Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 23; 2 Chronicles 35; John 7
Scripture: 2 Kings 23:13 The king also desecrated the high places that were east of Jerusalem on the south of the Hill of Corruption—the ones Solomon king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the vile goddess of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the vile god of Moab, and for Molech the detestable god of the people of Ammon.
Observation: Wow! This really got my attention. Josiah, as he turns the nation of Judah back to God gets rid of all kinds of pagan altars and idols. But notice here that he is destroying high places which were built by Solomon. I looked it up on Wikipedia and discovered Solomon's reign started about 1037 BC and Josiah's around 640 BC. That's nearly 400 years that have elapsed since Solomon. These pagan shrines were constructed by Solomon to accommodate one of his pagan wives as we are told in 1 Kings 11. He made this little compromise to please one of the 700 wives he had. I wonder did he know that this decision would plague his nation for the next 400 years!
Application: Small compromises can seem like a little ripple in the pond, but as the wave travels outward, the effect can become much greater than we could possibly imagine. It is so important to do the right things because when we give in and violate God's principles, we might be sentencing those who follow to struggles and battles that will set them back years, or decades, or even centuries.
Prayer: Lord, help us to realize the connectedness we have to those who follow, whether they be our children or just the people who take our place when we are gone. Help us to remember that what we do has unforeseen long-term consequences so that we stand and do what is right no matter what.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Friday, August 04, 2006
Title: Harsh? You Bet / Topic: God's Word
Today’s Reading: Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 34; John 6
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 34:20-21, John 6:60-61
2 Chronicles 34:19 When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes. 20 He gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king's attendant: 21 "Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD's anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book."
John 6:60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you?
Observation: Here is a study in contrasts:
Application: Jesus gave us the application in verse 65: "no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." People make up their mind and if they close themselves off to God, there is no way they can receive, for it is God alone who enables a person to receive the word. If a person is open to God, then He enables them to hear, receive, and apply the word, even when it hurts. Were these words harsh? You bet they were! But Josiah took them to heart and turned his nation toward God -- unlike Jesus followers who didn't even stop to ask Jesus what He meant by what He said -- they rejected it in their ignorance.
Bottom line: You can bring God's word faithfully and still be rejected. A person has to be open to God and humble to receive or it won't get through to their heart. And we must be sure we keep our hearts open to God's word, harsh or gentle, and stay teachable and moldable through it all.
Prayer: Lord, we want to be like Josiah, who heard Your words and responded with instant repentance and obedience. Help us to be able to receive even the harshest of words when it will help us to become more like Jesus.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 34:20-21, John 6:60-61
2 Chronicles 34:19 When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes. 20 He gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king's attendant: 21 "Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD's anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book."
John 6:60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you?
Observation: Here is a study in contrasts:
First, Josiah is confronted with his first exposure to the Law being read to him after the High Priest found the scrolls in the Temple. He responds by tearing his robes and calls for sweeping changes in the nation. There is great sorrow for their violations of God's word.One person hears the word and it pierces his heart and brings repentance. Another person hears the word and takes offense and rejects both the word and the One who brought it.
Then we see some of Jesus followers who heard Him say that He was the bread from heaven and, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." Those who heard these words grumbled and complained and many turned away and did not follow Jesus any longer.
Application: Jesus gave us the application in verse 65: "no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." People make up their mind and if they close themselves off to God, there is no way they can receive, for it is God alone who enables a person to receive the word. If a person is open to God, then He enables them to hear, receive, and apply the word, even when it hurts. Were these words harsh? You bet they were! But Josiah took them to heart and turned his nation toward God -- unlike Jesus followers who didn't even stop to ask Jesus what He meant by what He said -- they rejected it in their ignorance.
Bottom line: You can bring God's word faithfully and still be rejected. A person has to be open to God and humble to receive or it won't get through to their heart. And we must be sure we keep our hearts open to God's word, harsh or gentle, and stay teachable and moldable through it all.
Prayer: Lord, we want to be like Josiah, who heard Your words and responded with instant repentance and obedience. Help us to be able to receive even the harshest of words when it will help us to become more like Jesus.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Title: The Blame Game / Topic: Dealing With People
Today’s Reading: Nahum 1; Nahum 2; Nahum 3; John 5
Scripture: John 5:2-9
2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
7 "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
8 Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
Observation: "Do you want to get well?" That is Jesus' startling question to this man who has been paralyzed for 38 years. "Of course I want to get well! What do you think? You think I like lying here on the ground?!" That's how I would have expected the man to reply -- but he does not reply anything like this. Read again the man's response in verse 7. It sounds like blame and excuses. "I don't have someone to get me in the water when it is stirred -- and then somebody else is able to get in ahead of me. So I can't get healed! It's not my fault!"
[One of my tongue-in-cheek "famous" quotations is: "Happiness is having someone to blame." I think that for many people, this saying is unfortunately a part of their philosophy of life.]
Application: I am actually surprised that Jesus healed him. (But Jesus does warn him later to stop sinning -- which could be the blaming and failing to take responsibility.) Jesus just tells the man directly, "get up!" In other words, "Enough with your excuses!" The great thing is that the man does it! And he is healed! I have seen people get all offended when I tried to help them get beyond their excuses and other self-imposed limitations on their own deliverance. There's nothing anyone can do for a person who is unwilling or unable to take action to help themselves.
Bottom line: let's listen to the Lord and others when they challenge us to make bold changes and stop blaming others for the difficult situations in our lives. Think of what would have happened to the paralyzed man if he had chosen to focus on his excuses. "Well, Jesus, you just don't understand my circumstances..." He would have missed the experience of walking!
Prayer: Lord, help us to listen to You and to others and to lay aside our excuses and our blaming and to "get up and walk!" May we respond to the voice of challenge, even if it seems insensitive or harsh. May we hear the love of others when they spur us on to grow beyond our limitations.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: John 5:2-9
2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
7 "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
8 Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
Observation: "Do you want to get well?" That is Jesus' startling question to this man who has been paralyzed for 38 years. "Of course I want to get well! What do you think? You think I like lying here on the ground?!" That's how I would have expected the man to reply -- but he does not reply anything like this. Read again the man's response in verse 7. It sounds like blame and excuses. "I don't have someone to get me in the water when it is stirred -- and then somebody else is able to get in ahead of me. So I can't get healed! It's not my fault!"
[One of my tongue-in-cheek "famous" quotations is: "Happiness is having someone to blame." I think that for many people, this saying is unfortunately a part of their philosophy of life.]
Application: I am actually surprised that Jesus healed him. (But Jesus does warn him later to stop sinning -- which could be the blaming and failing to take responsibility.) Jesus just tells the man directly, "get up!" In other words, "Enough with your excuses!" The great thing is that the man does it! And he is healed! I have seen people get all offended when I tried to help them get beyond their excuses and other self-imposed limitations on their own deliverance. There's nothing anyone can do for a person who is unwilling or unable to take action to help themselves.
Bottom line: let's listen to the Lord and others when they challenge us to make bold changes and stop blaming others for the difficult situations in our lives. Think of what would have happened to the paralyzed man if he had chosen to focus on his excuses. "Well, Jesus, you just don't understand my circumstances..." He would have missed the experience of walking!
Prayer: Lord, help us to listen to You and to others and to lay aside our excuses and our blaming and to "get up and walk!" May we respond to the voice of challenge, even if it seems insensitive or harsh. May we hear the love of others when they spur us on to grow beyond our limitations.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Title: Deep Fulfillment / Topic: Ministry
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 33; John 4
Scripture: John 4:31-34
31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."
32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."
33 Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"
34 "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
Observation: Jesus has been left alone for awhile as the disciples went into town to get food. While they were gone, Jesus took the opportunity to minister to a Samaritan woman who came to the well for water. As the disciples return with the food, they offer some to Jesus and the discussion recorded in the verses above ensues.
What I love about this is that Jesus tries to tell them that what happened while they were gone has been particularly fulfilling to Him, similar to eating a good meal. It has been so meaningful that He has a level of satisfaction comparable to being full after eating. They don't quite get it.
Application: Doing what God wants -- being in the right place at the right time and saying the right words to someone -- is a tremendously fulfilling experience. It doesn't fill your stomach, but it can give such a feeling of contentment and satisfaction, that eating doesn't seem so important at the moment. It is a wonderful experience.
Today I long for this experience of deeply fulfilling ministry. Lately, my own ministry has been one that has left that longing almost completely unmet. (And in my conversations with other pastors, most say the same.) It is not as though my labors have been totally unfruitful, but the sparseness of significant fruit and the sense of little or no perceptible momentum has contributed to a dearth of satisfaction on the order of what Jesus expressed.
I know that we are in a season of spiritual difficulty and warfare. May we remain faithful to the Lord's call and to continue to press on with endurance.
Prayer: Lord, I ask You to bring fruitfulness and the sense of Your touch that brings satisfaction. I want to be pleasing to You and You alone, and I ask You for the awareness that Your blessing and approval is upon me. I need a touch of Your grace. Lord, give us endurance and strength to continue regardless of the difficulties. And give us Your joy and peace and presence to make the journey not only tolerable but truly wonderful. May we walk close to You in the midst of our labors, sharing in the sense of Your presence even as we would share in the fellowship of Your sufferings. Give us Your power and perspective to continue and finish well.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: John 4:31-34
31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."
32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."
33 Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"
34 "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
Observation: Jesus has been left alone for awhile as the disciples went into town to get food. While they were gone, Jesus took the opportunity to minister to a Samaritan woman who came to the well for water. As the disciples return with the food, they offer some to Jesus and the discussion recorded in the verses above ensues.
What I love about this is that Jesus tries to tell them that what happened while they were gone has been particularly fulfilling to Him, similar to eating a good meal. It has been so meaningful that He has a level of satisfaction comparable to being full after eating. They don't quite get it.
Application: Doing what God wants -- being in the right place at the right time and saying the right words to someone -- is a tremendously fulfilling experience. It doesn't fill your stomach, but it can give such a feeling of contentment and satisfaction, that eating doesn't seem so important at the moment. It is a wonderful experience.
Today I long for this experience of deeply fulfilling ministry. Lately, my own ministry has been one that has left that longing almost completely unmet. (And in my conversations with other pastors, most say the same.) It is not as though my labors have been totally unfruitful, but the sparseness of significant fruit and the sense of little or no perceptible momentum has contributed to a dearth of satisfaction on the order of what Jesus expressed.
I know that we are in a season of spiritual difficulty and warfare. May we remain faithful to the Lord's call and to continue to press on with endurance.
Prayer: Lord, I ask You to bring fruitfulness and the sense of Your touch that brings satisfaction. I want to be pleasing to You and You alone, and I ask You for the awareness that Your blessing and approval is upon me. I need a touch of Your grace. Lord, give us endurance and strength to continue regardless of the difficulties. And give us Your joy and peace and presence to make the journey not only tolerable but truly wonderful. May we walk close to You in the midst of our labors, sharing in the sense of Your presence even as we would share in the fellowship of Your sufferings. Give us Your power and perspective to continue and finish well.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Title: It's Simple / Topic: Think!
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 65; Isaiah 66; Psalm 62; John 3
Scripture: John 3:23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized.
Observation: A fictional conversation between John the Baptist and one of his disciples:
Application: Pray and think. God wants us to seek Him for the times when we need His wisdom. But He also wants us to think -- to use our brains and the reasoning power He has given us. (Some Christians are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good as this parody illustrates.) Christian people should have the greatest common sense of anybody. We have the mind of Christ. We have the Spirit's wisdom. We have the constant renewing of the mind. Jesus said to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves." We should be good and smart.
Prayer: Lord, give us wisdom and smarts to live in a way that makes good sense and shows others that we know what we are doing. Help us to put aside foolishness and the silly psuedo-spirituality that makes so many Christians look like idiots. Lord, thank You for the gift us intelligence. Help us to develop it use it to Your glory.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: John 3:23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized.
Observation: A fictional conversation between John the Baptist and one of his disciples:
"Master John, have you prayed about where we should go to baptize?"While there are many things that we need to pray about, there are many for which we just need to use our brains. I love this simple verse that tells us the reason that John chose that particular location to baptize: plenty of water. And there were people there too -- another important requirement for baptizing! : )
"What?"
"Should we fast and pray to seek God's will about where He would have us to go to baptize the people?"
"I don't think we need to do all that -- I think we should go to Aenon."
"Did the Spirit speak to you or did the Lord lead you to that idea."
"No, I just think it's a good spot because there is plenty of water at Aenon."
(sheepishly) "ok"
Application: Pray and think. God wants us to seek Him for the times when we need His wisdom. But He also wants us to think -- to use our brains and the reasoning power He has given us. (Some Christians are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good as this parody illustrates.) Christian people should have the greatest common sense of anybody. We have the mind of Christ. We have the Spirit's wisdom. We have the constant renewing of the mind. Jesus said to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves." We should be good and smart.
Prayer: Lord, give us wisdom and smarts to live in a way that makes good sense and shows others that we know what we are doing. Help us to put aside foolishness and the silly psuedo-spirituality that makes so many Christians look like idiots. Lord, thank You for the gift us intelligence. Help us to develop it use it to Your glory.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Title: Where's The Party? / Topic: Jesus
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 63; Isaiah 64; Psalm 107; John 2
Scripture: John 2:1-11
1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."
4 "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come."
5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.
8 Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."
They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."
11 This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
Observation: The little wine maker, Jesus! I have always found it so fascinating that Jesus' first miracle was to make wine for a party. And notice how much He made. Verse six tells us there were "six stone water jars… each holding from twenty to thirty gallons." That's 120 to 180 gallons of wine! (That perks up a party!)
[Note that this event occurred in Cana of Galilee. According to information I have received, this is the same city (Qana) in which an Israeli bomb reportedly killed more than 50 people including over 30 children Sunday after Hezbollah rockets apparently were fired at Israel from the same area. Cana could use another miracle now.]
Application: Jesus was not a stick in the mud. He was a wonderful person to be around. He loved a party. And He loved (and loves) people. The church has done an absolutely horrible job in presenting Jesus as boring, rigid, aloof, religious, etc. We're talking about someone who made over 120 gallons of wine for a party! That should attract a crowd! Wow -- do we have work to do! We have to figure out how to shed our religious straight jackets and find the joy and celebration that truly represents Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, help us to do a better job representing You. I know that Jesus got in trouble with the religious people and yet many of His followers have gotten religious. Help us to find the living joy and vibrancy that expresses what it should mean to be people of God, those redeemed by a Savior who made wine and compared His interaction with His disciples to a bachelor party.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: John 2:1-11
1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."
4 "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come."
5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.
8 Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."
They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."
11 This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
Observation: The little wine maker, Jesus! I have always found it so fascinating that Jesus' first miracle was to make wine for a party. And notice how much He made. Verse six tells us there were "six stone water jars… each holding from twenty to thirty gallons." That's 120 to 180 gallons of wine! (That perks up a party!)
[Note that this event occurred in Cana of Galilee. According to information I have received, this is the same city (Qana) in which an Israeli bomb reportedly killed more than 50 people including over 30 children Sunday after Hezbollah rockets apparently were fired at Israel from the same area. Cana could use another miracle now.]
Application: Jesus was not a stick in the mud. He was a wonderful person to be around. He loved a party. And He loved (and loves) people. The church has done an absolutely horrible job in presenting Jesus as boring, rigid, aloof, religious, etc. We're talking about someone who made over 120 gallons of wine for a party! That should attract a crowd! Wow -- do we have work to do! We have to figure out how to shed our religious straight jackets and find the joy and celebration that truly represents Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, help us to do a better job representing You. I know that Jesus got in trouble with the religious people and yet many of His followers have gotten religious. Help us to find the living joy and vibrancy that expresses what it should mean to be people of God, those redeemed by a Savior who made wine and compared His interaction with His disciples to a bachelor party.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Title: Hangin' With Jesus / Topic: Relationship
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 60; Isaiah 61; Isaiah 62; John 1
Scripture: John 1:35-39
35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?" They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?" 39 "Come," he replied, "and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.
Observation: Two of John's disciples catch the hint that John gives them and turn to follow Jesus. Jesus sees them and asks them question. Notice His tone: "What do you want?" It seems almost rude. And their answer is not an answer at all, but it is another question: "Where are you staying?" But their answer is there in that question. They are saying, "we want to hang out with you." And Jesus gets the message, "come and you will see" or in other words, "come on and check it out." They spent the day together and that was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
Application: This is how relationships grow. We have to hang out with people, spending time at their place, having them over to our place. This kind of interaction must happen if we are to grow a relationship with any depth of staying power. This is the reason I am such a maniac about getting people together. Unfortunately, our culture is trending more and more toward isolating people from each other with super-busy schedules, TV, the Internet, etc. So I am working against the culture tide. But that won't stop me, (although it is a bit discouraging). So hey, throw me a bone and spend some time with someone new this week. Expand your circle of relationship by inviting someone to your home (or do what I do and invite yourself over to their place!) and take the opportunity to plant the seeds of relationship. The eventual harvest will be worth the effort. Trust me, you will thank me.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to live as a friend among us. Thank You for the example of a man who opened His life to others to spend time and share Himself with them. Because of this, we have the Gospels, and the Disciples, all of whom were trained through the process of a close personal relationship with Jesus with much time spent together. Lord, help us to open our lives to new people who need to receive our love and give love in return. Help us to be those who take the example of Jesus and live it ongoingly and increasingly.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: John 1:35-39
35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?" They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?" 39 "Come," he replied, "and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.
Observation: Two of John's disciples catch the hint that John gives them and turn to follow Jesus. Jesus sees them and asks them question. Notice His tone: "What do you want?" It seems almost rude. And their answer is not an answer at all, but it is another question: "Where are you staying?" But their answer is there in that question. They are saying, "we want to hang out with you." And Jesus gets the message, "come and you will see" or in other words, "come on and check it out." They spent the day together and that was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
Application: This is how relationships grow. We have to hang out with people, spending time at their place, having them over to our place. This kind of interaction must happen if we are to grow a relationship with any depth of staying power. This is the reason I am such a maniac about getting people together. Unfortunately, our culture is trending more and more toward isolating people from each other with super-busy schedules, TV, the Internet, etc. So I am working against the culture tide. But that won't stop me, (although it is a bit discouraging). So hey, throw me a bone and spend some time with someone new this week. Expand your circle of relationship by inviting someone to your home (or do what I do and invite yourself over to their place!) and take the opportunity to plant the seeds of relationship. The eventual harvest will be worth the effort. Trust me, you will thank me.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to live as a friend among us. Thank You for the example of a man who opened His life to others to spend time and share Himself with them. Because of this, we have the Gospels, and the Disciples, all of whom were trained through the process of a close personal relationship with Jesus with much time spent together. Lord, help us to open our lives to new people who need to receive our love and give love in return. Help us to be those who take the example of Jesus and live it ongoingly and increasingly.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Title: The Stimulating Word / Topic: Wholesome Thinking
[Blogger's note: please forgive the lateness of today's post. We are in the process of moving our offices and the recent heat wave has created a very tight window for completing the move. Today we got the bulk of the move completed. Thanks for understanding.]
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 57; Isaiah 58; Isaiah 59; Psalm 103; 2 Peter 3
Scripture: 2 Peter 3:1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.
Observation: It is a simple purpose that Peter shares with his readers. The letters he writes serve "as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking." I totally identify with this purpose for that is the purpose of my blog. As I have written in the above description, "let's use this blog as a tool to stimulate discipline and dedication to God's word and prayer." I want to encourage and motivate all of my friends and family to wholesome thinking by spending more time in reading and studying the Bible, and by journaling. Peter wrote his letters for much the same purpose.
Application: When we read the word, we should realize that those who penned the Bible were people like us who recognized the need for the word of God in their own lives and in the lives of the people they served. And as Peter indicates, there is a health-producing effect of spending time in the word. Wholesome thinking is not something that just happens on its own. On the contrary, there are plenty of stimuli promoting unwholesome thinking. Then, and even more now, the world is filled with crass, crude, rude, filthy, and inappropriate words and images that promote anything but wholesome thinking. It is especially important that we who are true believers in God and servants of Jesus Christ do not expose our minds to those things that lead to unwholesome thinking. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things." In this Peter and Paul and Pastor Mike all agree. :)
Prayer: Lord, help us to take seriously the task of wholesome thinking and to carefully consider what we allow ourselves to see, hear, and read. Lord, the entertainments and amusements of this world are trending more and more to the base and immoral and You are looking for a people who are set apart for You purposes. Help us to keep ourselves from those things that corrupt our minds and hearts. May we spend time with Your word and other things that elevate our thoughts and give us soundness of mind, speech, and action.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 57; Isaiah 58; Isaiah 59; Psalm 103; 2 Peter 3
Scripture: 2 Peter 3:1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.
Observation: It is a simple purpose that Peter shares with his readers. The letters he writes serve "as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking." I totally identify with this purpose for that is the purpose of my blog. As I have written in the above description, "let's use this blog as a tool to stimulate discipline and dedication to God's word and prayer." I want to encourage and motivate all of my friends and family to wholesome thinking by spending more time in reading and studying the Bible, and by journaling. Peter wrote his letters for much the same purpose.
Application: When we read the word, we should realize that those who penned the Bible were people like us who recognized the need for the word of God in their own lives and in the lives of the people they served. And as Peter indicates, there is a health-producing effect of spending time in the word. Wholesome thinking is not something that just happens on its own. On the contrary, there are plenty of stimuli promoting unwholesome thinking. Then, and even more now, the world is filled with crass, crude, rude, filthy, and inappropriate words and images that promote anything but wholesome thinking. It is especially important that we who are true believers in God and servants of Jesus Christ do not expose our minds to those things that lead to unwholesome thinking. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things." In this Peter and Paul and Pastor Mike all agree. :)
Prayer: Lord, help us to take seriously the task of wholesome thinking and to carefully consider what we allow ourselves to see, hear, and read. Lord, the entertainments and amusements of this world are trending more and more to the base and immoral and You are looking for a people who are set apart for You purposes. Help us to keep ourselves from those things that corrupt our minds and hearts. May we spend time with Your word and other things that elevate our thoughts and give us soundness of mind, speech, and action.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Title: The Tender Gift / Topic: Grace
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 53; Isaiah 54; Isaiah 55; Isaiah 56; 2 Peter 2
Scripture: Isaiah 53:4-6
4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Observation: These verses touch me as I read them. They speak of the first thing that we who are redeemed have in common. It's our sin and brokenness. And our loving Lord saw our brokenness and in His compassion, He took it upon Himself. Our infirmities, sorrows, transgressions, iniquities, punishment, wounds -- he bore them all. These things would have crushed us -- they crushed Him. I am so grateful for the willingness of God to spare me from what I had coming and take my consequences upon Himself.
Application: This is the one attitude that marks a true Christian: the knowledge that I am a sinner -- broken, unworthy, without hope apart from God. That knowledge produces two things: a humility and great gratefulness for what our Lord has done.
(Those who think themselves "good people" cannot truly appreciate or receive this precious gift. Good people don't need saving. I have had people tell me that they did not need anyone to die for them. How wrong they are -- and how sad that their pride keeps them separated from their Redeemer.)
Prayer: Lord, thank You for saving me. Thank You for Jesus Who took the bitter harvest of my brokenness upon Himself, and gave me His righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. I want to be used to help so many others who need to understand this amazing gift. Help me, Lord, to discover ways to break through all the negative objections that people have that keep them from receiving You. Make me a soul winner and help Your people to bring in a great harvest.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Isaiah 53:4-6
4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Observation: These verses touch me as I read them. They speak of the first thing that we who are redeemed have in common. It's our sin and brokenness. And our loving Lord saw our brokenness and in His compassion, He took it upon Himself. Our infirmities, sorrows, transgressions, iniquities, punishment, wounds -- he bore them all. These things would have crushed us -- they crushed Him. I am so grateful for the willingness of God to spare me from what I had coming and take my consequences upon Himself.
Application: This is the one attitude that marks a true Christian: the knowledge that I am a sinner -- broken, unworthy, without hope apart from God. That knowledge produces two things: a humility and great gratefulness for what our Lord has done.
(Those who think themselves "good people" cannot truly appreciate or receive this precious gift. Good people don't need saving. I have had people tell me that they did not need anyone to die for them. How wrong they are -- and how sad that their pride keeps them separated from their Redeemer.)
Prayer: Lord, thank You for saving me. Thank You for Jesus Who took the bitter harvest of my brokenness upon Himself, and gave me His righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. I want to be used to help so many others who need to understand this amazing gift. Help me, Lord, to discover ways to break through all the negative objections that people have that keep them from receiving You. Make me a soul winner and help Your people to bring in a great harvest.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Title: Participate / Topic: Growth
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 50; Isaiah 51; Isaiah 52; Psalm 92; 2 Peter 1
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-5
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge...
Observation: God has given us "everything we need for life and godliness". End of story, right? Not exactly. We may have what we need, but it's kind of like a kit! That is, some assembly required! We have to actually participate in the process. The really cool thing is that we're not participating in some lame science experiment. Nope. We get to "participate in the divine nature." That means we get to take part with God in who He is and how He operates. Very cool.
Application: It's up to us to engage our being in the process of becoming more like God by actually participating in the very nature of God. His "great and precious promises" are kind of a combination of a guarantee and instructions in how it's supposed to work. So don't just sit back and contemplate God. Activate your body, soul, and spirit in the process. In verse 5, we are further encouraged to "make every effort" -- that means we should really get into it. Give it all we've got and we will grow. (That's what the word "add" means.) Let's go for it!
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You supply everything we need. We just have to participate to make it happen. May we be fully engaged in this process of growing through the partnership with Your divine nature. Lord, help us to see how fantastic this is and to make this process what we are all about.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-5
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge...
Observation: God has given us "everything we need for life and godliness". End of story, right? Not exactly. We may have what we need, but it's kind of like a kit! That is, some assembly required! We have to actually participate in the process. The really cool thing is that we're not participating in some lame science experiment. Nope. We get to "participate in the divine nature." That means we get to take part with God in who He is and how He operates. Very cool.
Application: It's up to us to engage our being in the process of becoming more like God by actually participating in the very nature of God. His "great and precious promises" are kind of a combination of a guarantee and instructions in how it's supposed to work. So don't just sit back and contemplate God. Activate your body, soul, and spirit in the process. In verse 5, we are further encouraged to "make every effort" -- that means we should really get into it. Give it all we've got and we will grow. (That's what the word "add" means.) Let's go for it!
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You supply everything we need. We just have to participate to make it happen. May we be fully engaged in this process of growing through the partnership with Your divine nature. Lord, help us to see how fantastic this is and to make this process what we are all about.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Title: If Only / Topic: Opportunity
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 46; Isaiah 47; Isaiah 48; Isaiah 49; 1 Peter 5
Scripture: Isaiah 46:17-19
17 This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
18 If only you had paid attention to my commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
19 Your descendants would have been like the sand,
your children like its numberless grains;
their name would never be cut off
nor destroyed from before me."
Observation: Hear the longing voice of the Lord: "If only you had paid attention to my commands..." If only. Our Lord is compelled by His love to reach out to us -- to shine His loving-kindness upon us. He so desires to bless us. If only we will listen. If only we will pay attention. If only we will surrender. If only we will obey. "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" (Romans 2:4)
Application: We have a wide window of opportunity to turn to God. But it will not be open forever. Isaiah's prophecy is written to people who waited too long and their opportunity had passed. They could have had great blessings (peace, righteousness, descendants, secure future) but because they did not pay attention, they missed those blessings and all the Lord can say is "if only..."
This is sad. But we can still respond. Now -- today! Hear the kindness in God's words, "if only..." He aches for us to respond and follow the ways of life by following Him. Let us receive God's kindness and let it lead us to repentance, and to the life of blessing.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your loving-kindness that draws us to seek You. Assist us to pay attention to what You want for us -- to what You want to say to us. Give us ears to hear, hearts to receive, and the will to follow You fully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Isaiah 46:17-19
17 This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
18 If only you had paid attention to my commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
19 Your descendants would have been like the sand,
your children like its numberless grains;
their name would never be cut off
nor destroyed from before me."
Observation: Hear the longing voice of the Lord: "If only you had paid attention to my commands..." If only. Our Lord is compelled by His love to reach out to us -- to shine His loving-kindness upon us. He so desires to bless us. If only we will listen. If only we will pay attention. If only we will surrender. If only we will obey. "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" (Romans 2:4)
Application: We have a wide window of opportunity to turn to God. But it will not be open forever. Isaiah's prophecy is written to people who waited too long and their opportunity had passed. They could have had great blessings (peace, righteousness, descendants, secure future) but because they did not pay attention, they missed those blessings and all the Lord can say is "if only..."
This is sad. But we can still respond. Now -- today! Hear the kindness in God's words, "if only..." He aches for us to respond and follow the ways of life by following Him. Let us receive God's kindness and let it lead us to repentance, and to the life of blessing.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your loving-kindness that draws us to seek You. Assist us to pay attention to what You want for us -- to what You want to say to us. Give us ears to hear, hearts to receive, and the will to follow You fully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Title: Prayer Prerequisites / Topic: Focus
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 43; Isaiah 44; Isaiah 45; 1 Peter 4
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
Observation: "Clear minded and self-controlled" -- Peter tells us that these are characteristics we need to implement in order to have effective prayer. I think of all the muddled thinking that people have -- and even of the confusion and distraction that I often deal with. Being clear minded requires a real focus on what is truly important when dozens of details clamor for my attention. I think it is the self-control that is the means of attaining the clear mindedness. And self-control is one of the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5. Therefore, this is not attained by mere human activity -- you don't just gut it out. This kind of self-control is a product of surrendering to God's activity and letting the Spirit have His way in our hearts and minds.
Application: Surrender to God. Pray in the Holy Spirit and spend time in the word to reinforce Godly priorities. The impetus for all of this is in the first phrase of the verse "the end of all things is near." I believe that this to is true -- we are in the last days -- and that should motivate us to get serious about attaining a "clear minded and self-controlled" focus. Let's all get serious and seek to clear our minds and control ourselves so we can pray effectively for a lost world that is in its last throes.
Prayer: Lord, help me to discipline my mind and thoughts to produce the kind of focus that allows me the clarity of thought and self-control to concentrate and labor in prayer. I am weak and wimpy in prayer, but I want to change. I know that it is important for me and all of Your people to take it to the next level in our intercession and our petition in prayer. Lord, help us to do what we need to do to become powerful in prayer so that we can be the force that stands in the gap during these days of difficulty in our world.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
Observation: "Clear minded and self-controlled" -- Peter tells us that these are characteristics we need to implement in order to have effective prayer. I think of all the muddled thinking that people have -- and even of the confusion and distraction that I often deal with. Being clear minded requires a real focus on what is truly important when dozens of details clamor for my attention. I think it is the self-control that is the means of attaining the clear mindedness. And self-control is one of the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5. Therefore, this is not attained by mere human activity -- you don't just gut it out. This kind of self-control is a product of surrendering to God's activity and letting the Spirit have His way in our hearts and minds.
Application: Surrender to God. Pray in the Holy Spirit and spend time in the word to reinforce Godly priorities. The impetus for all of this is in the first phrase of the verse "the end of all things is near." I believe that this to is true -- we are in the last days -- and that should motivate us to get serious about attaining a "clear minded and self-controlled" focus. Let's all get serious and seek to clear our minds and control ourselves so we can pray effectively for a lost world that is in its last throes.
Prayer: Lord, help me to discipline my mind and thoughts to produce the kind of focus that allows me the clarity of thought and self-control to concentrate and labor in prayer. I am weak and wimpy in prayer, but I want to change. I know that it is important for me and all of Your people to take it to the next level in our intercession and our petition in prayer. Lord, help us to do what we need to do to become powerful in prayer so that we can be the force that stands in the gap during these days of difficulty in our world.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Title: Live For Heaven / Topic: Eternity
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 40; Isaiah 41; Isaiah 42; 1 Peter 3
Scripture: Isaiah 40:6-8
6 ..."All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
7 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands forever."
Observation: It's a sobering fact and something that we need to remember. We feel like we will be here on this planet indefinitely, but in reality our time here is short. We live quite isolated and separate from other people and our exposure to the dead and dying is quite limited or nonexistent. So we think we will live forever (especially when we're young).
Application: Live for eternity. What we do based on the four motivations of this earthly realm (power, pleasure, fame, fortune) will not have eternal meaning. What we do for Christ will last. If we want our lives to have true significance, we must live with our eyes on Jesus and our hopes set on heaven.
Prayer: Lord, help us to see reality. We want to function in the only realm that will endure forever, which is the spiritual dimension. We want to live beyond our four senses and have our lives make a difference for all eternity.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Isaiah 40:6-8
6 ..."All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
7 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands forever."
Observation: It's a sobering fact and something that we need to remember. We feel like we will be here on this planet indefinitely, but in reality our time here is short. We live quite isolated and separate from other people and our exposure to the dead and dying is quite limited or nonexistent. So we think we will live forever (especially when we're young).
Application: Live for eternity. What we do based on the four motivations of this earthly realm (power, pleasure, fame, fortune) will not have eternal meaning. What we do for Christ will last. If we want our lives to have true significance, we must live with our eyes on Jesus and our hopes set on heaven.
Prayer: Lord, help us to see reality. We want to function in the only realm that will endure forever, which is the spiritual dimension. We want to live beyond our four senses and have our lives make a difference for all eternity.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Title: Get It Out / Topic: Honest Living
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 20; Isaiah 38; Isaiah 39; Psalm 75; 1 Peter 2
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
Observation: It's just a simple word that challenges us at the core of our being. We live in a world filled with ugly interactions between people. And we can easily get drawn into the cesspool. Of course, humanity is polluted by sin, and selfishness rules the unregenerate man. But we are the redeemed people of God and we are supposed to be different. Notice that Peter instructs:
Prayer: Lord, we need to take seriously our attitudes, emotions, responses, and interactions with others. Help us to see when we are not living up to Your expectations and empower us to take responsibility to make changes by getting rid of these toxic behaviors. Purify for Yourself a people that are truly reflective of Your grace and truth.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
Observation: It's just a simple word that challenges us at the core of our being. We live in a world filled with ugly interactions between people. And we can easily get drawn into the cesspool. Of course, humanity is polluted by sin, and selfishness rules the unregenerate man. But we are the redeemed people of God and we are supposed to be different. Notice that Peter instructs:
- "rid yourselves..." -- it is each person's individual responsibility to get this stuff out of his or her life
- "of all malice..." -- ALL ill will toward others
- "and all deceit, ..." -- EVERYTHING false
- "hypocrisy, ..." -- anything that is not 100% genuine and honest
- "envy, ..." -- wanting what others have
- "and slander of every kind...." -- ALL evil talking about other
Prayer: Lord, we need to take seriously our attitudes, emotions, responses, and interactions with others. Help us to see when we are not living up to Your expectations and empower us to take responsibility to make changes by getting rid of these toxic behaviors. Purify for Yourself a people that are truly reflective of Your grace and truth.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Morning Prelims
Good morning! It's Sunday and I am finishing my preparations for our gathering at Fountainhead. I will be doing my devotional journaling after church today but I wanted to greet you before church and encourage you to be there. Regular attendance at church is one of the basic building blocks of a sound Christian life. So go to church. Go regularly. Go expectantly. Go to serve. Go to be a blessing. And go to receive.
See you at church.
Pastor Mike
See you at church.
Pastor Mike
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Title: The Love Connection / Topic: Obedience
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 36; Isaiah 37; Psalm 76; 1 Peter 1
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart
Observation: I love the first chapter of Peter's first letter! There are so many really great truths here. This particular verse gives us a progression of life that produces a character of sincere love. Let's look at it. First, there is a purification process that is engaged by obedience to the truth. Of course, you can't obey what you don't know, so the prerequisite to this is an awareness of the truth. This requires making yourself available to be taught and open to receive what is taught, submitting yourself to the truth. Once you have received and believed the truth, then you must obey it -- consistently, sincerely, humbly. This habitual obedience to God's truth has a purifying effect on our lives (of course it would since there is a ongoing grappling with the flesh when you seek to follow the Word). And one result of this purification process is the ability to love others sincerely.
Application: No wonder we have so many unloving Christians! (At least they call themselves Christians.) The true and sincere kind of love that Peter is referring to is not an emotion but it is a commitment based on conviction -- the result of a process that requires dedication, humility, and consistency exercised over a long period of time. There are several proofs of a life lived in surrendered obedience to God's truth. Sincere love is one of them.
Prayer: Lord, help us to plug into this process and stay with it. The long-term commitment required produces fear in the hearts of many. Help Your people to put aside those fears and to embrace the promise of Godly character which is only produced through Godly living. Lord, purify Your church so that the fruit of love is not only present, but is the primary characteristic of Your people. May people say of us, "o how these Christians love one another!"
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart
Observation: I love the first chapter of Peter's first letter! There are so many really great truths here. This particular verse gives us a progression of life that produces a character of sincere love. Let's look at it. First, there is a purification process that is engaged by obedience to the truth. Of course, you can't obey what you don't know, so the prerequisite to this is an awareness of the truth. This requires making yourself available to be taught and open to receive what is taught, submitting yourself to the truth. Once you have received and believed the truth, then you must obey it -- consistently, sincerely, humbly. This habitual obedience to God's truth has a purifying effect on our lives (of course it would since there is a ongoing grappling with the flesh when you seek to follow the Word). And one result of this purification process is the ability to love others sincerely.
Application: No wonder we have so many unloving Christians! (At least they call themselves Christians.) The true and sincere kind of love that Peter is referring to is not an emotion but it is a commitment based on conviction -- the result of a process that requires dedication, humility, and consistency exercised over a long period of time. There are several proofs of a life lived in surrendered obedience to God's truth. Sincere love is one of them.
Prayer: Lord, help us to plug into this process and stay with it. The long-term commitment required produces fear in the hearts of many. Help Your people to put aside those fears and to embrace the promise of Godly character which is only produced through Godly living. Lord, purify Your church so that the fruit of love is not only present, but is the primary characteristic of Your people. May people say of us, "o how these Christians love one another!"
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Title: The Power Of Sharing / Topic: Body Life
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 18; 2 Kings 19; 2 Chronicles 32; James 5
Scripture: James 5:13-16
13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Observation: This is all about sharing whatever is going on in our lives with others in the church. This sharing enables others to be involved in both the good times and the bad times. In the good times, we can be encouraged and encouraging to one another and prompt each other to be thankful for God's blessings. In the bad times, we can encourage and be encouraging to one another and prompt each other to be faithful to pray and trust in God for His provision or deliverance. And great ministry comes from the others who pray for me, whether it be the elders of the church or an ordinary sister or brother who is able to help me through prayer and a good word.
Application: As a pastor, I am so sad to see people isolate themselves and close themselves off from others. Many people are ashamed or embarrassed to share what is really going on in their lives with a brother or sister.
Of course, the root of these kinds of feelings is pride. This pride is deadly because the person who isolates himself is easy prey for the enemy. And like a straying sheep, the isolated Christian is often attacked and even defeated by our enemy.
The solution is simple. Stay in the center of the fellowship and open your life so others can see. Share what's going on so others can give you input, point out dangers you may have missed, and assist you when you need help.
And notice all the kinds of help listed in these verses:
verss 13: instruction to pray when you're in trouble and to sing when happy;
verse 14: instruction for what to do when you are sick with specific details about who, what, and how to pray;
verse 15: a special note regarding sin-related sickness;
verse 16: instruction for accountability and openness regarding personal sin and receiving prayer; and an encouraging word affirming the power of intercessory prayer.
All this is available as we plug our lives fully into the body life of our church family.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You have placed us in a vibrant and healing organism called the church. I thank You that in our church family You have instilled gifts and blessings that we can give and receive and which build us up and grow us closer. Help Your people to truly enter into the kind of deep sharing that enables the full flow of Your life to have its full effect in blessing us and healing us.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: James 5:13-16
13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Observation: This is all about sharing whatever is going on in our lives with others in the church. This sharing enables others to be involved in both the good times and the bad times. In the good times, we can be encouraged and encouraging to one another and prompt each other to be thankful for God's blessings. In the bad times, we can encourage and be encouraging to one another and prompt each other to be faithful to pray and trust in God for His provision or deliverance. And great ministry comes from the others who pray for me, whether it be the elders of the church or an ordinary sister or brother who is able to help me through prayer and a good word.
Application: As a pastor, I am so sad to see people isolate themselves and close themselves off from others. Many people are ashamed or embarrassed to share what is really going on in their lives with a brother or sister.
Of course, the root of these kinds of feelings is pride. This pride is deadly because the person who isolates himself is easy prey for the enemy. And like a straying sheep, the isolated Christian is often attacked and even defeated by our enemy.
The solution is simple. Stay in the center of the fellowship and open your life so others can see. Share what's going on so others can give you input, point out dangers you may have missed, and assist you when you need help.
And notice all the kinds of help listed in these verses:
verss 13: instruction to pray when you're in trouble and to sing when happy;
verse 14: instruction for what to do when you are sick with specific details about who, what, and how to pray;
verse 15: a special note regarding sin-related sickness;
verse 16: instruction for accountability and openness regarding personal sin and receiving prayer; and an encouraging word affirming the power of intercessory prayer.
All this is available as we plug our lives fully into the body life of our church family.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You have placed us in a vibrant and healing organism called the church. I thank You that in our church family You have instilled gifts and blessings that we can give and receive and which build us up and grow us closer. Help Your people to truly enter into the kind of deep sharing that enables the full flow of Your life to have its full effect in blessing us and healing us.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Title: Right Away / Topic: Spritual Action
Today’s Reading: Chronicles 29; 2 Chronicles 30; 2 Chronicles 31; James 4
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 29:1-3
1 Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother's name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. 2 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done.
3 In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the temple of the LORD and repaired them...
Observation: Hezekiah did not waste any time in getting to work on restoring the worship of God in Jerusalem. In the very first month in the very first year he began the work by opening the doors of the temple.
Application: If we want to see God open doors on our behalf, we need to start opening some doors of our own. And we need to get started right away. Hezekiah didn't say "some day." He said "today" and "now" and "git-r-done!" Nothing will ever be accomplished unless we begin. And today is a great day to get started.
Prayer: Lord, help us to act today to do the BIG things that You want us to do. Help us to put aside or excuses and fears and get started. And Lord, give us courage, wisdom, and power to accomplish much good in all we do.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 29:1-3
1 Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother's name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. 2 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done.
3 In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the temple of the LORD and repaired them...
Observation: Hezekiah did not waste any time in getting to work on restoring the worship of God in Jerusalem. In the very first month in the very first year he began the work by opening the doors of the temple.
Application: If we want to see God open doors on our behalf, we need to start opening some doors of our own. And we need to get started right away. Hezekiah didn't say "some day." He said "today" and "now" and "git-r-done!" Nothing will ever be accomplished unless we begin. And today is a great day to get started.
Prayer: Lord, help us to act today to do the BIG things that You want us to do. Help us to put aside or excuses and fears and get started. And Lord, give us courage, wisdom, and power to accomplish much good in all we do.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Title: Fortress God / Topic: Protection
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 17; 2 Chronicles 28; Psalm 46; James 3
Scripture: Psalm 46:1, 6-7, 9-11
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble...
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress...
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Observation: This Psalm once again reminds me of the truth that the people of Israel have had to rely on God for their protection from enemies for as long as they have been a nation. And God has been faithful to them -- and we see it still today! I was just viewing a news update which stated that a total of only 25 people have been killed in Israel in the attacks by Hezbollah. That's an amazingly small number when you consider that several hundred missiles have been launched against Israel over the past several days! God is indeed their fortress.
Application: I love verse 10: "Be still, and know that I am God." How important it is to find that place of rest and trust in the Lord and abide in it. The psalmist who wrote these words lived in a nation at a time of war. If he can find that quiet place, how much more should we be able to find it? We must seek for and find places to be quiet in the presence of Almighty God. It may be difficult with all the noise that surrounds us these days. But it is worth it to simply be still and know that He is God.
Prayer: Father, I thank You that You draw us into that place of quiet solitude and intimacy with You. Forgive us for being too busy to stop and spend that quiet time in Your presence. Help us to recognize the priority of putting our distractions aside to be with You. May we grow in the experience of investing our time with You.
And Lord, we ask that You protect the people of Israel from their foes. Be a shield to them and bring them victory over their hateful enemies. And we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 46:1, 6-7, 9-11
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble...
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress...
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Observation: This Psalm once again reminds me of the truth that the people of Israel have had to rely on God for their protection from enemies for as long as they have been a nation. And God has been faithful to them -- and we see it still today! I was just viewing a news update which stated that a total of only 25 people have been killed in Israel in the attacks by Hezbollah. That's an amazingly small number when you consider that several hundred missiles have been launched against Israel over the past several days! God is indeed their fortress.
Application: I love verse 10: "Be still, and know that I am God." How important it is to find that place of rest and trust in the Lord and abide in it. The psalmist who wrote these words lived in a nation at a time of war. If he can find that quiet place, how much more should we be able to find it? We must seek for and find places to be quiet in the presence of Almighty God. It may be difficult with all the noise that surrounds us these days. But it is worth it to simply be still and know that He is God.
Prayer: Father, I thank You that You draw us into that place of quiet solitude and intimacy with You. Forgive us for being too busy to stop and spend that quiet time in Your presence. Help us to recognize the priority of putting our distractions aside to be with You. May we grow in the experience of investing our time with You.
And Lord, we ask that You protect the people of Israel from their foes. Be a shield to them and bring them victory over their hateful enemies. And we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Title: Parade Of Fools / Topic: God's Values
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 32; Isaiah 33; Isaiah 34; Isaiah 35; James 2
Scripture: Isaiah 32:5 No longer will the fool be called noble
nor the scoundrel be highly respected.
Observation: This verse reminded me of our popular culture and all the fools that are celebrated. Just take a look at People magazine or Entertainment Tonight or Extra on TV. It's a parade of fools and scoundrels! The ridiculous attention given to the celebrity "coupling" or wedding du jour makes me laugh. "Aren't they the perfect couple?" -- until they split (next year or next month). It's pathetic. But there will come the day when what is highly regarded by our pop culture and our ungodly media will be unmasked for the unmitigated hogwash that it is.
Application: Don't get sucked into what the world values. Keep your eyes on Jesus, your hope in heaven, and your thoughts on Godly things. Don't be in step with the world but keep in step with the Spirit and with your church family.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You lead us in the stuff that matters both now and for all eternity. Thank You for the substance You build into our lives as we focus on You. And thank You that true love is defined by this statement "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" and not by Hollywood. May we live in Your value system and demonstrate to our world what it truly means to be loving and giving people.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Isaiah 32:5 No longer will the fool be called noble
nor the scoundrel be highly respected.
Observation: This verse reminded me of our popular culture and all the fools that are celebrated. Just take a look at People magazine or Entertainment Tonight or Extra on TV. It's a parade of fools and scoundrels! The ridiculous attention given to the celebrity "coupling" or wedding du jour makes me laugh. "Aren't they the perfect couple?" -- until they split (next year or next month). It's pathetic. But there will come the day when what is highly regarded by our pop culture and our ungodly media will be unmasked for the unmitigated hogwash that it is.
Application: Don't get sucked into what the world values. Keep your eyes on Jesus, your hope in heaven, and your thoughts on Godly things. Don't be in step with the world but keep in step with the Spirit and with your church family.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You lead us in the stuff that matters both now and for all eternity. Thank You for the substance You build into our lives as we focus on You. And thank You that true love is defined by this statement "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" and not by Hollywood. May we live in Your value system and demonstrate to our world what it truly means to be loving and giving people.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Title: "Tell Us Lies" / Topic: Character
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 29; Isaiah 30; Isaiah 31; James 1
Scripture: Isaiah 30:9-11, 15
9 These are rebellious people, deceitful children,
children unwilling to listen to the LORD's instruction.
10 They say to the seers,
"See no more visions!"
and to the prophets,
"Give us no more visions of what is right!
Tell us pleasant things,
prophesy illusions.
11 Leave this way,
get off this path,
and stop confronting us
with the Holy One of Israel!"...
15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.
Observation: "Stop confronting us!" That's how the people responded to Isaiah's message. They didn't want the discomfort of confrontation. "Tell us pleasant things!" was their demand.
Application: In yesterday's message at church we focused on the passage I wrote on in my blog this past Thursday.
(Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.)
In this scripture we are instructed to "spur one another on" and not only to do it but also to plan and strategize how best to do it. "Spurring" is not comfortable -- it is a kick in the side with a sharp object. Ouch!!! Isaiah's people didn't want any more spurring. They wanted comfort more than character. Instead of the spur treatment, they wanted the spa treatment. "Don't tell us what is right. Tell us something that makes us feel good." They actually preferred lies rather than the truth! "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions."
But God has a different value system. He honors character and doesn't place too much importance on comfort. That's because our Lord wants to bless us. And the root concept of bless is be happy. As in "blessed are the people whose God is the Lord" = "happy are the people whose God is the Lord." And people are happy when their character is good. People of bad character are never truly happy. Their flawed character infects and corrupts their environment and their lives become miserable. So even though we think that comfort will make us happy, the truth is this: for us to be happy, we have to be good.
[By the way, that's the reason you have to be saved to get into heaven. Even the nicest unsaved person has flaws. And if God were to let flawed people into heaven, they would mess it up and it wouldn't be heaven any more. So everybody in heaven has to come through Jesus because He is changing us throughout our lives and completes the transformation at the time of transition from this life to the next. Without that change, we would have no place in heaven. We need a radical makeover and that's what being a Christian is all about. We submit to God and let Him do what He wants to with our lives. We give up our right of self-determination and give ourselves completely to God through faith in Him. And that means that we let Him work on us which brings us back to today's topic.]
Are you willing to let God do whatever He wants to do with You? Whatever, whenever, however, through whomever? Are you really? Isaiah's people were unwilling and this was a rejection of God. If I am to become what God wants me to be, I must be open to the spurs. (And remember, the spurs used on us are worn by other Christians. And if we are wise, we will invite them to use the spurs to help us. It is not easy, but it is wise.)
The Lord says,
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength..." (vs. 15)
The sad postscript to the affirmative instruction of God to His people in verse 15 is: …"but you would have none of it." Let us be sure that our Lord would have no cause whatsoever to say that of any of us.
Prayer: Lord, we want You to have Your way in our lives. We want to abide in that place of faith, openness, and humility that lets You be the Sovereign Lord, and keeps us submitted to Your wisdom, love, and power. Help us, Lord, to endure and even embrace the spurs for the sake of the beautiful character that You are putting into us through the spurring. Thank You for loving us in Your perfect way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Isaiah 30:9-11, 15
9 These are rebellious people, deceitful children,
children unwilling to listen to the LORD's instruction.
10 They say to the seers,
"See no more visions!"
and to the prophets,
"Give us no more visions of what is right!
Tell us pleasant things,
prophesy illusions.
11 Leave this way,
get off this path,
and stop confronting us
with the Holy One of Israel!"...
15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.
Observation: "Stop confronting us!" That's how the people responded to Isaiah's message. They didn't want the discomfort of confrontation. "Tell us pleasant things!" was their demand.
Application: In yesterday's message at church we focused on the passage I wrote on in my blog this past Thursday.
(Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.)
In this scripture we are instructed to "spur one another on" and not only to do it but also to plan and strategize how best to do it. "Spurring" is not comfortable -- it is a kick in the side with a sharp object. Ouch!!! Isaiah's people didn't want any more spurring. They wanted comfort more than character. Instead of the spur treatment, they wanted the spa treatment. "Don't tell us what is right. Tell us something that makes us feel good." They actually preferred lies rather than the truth! "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions."
But God has a different value system. He honors character and doesn't place too much importance on comfort. That's because our Lord wants to bless us. And the root concept of bless is be happy. As in "blessed are the people whose God is the Lord" = "happy are the people whose God is the Lord." And people are happy when their character is good. People of bad character are never truly happy. Their flawed character infects and corrupts their environment and their lives become miserable. So even though we think that comfort will make us happy, the truth is this: for us to be happy, we have to be good.
[By the way, that's the reason you have to be saved to get into heaven. Even the nicest unsaved person has flaws. And if God were to let flawed people into heaven, they would mess it up and it wouldn't be heaven any more. So everybody in heaven has to come through Jesus because He is changing us throughout our lives and completes the transformation at the time of transition from this life to the next. Without that change, we would have no place in heaven. We need a radical makeover and that's what being a Christian is all about. We submit to God and let Him do what He wants to with our lives. We give up our right of self-determination and give ourselves completely to God through faith in Him. And that means that we let Him work on us which brings us back to today's topic.]
Are you willing to let God do whatever He wants to do with You? Whatever, whenever, however, through whomever? Are you really? Isaiah's people were unwilling and this was a rejection of God. If I am to become what God wants me to be, I must be open to the spurs. (And remember, the spurs used on us are worn by other Christians. And if we are wise, we will invite them to use the spurs to help us. It is not easy, but it is wise.)
The Lord says,
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength..." (vs. 15)
- repentance: positive radical change
- rest: ceasing to strive and struggle -- taking a posture of reliance in God
- salvation: rescue from peril and destruction
- quietness: a calm place where you can hear the still, small voice of God
- trust: an attitude of faith and dependence upon God instead of self
- strength: a resource of power to accomplish great things
Prayer: Lord, we want You to have Your way in our lives. We want to abide in that place of faith, openness, and humility that lets You be the Sovereign Lord, and keeps us submitted to Your wisdom, love, and power. Help us, Lord, to endure and even embrace the spurs for the sake of the beautiful character that You are putting into us through the spurring. Thank You for loving us in Your perfect way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Title: Israel's Victory Foretold / Topic: Prophecy
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 25; Isaiah 26; Isaiah 27; Isaiah 28; Hebrews 13
Scripture: Isaiah 25:6-10
6 On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
the best of meats and the finest of wines.
7 On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
8 he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove the disgrace of his people
from all the earth.
The LORD has spoken.
9 In that day they will say,
"Surely this is our God;
we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the LORD, we trusted in him;
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."
10 The hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain;
but Moab will be trampled under him
as straw is trampled down in the manure...
Observation: The words of Isaiah's prophecy relate to the times we are living in. This day the nation of Israel is under attack as hundreds of katyusha rockets rain down on northern Israeli neighborhoods. Hezbollah terrorists have an unholy alliance with all nazi-like islamic-extremist terrorists dedicated to the extermination of Israel and the Jewish people. But the LORD is the Lord of hosts -- He is the Commander of vast forces -- invisible yet invincible forces. In Isaiah's day, the nation was destroyed by invading armies yet Isaiah foresaw a day in which God would deliver His Chosen People and the nation would rise again from the ashes and "this mountain" (Mount Zion, the location of Jerusalem) would stand secure and victorious while Israel's enemies (represented here by Moab) were destroyed.
Application: We have an obligation to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters in their time of need. We have an obligation as Americans to stand in support of freedom with the only Democracy in the region. And we have an obligation as Christians to stand in prayer for righteousness and justice to prevail and to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem."
Prayer: Lord, we pray that You will come to the aid of the Jewish people and the Nation of Israel as they are under relentless attack. Give them success in successfully recovering their kidnapped soldiers and in bringing an end to the terrorist aggressors. Lord, unmask evil for what it is. And bring to an end the reign of hateful violence and death. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. And we pray for courageous leaders who will stand, speak, and take action for truth and justice.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Isaiah 25:6-10
6 On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
the best of meats and the finest of wines.
7 On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
8 he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove the disgrace of his people
from all the earth.
The LORD has spoken.
9 In that day they will say,
"Surely this is our God;
we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the LORD, we trusted in him;
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."
10 The hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain;
but Moab will be trampled under him
as straw is trampled down in the manure...
Observation: The words of Isaiah's prophecy relate to the times we are living in. This day the nation of Israel is under attack as hundreds of katyusha rockets rain down on northern Israeli neighborhoods. Hezbollah terrorists have an unholy alliance with all nazi-like islamic-extremist terrorists dedicated to the extermination of Israel and the Jewish people. But the LORD is the Lord of hosts -- He is the Commander of vast forces -- invisible yet invincible forces. In Isaiah's day, the nation was destroyed by invading armies yet Isaiah foresaw a day in which God would deliver His Chosen People and the nation would rise again from the ashes and "this mountain" (Mount Zion, the location of Jerusalem) would stand secure and victorious while Israel's enemies (represented here by Moab) were destroyed.
Application: We have an obligation to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters in their time of need. We have an obligation as Americans to stand in support of freedom with the only Democracy in the region. And we have an obligation as Christians to stand in prayer for righteousness and justice to prevail and to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem."
Prayer: Lord, we pray that You will come to the aid of the Jewish people and the Nation of Israel as they are under relentless attack. Give them success in successfully recovering their kidnapped soldiers and in bringing an end to the terrorist aggressors. Lord, unmask evil for what it is. And bring to an end the reign of hateful violence and death. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. And we pray for courageous leaders who will stand, speak, and take action for truth and justice.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Title: The Deadly Progression / Topic: Bitterness
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 22; Isaiah 23; Isaiah 24; Hebrews 12
Scripture: Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Observation: Bitterness is a fruit that grows from a root. To get a bitter root, you need a bitter seed plus one more thing. You need to turn away from the grace of God which He gives to everyone who is hurt, or wounded, or offended. This grace is like a weed killer for the heart -- it kills the bitter seed. But if the person "misses the grace of God" by refusing it or turning away from it, the bitter seed remains and the deadly progression from seed to root to fruit proceeds. Note that when the bitter root grows up it causes trouble, but not only for the one person. Unfortunately, it will "defile many" -- bitterness is a poison that is easily spread to others to pollute or corrupt them as well.
Application: So let's do a bitterness checkup. Check yourself to see if there are people that make you bitter, or memories that evoke bitterness. Are you sweet or sour? [A sour disposition is a likely sign of bitterness.] If you find it hard to be sweet, you probably have bitterness. If so, stop and ask God for special grace to eradicate it from your life. Don't let it go -- don't let it grow -- it will cause trouble. [By the way, forgiveness with joy is the proof of the breaking of bitterness.]
And stay open to the grace of God for every future offense. That way you can kill the bitterness when it's just a seed, before it can take root and bring its destructive force into your life. Stay close to God's grace and stay sweet.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the grace You give us to eliminate the bitter seeds from our hearts. Help us to walk in Your grace and in constant forgiveness of others. And help every one of us to get the bitterness out and the sweetness in. May we experience Your joy and blessing by walking free of bitterness.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Observation: Bitterness is a fruit that grows from a root. To get a bitter root, you need a bitter seed plus one more thing. You need to turn away from the grace of God which He gives to everyone who is hurt, or wounded, or offended. This grace is like a weed killer for the heart -- it kills the bitter seed. But if the person "misses the grace of God" by refusing it or turning away from it, the bitter seed remains and the deadly progression from seed to root to fruit proceeds. Note that when the bitter root grows up it causes trouble, but not only for the one person. Unfortunately, it will "defile many" -- bitterness is a poison that is easily spread to others to pollute or corrupt them as well.
Application: So let's do a bitterness checkup. Check yourself to see if there are people that make you bitter, or memories that evoke bitterness. Are you sweet or sour? [A sour disposition is a likely sign of bitterness.] If you find it hard to be sweet, you probably have bitterness. If so, stop and ask God for special grace to eradicate it from your life. Don't let it go -- don't let it grow -- it will cause trouble. [By the way, forgiveness with joy is the proof of the breaking of bitterness.]
And stay open to the grace of God for every future offense. That way you can kill the bitterness when it's just a seed, before it can take root and bring its destructive force into your life. Stay close to God's grace and stay sweet.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the grace You give us to eliminate the bitter seeds from our hearts. Help us to walk in Your grace and in constant forgiveness of others. And help every one of us to get the bitterness out and the sweetness in. May we experience Your joy and blessing by walking free of bitterness.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Title: The Faithful / Topic: Faith
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 19; Isaiah 20; Isaiah 21; Hebrews 11
Scripture: Hebrews 11:35-39
35 ...Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.
Observation: This passage has always grabbed me. Hebrews 11 is known as the Hall of Faith -- the listing of great men and women of faith. And here in these verses is a description of nameless individuals of great faith, all of whom suffered greatly. Some of them even refused release -- apparently unwilling to compromise their confession of faith. What is so amazing to me is that we generally associate great faith with great miracles. But these people of great faith suffered unto death -- no miracle of deliverance came to them. And yet they are celebrated. I love the verse: "The world was not worthy of them."
Application: These words should challenge and encourage all of us who name the name of Jesus. We have a rich heritage of faith. And if we suffer, many have suffered much more before us -- and they remained faithful and are recognized for their faith. As we remain steadfast, we join with these -- our amazing brothers and sisters -- in standing with Jesus who Himself suffered unto death. Great faith is not just for great miracles -- it is for great people to stand in the face of great opposition. And great rewards will follow. Let's stand faithful no matter what.
Prayer: Father, thank You that You provide these reminders that we have a great heritage of faithful men and women that we are following. Help us to not focus on deliverance only, though we do pray for deliverance, but help us to focus on faithfulness and steadfastness, no matter what kind of difficulty or opposition we encounter. May we stand, faithful, in Your great strength.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Hebrews 11:35-39
35 ...Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.
Observation: This passage has always grabbed me. Hebrews 11 is known as the Hall of Faith -- the listing of great men and women of faith. And here in these verses is a description of nameless individuals of great faith, all of whom suffered greatly. Some of them even refused release -- apparently unwilling to compromise their confession of faith. What is so amazing to me is that we generally associate great faith with great miracles. But these people of great faith suffered unto death -- no miracle of deliverance came to them. And yet they are celebrated. I love the verse: "The world was not worthy of them."
Application: These words should challenge and encourage all of us who name the name of Jesus. We have a rich heritage of faith. And if we suffer, many have suffered much more before us -- and they remained faithful and are recognized for their faith. As we remain steadfast, we join with these -- our amazing brothers and sisters -- in standing with Jesus who Himself suffered unto death. Great faith is not just for great miracles -- it is for great people to stand in the face of great opposition. And great rewards will follow. Let's stand faithful no matter what.
Prayer: Father, thank You that You provide these reminders that we have a great heritage of faithful men and women that we are following. Help us to not focus on deliverance only, though we do pray for deliverance, but help us to focus on faithfulness and steadfastness, no matter what kind of difficulty or opposition we encounter. May we stand, faithful, in Your great strength.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Title: Go The Distance / Topic: Spiritual Partnership
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 15; Isaiah 16; Isaiah 17; Isaiah 18; Hebrews 10
Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Observation: It's a simple and basic truth -- we need each other. And as the age draws to a close, things will get worse and we will need each other more. Notice he says "consider how".
Application: In other words, we have to give some serious thought as to how to push each other toward a more holy life. This speaks of accountability and partnership in the pursuit of godly living. And as we see today, neglecting the regular gathering was common at the time of the writing of this verse. But we need to help others to stay committed and connected.
Prayer: Lord, help us to connect with others to partner towards the kind of living that goes the distance. May we use Your creativity and motivation to help each other to living the life in the power of the Spirit so we may stand and endure with power and joy.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Observation: It's a simple and basic truth -- we need each other. And as the age draws to a close, things will get worse and we will need each other more. Notice he says "consider how".
Application: In other words, we have to give some serious thought as to how to push each other toward a more holy life. This speaks of accountability and partnership in the pursuit of godly living. And as we see today, neglecting the regular gathering was common at the time of the writing of this verse. But we need to help others to stay committed and connected.
Prayer: Lord, help us to connect with others to partner towards the kind of living that goes the distance. May we use Your creativity and motivation to help each other to living the life in the power of the Spirit so we may stand and endure with power and joy.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Title: The Spiritual Man / Topic: Godly Living
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 11; Isaiah 12; Isaiah 13; Isaiah 14; Hebrews 9
Scripture: Isaiah 11:3-4
3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions...
Observation: This is one of the great prophecies concerning Jesus. Isaiah gave this prophecy hundreds of years before Jesus was born. What grabbed me in these verses is the description of the moral basis of the One described in them and the contrast to the natural or unregenerate man. I will use the terms "spiritual man" and "natural man" to point out the differences.
The spiritual man finds his "delight in the fear of the Lord." That is, he has such an awe and high regard for God that he literally gets great joy and satisfaction by thinking, speaking, and acting in a way reflective of God's character. It makes him happy to honor God. As a result, his own observations ("what he sees with his eyes... what he hears with his ears") do not determine his decisions. He is so desirous to reflect God's thoughts that he sets aside his own determinations and keys in to God's standards (defined as "righteousness") to form his opinions and decisions. As a result, he is a selfless man, his life being lived according to the mind of God and for the pleasure of God.
On the other hand, the natural man bases his happiness on what he perceives to benefit himself. Self-promotion is the goal. And self-determination is the means. When things make him feel good, or promote what he perceives to be his own interest, he is happy. Otherwise not. He completely relies on his own powers of observation -- what he sees, hears, and feels -- as the basis of all his judgments and decisions. They are self-centered and thus cannot produce anything other than a skewed result -- molded around one person's selfish perceptions. The natural man's judgment about the needy is likewise self-oriented. He looks at them from the point of view of how it affects him and forms his judgments. All his decisions are based on what he sees, hears, thinks and feels as opposed to any principle or objective standard. Situation-based thinking is what the natural man is all about.
Application: Let's apply this to ourselves. If this spiritual man is a description of Jesus, then those of us who aim to follow Him should seek to make ourselves like this spiritual man. We must put aside our self-orientation and find our "delight in the fear of the Lord." It is for us to follow the example of Jesus and live with God's judgments and standards, not basing our lives on what we see, hear, think, and feel, but living according to the mind of God.
Prayer: Lord, help us to delight in You and to seek to know Your thoughts and ways and to live according to them. Show us Your ways, teach us Your principles, give us Your heart and Your mind concerning all that we encounter throughout our lives. Help us to know what "the fear of the Lord" really is and to embrace it fully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Isaiah 11:3-4
3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions...
Observation: This is one of the great prophecies concerning Jesus. Isaiah gave this prophecy hundreds of years before Jesus was born. What grabbed me in these verses is the description of the moral basis of the One described in them and the contrast to the natural or unregenerate man. I will use the terms "spiritual man" and "natural man" to point out the differences.
The spiritual man finds his "delight in the fear of the Lord." That is, he has such an awe and high regard for God that he literally gets great joy and satisfaction by thinking, speaking, and acting in a way reflective of God's character. It makes him happy to honor God. As a result, his own observations ("what he sees with his eyes... what he hears with his ears") do not determine his decisions. He is so desirous to reflect God's thoughts that he sets aside his own determinations and keys in to God's standards (defined as "righteousness") to form his opinions and decisions. As a result, he is a selfless man, his life being lived according to the mind of God and for the pleasure of God.
On the other hand, the natural man bases his happiness on what he perceives to benefit himself. Self-promotion is the goal. And self-determination is the means. When things make him feel good, or promote what he perceives to be his own interest, he is happy. Otherwise not. He completely relies on his own powers of observation -- what he sees, hears, and feels -- as the basis of all his judgments and decisions. They are self-centered and thus cannot produce anything other than a skewed result -- molded around one person's selfish perceptions. The natural man's judgment about the needy is likewise self-oriented. He looks at them from the point of view of how it affects him and forms his judgments. All his decisions are based on what he sees, hears, thinks and feels as opposed to any principle or objective standard. Situation-based thinking is what the natural man is all about.
Application: Let's apply this to ourselves. If this spiritual man is a description of Jesus, then those of us who aim to follow Him should seek to make ourselves like this spiritual man. We must put aside our self-orientation and find our "delight in the fear of the Lord." It is for us to follow the example of Jesus and live with God's judgments and standards, not basing our lives on what we see, hear, think, and feel, but living according to the mind of God.
Prayer: Lord, help us to delight in You and to seek to know Your thoughts and ways and to live according to them. Show us Your ways, teach us Your principles, give us Your heart and Your mind concerning all that we encounter throughout our lives. Help us to know what "the fear of the Lord" really is and to embrace it fully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Title: Fear This / Topic: God's Perspective
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 8; Isaiah 9; Isaiah 10; Hebrews 8
Scripture: Isaiah 8:11-14
11 The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said:
12 "Do not call conspiracy
everything that these people call conspiracy;
do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it.
13 The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,
he is the one you are to fear,
he is the one you are to dread,
14 and he will be a sanctuary...
Observation: Isaiah lived in tumultuous times. The nation of Israel was under constant attack from without and within. Wars, insurrections, rebellions, and military coups were commonplace. There was great cause for fear as social instability was rampant. Rumors swept through the populace, inciting terror among the people. In the midst of this uncertainty, God speaks to Isaiah. God tells him to not be caught up in the fever of fear that has engulfed the nation. He is to stay away from the conspiracy theories and fear mongering going on all around him. He is to demonstrate that God is the only One that must be feared and reckoned with, especially in times of great distress. When we give Him the proper place in our lives -- understanding Him to be holy, and the only thing we need to fear and dread, "He will be a sanctuary," a place of refuge and peace, to us.
Application: No matter what troubles surround or come against us, ultimately God is the only One with whom we have to deal. If we truly understand God for Who He is -- all knowing, all powerful, good and loving -- then we will know that He alone has power over all our difficulties. He truly is the only One we need to hang on to. He will be there for us when everything else fails.
Bottom line: In good times and bad, an intimate relationship with God is the surest security and provision we can have. So keep Your eyes of Jesus and make your relationship with Him your highest priority.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You are always there -- in good times and bad. I know that You are always trustworthy and mighty to save. Lord, I pray for all those whom You have placed in my care, that they would draw closer and closer to You, being strengthened in their innermost being, to build the kind of intimate and passionate relationships that will see them through every trial and difficulty. I know that You will always be there -- may we cling to You with all that is within us.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Isaiah 8:11-14
11 The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said:
12 "Do not call conspiracy
everything that these people call conspiracy;
do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it.
13 The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,
he is the one you are to fear,
he is the one you are to dread,
14 and he will be a sanctuary...
Observation: Isaiah lived in tumultuous times. The nation of Israel was under constant attack from without and within. Wars, insurrections, rebellions, and military coups were commonplace. There was great cause for fear as social instability was rampant. Rumors swept through the populace, inciting terror among the people. In the midst of this uncertainty, God speaks to Isaiah. God tells him to not be caught up in the fever of fear that has engulfed the nation. He is to stay away from the conspiracy theories and fear mongering going on all around him. He is to demonstrate that God is the only One that must be feared and reckoned with, especially in times of great distress. When we give Him the proper place in our lives -- understanding Him to be holy, and the only thing we need to fear and dread, "He will be a sanctuary," a place of refuge and peace, to us.
Application: No matter what troubles surround or come against us, ultimately God is the only One with whom we have to deal. If we truly understand God for Who He is -- all knowing, all powerful, good and loving -- then we will know that He alone has power over all our difficulties. He truly is the only One we need to hang on to. He will be there for us when everything else fails.
Bottom line: In good times and bad, an intimate relationship with God is the surest security and provision we can have. So keep Your eyes of Jesus and make your relationship with Him your highest priority.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You are always there -- in good times and bad. I know that You are always trustworthy and mighty to save. Lord, I pray for all those whom You have placed in my care, that they would draw closer and closer to You, being strengthened in their innermost being, to build the kind of intimate and passionate relationships that will see them through every trial and difficulty. I know that You will always be there -- may we cling to You with all that is within us.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Title: Got Idols? / Topic: Worship
Today’s Reading: Micah 5; Micah 6; Micah 7; Hebrews 7
Scripture: Micah 5:13 I will destroy your carved images
and your sacred stones from among you;
you will no longer bow down
to the work of your hands.
Observation: Idol worship seems quite stupid to me. I think most modern people regard bowing down to images of wood, or stone, or metal to be quite primitive and silly. But as I was looking at this verse, the last part seemed quite relevant to people today: "you will no longer bow down to the work of your hands." I think of what people work hard to obtain: fancy cars, impressive homes, expensive electronics, recreational toys -- this truly represents "the work of their hands." And it is a fact that people really love and even worship these things.
I have some friends with really beautiful motorcycles that they worked hard to get. They love showing off their motorcycles and in some respects, I would say they live for their motorcycles. Another phrase in this scripture is "sacred stones." I think of the fancy jewelry and diamonds that people ooh and ahh over. People live for this stuff.
I think that both of these examples could be considered "bowing down to the work of their hands."
Application: The point is this: if the things that we get with the money we earn become really important to us -- more important than our Bible reading and prayer life -- then we may have slipped into a form of idol worship. That is, worshiping the work of our own hands rather than God. After all, what is worship? Is it not the high position and regard we give to something or someone? It is demonstrated by what we think about, talk about, and spend our time on.
Bottom line: Idol worship isn't just something that affected primitive man. We can easily get into it today through materialism. It takes awareness and effort to keep ourselves from getting sucked in to a materialistic mindset. We must intentionally keep our eyes and heart focused on Jesus and the eternal Kingdom. That is our goal -- that must be our focus.
Prayer: Lord, deliver us from idol worship and materialism. Show us anything and everything that we have allowed to come between us and You. May we unhesitatingly put aside any intrusion into our intimacy with You, o Lord. Help us to fuel the greatest passion of our lives in our relationship with You, Father God.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Micah 5:13 I will destroy your carved images
and your sacred stones from among you;
you will no longer bow down
to the work of your hands.
Observation: Idol worship seems quite stupid to me. I think most modern people regard bowing down to images of wood, or stone, or metal to be quite primitive and silly. But as I was looking at this verse, the last part seemed quite relevant to people today: "you will no longer bow down to the work of your hands." I think of what people work hard to obtain: fancy cars, impressive homes, expensive electronics, recreational toys -- this truly represents "the work of their hands." And it is a fact that people really love and even worship these things.
I have some friends with really beautiful motorcycles that they worked hard to get. They love showing off their motorcycles and in some respects, I would say they live for their motorcycles. Another phrase in this scripture is "sacred stones." I think of the fancy jewelry and diamonds that people ooh and ahh over. People live for this stuff.
I think that both of these examples could be considered "bowing down to the work of their hands."
Application: The point is this: if the things that we get with the money we earn become really important to us -- more important than our Bible reading and prayer life -- then we may have slipped into a form of idol worship. That is, worshiping the work of our own hands rather than God. After all, what is worship? Is it not the high position and regard we give to something or someone? It is demonstrated by what we think about, talk about, and spend our time on.
Bottom line: Idol worship isn't just something that affected primitive man. We can easily get into it today through materialism. It takes awareness and effort to keep ourselves from getting sucked in to a materialistic mindset. We must intentionally keep our eyes and heart focused on Jesus and the eternal Kingdom. That is our goal -- that must be our focus.
Prayer: Lord, deliver us from idol worship and materialism. Show us anything and everything that we have allowed to come between us and You. May we unhesitatingly put aside any intrusion into our intimacy with You, o Lord. Help us to fuel the greatest passion of our lives in our relationship with You, Father God.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Title: Holistic Salvation / Topic: What God Wants
Today’s Reading: Micah 1; Micah 2; Micah 3; Micah 4; Hebrews 6
Scripture: Micah 2:1-3
1 Woe to those who plan iniquity,
to those who plot evil on their beds!
At morning's light they carry it out
because it is in their power to do it.
2 They covet fields and seize them,
and houses, and take them.
They defraud a man of his home,
a fellowman of his inheritance.
3 Therefore, the LORD says:
"I am planning disaster against this people,
from which you cannot save yourselves.
You will no longer walk proudly,
for it will be a time of calamity.
Observation: The Lord pronounces judgment on His people for their wickedness. But notice the kind of wickedness He mentions. It is financial abuse -- cheating, scamming, fraud. God is concerned that His people operate uprightly in financial and business matters. It is not enough to get the "religious aspects" of our lives right.
Application: God wants something that I like to call "holistic salvation." That is, He wants to save my entire life, not just my soul! That means, my whole life needs to be transformed to reflect His character. No area is exempt: my diet, my thoughts, my finances, my sex life, my relationships, my material possessions, my words, my time management, my driving, my habits, and on and on -- everything is to be transformed!
Prayer: Lord, may we allow You to effect positive, Godly change in every area of our lives. May our lives reflect You and Your character without restriction. We want to please You in everything we think, do, and say. Empower us to cooperate with Your will in our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Micah 2:1-3
1 Woe to those who plan iniquity,
to those who plot evil on their beds!
At morning's light they carry it out
because it is in their power to do it.
2 They covet fields and seize them,
and houses, and take them.
They defraud a man of his home,
a fellowman of his inheritance.
3 Therefore, the LORD says:
"I am planning disaster against this people,
from which you cannot save yourselves.
You will no longer walk proudly,
for it will be a time of calamity.
Observation: The Lord pronounces judgment on His people for their wickedness. But notice the kind of wickedness He mentions. It is financial abuse -- cheating, scamming, fraud. God is concerned that His people operate uprightly in financial and business matters. It is not enough to get the "religious aspects" of our lives right.
Application: God wants something that I like to call "holistic salvation." That is, He wants to save my entire life, not just my soul! That means, my whole life needs to be transformed to reflect His character. No area is exempt: my diet, my thoughts, my finances, my sex life, my relationships, my material possessions, my words, my time management, my driving, my habits, and on and on -- everything is to be transformed!
Prayer: Lord, may we allow You to effect positive, Godly change in every area of our lives. May our lives reflect You and Your character without restriction. We want to please You in everything we think, do, and say. Empower us to cooperate with Your will in our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Title: Full Surrender / Topic: Submission
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.
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.
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