Today’s Reading: Ezra 5; Ezra 6; Psalm 138; Luke 16
Scripture: Psalm 138:6 Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.
Observation: I love this verse. When it says that the Lord "looks upon the lowly" in contrast to "but the proud he knows from afar", the clear implication is that God is near to the lowly, watching them with affection and intimacy. Proud people don't get that intimacy. In fact, proud and powerful people keep other people away as well. So they are quite alone, since even God keeps his distance.
Application: Do I want to be near to God or far from him? The determining factor is my humility. Closeness to the Lord is directly proportional to my humility of heart.
Prayer: Keep me humble and close to you, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Title: Fear The Lord / Topic: Pleasing God
Today’s Reading: Zechariah 13; Zechariah 14; Psalm 147; Luke 15
Scripture: Psalm 147:11 the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Observation: Fear the Lord. This concept isn't too popular today. Especially among the seeker-sensitive. It doesn't sound very welcoming to invite someone to fear anything or anyone. Particularly when we say that a "personal relationship with Jesus" is what a person needs to be saved. But I think that a proper relationship with God does involve fear. The Bible tells us that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" and here it says that "the Lord delights in those who fear him." And notice the next phrase, "who put their hope in his unfailing love."
Application: If I do not fear the Lord, I am putting too much stock in me rather than the Lord. And when I do this, I tend to trust in me and in what I am able to do for myself. When I understand that I am next to nothing compared to him, then I will fear him and will trust in him at the same time. I will trust in his love for I must know that if he is to have anything to do with me, it's not because he needs me! No, it is due to his mercy and love for me that he saved and blesses me.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your wonderful awesome self and for your unfailing love and mercy toward me. May I always be one of those who fears you and trusts in you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 147:11 the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Observation: Fear the Lord. This concept isn't too popular today. Especially among the seeker-sensitive. It doesn't sound very welcoming to invite someone to fear anything or anyone. Particularly when we say that a "personal relationship with Jesus" is what a person needs to be saved. But I think that a proper relationship with God does involve fear. The Bible tells us that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" and here it says that "the Lord delights in those who fear him." And notice the next phrase, "who put their hope in his unfailing love."
Application: If I do not fear the Lord, I am putting too much stock in me rather than the Lord. And when I do this, I tend to trust in me and in what I am able to do for myself. When I understand that I am next to nothing compared to him, then I will fear him and will trust in him at the same time. I will trust in his love for I must know that if he is to have anything to do with me, it's not because he needs me! No, it is due to his mercy and love for me that he saved and blesses me.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your wonderful awesome self and for your unfailing love and mercy toward me. May I always be one of those who fears you and trusts in you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Title: Watching Jesus / Topic: Honoring The King
Today’s Reading: Zechariah 10; Zechariah 11; Zechariah 12; Psalm 126; Luke 14
Scripture: Luke 14:1 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched.
Observation: There Pharisees and other prominent dinner guests are keeping an eye on Jesus to see if he will violate the rigid rules that they pride themselves on obeying. Unfortunately, they were not watching him to learn from him or to admire and honor him, but rather to judge him.
Application: Lots of people know about Jesus and are interested in him. Even the Islamic religion recognizes Jesus as a prophet. But watching Jesus isn't really the point. It's obeying him, honoring him, and, ultimately, surrendering to him that really counts. These Pharisees were more interested in obeying their own version of the Law rather than the Word himself which was right in front of them. How many of us miss Jesus because we are focused on the wrong things?
Prayer: Lord, I want to keep my eyes on you so that I can love you more. Help me to keep my focus right. And help me to see you in every situation in my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Luke 14:1 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched.
Observation: There Pharisees and other prominent dinner guests are keeping an eye on Jesus to see if he will violate the rigid rules that they pride themselves on obeying. Unfortunately, they were not watching him to learn from him or to admire and honor him, but rather to judge him.
Application: Lots of people know about Jesus and are interested in him. Even the Islamic religion recognizes Jesus as a prophet. But watching Jesus isn't really the point. It's obeying him, honoring him, and, ultimately, surrendering to him that really counts. These Pharisees were more interested in obeying their own version of the Law rather than the Word himself which was right in front of them. How many of us miss Jesus because we are focused on the wrong things?
Prayer: Lord, I want to keep my eyes on you so that I can love you more. Help me to keep my focus right. And help me to see you in every situation in my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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