269 Psalms 107 – 108; Matthew 5.1 – 5.20
Wellness and living right before God are highly interconnected. The Psalmist points this out when he pens these words, "Some of you were sick because you'd lived a bad life, your bodies feeling the effects of your sin; You couldn't stand the sight of food, so miserable you thought you'd be better off dead." For years it was debated and I'm sure it still is in some circles whether you should pray for emotional healing. For many it was acceptable practice to pray for the body, but not the emotions. If God made the body, mind, and soul and everything else then surely God knows how to touch the whole person. I do not know where you are in your life, in all your life, but maybe, today, you should pray for yourself in a holistic manner. If you are doing very well, then pray for a friend in a holistic manner. The prayer could look like this: Dear God, please bring healing to my soul--the scars, past hurts, and things I've tried to forget. Help me to experience peace in all my life. Lord, help me to deal with my memories with your grace and power. Heal me dear Lord Jesus through and through. Thank you most of all for your presence. Fill me this day with your Spirit and may my life truly glorify You. Amen. Have you ever prayed like this for your children?
The Sermon on the Mount is a staggering message. The Lord Jesus tells us how to have a blessed life. The opposite of blessed is a cursed life. I will take the blessed life any day. The first beatitude makes it or breaks it for us as to whether we follow the others. Jesus says, "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule." Lord less of me---please!! And all God's people said, Amen!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
268 Friday, September 25, 2009
268 Psalms 105 – 106; Matthew 004
The writers of the O.T. took opportunities to remind people of the works of God. We all need reminders that's why we have alarms in our phones, palm pilots, computers, or for those of us that are still a little leery of those gadgets, we have the new super sticky post it notes. It is amazing how we forget. No, we don't totally forget. The blessing that we so exuberantly rejoiced in last year has just faded as a distant memory. Ps. 105 is about the history of God's promises to Israel and how God had never forgotten His people. How does this speak to us? If God was faithful to His people then, there is a good chance that He will be faithful to us. Theologically we need to be reminded that if Israel did not make it, then Jesus would never have been born; therefore we would all be in our sins.
How can a person be happy? I don't meet many people who are too happy. In all my years I have never met with the Elders or counselors to discuss someone being too happy. In the next Ps. we find these words, "You're one happy man when you do what's right." There is a huge connection between right living and personal happiness. Somehow the world has conned people into thinking happiness exists outside personal choices and awaits those who do anything they wish (of course within reason--right?).
Jesus used the Bible to do combat with the devil. Does this strike you as odd? He is the Son of God, can't He just blow the devil off with a sigh? The Word of God was being quoted out of context by the devil and Jesus was putting it back into context. The Word in context became His shield and sword. The investment of studying God's Word always pays huge dividends; huge, not large or big, but HUGE dividends. Do you believe the Word is worth your time?
The writers of the O.T. took opportunities to remind people of the works of God. We all need reminders that's why we have alarms in our phones, palm pilots, computers, or for those of us that are still a little leery of those gadgets, we have the new super sticky post it notes. It is amazing how we forget. No, we don't totally forget. The blessing that we so exuberantly rejoiced in last year has just faded as a distant memory. Ps. 105 is about the history of God's promises to Israel and how God had never forgotten His people. How does this speak to us? If God was faithful to His people then, there is a good chance that He will be faithful to us. Theologically we need to be reminded that if Israel did not make it, then Jesus would never have been born; therefore we would all be in our sins.
How can a person be happy? I don't meet many people who are too happy. In all my years I have never met with the Elders or counselors to discuss someone being too happy. In the next Ps. we find these words, "You're one happy man when you do what's right." There is a huge connection between right living and personal happiness. Somehow the world has conned people into thinking happiness exists outside personal choices and awaits those who do anything they wish (of course within reason--right?).
Jesus used the Bible to do combat with the devil. Does this strike you as odd? He is the Son of God, can't He just blow the devil off with a sigh? The Word of God was being quoted out of context by the devil and Jesus was putting it back into context. The Word in context became His shield and sword. The investment of studying God's Word always pays huge dividends; huge, not large or big, but HUGE dividends. Do you believe the Word is worth your time?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
267 Thursday, September 24, 2009
267 Psalms 103 - 104; Matthew 003
The Psalmist is caught up in a praise moment. He says, "O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!" Then adds, "don't forget a single blessing!" The rest of the Psalm is remembering all the blessings of God. He does the same thing in Ps. 104. These are the Psalms we are to read when we feel tempted to complain and whine. These are the writings we are to soak our soul in to help prevent dryness of soul. I will list a few of the blessings that David remembered such as, "He forgives your sins--every one. He heals your diseases--every one. He redeems you from hell--saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy--a paradise crown." These Psalms are great for depression of the soul, a sluggish mind, and loss of memory of what God has done. Read with caution, you may start a worship service right where you are.
Who was going to hear the crazy man preach? Lots and lots of people--that's who. He was thunder in the desert. John pulled no punches. He calls the Pharisees and Sadducee's a "Brood of snakes." John had not read "How to Win Friends and Influence People." People were coming to be baptized as a sign of conversion. Jesus then shows up to be baptized. John knows he is preparing the way for Jesus and feels he needs to be baptized instead of Jesus. John relents and baptizes Jesus. It is at this moment that the trinity is revealed as the Spirit comes upon Christ and the Father speaks from heaven. The Father lets everyone know this is my Son. Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? No, really, do you believe that he is the Son of God?
The Psalmist is caught up in a praise moment. He says, "O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!" Then adds, "don't forget a single blessing!" The rest of the Psalm is remembering all the blessings of God. He does the same thing in Ps. 104. These are the Psalms we are to read when we feel tempted to complain and whine. These are the writings we are to soak our soul in to help prevent dryness of soul. I will list a few of the blessings that David remembered such as, "He forgives your sins--every one. He heals your diseases--every one. He redeems you from hell--saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy--a paradise crown." These Psalms are great for depression of the soul, a sluggish mind, and loss of memory of what God has done. Read with caution, you may start a worship service right where you are.
Who was going to hear the crazy man preach? Lots and lots of people--that's who. He was thunder in the desert. John pulled no punches. He calls the Pharisees and Sadducee's a "Brood of snakes." John had not read "How to Win Friends and Influence People." People were coming to be baptized as a sign of conversion. Jesus then shows up to be baptized. John knows he is preparing the way for Jesus and feels he needs to be baptized instead of Jesus. John relents and baptizes Jesus. It is at this moment that the trinity is revealed as the Spirit comes upon Christ and the Father speaks from heaven. The Father lets everyone know this is my Son. Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? No, really, do you believe that he is the Son of God?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
265 Tuesday, September 22, 2009
265 Psalms 098 – 102; Matthew 002
The world is a twisted, dark, and raging place to dwell. Perhaps, in your world it's not that bad, but travel just a bit and you will see hopelessness in millions of faces. We need a Savior! We need hope! We need someone to come and straighten out this mess! In Psalm 98 we read these hope-filled words, "A tribute to God when he comes, when he comes to set the earth right. He'll straighten out the whole world, He'll put the world right, and everyone in it." Yes, way back in the O.T. the prophets, the priests, and kings who walked with God knew another day was to come, a day of the Lord. The day of the Lord will be like no other day. It is the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is our hope for this broken old world. It is the hope for the Middle East, for Africa, India, dark Europe, and for the millions in China. It is your hope!!! This is not paradise no matter how many palm trees you plant in the yard. So come Lord Jesus, come!
Imagine, you are born and immediately you are hunted to be killed. Without uttering a word or doing any deed, you are such a threat. People already want you dead. Jesus was that baby. Jesus was and still is a threat to the whole world’s power structure and the security found in that structure. Jesus is the answer for the world’s problems, but that means changing the way we view ourselves and those around us. The power structure needs to be set up to serve mankind, not itself. The whole world has to be put upside right. That is not going to happen until Jesus comes back on a white horse wielding a sword, not a cross. He came to teach us and die for us the first time. When He comes back the teaching is over, for He will come to overthrow the whole system, not give it instructions. So come Lord Jesus, come!
The world is a twisted, dark, and raging place to dwell. Perhaps, in your world it's not that bad, but travel just a bit and you will see hopelessness in millions of faces. We need a Savior! We need hope! We need someone to come and straighten out this mess! In Psalm 98 we read these hope-filled words, "A tribute to God when he comes, when he comes to set the earth right. He'll straighten out the whole world, He'll put the world right, and everyone in it." Yes, way back in the O.T. the prophets, the priests, and kings who walked with God knew another day was to come, a day of the Lord. The day of the Lord will be like no other day. It is the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is our hope for this broken old world. It is the hope for the Middle East, for Africa, India, dark Europe, and for the millions in China. It is your hope!!! This is not paradise no matter how many palm trees you plant in the yard. So come Lord Jesus, come!
Imagine, you are born and immediately you are hunted to be killed. Without uttering a word or doing any deed, you are such a threat. People already want you dead. Jesus was that baby. Jesus was and still is a threat to the whole world’s power structure and the security found in that structure. Jesus is the answer for the world’s problems, but that means changing the way we view ourselves and those around us. The power structure needs to be set up to serve mankind, not itself. The whole world has to be put upside right. That is not going to happen until Jesus comes back on a white horse wielding a sword, not a cross. He came to teach us and die for us the first time. When He comes back the teaching is over, for He will come to overthrow the whole system, not give it instructions. So come Lord Jesus, come!
Monday, September 21, 2009
264 Monday, September 21, 2009
264 Psalms 094 – 097; Matthew 001
The Psalmist exhorts us to "Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! Sing to God---worship God! Did that catch your eye? "Sing God a brand-new song." Old songs are good, but if God has done something new in your heart, maybe, just maybe, a new song would come out of your heart. Every time there is an act of God on behalf of His people there is a song, an altar, a town changes its name--there is a marker for that moment. God has done something new in His people’s midst and there is something to commemorate that moment.
One more line from the same Psalm that will give us a lift for the day, "Get the message out--God Rules!" What a great message to get out in a day when it looks like no one is in charge except the hearts of sinful men. The keys have not been given to the inmates. Everything we are viewing is coming to a purposeful conclusion. God rules!
Jesus is born! Matthew brings us right to where we need to be--Christ was sent to remind us God has a plan and God is carrying it out. Jesus has stepped into history to forever altar it; THANK GOD!
The Psalmist exhorts us to "Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! Sing to God---worship God! Did that catch your eye? "Sing God a brand-new song." Old songs are good, but if God has done something new in your heart, maybe, just maybe, a new song would come out of your heart. Every time there is an act of God on behalf of His people there is a song, an altar, a town changes its name--there is a marker for that moment. God has done something new in His people’s midst and there is something to commemorate that moment.
One more line from the same Psalm that will give us a lift for the day, "Get the message out--God Rules!" What a great message to get out in a day when it looks like no one is in charge except the hearts of sinful men. The keys have not been given to the inmates. Everything we are viewing is coming to a purposeful conclusion. God rules!
Jesus is born! Matthew brings us right to where we need to be--Christ was sent to remind us God has a plan and God is carrying it out. Jesus has stepped into history to forever altar it; THANK GOD!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
263 Sunday, September 20, 2009
263 Psalms 090 – 093; Philemon 001
Now our next poet songwriter, you remember him with those hit songs, "Beat Down on Pharaoh," "If Only These People Would Stop Complaining I Could Praise You Lord," and of course his number one hit "I May Stutter but I'm Still The Leader." Yes, Psalm 90 is a Psalm of Moses. At the heart of this Psalm is perspective. Moses has already figured it out that you live for 70 or 80 years and then you’re outta here. In those years there can be a lot of pain and misunderstandings about life. Moses prays "Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!" What a great prayer for this weekend! What a great prayer for any day and for anyone. Do you really see that many people living well? Moses then gets God's answer back and the Lord says, "I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!" Oh God, give us a long cool drink of your salvation, amen.
Now our next poet songwriter, you remember him with those hit songs, "Beat Down on Pharaoh," "If Only These People Would Stop Complaining I Could Praise You Lord," and of course his number one hit "I May Stutter but I'm Still The Leader." Yes, Psalm 90 is a Psalm of Moses. At the heart of this Psalm is perspective. Moses has already figured it out that you live for 70 or 80 years and then you’re outta here. In those years there can be a lot of pain and misunderstandings about life. Moses prays "Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!" What a great prayer for this weekend! What a great prayer for any day and for anyone. Do you really see that many people living well? Moses then gets God's answer back and the Lord says, "I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!" Oh God, give us a long cool drink of your salvation, amen.
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