Today’s Reading: Numbers 1; Numbers 2; Acts 24
Scripture: Acts 24:24-26
24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
Observation: "When I find it convenient..." That is how many people think about God and church. They are too busy right now. "I'll do it when I get a round to it," they say.
Application: And I do some of that too. I want to pray more, read the Bible more, read other books more, spend time in solitude more, meditate more, write and journal more. But I'm too busy right now. When I find it convenient, I'll get to it. This is a means to excuse what I should be doing. And it is an avoidance tactic to escape something that causes fear or resistance.
Bottom Line: You have to start -- today. It will never be convenient to do the best thing. If it's convenient, it's probably not the best. Take a step in the best direction today. And take another tomorrow.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for excuses. Help me to stop it and get down to brass tacks. I will do the best things and put off the distractions, with Your help.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
Title: Final Justice / Topic: Judgment
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 26; Leviticus 27; Acts 23
Scripture: Leviticus 26:32, 35
32 I will lay waste the land, so that your enemies who live there will be appalled... 35 All the time that it lies desolate, the land will have the rest it did not have during the sabbaths you lived in it.
Observation: God lays out rewards for obedience and punishment for disobedience. If they obey, then a good life of plenty and blessing will follow. If they disobey (which God knew they would) then hardship and exile awaited. Here God foretells that the land would be laid waste and the Israelites removed from it for a time. And during that time, all the sabbaths that were neglected will be paid back to the land.
Application: In other words, God says, "You can pay Me now or you can pay Me later." If we obey, there are costs -- sacrifices, tithes, offerings, self-denials, are all a part of an obedient life toward God. But there are many blessings which far outweigh the costs. On the other hand, if we rebel, there are costs -- sufferings, losses, punishments. These costs far outweigh the immediate "benefits" of going our own way independent of God.
Bottom Line: There will be ultimate final justice. God will bring it to pass. It is so much wiser to simply trust and obey God, and stick to the narrow road of obedience.
Prayer: Lord, I want to follow the narrow path that leads to life. I want to avoid the broad path that leads to destruction. Help me to do both of these and to lead others to follow along.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Leviticus 26:32, 35
32 I will lay waste the land, so that your enemies who live there will be appalled... 35 All the time that it lies desolate, the land will have the rest it did not have during the sabbaths you lived in it.
Observation: God lays out rewards for obedience and punishment for disobedience. If they obey, then a good life of plenty and blessing will follow. If they disobey (which God knew they would) then hardship and exile awaited. Here God foretells that the land would be laid waste and the Israelites removed from it for a time. And during that time, all the sabbaths that were neglected will be paid back to the land.
Application: In other words, God says, "You can pay Me now or you can pay Me later." If we obey, there are costs -- sacrifices, tithes, offerings, self-denials, are all a part of an obedient life toward God. But there are many blessings which far outweigh the costs. On the other hand, if we rebel, there are costs -- sufferings, losses, punishments. These costs far outweigh the immediate "benefits" of going our own way independent of God.
Bottom Line: There will be ultimate final justice. God will bring it to pass. It is so much wiser to simply trust and obey God, and stick to the narrow road of obedience.
Prayer: Lord, I want to follow the narrow path that leads to life. I want to avoid the broad path that leads to destruction. Help me to do both of these and to lead others to follow along.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Title: The Pleading Prayer / Topic: Relying On God
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 25; Psalm 25; Psalm 26; Acts 22
Scripture: Psalm 25:1-2
1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
2 in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
Observation: David's prayer is a statement of faith and a pleading for purpose. He says, "Lord, I have put all my hope in You. Please don't let me down. Please help me to not be embarrassed or defeated."
Application: I totally relate to this prayer. I have sold my soul to God and I am at His mercy. And I sometimes, maybe even often, feel like God has let me down. I fight a sense of failure in my work for God. I'm not saying that what I have done is without merit, but I certainly do not consider my work to be a glowing success in terms of numbers or finances or significance. So I will keep praying this prayer.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 25:1-2
1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
2 in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
Observation: David's prayer is a statement of faith and a pleading for purpose. He says, "Lord, I have put all my hope in You. Please don't let me down. Please help me to not be embarrassed or defeated."
Application: I totally relate to this prayer. I have sold my soul to God and I am at His mercy. And I sometimes, maybe even often, feel like God has let me down. I fight a sense of failure in my work for God. I'm not saying that what I have done is without merit, but I certainly do not consider my work to be a glowing success in terms of numbers or finances or significance. So I will keep praying this prayer.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Title: Hard Parting / Topic: Relationships
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 23; Leviticus 24; Psalm 24; Acts 21
Scripture: Acts 21:1 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos...
Observation: Paul's departure from the elders of Ephesus was difficult. Luke uses the phrase "torn away" to describe the experience.
Application: You get attached to people that you minister to and with. And these attachments can get close and meaningful. But sometimes God calls you to leave and that means leaving people behind. It is a hard reality of life and especially ministry. I am grateful for the closeness that I have with many who have been with me for many years. I identify with Paul in this "tearing" experience. It reminds me how important it is to remember that we don't own anyone. Every person that God puts into our lives, even our own children are on loan from God. And we should do all we can to bless them as much as we can while they are with us. There will come a day of parting and after that, personal ministry will be over. Make the most of every opportunity.
Prayer: Thank You Lord for the great people You have blessed me with. May I be doing everything possible to bless them and make the greatest contribution to their lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Acts 21:1 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos...
Observation: Paul's departure from the elders of Ephesus was difficult. Luke uses the phrase "torn away" to describe the experience.
Application: You get attached to people that you minister to and with. And these attachments can get close and meaningful. But sometimes God calls you to leave and that means leaving people behind. It is a hard reality of life and especially ministry. I am grateful for the closeness that I have with many who have been with me for many years. I identify with Paul in this "tearing" experience. It reminds me how important it is to remember that we don't own anyone. Every person that God puts into our lives, even our own children are on loan from God. And we should do all we can to bless them as much as we can while they are with us. There will come a day of parting and after that, personal ministry will be over. Make the most of every opportunity.
Prayer: Thank You Lord for the great people You have blessed me with. May I be doing everything possible to bless them and make the greatest contribution to their lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Title: The Model / Topic: Example
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 20; Leviticus 21; Leviticus 22; Acts 20
Scripture: Acts 20
17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. 18 When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. 19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. 20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you...
33 "I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Observation: I appreciate Paul and the fact that, as he states to the elders from Ephesus, he practiced what he preached. His life was consistent with his message in his care for the people -- his thoroughness of teaching, his hard work, his humility, his empathy, his generosity, and his servant spirit.
Application: Paul was not only a great example to the pastors and churches he served, but he is a wonderful model for leaders today. It is so prevalent to see church leaders with a prima donna attitude. But Paul, like Jesus, was willing to work and serve. It is important to talk the talk and walk the walk. To minister is to serve. I must never forget this.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for great models for us to follow. Jesus and Paul lived the life that showed the love of God and the true heart of a servant. May Your leaders today follow these examples and may your Church lead from a place of service and humility.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Acts 20
17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. 18 When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. 19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. 20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you...
33 "I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Observation: I appreciate Paul and the fact that, as he states to the elders from Ephesus, he practiced what he preached. His life was consistent with his message in his care for the people -- his thoroughness of teaching, his hard work, his humility, his empathy, his generosity, and his servant spirit.
Application: Paul was not only a great example to the pastors and churches he served, but he is a wonderful model for leaders today. It is so prevalent to see church leaders with a prima donna attitude. But Paul, like Jesus, was willing to work and serve. It is important to talk the talk and walk the walk. To minister is to serve. I must never forget this.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for great models for us to follow. Jesus and Paul lived the life that showed the love of God and the true heart of a servant. May Your leaders today follow these examples and may your Church lead from a place of service and humility.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Title: The Unlikely Deliverer / Topic: God's Protection
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 18; Leviticus 19; Psalm 13; Acts 19
Scripture: Acts 19:28-29, 35
28 When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 29 Soon the whole city was in an uproar...
35 The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: "Men of Ephesus, doesn't all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to be quiet and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. 38 If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. 39 If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. 40 As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of today's events. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it." 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
Observation: I love this story. Here, the citizens of Ephesus have been whipped up into a frenzy and have rioted and taken over the city's theater. They are thirsty for revenge against Paul and have seized some of his friends. It's a dicey situation and dangerous for the Christians. Into the middle of this chaos steps an unlikely hero, the city clerk. He, in his clerk-like way, calms the crowd and explains the various remedies for their grievances. He warns them that there could be fines and worse penalties for rioting without a permit, and with that, he dismisses the assembly. And amazingly, everyone disperses.
Application: You never know where deliverance is going to come from. I'm sure the Christians were praying for divine help, maybe hoping for a Roman garrison or general to break down the doors. Instead they get a clerk, but he is just the ticket to end the threat and bring this danger to a peaceful conclusion.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You can bring us help from virtually anywhere. You're provision of protection and deliverance is amazing. May I always walk with Your protective covering.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Acts 19:28-29, 35
28 When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 29 Soon the whole city was in an uproar...
35 The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: "Men of Ephesus, doesn't all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to be quiet and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. 38 If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. 39 If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. 40 As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of today's events. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it." 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
Observation: I love this story. Here, the citizens of Ephesus have been whipped up into a frenzy and have rioted and taken over the city's theater. They are thirsty for revenge against Paul and have seized some of his friends. It's a dicey situation and dangerous for the Christians. Into the middle of this chaos steps an unlikely hero, the city clerk. He, in his clerk-like way, calms the crowd and explains the various remedies for their grievances. He warns them that there could be fines and worse penalties for rioting without a permit, and with that, he dismisses the assembly. And amazingly, everyone disperses.
Application: You never know where deliverance is going to come from. I'm sure the Christians were praying for divine help, maybe hoping for a Roman garrison or general to break down the doors. Instead they get a clerk, but he is just the ticket to end the threat and bring this danger to a peaceful conclusion.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You can bring us help from virtually anywhere. You're provision of protection and deliverance is amazing. May I always walk with Your protective covering.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Title: Where's Paul / Topic: Encouragement
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 15; Leviticus 16; Leviticus 17; Acts 18
Scripture: Acts 18:23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
Observation: The idea of Paul arriving in a place as he traveled "from place to place", just meandering about, to strengthen the disciples is so cool! I just imagine having someone like Paul -- a seasoned salty veteran who knows the ropes -- come by to be a help and support. That would be a dream come true.
Application: We all need support and encouragement. We can wait for Paul to come by or we can drop by somebody else's place and say "atta boy!" or "way to go, girl!" If everyone is waiting for that encourager to show up, we may be missing opportunities to be the encourager to someone else.
Prayer: Lord, send some Pauls around. And help me be one of them.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Acts 18:23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
Observation: The idea of Paul arriving in a place as he traveled "from place to place", just meandering about, to strengthen the disciples is so cool! I just imagine having someone like Paul -- a seasoned salty veteran who knows the ropes -- come by to be a help and support. That would be a dream come true.
Application: We all need support and encouragement. We can wait for Paul to come by or we can drop by somebody else's place and say "atta boy!" or "way to go, girl!" If everyone is waiting for that encourager to show up, we may be missing opportunities to be the encourager to someone else.
Prayer: Lord, send some Pauls around. And help me be one of them.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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