vacation etc., when we should be fretting over doing the known will of God--His moral will. When we do what is right, excellent living follows suit. This is why wisdom calls out that, "The Fear-of-God means hating Evil, whose ways I hate with a passion..."
The end is near--this is the message of Matthew 24. False Christ's, wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes--the whole way the world is wired is going to implode. In the end everything is connected, since God made it. The way everything is connected is going to be disconnected. The leader of the disconnectedness is the anti-Christ or as the Message puts it "The Monster of Desecration." A day is coming when we will be so glad that we are Christians. That same day will make some regret the day they were born. The mess will become more of a mess and then the Sweeper will come to straighten out the mess. The Christ will soundly beat the anti-Christ. We are on the victor's side--Amen!!!!!
Headlines of the day "Adultery Is A Fools Game." For the completion of the thought, "Sex Outside Of Marriage Is A Fools Game." It used to be more of a man's game, but now women are wanting to jump in. For what reason do they want to join fools? I have no idea. One of the pictures that the wisdom writers use is a lady out on the street calling people to wisdom. She is called lady wisdom. Lady wisdom calls out to us not to live well, but to live at our best. I often tell people who talk to me about God's will that God's will in the Bible has to do with His moral will not finding the place, the person, etc. The study of the Bible will reveal that 99% of the time when God's will is talked about it is about God's moral will. In my time here on earth I have seen people fret more over finding the right job, the right mate, the right house, the right vacation etc., when we should be fretting over doing the known will of God--His moral will. When we do what is right, excellent living follows suit. This is why wisdom calls out that, "The Fear-of-God means hating Evil, whose ways I hate with a passion..."
The end is near--this is the message of Matthew 24. False Christ's, wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes--the whole way the world is wired is going to implode. In the end everything is connected, since God made it. The way everything is connected is going to be disconnected. The leader of the disconnectedness is the anti-Christ or as the Message puts it "The Monster of Desecration." A day is coming when we will be so glad that we are Christians. That same day will make some regret the day they were born. The mess will become more of a mess and then the Sweeper will come to straighten out the mess. The Christ will soundly beat the anti-Christ. We are on the victor's side--Amen!!!!!
Friday, October 30, 2009
303 Friday, October 30, 2009
303 Proverbs 4 – 6; Matthew 23
Sell everything you have and get wisdom. Why? Wisdom will guard your life. In Proverbs a huge theme is that life is important, and therefore, how you live it is important. The everyday choices that one makes adds up to a life. In Psalms we are told that the Lord leads us in paths of righteousness for His names sake and in Proverbs we are told how to navigate those paths. It is a manual for living the good life. One of the ways to stay on the path is not to listen to the voice of one who tries to seduce us. Keep far from this person. For the married couple wisdom says you stay at home and invest in that spouse. Why would you trade a few moments with a prostitute or a seductive woman and throw away your life? Please take note of the seven things God hates.
The religious fashion show is happening somewhere in your neighborhood. People can talk the talk but they do not walk the walk. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees were experts at this religious fashion show. We can become experts at this. We should seek out the humble place and give others the praise. Jesus continues by saying that these, so called, “experts” have become roadblocks to the kingdom of heaven. Those that were to be showing the way are now blocking the way. This is the travesty of each generation, that there are those who know the way but end up blocking the way. Pray that we not be or become those people.
Sell everything you have and get wisdom. Why? Wisdom will guard your life. In Proverbs a huge theme is that life is important, and therefore, how you live it is important. The everyday choices that one makes adds up to a life. In Psalms we are told that the Lord leads us in paths of righteousness for His names sake and in Proverbs we are told how to navigate those paths. It is a manual for living the good life. One of the ways to stay on the path is not to listen to the voice of one who tries to seduce us. Keep far from this person. For the married couple wisdom says you stay at home and invest in that spouse. Why would you trade a few moments with a prostitute or a seductive woman and throw away your life? Please take note of the seven things God hates.
The religious fashion show is happening somewhere in your neighborhood. People can talk the talk but they do not walk the walk. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees were experts at this religious fashion show. We can become experts at this. We should seek out the humble place and give others the praise. Jesus continues by saying that these, so called, “experts” have become roadblocks to the kingdom of heaven. Those that were to be showing the way are now blocking the way. This is the travesty of each generation, that there are those who know the way but end up blocking the way. Pray that we not be or become those people.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
302 Thursday, October 29, 2009
302 Proverbs 1 – 3; Matthew 22.23 – 22.46
Psalms teaches us how to worship rightly and the Proverbs teaches us how to live wisely. If you want wisdom that will help you craft a mature and healthy lifestyle then you must first begin by bowing down to God. In other versions it says, "true knowledge comes from fearing God." The writer of the proverbs lets us know right off that moral choices leads to a good life. If you have an ‘all you can get’ attitude then, "the more you get, the less you are." In chapter two the wisdom writer lets us in on the secret to gaining more wisdom--make it a top priority. It seems so simple, but ask yourself, what do you work on more--your career or wisdom, hobby or wisdom, sports or wisdom? No, really, ask yourself!
The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection so they came to trap Jesus with their questions about marriage in the after life. Christ lets them know that they do not understand the afterlife since there is no marriage in the afterlife. Also, Jesus lets them in on a little secret, "God is the God of the living, not the dead." Jesus has told us that he is the resurrection and the life and that if anyone comes to him they shall live. Thank God for the resurrection and that Christ has led the way. In the end that is our only hope that Christ raises us from the dead!!!
Psalms teaches us how to worship rightly and the Proverbs teaches us how to live wisely. If you want wisdom that will help you craft a mature and healthy lifestyle then you must first begin by bowing down to God. In other versions it says, "true knowledge comes from fearing God." The writer of the proverbs lets us know right off that moral choices leads to a good life. If you have an ‘all you can get’ attitude then, "the more you get, the less you are." In chapter two the wisdom writer lets us in on the secret to gaining more wisdom--make it a top priority. It seems so simple, but ask yourself, what do you work on more--your career or wisdom, hobby or wisdom, sports or wisdom? No, really, ask yourself!
The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection so they came to trap Jesus with their questions about marriage in the after life. Christ lets them know that they do not understand the afterlife since there is no marriage in the afterlife. Also, Jesus lets them in on a little secret, "God is the God of the living, not the dead." Jesus has told us that he is the resurrection and the life and that if anyone comes to him they shall live. Thank God for the resurrection and that Christ has led the way. In the end that is our only hope that Christ raises us from the dead!!!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
300 Wednesday, October 27, 2009
300 Job 38 – 42; Matthew 22.1 – 22.22
The news headlines for Job: "Fortune Restored--Double" an unbelievable turn of events. Job finally faces God and gets a face full of God. God simply points out that he is God and Job is not. In one section God asks Job, "Are you making me out to be a sinner so you can be a saint?" This is straight talk from God. Job repents and even prays for his friends. It is after this turn of event that God restores to Job his health and everything else times two. What a great ending!
What is God's kingdom like? What value system does it employ? Jesus is telling these parables about the kingdom of God to give insight to how God operates. This is the story about the king throwing a wedding feast and the original guests do not come. The king then sends out his servants on the highways and byways to compel others to come. The "others" are not what you would call wedding feast material, but they come and the feast is on. The "others" in this story are the gentiles. God had invited Israel to come, but they had said no. You just never know who is going to come to dinner because God invited them. Stay tuned!
The news headlines for Job: "Fortune Restored--Double" an unbelievable turn of events. Job finally faces God and gets a face full of God. God simply points out that he is God and Job is not. In one section God asks Job, "Are you making me out to be a sinner so you can be a saint?" This is straight talk from God. Job repents and even prays for his friends. It is after this turn of event that God restores to Job his health and everything else times two. What a great ending!
What is God's kingdom like? What value system does it employ? Jesus is telling these parables about the kingdom of God to give insight to how God operates. This is the story about the king throwing a wedding feast and the original guests do not come. The king then sends out his servants on the highways and byways to compel others to come. The "others" are not what you would call wedding feast material, but they come and the feast is on. The "others" in this story are the gentiles. God had invited Israel to come, but they had said no. You just never know who is going to come to dinner because God invited them. Stay tuned!
Monday, October 26, 2009
299 Tuesday, October 26, 2009
299 Job 35 – 37; Matthew 21.23 – 21.46
You can sense that there is a view of God that if you behave then God blesses you and if you misbehave then God will punish you. This view that Elihu is espousing as well as the others is not a for sure deal in the O.T. and is surely not taught in the N.T. In the O.T. there is a bigger connection between obedience and blessing, yet there are countless times where God should have punished and He didn't. In the N.T. there is even more grace revealed and how God apart from us still blesses us. It is important that you know God!! Who God is determines how He interacts with His creation.
Jesus was so great in his interactions with the Pharisees. They were constantly trying to trap him and they ended up stepping in it. Instead of trying to get to know Him they were trying to throw him off his stride and pull him down. The Son of God stood right there and they chose to argue. Today let us choose not to argue but to open up our hearts to Him.
You can sense that there is a view of God that if you behave then God blesses you and if you misbehave then God will punish you. This view that Elihu is espousing as well as the others is not a for sure deal in the O.T. and is surely not taught in the N.T. In the O.T. there is a bigger connection between obedience and blessing, yet there are countless times where God should have punished and He didn't. In the N.T. there is even more grace revealed and how God apart from us still blesses us. It is important that you know God!! Who God is determines how He interacts with His creation.
Jesus was so great in his interactions with the Pharisees. They were constantly trying to trap him and they ended up stepping in it. Instead of trying to get to know Him they were trying to throw him off his stride and pull him down. The Son of God stood right there and they chose to argue. Today let us choose not to argue but to open up our hearts to Him.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
298 Monday, October 25, 2009
298 Job 32 – 34; Matthew 21.1 – 21.22
Now the youngest finally speaks out. He has kept quiet out of respect for the older men, but regrets it since he now understands wisdom comes from God not age. Elihu's point is that Job's claim to be pure before God is a misconception of the holiness of God. If Job knew exactly who God is and His holiness, he would not speak this nonsense. Elihu calls upon God's omnipresence to help Job know that there is no way God would not know what Job has done. He believes Job has compounded his sin by defending himself instead of confessing his sin. What a great discourse on suffering, pain, sin, and where is God in this mix?
Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem is followed by him kicking over the tables. His Father's house is to be a house of prayer. They were selling their stuff in the court of the gentiles, thereby pushing out the gentiles. The temple was set up so the gentiles could learn about God. The Jews had forgotten their mission. The place where the gentiles were to learn to pray was cut off. Money became more important than the mission. What has become more important for you than the mission of Christ?
Now the youngest finally speaks out. He has kept quiet out of respect for the older men, but regrets it since he now understands wisdom comes from God not age. Elihu's point is that Job's claim to be pure before God is a misconception of the holiness of God. If Job knew exactly who God is and His holiness, he would not speak this nonsense. Elihu calls upon God's omnipresence to help Job know that there is no way God would not know what Job has done. He believes Job has compounded his sin by defending himself instead of confessing his sin. What a great discourse on suffering, pain, sin, and where is God in this mix?
Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem is followed by him kicking over the tables. His Father's house is to be a house of prayer. They were selling their stuff in the court of the gentiles, thereby pushing out the gentiles. The temple was set up so the gentiles could learn about God. The Jews had forgotten their mission. The place where the gentiles were to learn to pray was cut off. Money became more important than the mission. What has become more important for you than the mission of Christ?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
297 Saturday, October 24, 2009
297 Job 29 – 31; Matthew 20
Why? "My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me"--this is what Jesus cried out when on the cross. Why? We all ask this question at one time or another in our lives. Job was asking it of God and anyone who would listen--Why? Why has my life been turned upside down and inside out? Job wanted to go back to the good old days and who can blame him. The righteous shall live by faith. Faith is forsaking all; I'm trusting Him—f-a-i-t-h.! Not as easy as it may appear at times. What we can say is that when we are in the hard times it is not non-spiritual to ask God "why?" It is good to talk about it--let it out in order to give it up. I would have to say that when we are hurting it is hard to find community. Job felt very alone--people who used to come around were around no more. Those that came around were not a lot of help. Jesus tells us to weep with those who weep and to rejoice with those who rejoice.
The "Great Reversal" is throughout the Bible, but is really evident in the N.T.. Jesus says, "the first will be last and the last first." The worker story is a reminder to the Pharisees that the gentiles who are Johnny-come-late participators will end up in the kingdom. Is it fair? Yes, because the owner is in charge and has set it up this way. It is God's kingdom. In this kingdom the mother of the Zebedee wants to know if her two sons can have the highest places of honor. Jesus wants to know, can they drink of that cup? The place of honor will be preceded by suffering. Is this what you are looking for? Most want the crown without the thorns.
Why? "My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me"--this is what Jesus cried out when on the cross. Why? We all ask this question at one time or another in our lives. Job was asking it of God and anyone who would listen--Why? Why has my life been turned upside down and inside out? Job wanted to go back to the good old days and who can blame him. The righteous shall live by faith. Faith is forsaking all; I'm trusting Him—f-a-i-t-h.! Not as easy as it may appear at times. What we can say is that when we are in the hard times it is not non-spiritual to ask God "why?" It is good to talk about it--let it out in order to give it up. I would have to say that when we are hurting it is hard to find community. Job felt very alone--people who used to come around were around no more. Those that came around were not a lot of help. Jesus tells us to weep with those who weep and to rejoice with those who rejoice.
The "Great Reversal" is throughout the Bible, but is really evident in the N.T.. Jesus says, "the first will be last and the last first." The worker story is a reminder to the Pharisees that the gentiles who are Johnny-come-late participators will end up in the kingdom. Is it fair? Yes, because the owner is in charge and has set it up this way. It is God's kingdom. In this kingdom the mother of the Zebedee wants to know if her two sons can have the highest places of honor. Jesus wants to know, can they drink of that cup? The place of honor will be preceded by suffering. Is this what you are looking for? Most want the crown without the thorns.
Friday, October 23, 2009
296 Friday, October 23, 2009
296 Job 26 – 28; Matthew 19
So much of Job's conversation with his friends has to do with none of them understanding God's grace. People in the N.T. had the same problem and here is what God told Peter to say,
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
The Lord allows the wicked to go on living in hopes that they come to repentance. Jesus could come back right now and if He did many of our friends would wind up in hell. God's grace and mercy holds God to a different time line and a different way of bringing judgment upon the wicked. Something else that we can see as outsiders on this conversation is that they spend way too much time thinking about others lives instead of just focusing on themselves.
Who has a chance to get into heaven? Whoever obeys the Lord. Obedience always has to do with believing upon the Lord Jesus Christ with no reservations. The rich man could not fully commit to the Lord because he wanted to bring some things along with him. The disciples dropped theirs nets and followed Jesus. We as believers have to continue to monitor what we are picking up along the way. Is there anything that you wouldn’t give up to follow Christ?
So much of Job's conversation with his friends has to do with none of them understanding God's grace. People in the N.T. had the same problem and here is what God told Peter to say,
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
The Lord allows the wicked to go on living in hopes that they come to repentance. Jesus could come back right now and if He did many of our friends would wind up in hell. God's grace and mercy holds God to a different time line and a different way of bringing judgment upon the wicked. Something else that we can see as outsiders on this conversation is that they spend way too much time thinking about others lives instead of just focusing on themselves.
Who has a chance to get into heaven? Whoever obeys the Lord. Obedience always has to do with believing upon the Lord Jesus Christ with no reservations. The rich man could not fully commit to the Lord because he wanted to bring some things along with him. The disciples dropped theirs nets and followed Jesus. We as believers have to continue to monitor what we are picking up along the way. Is there anything that you wouldn’t give up to follow Christ?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
295 Thursday, October 22, 2009
295 Job 23 – 25; Matthew 18.21 – 18.35
My complaint is legitimate, so says Job. It sure looks that way to me. However, I'm not God. There are three conversations happening here in this story. We have what Job is saying and then what the three amigos are saying, but the one that matters is God's conversation that you don't always have on each page. God will chime in and then everyone is silenced. Job had bought in to the idea that if you live a righteous life then all will be well. A life blessed by God in all ways especially without pain. That idea was now destroyed and he was defending his position. Useless, but we all learn a lot from him. What have you bought into as to whether or not God is blessing your life? This is very important point. Really think it through.
I'll forgive but there has to be limit--come on! How about 70 times 7. We want to drink the poison of bitterness and pray that the other person gets sick. Forgiveness is as much or more for the forgiver as it is for the other person. Let it go--forgiveness is for giving away!
My complaint is legitimate, so says Job. It sure looks that way to me. However, I'm not God. There are three conversations happening here in this story. We have what Job is saying and then what the three amigos are saying, but the one that matters is God's conversation that you don't always have on each page. God will chime in and then everyone is silenced. Job had bought in to the idea that if you live a righteous life then all will be well. A life blessed by God in all ways especially without pain. That idea was now destroyed and he was defending his position. Useless, but we all learn a lot from him. What have you bought into as to whether or not God is blessing your life? This is very important point. Really think it through.
I'll forgive but there has to be limit--come on! How about 70 times 7. We want to drink the poison of bitterness and pray that the other person gets sick. Forgiveness is as much or more for the forgiver as it is for the other person. Let it go--forgiveness is for giving away!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
293 Tuesday, October 20, 2009
293 Job 20 – 22; Matthew 18.1 – 18.20
Job's complaint is, "why do the wicked have it so good?" This complaint is also found in Psalm 73 which was written by David. This issue of the wicked not receiving their just desserts in this life can become a huge issue if focus is lost. Zophar has one perspective and that is; ‘don't worry their time is coming’ and for many it has come. However, he is not contemplating this while his body is racked with pain. Pain can change our perspective. This is where we lose focus. It is while we are in pain that we can begin to question the ways of God. In Isaiah we learned that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. We must live by faith.
Our greatness will be measured by our child like faith. Today, let it be simple. Today, let God truly lead your life. Today, have faith that your Father in heaven has your back.
Job's complaint is, "why do the wicked have it so good?" This complaint is also found in Psalm 73 which was written by David. This issue of the wicked not receiving their just desserts in this life can become a huge issue if focus is lost. Zophar has one perspective and that is; ‘don't worry their time is coming’ and for many it has come. However, he is not contemplating this while his body is racked with pain. Pain can change our perspective. This is where we lose focus. It is while we are in pain that we can begin to question the ways of God. In Isaiah we learned that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. We must live by faith.
Our greatness will be measured by our child like faith. Today, let it be simple. Today, let God truly lead your life. Today, have faith that your Father in heaven has your back.
Monday, October 19, 2009
292 Monday, October 19, 2009
292 Job 18 – 19; Matthew 17
Pray that you never have friends like Job's friends. In the middle of the second column on page 1354 you will find these words,
"Still, I know that God lives---the One who gives me back my life---and eventually he'll take his stand on earth. And I'll see him---even though I get skinned alive!---see God myself, with my very own eyes."
This is a Messianic reference to the day that Jesus Christ rules upon this earth. Job by faith makes this inspired statement about a day way in the future. Job needed hope and hope he had even though it was to come way down the line. I do not believe that Job knew all the implications of his statement, however it was his faith at work in a desperate situation.
‘That was a great service, retreat, or great prayer time--now if I could just have that bottled and drink it anytime I deem it necessary.’ Peter was seeing the glory of God in Christ revealed and he thought it would be great to box that puppy right up. To experience God is a moment to moment proposition that is unpredictable and mysterious. There is no formula, only principles to guide us. Come to Him with an open heart, humble spirit, and holy hands. Seek Him only and let the blessings fall where they may. Faith in God is not something we negotiate. Faith is putting everything on the line, all the time, and leave the results with God. Have a great faith day.
Pray that you never have friends like Job's friends. In the middle of the second column on page 1354 you will find these words,
"Still, I know that God lives---the One who gives me back my life---and eventually he'll take his stand on earth. And I'll see him---even though I get skinned alive!---see God myself, with my very own eyes."
This is a Messianic reference to the day that Jesus Christ rules upon this earth. Job by faith makes this inspired statement about a day way in the future. Job needed hope and hope he had even though it was to come way down the line. I do not believe that Job knew all the implications of his statement, however it was his faith at work in a desperate situation.
‘That was a great service, retreat, or great prayer time--now if I could just have that bottled and drink it anytime I deem it necessary.’ Peter was seeing the glory of God in Christ revealed and he thought it would be great to box that puppy right up. To experience God is a moment to moment proposition that is unpredictable and mysterious. There is no formula, only principles to guide us. Come to Him with an open heart, humble spirit, and holy hands. Seek Him only and let the blessings fall where they may. Faith in God is not something we negotiate. Faith is putting everything on the line, all the time, and leave the results with God. Have a great faith day.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
291 Sunday, October 18, 2009
291 Job 15 – 17; Matthew 16
“How rarely we weigh our neighbor in the same balance in which we weigh ourselves.”
Thomas à Kempis
The three amigos are really working themselves up into a lather over Job. They are not suffering, so why the big dispute? They have to prove Job wrong because if Job is not suffering because of sin in his life then their view of God is wrong. They are attacking Job out of insecurity about their theology instead of trying to help Job who is about to die. They are only interested in themselves. Let’s make it even more personal. If their formula for having wealth and health (obeying God) is not the way to guarantee a life free of suffering then what is happening to Job could happen to them. Wow! What did Job have to say for himself this time around? Let Job speak for himself.
Job 16:1-4 (NIV)
1 Then Job replied:
2 "I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all!
3 Will your long-winded speeches never end? What ails you that you keep on arguing?
4 I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you.
Job is right. We can all speak a different language when we are not suffering. Let us choose our words carefully when confronted by a person who is hurting.
There are two items that I want to take up in Matthew 16. The first has to do with yeast. Jesus is trying to get his disciples to understand that just as it is with a little yeast in the bread dough that makes the whole loaf rise so it is with sin. Here are His words,
Matthew 16:11-12 (NIV)
11 How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
The point for us is the same. We must be careful even with a "little" sin for it can destroy us.
The second item is who do you say Jesus is?
Matthew 16:15-16 (NIV)
15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Is that your confession today?
Do you truly believe that Jesus is the Son of the living God? Then go and follow Him!
“How rarely we weigh our neighbor in the same balance in which we weigh ourselves.”
Thomas à Kempis
The three amigos are really working themselves up into a lather over Job. They are not suffering, so why the big dispute? They have to prove Job wrong because if Job is not suffering because of sin in his life then their view of God is wrong. They are attacking Job out of insecurity about their theology instead of trying to help Job who is about to die. They are only interested in themselves. Let’s make it even more personal. If their formula for having wealth and health (obeying God) is not the way to guarantee a life free of suffering then what is happening to Job could happen to them. Wow! What did Job have to say for himself this time around? Let Job speak for himself.
Job 16:1-4 (NIV)
1 Then Job replied:
2 "I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all!
3 Will your long-winded speeches never end? What ails you that you keep on arguing?
4 I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you.
Job is right. We can all speak a different language when we are not suffering. Let us choose our words carefully when confronted by a person who is hurting.
There are two items that I want to take up in Matthew 16. The first has to do with yeast. Jesus is trying to get his disciples to understand that just as it is with a little yeast in the bread dough that makes the whole loaf rise so it is with sin. Here are His words,
Matthew 16:11-12 (NIV)
11 How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
The point for us is the same. We must be careful even with a "little" sin for it can destroy us.
The second item is who do you say Jesus is?
Matthew 16:15-16 (NIV)
15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Is that your confession today?
Do you truly believe that Jesus is the Son of the living God? Then go and follow Him!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
290 Saturday, October 17, 2009
290 Job 12 – 14; Matthew 15.21 – 15.39
Before we get into chapter twelve we need to review chapter 11 of Job. In chapter 11 you will remember that Zophar has made three accusations against Job. Of the three friends it is highly likely that Zophar was the youngest since he spoke last. Here are the three accusations: Job is guilty of sin (Job 11:1-4); Job is ignorant of God (vv. 5-12); and Job is stubborn in his refusal to repent (vv. 13-20). It is in 12 -14 that Job answers all three of these accusations: He declares God’s greatness (Job 12) and he maintains his own innocence (Job 13), and because he has no hope, he sees no reason as to why he should he repent? (Job 14) This angry approach to helping someone who is suffering is not recommended by anyone in the counseling profession. When we suffer or when someone else suffers the question of sin has to arise because there are times God will discipline His children. We must search our own hearts with the help of the Holy Spirit to see if we have gone astray. If nothing is revealed then we should pray and ask God to forgive us of any unknown sin that may be in our lives. Sometimes we suffer for the sake of our Lord. One man has affirmed this when he said, “It is not why I suffer that I wish to know, but only whether I suffer for Your sake.”Levi Yitzhak of Berditcher
A woman who has a sick daughter is pestering the disciples and Jesus. Finally Jesus engages her about her persistence and here is some of the conversation:
Matthew 15:25-28 (MSG)
25 Then the woman came back to Jesus, went to her knees, and begged. "Master, help me."
26 He said, "It's not right to take bread out of children's mouths and throw it to dogs."
27 She was quick: "You're right, Master, but beggar dogs do get scraps from the master's table."
28 Jesus gave in. "Oh, woman, your faith is something else. What you want is what you get!" Right then her daughter became well.
This woman was not going to be denied. Her daughter was sick and she wanted the Master to set things right. I am an on the side of we must keep bringing our requests before the Lord. Our merciful Savior understands if we go too far. What have you not prayed for in a while? Pray for it again today. Trust God and let go.
Before we get into chapter twelve we need to review chapter 11 of Job. In chapter 11 you will remember that Zophar has made three accusations against Job. Of the three friends it is highly likely that Zophar was the youngest since he spoke last. Here are the three accusations: Job is guilty of sin (Job 11:1-4); Job is ignorant of God (vv. 5-12); and Job is stubborn in his refusal to repent (vv. 13-20). It is in 12 -14 that Job answers all three of these accusations: He declares God’s greatness (Job 12) and he maintains his own innocence (Job 13), and because he has no hope, he sees no reason as to why he should he repent? (Job 14) This angry approach to helping someone who is suffering is not recommended by anyone in the counseling profession. When we suffer or when someone else suffers the question of sin has to arise because there are times God will discipline His children. We must search our own hearts with the help of the Holy Spirit to see if we have gone astray. If nothing is revealed then we should pray and ask God to forgive us of any unknown sin that may be in our lives. Sometimes we suffer for the sake of our Lord. One man has affirmed this when he said, “It is not why I suffer that I wish to know, but only whether I suffer for Your sake.”Levi Yitzhak of Berditcher
A woman who has a sick daughter is pestering the disciples and Jesus. Finally Jesus engages her about her persistence and here is some of the conversation:
Matthew 15:25-28 (MSG)
25 Then the woman came back to Jesus, went to her knees, and begged. "Master, help me."
26 He said, "It's not right to take bread out of children's mouths and throw it to dogs."
27 She was quick: "You're right, Master, but beggar dogs do get scraps from the master's table."
28 Jesus gave in. "Oh, woman, your faith is something else. What you want is what you get!" Right then her daughter became well.
This woman was not going to be denied. Her daughter was sick and she wanted the Master to set things right. I am an on the side of we must keep bringing our requests before the Lord. Our merciful Savior understands if we go too far. What have you not prayed for in a while? Pray for it again today. Trust God and let go.
Friday, October 16, 2009
289 Friday, October 16, 2009
289 Job 9 – 11; Matthew 15.1 – 15.20
In Job 9 and 10 we find Job asking three questions that gives us insight into a soul that is suffering. The three questions are as follows: :
(1) “How can I be righteous before God?” (9:1-13)
(2) “How can I meet God in court?” (vv. 14-35) and
(3) “Why was I born?” (10:1-22; see v. 18).
The question that Job proposes about his righteousness has more to do with vindication and not salvation. Job wants to prove his innocence before God. Job then talks about some of the attributes of God and realizes that this would be impossible. Next the question has to do with meeting God in court which still has to do with proving his innocence. Job imagines several situations of meeting God in court and again realizes the futility of his thinking. The next question goes to the heart of what many think when in pain. Job is basically saying; ‘you made me and invested in me so why are you destroying me?’ God had not revealed to Job the purpose of his suffering and Job felt he needed to know why this was happening to him. If Job was not guilty of sin then why? God was using Job to defeat Satan at this time and place. In Job we see the unseen world at work and how this unseen world affects the seen world. We have to have faith that God is in charge in the unseen world. What questions do you have of God that has not been answered? Can you trust the Lord until they are answered or until you meet Christ face to face?
We find Christ in Matthew 15 confronting the Pharisees once again. They thought they had found a loop hole in some of God's commands, but they were only fooling themselves. Here is Christ's answer to them,
Matthew 15:7-9 (MSG)
7 Frauds! Isaiah's prophecy of you hit the bull's-eye:
8 These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn't in it.
9 They act like they're worshiping me, but they don't mean it. They just use me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy."
We must guard our hearts in this life. We must ask God to help us not to be frauds, but rather to be transparent before God and others with a heart full of genuine faith. May this be your prayer today.
In Job 9 and 10 we find Job asking three questions that gives us insight into a soul that is suffering. The three questions are as follows: :
(1) “How can I be righteous before God?” (9:1-13)
(2) “How can I meet God in court?” (vv. 14-35) and
(3) “Why was I born?” (10:1-22; see v. 18).
The question that Job proposes about his righteousness has more to do with vindication and not salvation. Job wants to prove his innocence before God. Job then talks about some of the attributes of God and realizes that this would be impossible. Next the question has to do with meeting God in court which still has to do with proving his innocence. Job imagines several situations of meeting God in court and again realizes the futility of his thinking. The next question goes to the heart of what many think when in pain. Job is basically saying; ‘you made me and invested in me so why are you destroying me?’ God had not revealed to Job the purpose of his suffering and Job felt he needed to know why this was happening to him. If Job was not guilty of sin then why? God was using Job to defeat Satan at this time and place. In Job we see the unseen world at work and how this unseen world affects the seen world. We have to have faith that God is in charge in the unseen world. What questions do you have of God that has not been answered? Can you trust the Lord until they are answered or until you meet Christ face to face?
We find Christ in Matthew 15 confronting the Pharisees once again. They thought they had found a loop hole in some of God's commands, but they were only fooling themselves. Here is Christ's answer to them,
Matthew 15:7-9 (MSG)
7 Frauds! Isaiah's prophecy of you hit the bull's-eye:
8 These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn't in it.
9 They act like they're worshiping me, but they don't mean it. They just use me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy."
We must guard our hearts in this life. We must ask God to help us not to be frauds, but rather to be transparent before God and others with a heart full of genuine faith. May this be your prayer today.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
288 Thursday, October 15, 2009
288 Job 6 – 8; Matthew 14
Let the games begin or in this case let the discussion begin. Job's friends had been silent for seven days and I would think that later on he wished they would have been silent for another seven days. You will see some friends trying to help with logic and truth, but not doing it in love. In Ephesians 4:15 we learn that we are suppose to speak the truth in love.
So we will witness some controversy instead of healing and help. Hear what a wise man once wrote:
“But what Satan could not do with all his Sabeans, and all his Chaldeans, and all his winds from the wilderness to help him, that he soon did with the debating approaches and the controversial assaults of Eliphaz, and Zophar, and Bildad, and Elihu. Oh, the unmitigable curse of controversy!” Alexander Whyte
Job's friend Eliphaz answers Job's words instead of answering Job's heart. A wise and good friend will know when to be very truthful and then will know when to have a softer approach. If a person does not learn this they can easily stir up controversy. Controversy does not heal and it does not help in situations like these. Ask God to help you to be a wise friend.
There was confusion over the identity of Jesus. Herod had beheaded John the Baptist, but when he heard about what Jesus was doing he thought John had come back from the dead. When Jesus had heard of the death of John he tried to slip off by himself, but was soon discovered. Jesus is in own grief and now he has been spotted by a crowd. Here is Christ's response,
Matthew 14:14 (MSG) 14 When he saw them coming, he was overcome with pity and healed their sick. He was overcome with pity.
Christ had mercy on them. Sometimes we have to give mercy even when we have very little to give. Today ask Christ to help you give to someone that needs some mercy. Mercy may come in kind words, a word of blessing for them, a time of prayer for them, or it could be giving them some money. May the Lord have mercy on us all. Amen
Let the games begin or in this case let the discussion begin. Job's friends had been silent for seven days and I would think that later on he wished they would have been silent for another seven days. You will see some friends trying to help with logic and truth, but not doing it in love. In Ephesians 4:15 we learn that we are suppose to speak the truth in love.
So we will witness some controversy instead of healing and help. Hear what a wise man once wrote:
“But what Satan could not do with all his Sabeans, and all his Chaldeans, and all his winds from the wilderness to help him, that he soon did with the debating approaches and the controversial assaults of Eliphaz, and Zophar, and Bildad, and Elihu. Oh, the unmitigable curse of controversy!” Alexander Whyte
Job's friend Eliphaz answers Job's words instead of answering Job's heart. A wise and good friend will know when to be very truthful and then will know when to have a softer approach. If a person does not learn this they can easily stir up controversy. Controversy does not heal and it does not help in situations like these. Ask God to help you to be a wise friend.
There was confusion over the identity of Jesus. Herod had beheaded John the Baptist, but when he heard about what Jesus was doing he thought John had come back from the dead. When Jesus had heard of the death of John he tried to slip off by himself, but was soon discovered. Jesus is in own grief and now he has been spotted by a crowd. Here is Christ's response,
Matthew 14:14 (MSG) 14 When he saw them coming, he was overcome with pity and healed their sick. He was overcome with pity.
Christ had mercy on them. Sometimes we have to give mercy even when we have very little to give. Today ask Christ to help you give to someone that needs some mercy. Mercy may come in kind words, a word of blessing for them, a time of prayer for them, or it could be giving them some money. May the Lord have mercy on us all. Amen
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
286 Tuesday, October 13, 2009
286 Job 3 – 5; Matthew 13.24 – 13.58
For seven days Job had been silently suffering and now he breaks his silence. He does not curse God, but the pain has grown unbearable to the point that he curses the day he was born. This is Job's lament of all that has happened to him including the loss of his health. He is in emotional, spiritual, and physical pain. If he were only dead then he could be in Sheol which is where the dead rest with no pain. When a person suffers they will lament. God does not expect us not to. Jesus Christ was hurting in the garden and expressed His emotions to the Father. Job expresses something that we need to listen to when he says,
Job 3:25 (MSG) 25 The worst of my fears has come true, what I've dreaded most has happened. The worst of my fears has come true. This is what we try to avoid in our thoughts and in our discussions--the worst of our fears.
We know that Job lived through all that he went through and had to face his fear(s). Our prayer to God is that the Lord would help us to face our fears and to ground us in our faith in God.
Here is an interesting teaching of Jesus,
Matthew 13:37-41 (MSG)
37 So he explained. "The farmer who sows the pure seed is the Son of Man.
38 The field is the world, the pure seeds are subjects of the kingdom, the thistles are subjects of the Devil,
39 and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, the curtain of history. The harvest hands are angels.
40 "The picture of thistles pulled up and burned is a scene from the final act.
41 The Son of Man will send his angels, weed out the thistles from his kingdom,
What we sometimes do not understand is that the wheat and thistles grow up together. It is not our job to separate the wheat from the thistles. God is going to send his angels to weed out the thistles from his kingdom. The implication for us is that in any church, or church organization there will be wheat and thistles. If you believe you are a believer, a follower of Christ, then follow that path with all your heart. Focus on getting your life right and keeping your life right.
For seven days Job had been silently suffering and now he breaks his silence. He does not curse God, but the pain has grown unbearable to the point that he curses the day he was born. This is Job's lament of all that has happened to him including the loss of his health. He is in emotional, spiritual, and physical pain. If he were only dead then he could be in Sheol which is where the dead rest with no pain. When a person suffers they will lament. God does not expect us not to. Jesus Christ was hurting in the garden and expressed His emotions to the Father. Job expresses something that we need to listen to when he says,
Job 3:25 (MSG) 25 The worst of my fears has come true, what I've dreaded most has happened. The worst of my fears has come true. This is what we try to avoid in our thoughts and in our discussions--the worst of our fears.
We know that Job lived through all that he went through and had to face his fear(s). Our prayer to God is that the Lord would help us to face our fears and to ground us in our faith in God.
Here is an interesting teaching of Jesus,
Matthew 13:37-41 (MSG)
37 So he explained. "The farmer who sows the pure seed is the Son of Man.
38 The field is the world, the pure seeds are subjects of the kingdom, the thistles are subjects of the Devil,
39 and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, the curtain of history. The harvest hands are angels.
40 "The picture of thistles pulled up and burned is a scene from the final act.
41 The Son of Man will send his angels, weed out the thistles from his kingdom,
What we sometimes do not understand is that the wheat and thistles grow up together. It is not our job to separate the wheat from the thistles. God is going to send his angels to weed out the thistles from his kingdom. The implication for us is that in any church, or church organization there will be wheat and thistles. If you believe you are a believer, a follower of Christ, then follow that path with all your heart. Focus on getting your life right and keeping your life right.
Monday, October 12, 2009
285 Monday, October 12, 2009
285 Job 1 – 2; Matthew 13.1 – 13.23
Before we get started in the book of Job I thought it would be good to be reminded of what St. Augustine once said:
“Trust the Past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His providence.” Job was a real person who had a real story. This is not a work of fiction. We find a man who is righteous before God and who has been blessed beyond our wildest dreams. God allows Satan to take it all away, including his children! What was Job's response?
Job 1:21-22 (MSG)
21 Naked I came from my mother's womb, naked I'll return to the womb of the earth. God gives, God takes. God's name be ever blessed.
22 Not once through all this did Job sin; not once did he blame God.
What an amazing attitude in this man! We would all do well to try and emulate this attitude found in Job. Complaining never gets you where you need to go. We have many more chapters to go and so the story is not over. We will learn how to deal with pain and suffering and how to deal with people who come around in our down times.
Have you ever wondered why some get what the Scriptures say and others don't? Christ's disciples sure were asking questions like these. This is why we have Christ saying, in verse 12,
“Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears.”
People who get what the Scriptures are saying have a ready heart. They have a heart that is receptive to spiritual truth. Pray that your heart will continue to be receptive to God's truth. Pray this for your family, friends, and relatives as well. In case you are wondering, this receptive heart does not mean you automatically become a theologian or understand everything that is in the Bible. A ready heart means you get most of what God is wanting to do in and through your life. You are open to His Spirit and to His truth.
Before we get started in the book of Job I thought it would be good to be reminded of what St. Augustine once said:
“Trust the Past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His providence.” Job was a real person who had a real story. This is not a work of fiction. We find a man who is righteous before God and who has been blessed beyond our wildest dreams. God allows Satan to take it all away, including his children! What was Job's response?
Job 1:21-22 (MSG)
21 Naked I came from my mother's womb, naked I'll return to the womb of the earth. God gives, God takes. God's name be ever blessed.
22 Not once through all this did Job sin; not once did he blame God.
What an amazing attitude in this man! We would all do well to try and emulate this attitude found in Job. Complaining never gets you where you need to go. We have many more chapters to go and so the story is not over. We will learn how to deal with pain and suffering and how to deal with people who come around in our down times.
Have you ever wondered why some get what the Scriptures say and others don't? Christ's disciples sure were asking questions like these. This is why we have Christ saying, in verse 12,
“Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears.”
People who get what the Scriptures are saying have a ready heart. They have a heart that is receptive to spiritual truth. Pray that your heart will continue to be receptive to God's truth. Pray this for your family, friends, and relatives as well. In case you are wondering, this receptive heart does not mean you automatically become a theologian or understand everything that is in the Bible. A ready heart means you get most of what God is wanting to do in and through your life. You are open to His Spirit and to His truth.
284 Sunday, October 11, 2009
284 Psalms 148 - 150; Matthew 12.22 - 12.50
If you have not caught on as of yet the last few Psalms are praise crazy! We know people who go overboard as fans, or go all out for a particular candidate, but can a person go overboard in their praise of God? The answer is never, no way, it can't happen. Perhaps there may be a person who is out touch with social graces and may praise God in a situation that is deemed a time for mourning. The Bible tells us to mourn with those who mourn and to rejoice with those who rejoice. We can praise God for what He has done and for who He is. We will be doing this for all eternity. Make it your practice to have a daily praise time. When you praise the Lord you are automatically refocusing your eyes to things above.
We need discernment in order to live a life fully committed to the Lord. People were accusing Jesus of working with the devil in order to heal people and to deliver people. This is why Jesus stuck this verse in the middle of the conversation, Matthew 12:33 (MSG)
33 "If you grow a healthy tree, you'll pick healthy fruit. If you grow a diseased tree, you'll pick worm-eaten fruit. The fruit tells you about the tree.
We shall know them by their fruits. We must be careful not to just sit around and become fruit inspectors. Christ gave us this insight so we can have some idea where a movement or an individual is coming from. In the mean time, we must be sure that by God's grace we produce good fruit.
If you have not caught on as of yet the last few Psalms are praise crazy! We know people who go overboard as fans, or go all out for a particular candidate, but can a person go overboard in their praise of God? The answer is never, no way, it can't happen. Perhaps there may be a person who is out touch with social graces and may praise God in a situation that is deemed a time for mourning. The Bible tells us to mourn with those who mourn and to rejoice with those who rejoice. We can praise God for what He has done and for who He is. We will be doing this for all eternity. Make it your practice to have a daily praise time. When you praise the Lord you are automatically refocusing your eyes to things above.
We need discernment in order to live a life fully committed to the Lord. People were accusing Jesus of working with the devil in order to heal people and to deliver people. This is why Jesus stuck this verse in the middle of the conversation, Matthew 12:33 (MSG)
33 "If you grow a healthy tree, you'll pick healthy fruit. If you grow a diseased tree, you'll pick worm-eaten fruit. The fruit tells you about the tree.
We shall know them by their fruits. We must be careful not to just sit around and become fruit inspectors. Christ gave us this insight so we can have some idea where a movement or an individual is coming from. In the mean time, we must be sure that by God's grace we produce good fruit.
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