220 Jonah 001 – 004; Acts 28.1 – 28.9
You know the man, Jonah, you know the story, and you know the fish, but do you know how it applies to you? It is surely about a gentile nation repenting and God therefore having mercy on them. Yet, there is so much more. It is a penetrating look into the heart of God and the heart of man. One heart is overwhelmingly awesome and the other is selfish in a staggeringly intense way. Jonah did not want these evil people from Nineveh to come to God (Jonah knew God well enough to know that if the Nineveh showed signs of repentance that God would have mercy). Jonah runs from the absolute revealed will of God. He finally shows up (or should I say throws up?) in Nineveh and sure enough they repent and God has mercy. Jonah is already ticked and then gets even more ticked when his shade is taken away. At the heart of Jonah's problem--he did not have a clue about God's grace--God's grace for himself or for anyone else. People without any insight into God's grace end up having a very selfish attitude. How do I know that this book is about God's heart of grace and Jonah's heart of stone? God in the last paragraph of the book lets Jonah know that he cannot get angry over his shade being taken away since he didn't grow the tree or make the tree and how can he get angry over what God does with the nation? It is God who determines these things not Jonah - Jonah had some control issues. Do you see you in Jonah? Do you see yourself growing more in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ?
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
219 Friday, August 7, 2009
219 Obadiah 001; Acts 027
Jan and I moved into our first house in 1977. It was ours to live in but the church owned it. They told us we could have pets and we did. We had two cats, two dogs, fish, and birds. We named the fish and the birds after the prophets. The oscar we owned was named, you guessed it, Obadiah. This prophet was writing to Edom which had been started by Esau (remember his twin brother Jacob had become Israel). They feuded as siblings and they did so as nations as well. Edom by this time was thinking, "oh boy good ol’ Israel sure has taken a beating and here we still sit, high on our perch." Edom literally was a nation built high up in the mountains. Hence they thought they could never be defeated since they had the high ground. God had not over looked their sin and here comes the judgment. God tells them that they brought down to earth. The hope is found in the last verse; they will rule with Israel one day in a just way.
Paul's cruise ship experience was not a pleasant one. Paul in this chapter as a prisoner wound up leading the group. You can lead from the middle, the backside, and from the front because if you can lead you can lead from anywhere. I am assuming here that the definition of leadership is influence. Wherever Paul went you could feel his influence.
Jan and I moved into our first house in 1977. It was ours to live in but the church owned it. They told us we could have pets and we did. We had two cats, two dogs, fish, and birds. We named the fish and the birds after the prophets. The oscar we owned was named, you guessed it, Obadiah. This prophet was writing to Edom which had been started by Esau (remember his twin brother Jacob had become Israel). They feuded as siblings and they did so as nations as well. Edom by this time was thinking, "oh boy good ol’ Israel sure has taken a beating and here we still sit, high on our perch." Edom literally was a nation built high up in the mountains. Hence they thought they could never be defeated since they had the high ground. God had not over looked their sin and here comes the judgment. God tells them that they brought down to earth. The hope is found in the last verse; they will rule with Israel one day in a just way.
Paul's cruise ship experience was not a pleasant one. Paul in this chapter as a prisoner wound up leading the group. You can lead from the middle, the backside, and from the front because if you can lead you can lead from anywhere. I am assuming here that the definition of leadership is influence. Wherever Paul went you could feel his influence.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
218 Thursday, August 6, 2009
218 Amos 007 – 009; Acts 026
Amos, just a country boy, who was not a preacher, nor the son of a preacher, was set apart for God's purpose of speaking to Israel. Amos saw a vision of a plumb line in the midst of Israel. God was measuring them according to a benchmark, a standard. There has always been a standard. When someone says that is better than that, then they have started the journey of going to the standard. C.S. Lewis makes this case in his book ‘Mere Christianity’.
Amos reports to Israel that God is going to keep track of their every sin. That's not good. There are many things I want God to keep track of, but that is not one of them. Until we realize how familiar God is with our sin we will never appreciate the depths of His forgiveness.
Amos then lets Israel know about the coming famine. Here is the catch to the famine, "It won't be food or water that's lacking, but my word." What's more important, God's Word or the bread on the table? The book that nurtures and guides us for eternity or food that gets us through the temporal--what is it?
You had to ask--that's what the guards are thinking about King Agrippa asking Paul for his testimony. Paul unloaded with both barrels. It is fun to read because he really goes for it. When was the last time you went for it with someone? You laid out the gospel and nothing but the gospel. Just do it.
Amos, just a country boy, who was not a preacher, nor the son of a preacher, was set apart for God's purpose of speaking to Israel. Amos saw a vision of a plumb line in the midst of Israel. God was measuring them according to a benchmark, a standard. There has always been a standard. When someone says that is better than that, then they have started the journey of going to the standard. C.S. Lewis makes this case in his book ‘Mere Christianity’.
Amos reports to Israel that God is going to keep track of their every sin. That's not good. There are many things I want God to keep track of, but that is not one of them. Until we realize how familiar God is with our sin we will never appreciate the depths of His forgiveness.
Amos then lets Israel know about the coming famine. Here is the catch to the famine, "It won't be food or water that's lacking, but my word." What's more important, God's Word or the bread on the table? The book that nurtures and guides us for eternity or food that gets us through the temporal--what is it?
You had to ask--that's what the guards are thinking about King Agrippa asking Paul for his testimony. Paul unloaded with both barrels. It is fun to read because he really goes for it. When was the last time you went for it with someone? You laid out the gospel and nothing but the gospel. Just do it.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
216 Tuesday, August 4, 2009
216 Amos 4 – 6; Acts 25
Have you ever asked, “What will it take for that person to come to Christ?” Maybe you have asked this question, “What will it take to bring that Christian back to the Lord?” When you read the prophets they are mostly about the second question and a little about the first question. God knew His people had lost their way home. At first God sent messages through His prophets to warn them. Each time that God was ignored it got worse for the chosen people. In Amos we find these words,
Amos 4:8 (NIV)
8 People staggered from town to town for water but did not get enough to drink, yet you have not returned to me," declares the Lord.
When you read this first chapter of Amos it is like a “whose who” of disasters that had been brought upon Israel. They would not change their evil ways. This is not all that God had to say as we find God speaking to them again,
Amos 5:4-6 (NIV)
4 This is what the Lord says to the house of Israel: "Seek me and live;
5 do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will be reduced to nothing."
6 Seek the Lord and live, or he will sweep through the house of Joseph like a fire; it will devour, and Bethel will have no one to quench it.
Israel had disconnected the life line from them. Life is found in seeking the Lord. Life is found in our union with God almighty. They had totally forgotten what it meant to be the people of God. We must be so careful to not fall into Israel’s ways of doing life. We must remember to always be doing life in Christ.
In the book of Acts we still have Paul dealing with the false accusations that have been brought against him by the Jewish leaders. In this case notice how Paul is very familiar with Roman law.
Acts 25:8-12 (NIV)
8 Then Paul made his defense: "I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar."
9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?"
10 Paul answered: "I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well.
11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!"
12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: "You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!"
Paul made his appeal to Caesar. Paul knew he could do this under the law. It is good to know where you live and what the law is. I am afraid many Christians do not bother with the law as if they are above it or have no use for it. You do not find this attitude in Paul. We need to know our rights as Christians in this increasingly pluralistic society.
Have you ever asked, “What will it take for that person to come to Christ?” Maybe you have asked this question, “What will it take to bring that Christian back to the Lord?” When you read the prophets they are mostly about the second question and a little about the first question. God knew His people had lost their way home. At first God sent messages through His prophets to warn them. Each time that God was ignored it got worse for the chosen people. In Amos we find these words,
Amos 4:8 (NIV)
8 People staggered from town to town for water but did not get enough to drink, yet you have not returned to me," declares the Lord.
When you read this first chapter of Amos it is like a “whose who” of disasters that had been brought upon Israel. They would not change their evil ways. This is not all that God had to say as we find God speaking to them again,
Amos 5:4-6 (NIV)
4 This is what the Lord says to the house of Israel: "Seek me and live;
5 do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will be reduced to nothing."
6 Seek the Lord and live, or he will sweep through the house of Joseph like a fire; it will devour, and Bethel will have no one to quench it.
Israel had disconnected the life line from them. Life is found in seeking the Lord. Life is found in our union with God almighty. They had totally forgotten what it meant to be the people of God. We must be so careful to not fall into Israel’s ways of doing life. We must remember to always be doing life in Christ.
In the book of Acts we still have Paul dealing with the false accusations that have been brought against him by the Jewish leaders. In this case notice how Paul is very familiar with Roman law.
Acts 25:8-12 (NIV)
8 Then Paul made his defense: "I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar."
9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?"
10 Paul answered: "I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well.
11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!"
12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: "You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!"
Paul made his appeal to Caesar. Paul knew he could do this under the law. It is good to know where you live and what the law is. I am afraid many Christians do not bother with the law as if they are above it or have no use for it. You do not find this attitude in Paul. We need to know our rights as Christians in this increasingly pluralistic society.
Monday, August 3, 2009
215 Monday, August 3, 2009
215 Amos 1 - 3; Acts 24
Have you ever thought that God is too tough on Israel? I have and was not the first one. If it has ever entered your mind that it sure seems severe in what God is doing to His chosen people then maybe these verses will help a little bit.
Amos 3:1-2 (MSG)
1 Listen to this, Israel. God is calling you to account—and I mean all of you, everyone connected with the family that he delivered out of Egypt. Listen!
2 "Out of all the families on earth, I picked you. Therefore, because of your special calling, I'm holding you responsible for all your sins."
Israel had it soooo good and they did not take advantage of a good situation. They not only did not take advantage of a great situation they went out and trampled all over what God had given them to live out a good life. We sometimes do not like this truth, but with special privileges comes a special responsibility. With more light comes more inspection. Israel could not in any way or fashion claim ignorance as to what God desired for them and from them. It was high handed disobedience. When we see people with special talent and they squander it away it causes us some dismay. When we see people that have lived a privileged life by being given a great education, having a great network of friends, and a wonderful position in life and they squander it away we almost get mad. Most of these people we don’t even know. God reached down and hand picked the Jews and they squander it all away. May we not do the same!
Is Paul ever going to get out of dodge? Will the Romans ever hear the gospel? Will Timothy ever get his second letter? Wow! Paul is still defending himself which means he is still preaching the gospel. The best defense is a real good offense. Here is some of what he said to the governor,
Acts 24:14-15 (MSG)
14 "But I do freely admit this: In regard to the Way, which they malign as a dead-end street, I serve and worship the very same God served and worshiped by all our ancestors and embrace everything written in all our Scriptures.
15 And I admit to living in hopeful anticipation that God will raise the dead, both the good and the bad. If that's my crime, my accusers are just as guilty as I am.
Guilty as charged if I am being charged in believing in the resurrection of the dead. Of course, Paul believes in the resurrection of the dead more than ever since meeting Jesus. Paul had a wonderful way with words and this came from his gifting as well as the power of the Holy Spirit. Next time you are feeling like you have to defend your faith make sure you pray before you speak. Ask God to give you the right words and then keep on praying during the conversation.
Have you ever thought that God is too tough on Israel? I have and was not the first one. If it has ever entered your mind that it sure seems severe in what God is doing to His chosen people then maybe these verses will help a little bit.
Amos 3:1-2 (MSG)
1 Listen to this, Israel. God is calling you to account—and I mean all of you, everyone connected with the family that he delivered out of Egypt. Listen!
2 "Out of all the families on earth, I picked you. Therefore, because of your special calling, I'm holding you responsible for all your sins."
Israel had it soooo good and they did not take advantage of a good situation. They not only did not take advantage of a great situation they went out and trampled all over what God had given them to live out a good life. We sometimes do not like this truth, but with special privileges comes a special responsibility. With more light comes more inspection. Israel could not in any way or fashion claim ignorance as to what God desired for them and from them. It was high handed disobedience. When we see people with special talent and they squander it away it causes us some dismay. When we see people that have lived a privileged life by being given a great education, having a great network of friends, and a wonderful position in life and they squander it away we almost get mad. Most of these people we don’t even know. God reached down and hand picked the Jews and they squander it all away. May we not do the same!
Is Paul ever going to get out of dodge? Will the Romans ever hear the gospel? Will Timothy ever get his second letter? Wow! Paul is still defending himself which means he is still preaching the gospel. The best defense is a real good offense. Here is some of what he said to the governor,
Acts 24:14-15 (MSG)
14 "But I do freely admit this: In regard to the Way, which they malign as a dead-end street, I serve and worship the very same God served and worshiped by all our ancestors and embrace everything written in all our Scriptures.
15 And I admit to living in hopeful anticipation that God will raise the dead, both the good and the bad. If that's my crime, my accusers are just as guilty as I am.
Guilty as charged if I am being charged in believing in the resurrection of the dead. Of course, Paul believes in the resurrection of the dead more than ever since meeting Jesus. Paul had a wonderful way with words and this came from his gifting as well as the power of the Holy Spirit. Next time you are feeling like you have to defend your faith make sure you pray before you speak. Ask God to give you the right words and then keep on praying during the conversation.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
214 Sunday, August 2, 2009
214 Joel 1 - 3; Acts 23.11 - 23.35
Why does God love us so much? Why does our Lord put up with all of our shenanigans? Why? Why? Why? God is merciful and full of grace—praise His name!
Joel 2:12-13 (MSG)
12 But there's also this, it's not too late— God's personal Message!— "Come back to me and really mean it! Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!"
13 Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here's why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe.
It is not too late. Here we are in the bottom of the ninth, two outs and a full count, but God says come on home. Come back to your maker and savior. The noose is around our necks and the trap door is about to open and God says just change and turn to me and I will catch you. Maybe someone is reading this today and they need to believe that God is still full of mercy and grace. Maybe, just maybe, you need to stop trusting yourself and put your faith and trust in the God who really loves you with an extravagant love. What is your soul craving? It is God who has made you and it is He who can fill you, and it is only Him who can fill you!! Come on home.
Paul was placed in the barracks for his own safety, Just as the Jewish leaders had killed Jesus, they wanted to kill the apostle Paul.
Acts 23:11 (MSG)
11 That night the Master appeared to Paul: "It's going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best. You've been a good witness for me here in Jerusalem. Now you're going to be my witness in Rome!"
Jesus was not through with His servant Paul. There was a day that Paul was done, but today was not that day. God used Paul’s nephew to help Paul get out safely. Sometimes God uses angels and sometimes he uses our sister’s son who happened to be in the right place at the right time. If you are alive and I assume you are since you are reading this, then God is not finished with you either. Let God speak to your heart. Let God use you in your remaining time on this earth.
Why does God love us so much? Why does our Lord put up with all of our shenanigans? Why? Why? Why? God is merciful and full of grace—praise His name!
Joel 2:12-13 (MSG)
12 But there's also this, it's not too late— God's personal Message!— "Come back to me and really mean it! Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!"
13 Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here's why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe.
It is not too late. Here we are in the bottom of the ninth, two outs and a full count, but God says come on home. Come back to your maker and savior. The noose is around our necks and the trap door is about to open and God says just change and turn to me and I will catch you. Maybe someone is reading this today and they need to believe that God is still full of mercy and grace. Maybe, just maybe, you need to stop trusting yourself and put your faith and trust in the God who really loves you with an extravagant love. What is your soul craving? It is God who has made you and it is He who can fill you, and it is only Him who can fill you!! Come on home.
Paul was placed in the barracks for his own safety, Just as the Jewish leaders had killed Jesus, they wanted to kill the apostle Paul.
Acts 23:11 (MSG)
11 That night the Master appeared to Paul: "It's going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best. You've been a good witness for me here in Jerusalem. Now you're going to be my witness in Rome!"
Jesus was not through with His servant Paul. There was a day that Paul was done, but today was not that day. God used Paul’s nephew to help Paul get out safely. Sometimes God uses angels and sometimes he uses our sister’s son who happened to be in the right place at the right time. If you are alive and I assume you are since you are reading this, then God is not finished with you either. Let God speak to your heart. Let God use you in your remaining time on this earth.
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