Today’s Reading: Hosea 13; Hosea 14; Psalm 100; Psalm 101; Psalm 102; Hebrews 5
Scripture: Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered...
Observation: Jesus was God. We know that He had laid aside His divine prerogatives to become human but what we learn from this scripture is truly mind boggling. Jesus submit Himself reverently to the Father. Even though He was God, He still submitted to God! He had to learn obedience through suffering!
Application: How much more should every Christian person be willing to submit and surrender to God. How sad it is that so many Christians struggle with this fundamental aspect of the Christian life. So many resist submission, preferring self-determination to surrender. But anything short of surrender -- a willful, intentional commitment to full submission -- will not produce Godly growth which produces obedience. No wonder so many Christians operated in weakness and impotence in their spiritual lives.
Bottom line: If Jesus needed to submit, so do you and I. If Jesus needed to learn obedience through suffering, so do we. Who are we to think we can get where we need to go without the process of surrender and submission. Let it go. Lay your life on the altar. Surrender and grow.
Prayer: Lord, help us to learn this lesson and release ourselves into Your capable and wise hands. May we let go of the fear, pride, and selfishness that gets in the way of full surrender to You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Friday, July 07, 2006
Title: Jesus The Kindhearted / Topic: Grace
Today’s Reading: Hosea 10; Hosea 11; Hosea 12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4
A Personal Note: Today is a happy day. On this day thirty three years ago, my lovely bride, Cynthia, said "I do" and I've been blessed ever since.
Thank you, Cynthia, for 33 wonderful years.
I am a truly blessed and happy man.
Love, Michael
Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Observation: What a wonderful scripture! Jesus is our "great high priest" but He doesn't stand aloof from us. He is right there with us, sympathizing with our every struggle. Why? Because He's been there -- He's been through the struggle with sin, through the temptation, He's experienced rejection and pain and loss. What comfort! What assurance! Jesus the kindhearted. I can approach Him without fear.
Application: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Prayer: Father, thank You for such a wonderful Savior. What a Friend we have in Jesus! Help us to remember how kind and loving and receptive He is and to avail ourselves of His open arms. May we abide in that place of grace and mercy in every time of need.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Personal Note: Today is a happy day. On this day thirty three years ago, my lovely bride, Cynthia, said "I do" and I've been blessed ever since.
Thank you, Cynthia, for 33 wonderful years.
I am a truly blessed and happy man.
Love, Michael
Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Observation: What a wonderful scripture! Jesus is our "great high priest" but He doesn't stand aloof from us. He is right there with us, sympathizing with our every struggle. Why? Because He's been there -- He's been through the struggle with sin, through the temptation, He's experienced rejection and pain and loss. What comfort! What assurance! Jesus the kindhearted. I can approach Him without fear.
Application: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Prayer: Father, thank You for such a wonderful Savior. What a Friend we have in Jesus! Help us to remember how kind and loving and receptive He is and to avail ourselves of His open arms. May we abide in that place of grace and mercy in every time of need.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Title: The Reject / Topic: God's Word
Today’s Reading: Hosea 6; Hosea 7; Hosea 8; Hosea 9; Hebrews 3
Scripture: Hosea 6:12 I wrote for them the many things of my law, but they regarded them as something alien.
Observation: These are powerful words. When the people of God considered the law which God gave them, they rejected it, regarding it "as something alien." Think of that. Here was God's law, the specially tailored and precision designed principles God crafted especially for them but they repelled those principles like a body rejects organs transplanted into it. And this rejection caused a systemic and persistent decline into destructiveness as they repelled from God's ways (which produce health and happiness) into the non-God ways (which produce death and misery). The result was misery indeed!
Application: It is amazing to me that so many who claim to be Christian regard God's law as something alien. That is, they fail to embrace it and assimilate it into their hearts and minds. They see it as outside of them and imposing on them and they reject its demands in favor of self-rule. This ultimately will produce confusion and dysfunction.
We must cultivate a love for the law of the Lord -- by this I mean the whole counsel of God as communicated in His word. To do this we must see it as something completely compatible with ourselves and, in fact, indispensable for our lives to be right. Any other course will spell disaster and misery.
Prayer: Lord, help us to embrace Your word wholeheartedly and increasingly inculcate Your principles into our daily lives. May we open our hearts and allow You to sow Your word there that we may see an increasing harvest of righteousness and joy.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Hosea 6:12 I wrote for them the many things of my law, but they regarded them as something alien.
Observation: These are powerful words. When the people of God considered the law which God gave them, they rejected it, regarding it "as something alien." Think of that. Here was God's law, the specially tailored and precision designed principles God crafted especially for them but they repelled those principles like a body rejects organs transplanted into it. And this rejection caused a systemic and persistent decline into destructiveness as they repelled from God's ways (which produce health and happiness) into the non-God ways (which produce death and misery). The result was misery indeed!
Application: It is amazing to me that so many who claim to be Christian regard God's law as something alien. That is, they fail to embrace it and assimilate it into their hearts and minds. They see it as outside of them and imposing on them and they reject its demands in favor of self-rule. This ultimately will produce confusion and dysfunction.
We must cultivate a love for the law of the Lord -- by this I mean the whole counsel of God as communicated in His word. To do this we must see it as something completely compatible with ourselves and, in fact, indispensable for our lives to be right. Any other course will spell disaster and misery.
Prayer: Lord, help us to embrace Your word wholeheartedly and increasingly inculcate Your principles into our daily lives. May we open our hearts and allow You to sow Your word there that we may see an increasing harvest of righteousness and joy.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Title: Sympathetic Savior / Topic: Immanuel
Today’s Reading: Hosea 2; Hosea 3; Hosea 4; Hosea 5; Hebrews 2
Scripture: Hebrews 2: 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Observation: What a wonderful message -- the Immanuel principle -- God with us! Jesus came as a human so that He could "become a merciful and faithful high priest." Jesus fully understands us because He became one of us. He understands suffering, temptation, loss, sorrow, and pain as well as the joys and victories of human life. He suffered, He endured, He triumphed. He understands.
Application: Let your approach to the Lord be with utmost confidence knowing that Jesus serves as your advocate before Father God. He is the faithful High Priest, ever interceding for you and me. He stands ready with compassion and understanding to help and take up our cause. And because He was victorious over sin, He can also guide us and empower us to likewise gain the victory. Seek Him. Let Him be your constant strength and guide.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Jesus, our sympathetic Intercessor and Helper. Thank You that Jesus came and lived this earthly life with all its limitations so that He might know, first hand, our struggles and victories. May we fully engage the power of Jesus in our daily lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Hebrews 2: 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Observation: What a wonderful message -- the Immanuel principle -- God with us! Jesus came as a human so that He could "become a merciful and faithful high priest." Jesus fully understands us because He became one of us. He understands suffering, temptation, loss, sorrow, and pain as well as the joys and victories of human life. He suffered, He endured, He triumphed. He understands.
Application: Let your approach to the Lord be with utmost confidence knowing that Jesus serves as your advocate before Father God. He is the faithful High Priest, ever interceding for you and me. He stands ready with compassion and understanding to help and take up our cause. And because He was victorious over sin, He can also guide us and empower us to likewise gain the victory. Seek Him. Let Him be your constant strength and guide.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Jesus, our sympathetic Intercessor and Helper. Thank You that Jesus came and lived this earthly life with all its limitations so that He might know, first hand, our struggles and victories. May we fully engage the power of Jesus in our daily lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Title: The Better Spokesman / Topic: Jesus Christ
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 15; 2 Kings 16; Hosea 1; Hebrews 1
Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-3
1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word...
Observation: What a great truth! These verses show that though the prophets were great men and great spokesmen, we have received the message from the better Spokesman, the Son of God, Jesus Christ Himself. Look at the character of this Spokesman: He is God's Son, the appointed heir of all things, maker of the universe, the radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of His being, and sustainer of all things.
Application: What a great gospel we have received. We can determine that not only by the quality of the message, but by the awesome character of the Messenger. We should strive to also be excellent in our role as "under-spokesman" to our Lord. Our living testimony can either validate or invalidate the message we bring to the world.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for our great Spokesman that You provided to us for the communication of the Gospel. Give us the understanding to more fully appreciate the value of such a Spokesman and give us the desire to live up to the standard of communication and character in our passing along of the good news to all those around us.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-3
1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word...
Observation: What a great truth! These verses show that though the prophets were great men and great spokesmen, we have received the message from the better Spokesman, the Son of God, Jesus Christ Himself. Look at the character of this Spokesman: He is God's Son, the appointed heir of all things, maker of the universe, the radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of His being, and sustainer of all things.
Application: What a great gospel we have received. We can determine that not only by the quality of the message, but by the awesome character of the Messenger. We should strive to also be excellent in our role as "under-spokesman" to our Lord. Our living testimony can either validate or invalidate the message we bring to the world.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for our great Spokesman that You provided to us for the communication of the Gospel. Give us the understanding to more fully appreciate the value of such a Spokesman and give us the desire to live up to the standard of communication and character in our passing along of the good news to all those around us.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Title: Blessed People / Topic: Servants
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 6; Isaiah 7; 2 Chronicles 26; 2 Chronicles 27; Philemon 1
Scripture: Philemon 1:4-7
4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Observation: How wonderful to have people with whom you minister that are a blessing and refreshing to you. I know that I have so many people that have a love for the Lord and a love for me that really blesses me. I see Matt and Suzy, Karen, Paula, Mark and Debbie, Steven, Leon, Cynthia, Robert, Rory and Bernadette, Dianna, Olivia, Katie, Jim and Norma, Eddie and Christina, and many more serving and working together in our fireworks booths with such joy and enthusiasm. Thank you!
Application: I feel like the Apostle Paul. I am grateful for those who serve with joy and give of themselves with a heart of love for God.
To everyone: I encourage you to be a person who makes your pastor or other spiritual leader glad that you are there. You can be a blessing to those who lead you in spiritual things.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the great people You have put into my life and ministry. Help me to be as positive a blessing to them as they are to me. And multiply our positive people so the effectiveness of our work can grow exponentially to Your glory.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Philemon 1:4-7
4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Observation: How wonderful to have people with whom you minister that are a blessing and refreshing to you. I know that I have so many people that have a love for the Lord and a love for me that really blesses me. I see Matt and Suzy, Karen, Paula, Mark and Debbie, Steven, Leon, Cynthia, Robert, Rory and Bernadette, Dianna, Olivia, Katie, Jim and Norma, Eddie and Christina, and many more serving and working together in our fireworks booths with such joy and enthusiasm. Thank you!
Application: I feel like the Apostle Paul. I am grateful for those who serve with joy and give of themselves with a heart of love for God.
To everyone: I encourage you to be a person who makes your pastor or other spiritual leader glad that you are there. You can be a blessing to those who lead you in spiritual things.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the great people You have put into my life and ministry. Help me to be as positive a blessing to them as they are to me. And multiply our positive people so the effectiveness of our work can grow exponentially to Your glory.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Title: Wise In Their Own Eyes / Topic: Character
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 4; Isaiah 5; Psalm 115; Psalm 116; Jude 1
Scripture: Isaiah 5:20-22
20 Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
and clever in their own sight.
22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine
and champions at mixing drinks,
Observation: Wow! This sounds so much like what is going on in our culture today. Things that are truly good are called evil -- there is a reversal of so many values today. And those who are "wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight" are common and celebrated in our culture. And the reference to "champions at mixing drinks" is even true!
Application: We are called to swim against the tide of our current cultural flow. We need to recognize that our culture is headed in the wrong direction and not allow it to influence us.
Prayer: Lord, help us to stay keyed in to You and to Your character and to stand in sharp distinction to the destructive direction of our cultural confusion. Strengthen us, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Isaiah 5:20-22
20 Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
and clever in their own sight.
22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine
and champions at mixing drinks,
Observation: Wow! This sounds so much like what is going on in our culture today. Things that are truly good are called evil -- there is a reversal of so many values today. And those who are "wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight" are common and celebrated in our culture. And the reference to "champions at mixing drinks" is even true!
Application: We are called to swim against the tide of our current cultural flow. We need to recognize that our culture is headed in the wrong direction and not allow it to influence us.
Prayer: Lord, help us to stay keyed in to You and to Your character and to stand in sharp distinction to the destructive direction of our cultural confusion. Strengthen us, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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