The apostle Paul writes in I Corinthians 2:9, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” The Psalmist says, “The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display His marvelous craftsmanship” (19:1). “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - - the moon and the stars you have set in place - - what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us?” (8:3&4). Indeed, who of us when looking at the beauty of the night time sky, or the wonders of a snow-covered mountain, or the splendor of a huge waterfall, have not been in awe at the glory and the power of God? Paul is saying that if God would create such beauty in the things we can see, there is no human way to imagine the beauty of the things we haven’t yet seen.
Revelation describes heaven for us in these words: “And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a beautiful bride prepared for her husband” (21:2). The Holy City, “was filled with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious gem, crystal clear like jasper” (21:11). “The city was pure gold, as clear as glass” (21:18). “The city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is it’s light” (21:23). John concludes his vision of heaven with these words, “And when I saw and heard these things, I fell down to worship the angel who showed them to me” (22:8). Even the glorious word pictures used in Revelation to describe heaven, as awesome as they are, still do not adequately picture for us what is indescribable.
“Faith is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is believing that God is faithful to His promises (Romans 4:18-25). Faith is agreeing with the Bible that God does not lie (Numbers 23:19; I Samuel 15:29; Titus 1:2). And so, we look forward to that day when we look upon the glory and splendor of God face to face (I Corinthians 13:12) when we no longer live by faith, but live by sight! “He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord !” (Revelation 22:20). In fact, the sooner, the better!
Monday, December 29, 2014
December 29
“Be careful! Watch out for attack from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are” (I Peter 5:8&9). Even as none of us can fully comprehend the enormity of God’s love for us, neither can any of us fully understand the magnitude of Satan’s hate for us. We see glimpses of his hatred scattered throughout scripture. Of course, he appears to us with noble intentions (Genesis 3:1-7; II Corinthians 11:3&4, 13-15), but Satan is a liar (John 8:44) and following his lies leads to destruction.
We can be sure that if Satan would think nothing of lying to Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) and if Satan would so ruthlessly pursue the destruction and death of the Messiah (Revelation 12:13-17), he will be just as ruthless in his desire to destroy us. The fact is, he stands before God day and night, even now, pointing out to God all the bad and sinful things we have done (Revelation 12:10; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7). How blessed we are to be washed, cleansed, purified, and set apart as God’s children because of the blood of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:11; Isaiah 1:18-20; Psalm 51:1-12; Isaiah 53:4-10).
We can be sure that if Satan would think nothing of lying to Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) and if Satan would so ruthlessly pursue the destruction and death of the Messiah (Revelation 12:13-17), he will be just as ruthless in his desire to destroy us. The fact is, he stands before God day and night, even now, pointing out to God all the bad and sinful things we have done (Revelation 12:10; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7). How blessed we are to be washed, cleansed, purified, and set apart as God’s children because of the blood of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:11; Isaiah 1:18-20; Psalm 51:1-12; Isaiah 53:4-10).
Friday, December 19, 2014
December 27
The end of each year is usually a good time to take inventory in our lives and evaluate whether we are accomplishing for God all He has equipped us to do. We would be wise to do the same as congregations of believers in Jesus Christ, as well. In Revelation 2&3, Jesus has a message for seven different churches located in Asia. Interestingly enough, many modern day congregations can usually see themselves in one of these seven churches.
Like the church at Ephesus (2:1-7), some churches do many things right, but they seem to have lost their momentum. They have forgotten why they exist and need to remember the mission and purpose given to them by Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
Like the church at Smyrna (2:8-11), some churches are going through great persecution because they are doing what Christ has called them to do, very well. Jesus assures them to keep going for he will be with them and they will overcome.
Like the church at Pergamum (2:12-17), some churches have remained loyal to Christ in spite of intense persecution and pressure, but they are tolerating teachings within their congregations that are leading many faithful from the truth. Jesus says they need to root out the false teachers if they expect to ultimately be victorious.
Like the church at Thyatira (2:18-29), some churches do many things well, but they permit evil to exist within their congregations, that threatens to influence the entire congregation like leaven, if they don’t deal with it.
Like the church at Sardis, (3:1-6), some churches have a lot of activities going on and many would think they are alive and active, but in reality, their activity masks their spiritual deadness. Jesus says those churches need to concentrate on their spiritual growth instead of their outward programs.
Like the church at Philadelphia (3:7-13), some churches are doing exactly what Jesus has called them to do and consequently, he promises to continue opening doors to them for further witness to him.
And like the church at Laodicea (3:14-22), some churches are doing nothing more than going through the motions of looking like a church. They aren’t on fire, but neither are they totally ineffective. Jesus is nauseated with their lukewarmness and promises to bless those churches prayerfully asking for his blessings.
Which congregation does your church look like?
Like the church at Ephesus (2:1-7), some churches do many things right, but they seem to have lost their momentum. They have forgotten why they exist and need to remember the mission and purpose given to them by Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
Like the church at Smyrna (2:8-11), some churches are going through great persecution because they are doing what Christ has called them to do, very well. Jesus assures them to keep going for he will be with them and they will overcome.
Like the church at Pergamum (2:12-17), some churches have remained loyal to Christ in spite of intense persecution and pressure, but they are tolerating teachings within their congregations that are leading many faithful from the truth. Jesus says they need to root out the false teachers if they expect to ultimately be victorious.
Like the church at Thyatira (2:18-29), some churches do many things well, but they permit evil to exist within their congregations, that threatens to influence the entire congregation like leaven, if they don’t deal with it.
Like the church at Sardis, (3:1-6), some churches have a lot of activities going on and many would think they are alive and active, but in reality, their activity masks their spiritual deadness. Jesus says those churches need to concentrate on their spiritual growth instead of their outward programs.
Like the church at Philadelphia (3:7-13), some churches are doing exactly what Jesus has called them to do and consequently, he promises to continue opening doors to them for further witness to him.
And like the church at Laodicea (3:14-22), some churches are doing nothing more than going through the motions of looking like a church. They aren’t on fire, but neither are they totally ineffective. Jesus is nauseated with their lukewarmness and promises to bless those churches prayerfully asking for his blessings.
Which congregation does your church look like?
December 21
When Nicodemus approached Jesus under the cover of darkness, he was searching for the truth and he believed that Jesus had that truth he was looking for. Without wasting any words, Jesus immediately informed Nicodemus, “unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Nicodemus’ logical question to Jesus was, “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” Jesus assured Nicodemus that humans can only produce human life, but the Holy Spirit is able to give us new life from heaven. It is a spiritual rebirth and not a physical rebirth.
The apostle Peter verifies that truth when he writes, “For you have been born again. Your new life did not come from your earthly parents because the life they gave you will end in death. But this new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God” (I Peter 1:23). Even as human life requires a sperm donated from a man impregnating an egg donated from a woman in order for human conception to take place, so the word of God is the “imperishable seed” of God (vs.23; NIV) that conceives spiritual life in our human hearts. Not every human life conceived results in a birth. Likewise, not every spiritual life conceived results in a birth. Jesus said that a person is “born again” by “water and the spirit.” Thus, baptism is an outward and visible sign that spiritual rebirth has occurred (I Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38&39; 5:32; 22:16).
Once, we have been born again, God sees us as “holy” and forgiven. It now becomes our responsibility to live out this new position in practical ways, on a daily basis (I Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:10,14). The many exhortations in scripture on how to live are nothing more than practical suggestions on how we can be “holy as God is holy.” Since God has called us unto Himself and given us that position, let us make every effort to live up to our calling (Ephesians 4:1; II Thessalonians 1:11; Hebrews 3:11; II Peter 1:10).
The apostle Peter verifies that truth when he writes, “For you have been born again. Your new life did not come from your earthly parents because the life they gave you will end in death. But this new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God” (I Peter 1:23). Even as human life requires a sperm donated from a man impregnating an egg donated from a woman in order for human conception to take place, so the word of God is the “imperishable seed” of God (vs.23; NIV) that conceives spiritual life in our human hearts. Not every human life conceived results in a birth. Likewise, not every spiritual life conceived results in a birth. Jesus said that a person is “born again” by “water and the spirit.” Thus, baptism is an outward and visible sign that spiritual rebirth has occurred (I Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38&39; 5:32; 22:16).
Once, we have been born again, God sees us as “holy” and forgiven. It now becomes our responsibility to live out this new position in practical ways, on a daily basis (I Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:10,14). The many exhortations in scripture on how to live are nothing more than practical suggestions on how we can be “holy as God is holy.” Since God has called us unto Himself and given us that position, let us make every effort to live up to our calling (Ephesians 4:1; II Thessalonians 1:11; Hebrews 3:11; II Peter 1:10).
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
December 18
When a baby is born, we recognize that his/her digestive system and eating reflexes are not yet ready for solid food. The natural order of things is for them to begin with milk to gain the nutrition their body needs to grow. In time, we feed them baby food such as: beans and ham, peas, carrots, etc. Since most babies don’t like some of the more exotic vegetables we know are good for them (any more than we adults do), I always tried to fool them with a spoonful of delicious fruit mixed in with their vegetables once in a while. Eventually, as they grow up, babies graduate to soft table food, and ultimately, they are ready for solid food.
What is true physically, is also true, spiritually. New Christians are not capable of handling some of the more difficult truths of the Bible. We would be foolish to take a baby in Christ and place them in a Bible study on Romans, Hebrews, or Revelation based on the original Greek language they were written in. There is a natural order of things in spiritual growth just as there is in physical growth. BUT, even as we expect our babies to grow into toddlers, who then grow into children, who then grow into adolescents, who then grow into teenagers, who then grow into adults physically, it is natural to expect the same type of growth from a person spiritually. Unfortunately, there are some Christians who never seem to graduate from the milk of biblical truths to the baby food of spiritual truths, let alone the solid food of spiritual truths. This was an issue amongst the readers of the Hebrew letter (5:11-6:3), and it was a problem also amongst the Christians in Corinth (I Corinthians 3:1-4). Each of us is responsible for our mental and social growth, as well as our spiritual growth. Let us no longer be content to remain spiritually like children forever (Ephesians 4:14-16), but train ourselves in the wisdom of God’s holy truths (II Timothy 3:15-17) for only then will we be thoroughly equipped for anything life may bring our way.
What is true physically, is also true, spiritually. New Christians are not capable of handling some of the more difficult truths of the Bible. We would be foolish to take a baby in Christ and place them in a Bible study on Romans, Hebrews, or Revelation based on the original Greek language they were written in. There is a natural order of things in spiritual growth just as there is in physical growth. BUT, even as we expect our babies to grow into toddlers, who then grow into children, who then grow into adolescents, who then grow into teenagers, who then grow into adults physically, it is natural to expect the same type of growth from a person spiritually. Unfortunately, there are some Christians who never seem to graduate from the milk of biblical truths to the baby food of spiritual truths, let alone the solid food of spiritual truths. This was an issue amongst the readers of the Hebrew letter (5:11-6:3), and it was a problem also amongst the Christians in Corinth (I Corinthians 3:1-4). Each of us is responsible for our mental and social growth, as well as our spiritual growth. Let us no longer be content to remain spiritually like children forever (Ephesians 4:14-16), but train ourselves in the wisdom of God’s holy truths (II Timothy 3:15-17) for only then will we be thoroughly equipped for anything life may bring our way.
December 16
There is the temptation when reading scripture to do so just to complete our assignment for the day, rather than taking our time and gleaning golden nuggets of truth. We all do it from time to time. In the midst of today’s reading, these words appear that might be glossed over because of all the other things Paul has to say to Timothy: “Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me” (II Timothy 4:11). Those words are truly remarkable when one considers the history that took place between these two.
John Mark is the author of our Gospel of Mark. His mother owned a house in Jerusalem that was often used as a meeting place for the followers of Christ (Acts 12:12). Some even think it might have been her house that hosted Christ’s Last Supper in the Upper Room (Matthew 26:17-20; Mark 14:12-17; Luke 22:7-14). When Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane, scripture tells us his disciples all fled. Mark adds additional information not provided by the other gospel writers. “There was a young man following along behind, clothed only in a linen nightshirt. When the mob tried to grab him, they tore off his clothes, but he escaped and ran away naked” (Mark 14:51&52). Most scholars agree that Mark was ashamed to identify himself, but he was indeed, referring to himself.
Barnabas and Saul (otherwise known to us as Paul; 13:9) were commissioned by the church in Antioch to deliver relief to the starving Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30). When the two returned to Antioch, they brought with them from Jerusalem, John Mark (12:25). John Mark then accompanies them on their first missionary journey (13:2-5). For some reason, which the Bible does not describe, John Mark left Barnabas and Paul and returned home to Jerusalem (13:13). We can speculate all we want the reasons for his doing so, but his actions greatly disturbed Paul. Sometime later, when Paul and Barnabas prepared to travel again, they had a sharp disagreement which led to the separation of these two great friends. Barnabas (known as the, “son of Encouragment”; Acts 4:36) wanted to give John Mark a second chance and Paul refused to do so (15:36-41). Barnabas took his cousin, Mark, and departed for Cyprus while Paul chose Silas to accompany him on his journeys. No other mention is made of John Mark in the book of Acts. But, when Paul was imprisoned in Rome (28:16,30&31) he wrote to the Colossians these words, “Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’ cousin. And as you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way” (4:10; see also Philemon 24 which was written about the same time). Apparently, some type of reconciliation had taken place between Paul and Barnabas. It is not God’s will that His children be divided. Whatever our disagreements, the Bible gives us advice on how we reconcile and how we get along with others, in spite of our differences. And in our reading today, it would appear that Paul and John Mark were eventually, fully reconciled (II Timothy 4:11). It is amazing the reconciliation that can take place between people when they first reconcile themselves individually, to God (II Corinthians 5:18-21).
John Mark is the author of our Gospel of Mark. His mother owned a house in Jerusalem that was often used as a meeting place for the followers of Christ (Acts 12:12). Some even think it might have been her house that hosted Christ’s Last Supper in the Upper Room (Matthew 26:17-20; Mark 14:12-17; Luke 22:7-14). When Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane, scripture tells us his disciples all fled. Mark adds additional information not provided by the other gospel writers. “There was a young man following along behind, clothed only in a linen nightshirt. When the mob tried to grab him, they tore off his clothes, but he escaped and ran away naked” (Mark 14:51&52). Most scholars agree that Mark was ashamed to identify himself, but he was indeed, referring to himself.
Barnabas and Saul (otherwise known to us as Paul; 13:9) were commissioned by the church in Antioch to deliver relief to the starving Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30). When the two returned to Antioch, they brought with them from Jerusalem, John Mark (12:25). John Mark then accompanies them on their first missionary journey (13:2-5). For some reason, which the Bible does not describe, John Mark left Barnabas and Paul and returned home to Jerusalem (13:13). We can speculate all we want the reasons for his doing so, but his actions greatly disturbed Paul. Sometime later, when Paul and Barnabas prepared to travel again, they had a sharp disagreement which led to the separation of these two great friends. Barnabas (known as the, “son of Encouragment”; Acts 4:36) wanted to give John Mark a second chance and Paul refused to do so (15:36-41). Barnabas took his cousin, Mark, and departed for Cyprus while Paul chose Silas to accompany him on his journeys. No other mention is made of John Mark in the book of Acts. But, when Paul was imprisoned in Rome (28:16,30&31) he wrote to the Colossians these words, “Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’ cousin. And as you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way” (4:10; see also Philemon 24 which was written about the same time). Apparently, some type of reconciliation had taken place between Paul and Barnabas. It is not God’s will that His children be divided. Whatever our disagreements, the Bible gives us advice on how we reconcile and how we get along with others, in spite of our differences. And in our reading today, it would appear that Paul and John Mark were eventually, fully reconciled (II Timothy 4:11). It is amazing the reconciliation that can take place between people when they first reconcile themselves individually, to God (II Corinthians 5:18-21).
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
December 12
Most of us take great pride in something we have built with our hands. It may be an actual building we helped construct, a house, a cement patio in the backyard, or any number of things. It is a great feeling to look at a completed project and know that you had a hand in putting it together. It is also interesting to listen to the excitement and the passion in someone’s voice when they have been instrumental in building up a human life. Helping another human being grasp an important concept in the classroom, or watching a young person you’ve coached perform something they had previously been unable to do gives us much greater satisfaction than even building something with our hands. And perhaps nothing excites us as much as leading someone to Jesus Christ, or participating in a discussion with them that helps them understand a spiritual truth that forever changes their lives.
Few of us think of ourselves as having much effect on other people. But, if we think about moments in our own lives that had a huge impact on us, those moments often involved other people and what they either said or did to us. How many of us have been immensely hurt by the actions or the words of another? How many of us have been positively listed up because of the actions or the words of another? James was right. Out of our mouths come either blessings or curses (3:9&10). We choose whether to build up people who are made in the divine image of God or whether to tear them down. Our actions demonstrate the sincerity of our faith; whether we truly love the people God places in our paths by what we do (1:19&20; 2:1-26), or whether we demonstrate our lack of faith by our apathy towards the needs of people.
James says that if we are smart, we will see that God’s ways of life are the right ways and we will live by His ways (3:13; Romans 12:2). In the process, we will have a huge effect on the lives of everyone we come in contact with (3:17&18). So, do you want to be a part of building people up in Jesus Christ, or will you be one who tears them down? The choice is ours. Choose wisely.
Few of us think of ourselves as having much effect on other people. But, if we think about moments in our own lives that had a huge impact on us, those moments often involved other people and what they either said or did to us. How many of us have been immensely hurt by the actions or the words of another? How many of us have been positively listed up because of the actions or the words of another? James was right. Out of our mouths come either blessings or curses (3:9&10). We choose whether to build up people who are made in the divine image of God or whether to tear them down. Our actions demonstrate the sincerity of our faith; whether we truly love the people God places in our paths by what we do (1:19&20; 2:1-26), or whether we demonstrate our lack of faith by our apathy towards the needs of people.
James says that if we are smart, we will see that God’s ways of life are the right ways and we will live by His ways (3:13; Romans 12:2). In the process, we will have a huge effect on the lives of everyone we come in contact with (3:17&18). So, do you want to be a part of building people up in Jesus Christ, or will you be one who tears them down? The choice is ours. Choose wisely.
December 10
Paul wrote the letter to his Christian brother, Philemon, while he was imprisoned in Rome (Acts 28:30&31). Since Philemon was living in Colosse at the time, this letter was probably penned when he also wrote the Colossian letter and both were delivered at the same time. Paul was obviously a close friend of Philemon’s, having been instrumental in his conversion to Christ (vs.19). Apphia is probably the wife of Philemon and Archippus is their son. Having been at the home of Philemon before, Paul might have known some of Philemon’s slaves. One of them, Onesimus, has escaped and fled to Rome. We don’t know the timing of Onesimus’ trip to Rome. Did he know that Paul was there and so he purposely went to meet with Paul in Rome? Or, was Onesimus already in Rome and he sought a meeting with Paul when he heard Paul was a prisoner in that city? Or, was Onesimus in Rome and he and Paul had a chance meeting? What we do know is this; when we invite God to begin His work of redemption and transformation in us, He aims to finish the task no matter where we go or what we do. “I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again” (Philippians 1:6). In this process of changing our character so that it resembles the character of Christ himself (Phil.3:12-14; I John 3:2; II Corinthians 3:18), God will use many people, many unusual circumstances, and the power of His Word to mold us and shape us as He wills. We have the promise that “all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). God’s plan for our lives simply will not be deterred, no matter what turns our lives take, and regardless of whether we always make the right decisions or not.
God had begun a good work in the life of a slave named, Onesimus, in the city of Colosse. We don’t know whether Onesimus was a Christian before he was purchased to be a slave in Philemon’s house or if Onesimus found Jesus while employed by his Christian master, Philemon. What we do know is that God aimed to complete His project in Onesimus, regardless of where this slave went or what he did. If God took such careful consideration to bless Onesimus and help him find the Lord, than God would also take care to make sure that Onesimus grew in his relationship with the Lord. “Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else (we need to live and grow)?” (Romans 8:32). The answer is a resounding, “YES!”
What is true of Onesimus, is also true of us. God has a plan for each of our lives (Jeremiah 29:11-14). He has predetermined that when we begin searching for spiritual answers to our lives, we will find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29; Matthew 7:7&8; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 8:29). And when we find the Lord and commit our lives to Him, He begins a transformation in us that will ultimately be completed when we leave this life for the one beyond.
God had begun a good work in the life of a slave named, Onesimus, in the city of Colosse. We don’t know whether Onesimus was a Christian before he was purchased to be a slave in Philemon’s house or if Onesimus found Jesus while employed by his Christian master, Philemon. What we do know is that God aimed to complete His project in Onesimus, regardless of where this slave went or what he did. If God took such careful consideration to bless Onesimus and help him find the Lord, than God would also take care to make sure that Onesimus grew in his relationship with the Lord. “Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else (we need to live and grow)?” (Romans 8:32). The answer is a resounding, “YES!”
What is true of Onesimus, is also true of us. God has a plan for each of our lives (Jeremiah 29:11-14). He has predetermined that when we begin searching for spiritual answers to our lives, we will find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29; Matthew 7:7&8; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 8:29). And when we find the Lord and commit our lives to Him, He begins a transformation in us that will ultimately be completed when we leave this life for the one beyond.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
December 5
It is hard to comprehend what the conditions must have been like on board the ship Paul was sailing to Rome on. For two full weeks the boat was constantly battered by the waves, both night and day. There was no sighting of the sun, moon, or the stars during that entire time (Acts 27:18-20,27). Few of us ever experience a storm like that in our lives. It was so bad, Luke writes, ‘All hope was gone” (27:20). It would be easy in a situation such as that, to just give up and quit, to cease trying to survive.
But, even in the midst of our hopeless situations, God always provides light. Jesus Christ is our ultimate reason for never giving up. “If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else (we need)?” (Romans 8:31&32). Because Jesus Christ has conquered the grave, he is able to provide us with the inspiration, the example, and the power through His Spirit to help us overcome any obstacle we encounter in life (Rom.8:37).
And now that Jesus has given us light and hope, he commissions us to reflect his light and his hope to the rest of the world (Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 5:8&9; I Peter 2:9-12; II Corinthians 1:3-7). God wants to use us to bring light to people’s lives in the midst of what seems like hopeless situations to them, even as He used Paul to bring hope to the sailors and others on board his ship. And how do we do that? By knowing the promises of God’s Word. Paul shared with the sailors a promise he had received the night before, from God. Paul had been assured that not only would his life be spared, but so would all the lives of the others on board the ship with him (Acts 27:21-26). Imagine the credibility Paul had with them the rest of the trip after God fulfilled His promise to Paul and spared all their lives. For us, that means being grounded in the promises of God contained within His inspired, written Word. Peter reminds us, “worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it” (I Peter 3:15). If people asked us why we have so much hope in the midst of what would seem to be despair, are we prepared to explain why? Could we point to the promises of God we have found that bring us a solid foundation even in the midst of our storms (Matthew 7:24-27)? Standing on the promises of God requires knowing the promises of God. Do you?
But, even in the midst of our hopeless situations, God always provides light. Jesus Christ is our ultimate reason for never giving up. “If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else (we need)?” (Romans 8:31&32). Because Jesus Christ has conquered the grave, he is able to provide us with the inspiration, the example, and the power through His Spirit to help us overcome any obstacle we encounter in life (Rom.8:37).
And now that Jesus has given us light and hope, he commissions us to reflect his light and his hope to the rest of the world (Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 5:8&9; I Peter 2:9-12; II Corinthians 1:3-7). God wants to use us to bring light to people’s lives in the midst of what seems like hopeless situations to them, even as He used Paul to bring hope to the sailors and others on board his ship. And how do we do that? By knowing the promises of God’s Word. Paul shared with the sailors a promise he had received the night before, from God. Paul had been assured that not only would his life be spared, but so would all the lives of the others on board the ship with him (Acts 27:21-26). Imagine the credibility Paul had with them the rest of the trip after God fulfilled His promise to Paul and spared all their lives. For us, that means being grounded in the promises of God contained within His inspired, written Word. Peter reminds us, “worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it” (I Peter 3:15). If people asked us why we have so much hope in the midst of what would seem to be despair, are we prepared to explain why? Could we point to the promises of God we have found that bring us a solid foundation even in the midst of our storms (Matthew 7:24-27)? Standing on the promises of God requires knowing the promises of God. Do you?
December 2
How consistent are we in our Christian walk? There are many who profess faith in Jesus Christ, but whose walk hardly matches their talk. With today’s technology, we often discover inconsistencies between what someone said one day to one group of people from that which was said the next day to another group of people. God is not the author of confusion (I Corinthians 14:33). It is only reasonable to expect that those truly guided by God will be consistent every time in what they say or write, as well as consistent in what they profess and what they live.
Paul wrote to the Philippians, “For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I die. For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better” (1:20&21).
As Paul traveled to Jerusalem with an offering for the Christians living there that he had collected from Gentile Christians, he was continually warned of the dangers he would face should he insist on reaching his destination. At Tyre, in Syria, the “disciples prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem” (Acts 21:4). When Paul stopped at Ptolemais, Agabus prophesied that “the owner of this belt (will) be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Romans” (21:10&11). When those traveling with Paul heard this, they begged him not to go to Jerusalem. But, Paul replied, “I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus” (21:13). Paul’s mission was clear. His resolve was firm. “My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - - the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love” (20:24). “I never shrank from telling you the truth, either publicly or in your homes......No one’s damnation can be blamed on me, for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants for you” (20:20,26&27).
Our Lord needs similar confidence, peace, boldness, and resolve from his disciples today. The only thing that matters in life is declaring the Good News about Jesus. Let us not be afraid of the consequences for doing so, or fear those who would threaten us. Our true destiny lies beyond this life so let us use whatever time we have to do what God has called us to do. Let us be able to say like Paul, “For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better.”
Paul wrote to the Philippians, “For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I die. For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better” (1:20&21).
As Paul traveled to Jerusalem with an offering for the Christians living there that he had collected from Gentile Christians, he was continually warned of the dangers he would face should he insist on reaching his destination. At Tyre, in Syria, the “disciples prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem” (Acts 21:4). When Paul stopped at Ptolemais, Agabus prophesied that “the owner of this belt (will) be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Romans” (21:10&11). When those traveling with Paul heard this, they begged him not to go to Jerusalem. But, Paul replied, “I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus” (21:13). Paul’s mission was clear. His resolve was firm. “My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - - the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love” (20:24). “I never shrank from telling you the truth, either publicly or in your homes......No one’s damnation can be blamed on me, for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants for you” (20:20,26&27).
Our Lord needs similar confidence, peace, boldness, and resolve from his disciples today. The only thing that matters in life is declaring the Good News about Jesus. Let us not be afraid of the consequences for doing so, or fear those who would threaten us. Our true destiny lies beyond this life so let us use whatever time we have to do what God has called us to do. Let us be able to say like Paul, “For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better.”
November 27
The apostle Paul wrote these words of wisdom to the Christians living in Philippi. “Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear” (2:12). In the New International Version, it reads, “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Paul is not suggesting that our salvation is something we earn. The NLT more accurately captures his thought, “put into action God’s saving work in your lives.” In other words, “now that you know you are saved, apply your new position with God into the way you live.” Why were those words necessary? Because there simply is no way scripture can tell us what to do in everything we encounter in life. Christian maturity involves knowing the commands and general principles God has given us and then applying them to our particular situations.
Should a Christian play cards? Attend movies? If so, which movies are okay? How long should a Christian wear his hair? Her skirt? Is dancing okay? What kind of dancing? With whom? What kinds of clothes are acceptable to wear? Which ones are too suggestive? Is it okay to eat lunch with someone of the opposite sex who is not our spouse? What about going on business trips with someone who is not our spouse? Is it permissable to consume alcohol? If so, how much? The list goes on and on.
In the first century, some believers were troubled by eating meat if part of it had already been sacrificed to an idol while others weren’t. Others decided not to eat meat period, but stay with a diet of vegetables only. Some believers thought it was okay to worship every day while others felt like only certain days were set aside and special enough for that purpose. In addition to his many commands, Paul’s writings also contain general principles that are helpful in making these kinds of daily decisions. “Each person should have a personal conviction......while we live we live to please the Lord. And when we die, we go to be with the Lord. So in life and in death, we belong to the Lord” (Romans 14:5,8). “Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God.....Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God” for the way we’ve lived and the choices we’ve made (14:10,12). “I know and am perfectly sure on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another Christian is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died” (vss.14&15). “Let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up” (v.19).
God has placed a conscience within each of us and so long as we are sincerely in tune with His will in our lives, we would be wise to listen to our conscience (vs.23). It is possible to sear our conscience to the point that it is no longer reliably guiding us, but that is why Christians must “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is” (12:2). “So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise” (Ephesians 5:15).
Should a Christian play cards? Attend movies? If so, which movies are okay? How long should a Christian wear his hair? Her skirt? Is dancing okay? What kind of dancing? With whom? What kinds of clothes are acceptable to wear? Which ones are too suggestive? Is it okay to eat lunch with someone of the opposite sex who is not our spouse? What about going on business trips with someone who is not our spouse? Is it permissable to consume alcohol? If so, how much? The list goes on and on.
In the first century, some believers were troubled by eating meat if part of it had already been sacrificed to an idol while others weren’t. Others decided not to eat meat period, but stay with a diet of vegetables only. Some believers thought it was okay to worship every day while others felt like only certain days were set aside and special enough for that purpose. In addition to his many commands, Paul’s writings also contain general principles that are helpful in making these kinds of daily decisions. “Each person should have a personal conviction......while we live we live to please the Lord. And when we die, we go to be with the Lord. So in life and in death, we belong to the Lord” (Romans 14:5,8). “Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God.....Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God” for the way we’ve lived and the choices we’ve made (14:10,12). “I know and am perfectly sure on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another Christian is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died” (vss.14&15). “Let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up” (v.19).
God has placed a conscience within each of us and so long as we are sincerely in tune with His will in our lives, we would be wise to listen to our conscience (vs.23). It is possible to sear our conscience to the point that it is no longer reliably guiding us, but that is why Christians must “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is” (12:2). “So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise” (Ephesians 5:15).
November 24
It would certainly be easy to see why the Jews might become somewhat arrogant because of their standing with God. God had promised Abraham that “all the nations of the earth will be blessed through your seed” (Genesis 12:1-3). God had delivered them from Egypt. God had given them the Promised Land. The Messiah sent by God to save people from their sins was a Jew. And it was the Jews who first received this Good News of God’s redemption.
But, the truth is, “no one is good” on their own (Romans 3:10). Next to God, we all resemble “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). “All have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard of holiness” (Romans 3:23). Consequently, all of us are in need of a Savior, Jew and Gentile alike (Romans 1:16). And none of us can be made right with God by obeying the Law because none of us are capable of doing so. Paul says, “we are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins” (Rom.3:22). Faith is totally trusting God whether we fully understand what God has promised us or not (Hebrews 11:1). Even though God had promised to make of Abraham a great nation of people, and even though both Abraham and Sarah were way too old to be having children, “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise” (Rom.4:20; Hebrews 11:11&12). “He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything He promised” (Rom.4:21; Ephesians 3:20&21). Are we? Do we truly trust God in our lives, no matter what may happen (Proverbs 3:5&6)? Someone has said, “Faith is not believing God can do something. Faith is knowing God will.” Righteous people walk by faith in God and not by sight in themselves (II Cor.5:7). May our faith walk be an inspiration and an encouragement to believers and non-believers alike.
But, the truth is, “no one is good” on their own (Romans 3:10). Next to God, we all resemble “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). “All have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard of holiness” (Romans 3:23). Consequently, all of us are in need of a Savior, Jew and Gentile alike (Romans 1:16). And none of us can be made right with God by obeying the Law because none of us are capable of doing so. Paul says, “we are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins” (Rom.3:22). Faith is totally trusting God whether we fully understand what God has promised us or not (Hebrews 11:1). Even though God had promised to make of Abraham a great nation of people, and even though both Abraham and Sarah were way too old to be having children, “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise” (Rom.4:20; Hebrews 11:11&12). “He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything He promised” (Rom.4:21; Ephesians 3:20&21). Are we? Do we truly trust God in our lives, no matter what may happen (Proverbs 3:5&6)? Someone has said, “Faith is not believing God can do something. Faith is knowing God will.” Righteous people walk by faith in God and not by sight in themselves (II Cor.5:7). May our faith walk be an inspiration and an encouragement to believers and non-believers alike.
Monday, November 10, 2014
November 22
“Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” shouts the newspaper salesman, trying to tempt people to purchase a newspaper because it contains juicy information they will want to know. And yet, all the news related to life in the here and now is only temporary. The apostle Paul has got what he calls, “Good News”. It’s about a life beyond the grave and it’s better than just “Good News.” It’s really GREAT NEWS!”
Jesus Christ died, was buried, and three days later arose from the grave with a new and transformed body. We celebrate his resurrection from the grave every year at Easter. Selfishly speaking, the joy of Easter is not just that Jesus Christ bodily rose from the grave, but that his bodily resurrection guarantees we can have the same experience when we die. Paul links the two events together. “Since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead (for the rest of us)? For if there is no resurrection of the dead (for us), then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ was not raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your trust in God is useless” (I Corinthians 15:12-14).
The fact is, we are living in perishable bodies. “Outwardly we are wasting away,” Paul says elsewhere (II Cor.4:6) and we all know that to be true. “These perishable bodies of ours are not able to live forever” (I Cor.15:50). The fact is, when we breathe for the last time and our soul separates from our physical body, we will be physically dead. All of us will physically die (Hebrews 9:27). But, because of Jesus Christ, we can live forever. He said, “Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish” (John 11:25&26). “I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life” (John 5:24). How is it that we must all die once, and yet, Jesus says we will never die?
The Bible speaks of two kinds of death (Revelation 2:11; 20:6,14; 21:8). The first is a physical death and occurs when our soul separates from our body. That is the death none of us can escape. The second is a spiritual death and occurs when our soul is eternally separated from God. When a Christian dies physically, their soul immediately goes to be with the Lord (II Cor.5:8; Philippians 1:21), while the non-christian discovers they are eternally separated from God when they die physically. The Good News is that when Jesus Christ returns to planet earth, he will bring with him the souls of those who have already died in him and reunite them with a new and transformed resurrected body (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Philippians 3:21; I John 3:2; I Cor.15:42-57). That isn’t just Good News. That is GREAT NEWS! And that is why Paul could encourage us to, “be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (I Cor.15:58).
Jesus Christ died, was buried, and three days later arose from the grave with a new and transformed body. We celebrate his resurrection from the grave every year at Easter. Selfishly speaking, the joy of Easter is not just that Jesus Christ bodily rose from the grave, but that his bodily resurrection guarantees we can have the same experience when we die. Paul links the two events together. “Since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead (for the rest of us)? For if there is no resurrection of the dead (for us), then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ was not raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your trust in God is useless” (I Corinthians 15:12-14).
The fact is, we are living in perishable bodies. “Outwardly we are wasting away,” Paul says elsewhere (II Cor.4:6) and we all know that to be true. “These perishable bodies of ours are not able to live forever” (I Cor.15:50). The fact is, when we breathe for the last time and our soul separates from our physical body, we will be physically dead. All of us will physically die (Hebrews 9:27). But, because of Jesus Christ, we can live forever. He said, “Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish” (John 11:25&26). “I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life” (John 5:24). How is it that we must all die once, and yet, Jesus says we will never die?
The Bible speaks of two kinds of death (Revelation 2:11; 20:6,14; 21:8). The first is a physical death and occurs when our soul separates from our body. That is the death none of us can escape. The second is a spiritual death and occurs when our soul is eternally separated from God. When a Christian dies physically, their soul immediately goes to be with the Lord (II Cor.5:8; Philippians 1:21), while the non-christian discovers they are eternally separated from God when they die physically. The Good News is that when Jesus Christ returns to planet earth, he will bring with him the souls of those who have already died in him and reunite them with a new and transformed resurrected body (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Philippians 3:21; I John 3:2; I Cor.15:42-57). That isn’t just Good News. That is GREAT NEWS! And that is why Paul could encourage us to, “be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (I Cor.15:58).
The Journey
Approximately 10 weeks ago, I received an email invitation that upon first glance, appeared to be one of those, "too good to be true" offers we have all received. And, 99.99% of the time, they ARE too good to be true! But, upon further inspection it was indeed an invitation from former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to go on a spiritual journey with he and his wife, and 100+ pastors from various parts of the United States. The journey begins on Wednesday, November 12th and continues through Friday, November 21st. During those ten days, we will fly to Krakow, Poland and visit Nazi concentration camps at Auschwitz and Birkenau, tour Schindler's Factory and visit important sites in Poland where Pope John Paul II was born and raised. On Sunday, November 16th, we will fly to London, England where we will go on a private tour of Parliament, and Westminster Abby. We will also tour the home of Sir Winston Churchill and visit sites important to Margaret Thatcher and view London from the London Eye. On Wednesday, November 19th we will fly to Los Angeles and tour Ronald Reagan's Presidential Library.
Pope John Paul II, Margaret Thatcher, and Ronald Reagan were all instrumental in the eventual collapse of Communism in Russia and Europe. Their economic policies, military, and spiritual beliefs were legendary and we will get an opportunity to see how faith in Jesus Christ raises the dignity of all human beings and shapes governments. I'm not sure how much free time we will have or how good our Internet connections will be, but if possible, I will try to write about some of my experiences in this BLOG. Your prayers for safe travel, God's Holy Spirit at work in our lives through these experiences, and that the networking with other Christians would prove beneficial to the various churches represented by these many pastors, as well as the states they live in, and our nation, would be greatly appreciated.
Pope John Paul II, Margaret Thatcher, and Ronald Reagan were all instrumental in the eventual collapse of Communism in Russia and Europe. Their economic policies, military, and spiritual beliefs were legendary and we will get an opportunity to see how faith in Jesus Christ raises the dignity of all human beings and shapes governments. I'm not sure how much free time we will have or how good our Internet connections will be, but if possible, I will try to write about some of my experiences in this BLOG. Your prayers for safe travel, God's Holy Spirit at work in our lives through these experiences, and that the networking with other Christians would prove beneficial to the various churches represented by these many pastors, as well as the states they live in, and our nation, would be greatly appreciated.
November 19
When talking about various examples of evil in the peaceful town of Mayberry, Barney Fife used to tell Andy they needed to take action against that evil. His words were specifically, that we need to, “Nip it. Nip it in the Bud!” In other words, whenever crime was committed, it needed to be dealt with right away before it got a toehold in Mayberry and infected others who would then follow suit.
In I Corinthians 5, Paul addresses an ugly situation in the church at Corinth. A stepson was living in sin with his father’s wife (vs.1). Sadly, no one in the church was doing anything about it. Everyone conveniently looked the other way and said nothing to the individual. Not only were this young man’s actions sinful, but Paul contends that allowing sin to remain among them would have a terrible influence on the rest of the body. “Don’t you realize that if even one person is allowed to go on sinning, soon all will be affected? Remove this wicked person from among you so that you can stay pure” (vss.6&7). Elsewhere, Paul had written, “bad company corrupts good character” (I Cor.15:33). And, “It takes only one wrong person among you to infect all the others - - a little yeast spreads quickly through the whole batch of dough” (Galatians 5:9). The Proverb writer agreed, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (27:17). Good people can either influence their friends to do good, or bad people will influence their friends to do evil. That is why Jesus cautioned his disciples to, “beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6; 12:1). He knew the hypocritical lifestyles and teachings of these so-called religious teachers could adversely affect his followers if they were not careful.
So, Paul takes to task the Corinthian Christians for allowing this man to get away with his sin without confronting him on it. Apparently, Paul had written an earlier letter (vs.9) in which he told the Corinthian Christians not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. He clarifies his earlier remark by saying that he was not referring to non-christians. If that was the case, we would all have to go into a monastery and live in total isolation. “What I meant was that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler” (vs.11). God will judge those outside of Christ, but it our responsibility to judge and hold accountable those who claim to belong to the family of Christ (vss.12&13). For, if we don’t keep each other accountable, who will? If we don’t hold one another to the higher standards set by Christ, who will? To be sure, our speech, even in confrontation should be “full of grace and seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:15; John 1:14), but love demands that we expect righteous living from those who claim to be righteous.
In I Corinthians 5, Paul addresses an ugly situation in the church at Corinth. A stepson was living in sin with his father’s wife (vs.1). Sadly, no one in the church was doing anything about it. Everyone conveniently looked the other way and said nothing to the individual. Not only were this young man’s actions sinful, but Paul contends that allowing sin to remain among them would have a terrible influence on the rest of the body. “Don’t you realize that if even one person is allowed to go on sinning, soon all will be affected? Remove this wicked person from among you so that you can stay pure” (vss.6&7). Elsewhere, Paul had written, “bad company corrupts good character” (I Cor.15:33). And, “It takes only one wrong person among you to infect all the others - - a little yeast spreads quickly through the whole batch of dough” (Galatians 5:9). The Proverb writer agreed, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (27:17). Good people can either influence their friends to do good, or bad people will influence their friends to do evil. That is why Jesus cautioned his disciples to, “beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6; 12:1). He knew the hypocritical lifestyles and teachings of these so-called religious teachers could adversely affect his followers if they were not careful.
So, Paul takes to task the Corinthian Christians for allowing this man to get away with his sin without confronting him on it. Apparently, Paul had written an earlier letter (vs.9) in which he told the Corinthian Christians not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. He clarifies his earlier remark by saying that he was not referring to non-christians. If that was the case, we would all have to go into a monastery and live in total isolation. “What I meant was that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler” (vs.11). God will judge those outside of Christ, but it our responsibility to judge and hold accountable those who claim to belong to the family of Christ (vss.12&13). For, if we don’t keep each other accountable, who will? If we don’t hold one another to the higher standards set by Christ, who will? To be sure, our speech, even in confrontation should be “full of grace and seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:15; John 1:14), but love demands that we expect righteous living from those who claim to be righteous.
November 13
There are certain people in each of our lives that, for whatever reason, we find it difficult to question or confront. Perhaps, it’s because of the position they possess at work, or the important role they play on our athletic team, or the office they hold in government, etc. Or, maybe it’s their age and we respect the obvious wisdom they have gained through the years. Maybe it’s a combination of both of these reasons and more.
When one thinks of the apostle Peter, our minds picture a spiritual giant. Hadn’t Jesus placed the initial leadership for the church in Peter (Matthew 16:16-19)? Wasn’t Peter one of three privileged to be in the Master’s Inner Circle (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 5:37-43; Mark 14:32-42)? It was Peter who was often the spokesman for the rest of Jesus’ disciples (Mark 14:27-31; John 6:66-69) before Jesus died. And it was Peter who was often the spokesman for the rest of Jesus’ disciples after Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 2:14-40; 3:4-26; 4:8-12). Only Peter had the guts to walk on water (Matthew 14:25-29). Only Peter acted to defend Jesus when the soldiers came to arrest him (John 18:10&11). And when the resurrected Jesus appeared on the beach while his disciples were out in a boat fishing, it was Peter who jumped into the water and swam to see his Lord (John 21:7&8).
But, sin has a way of deceiving even the most mature and respected of Jesus’ followers. Peter was the first to understand that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was God’s gift to ALL people, including the Gentiles (Acts 10). It was Peter who said, “It’s God own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from - - if you want God and are ready to do as He says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel - - that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again - - well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone” (Acts 10:34-36; The Message).
And yet, even the great Peter could be influenced by what other people thought of him. When he was in a room with Gentiles, he was great friends with them, but when Jews entered the room, Peter kept his distance from his Gentile friends (Galatians 2:11-13). Are there times when maybe we have also been like Peter? Times when we skip praying for our meal in public when we are with unbelievers? Times when we run into church friends and fail to acknowledge these church friends to our secular friends (John 12:42&43)? We all need a Paul in our lives, someone bold enough to keep us accountable and remind us what things are really important (Galatians 2:14-16). At other times, we may need to be a Paul to our Christian friends who still have maturing to do in their lives.
When one thinks of the apostle Peter, our minds picture a spiritual giant. Hadn’t Jesus placed the initial leadership for the church in Peter (Matthew 16:16-19)? Wasn’t Peter one of three privileged to be in the Master’s Inner Circle (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 5:37-43; Mark 14:32-42)? It was Peter who was often the spokesman for the rest of Jesus’ disciples (Mark 14:27-31; John 6:66-69) before Jesus died. And it was Peter who was often the spokesman for the rest of Jesus’ disciples after Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 2:14-40; 3:4-26; 4:8-12). Only Peter had the guts to walk on water (Matthew 14:25-29). Only Peter acted to defend Jesus when the soldiers came to arrest him (John 18:10&11). And when the resurrected Jesus appeared on the beach while his disciples were out in a boat fishing, it was Peter who jumped into the water and swam to see his Lord (John 21:7&8).
But, sin has a way of deceiving even the most mature and respected of Jesus’ followers. Peter was the first to understand that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was God’s gift to ALL people, including the Gentiles (Acts 10). It was Peter who said, “It’s God own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from - - if you want God and are ready to do as He says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel - - that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again - - well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone” (Acts 10:34-36; The Message).
And yet, even the great Peter could be influenced by what other people thought of him. When he was in a room with Gentiles, he was great friends with them, but when Jews entered the room, Peter kept his distance from his Gentile friends (Galatians 2:11-13). Are there times when maybe we have also been like Peter? Times when we skip praying for our meal in public when we are with unbelievers? Times when we run into church friends and fail to acknowledge these church friends to our secular friends (John 12:42&43)? We all need a Paul in our lives, someone bold enough to keep us accountable and remind us what things are really important (Galatians 2:14-16). At other times, we may need to be a Paul to our Christian friends who still have maturing to do in their lives.
November 10
Kenny Rogers sings a song in which the words say, “And she believes in me. I’ll never know just what she sees in me....But she has faith in me, and so I go on trying faithfully. And who knows maybe on some special night, if my song is right, I will find a way.......”
Few things say, “I love you,” more than believing the best about people and standing by them, especially when few others will. Jesus met a woman in Samaria in John 4 who had already been married five times and was currently living with a man outside of the marriage covenant (vss.17&18). Because Jesus was able to look past her sin and instead see her pain, and because Jesus believed the best about this woman and saw her potential, her life was totally changed. She, who had a horrible reputation amongst those who knew her, was able to lead an entire village of people to also find Jesus (John 4:39-42).
Later, Jesus met a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. The Mosaic Law forbid adultery and said that those caught in such an act should be stoned to death (Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22). But, because Jesus was again able to look past her sin and see the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders who used her to test Jesus, and because Jesus believed the best about this woman and saw her potential, her life was spared. Enveloped by Jesus’ love and forgiveness, her life was forever changed (John 8:1-11).
Saul had such a horrible reputation for persecuting Christians, that when he miraculously became a Christian, few believers trusted him. And who could blame them? (Acts 9:13&14, 21, 26) This man had previously searched out and persecuted Christians, wanting to destroy them and their faith. Furthermore, Saul thought he was serving the same God they did, when he carried out this violence (Acts 9:1&2). It’s no wonder that Christians were very skeptical when Saul, the persecutor of Christians now claimed to be Saul, a preacher for Christianity.
Enter Barnabas, whose name meant, “son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Barnabas befriended Saul when few others would. Barnabas introduced Saul to the apostles and stood up for him. And because Barnabas saw the potential in Saul in the same way Jesus sees the potential in all of us, Saul was accepted by the apostles in Jerusalem. The more time he spent with these men who had been personally trained by Jesus, the more they and others trusted him. It was Barnabas’ friendship that played a large role in Saul eventually ministering to countless numbers of Jews and Gentiles in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 13:1-15:35).
Could it be that you are a Christian today because someone saw through your sins and your hurt and instead, saw the potential in you? Is it possible the Lord might place someone in your path who also needs a friend to believe in them? What Saul is out there whose life could be totally and radically changed by someone who saw them through the eyes of Jesus?
Few things say, “I love you,” more than believing the best about people and standing by them, especially when few others will. Jesus met a woman in Samaria in John 4 who had already been married five times and was currently living with a man outside of the marriage covenant (vss.17&18). Because Jesus was able to look past her sin and instead see her pain, and because Jesus believed the best about this woman and saw her potential, her life was totally changed. She, who had a horrible reputation amongst those who knew her, was able to lead an entire village of people to also find Jesus (John 4:39-42).
Later, Jesus met a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. The Mosaic Law forbid adultery and said that those caught in such an act should be stoned to death (Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22). But, because Jesus was again able to look past her sin and see the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders who used her to test Jesus, and because Jesus believed the best about this woman and saw her potential, her life was spared. Enveloped by Jesus’ love and forgiveness, her life was forever changed (John 8:1-11).
Saul had such a horrible reputation for persecuting Christians, that when he miraculously became a Christian, few believers trusted him. And who could blame them? (Acts 9:13&14, 21, 26) This man had previously searched out and persecuted Christians, wanting to destroy them and their faith. Furthermore, Saul thought he was serving the same God they did, when he carried out this violence (Acts 9:1&2). It’s no wonder that Christians were very skeptical when Saul, the persecutor of Christians now claimed to be Saul, a preacher for Christianity.
Enter Barnabas, whose name meant, “son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Barnabas befriended Saul when few others would. Barnabas introduced Saul to the apostles and stood up for him. And because Barnabas saw the potential in Saul in the same way Jesus sees the potential in all of us, Saul was accepted by the apostles in Jerusalem. The more time he spent with these men who had been personally trained by Jesus, the more they and others trusted him. It was Barnabas’ friendship that played a large role in Saul eventually ministering to countless numbers of Jews and Gentiles in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 13:1-15:35).
Could it be that you are a Christian today because someone saw through your sins and your hurt and instead, saw the potential in you? Is it possible the Lord might place someone in your path who also needs a friend to believe in them? What Saul is out there whose life could be totally and radically changed by someone who saw them through the eyes of Jesus?
November 7
In the Christian walk, prayer plus the Holy Spirit equals power from God. No one knew that more than the early followers of Jesus Christ. During his earthly ministry, Jesus had said, “If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him” (Luke 11:13). And Jesus had promised his disciples, “when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative - - and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit - - he will teach you everything and will remind you of every-thing I myself have told you” (John 14:26). So as Jesus prepared to leave his disciples and ascend into heaven, he reminded them, “do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what He promised. Remember, I have told you about this before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:4&5). For, “when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere” (1:8).
There were a number of believers who got together regularly in the days following Jesus’ ascension into heaven. The Bible says, “they all met together continually for prayer” (1:14). Peter felt it was necessary to replace Judas, who had hung himself after he betrayed Jesus (Matthew 27:1-10; Acts 1:18&19). Two men who met the qualifications for being an apostle (1:21&22) were nominated and again the Bible says, “they all prayed for the right man to be chosen” (1:24). Sometime, shortly after that, the Holy Spirit came just as Jesus promised, and gave many people the miraculous ability to speak in intelligible languages they had no prior knowledge of (2:4-12). When the crowd present asked what was going on, Peter addressed them and said that Jesus was the Messiah sent from God and they had crucified him. When many in the crowd were convicted, they asked what they could do to be forgiven. Peter replied, “Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (see also Matthew 28:18-20). Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles - - all who have been called by the Lord our God” (2:38&39). What took place after that was phenomenal. Armed with the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer, “the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity - - all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of the people.” And the results? “Each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved” (Acts 2:43-47).
Prayer plus the Holy Spirit equals power from God. Jesus taught us to pray and never quit praying (Luke 18:1). He promised us the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives after he left and Peter assured us the Holy Spirit would inhabit every believer in Jesus Christ who turned from their sins and were baptized in him (2:38&39; 5:32). So, if we want to see first century results in Christ’s twenty-first century church, we would be wise to follow the example of our first century ancestors. Prayer plus the Holy Spirit equals power from God.
There were a number of believers who got together regularly in the days following Jesus’ ascension into heaven. The Bible says, “they all met together continually for prayer” (1:14). Peter felt it was necessary to replace Judas, who had hung himself after he betrayed Jesus (Matthew 27:1-10; Acts 1:18&19). Two men who met the qualifications for being an apostle (1:21&22) were nominated and again the Bible says, “they all prayed for the right man to be chosen” (1:24). Sometime, shortly after that, the Holy Spirit came just as Jesus promised, and gave many people the miraculous ability to speak in intelligible languages they had no prior knowledge of (2:4-12). When the crowd present asked what was going on, Peter addressed them and said that Jesus was the Messiah sent from God and they had crucified him. When many in the crowd were convicted, they asked what they could do to be forgiven. Peter replied, “Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (see also Matthew 28:18-20). Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles - - all who have been called by the Lord our God” (2:38&39). What took place after that was phenomenal. Armed with the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer, “the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity - - all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of the people.” And the results? “Each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved” (Acts 2:43-47).
Prayer plus the Holy Spirit equals power from God. Jesus taught us to pray and never quit praying (Luke 18:1). He promised us the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives after he left and Peter assured us the Holy Spirit would inhabit every believer in Jesus Christ who turned from their sins and were baptized in him (2:38&39; 5:32). So, if we want to see first century results in Christ’s twenty-first century church, we would be wise to follow the example of our first century ancestors. Prayer plus the Holy Spirit equals power from God.
November 5
Jesus made no secret about the fact that he would bodily resurrect on the third day after being placed in a tomb (Luke 9:22; 24:5-8; Matthew 16:21; 28:6; Mark 8:31). His disciples knew it. The women who followed him knew it. Even the Jewish religious leaders knew it. In order to make sure that no one would steal Jesus’ dead body and then tell others that he had resurrected from the grave, the religious leaders had a request for Pilate. “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will be raised from the dead.’ So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he came back to life!” (Matt.27: 63&64). So, Pilate placed some of his guards at the disposal of the religious leaders to guard the tomb and prevent such an event from happening.
But, when God proposes to do something, there is nothing man can do to prevent it. When an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled the stone away, these brave, highly-trained, very-powerful soldiers “shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint” (Matt.28:4). When the women came to the tomb early on the first day of the week to finish embalming Jesus, “they found that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside. So they went in, but they couldn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus” (Luke 24:2&3). While they were trying to imagine what could have possibly happened to Jesus’ body, two angels appeared to them and asked, “Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead!” (Lk.24:4&5: Mk.16:5&6; Matt.28:5&6).
The news that Jesus had bodily risen from the tomb seemed too good to be true. When the apostles first heard it from the women, they didn’t believe it because the story sounded like nonsense (Luke 24:10&11; Mark 16:10&11). Even after the disciples saw Jesus alive for themselves, they still had questions.
The same is true for us today. We have not had the privilege of actually seeing Jesus alive following his death and burial, as Jesus’ disciples did. Thomas didn’t believe the other disciples when they told him they had seen Jesus alive. And Thomas said he wouldn’t believe their story unless he saw Jesus for himself (John 20:25). To be sure, when Jesus did appear to Thomas, the doubting disciple proclaimed Jesus as Lord (20:28). But, as Jesus said to Thomas, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway” (20:29). Like Thomas, we have not had the privilege of seeing Jesus alive. But, we have seen his resurrection power at work in our lives (Philippians 3:10). There have been miraculous answers to our prayers, unexplainable changes in our lives and the lives of others, and unusual occurrences in our lives that have all confirmed a power greater than we can understand. The question for us is, will we live our lives expecting Christ’s resurrection power to show up on a regular basis? Or, will we continue in our skepticism to ignore that truth? The choice is ours, but so are the consequences.
But, when God proposes to do something, there is nothing man can do to prevent it. When an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled the stone away, these brave, highly-trained, very-powerful soldiers “shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint” (Matt.28:4). When the women came to the tomb early on the first day of the week to finish embalming Jesus, “they found that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside. So they went in, but they couldn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus” (Luke 24:2&3). While they were trying to imagine what could have possibly happened to Jesus’ body, two angels appeared to them and asked, “Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead!” (Lk.24:4&5: Mk.16:5&6; Matt.28:5&6).
The news that Jesus had bodily risen from the tomb seemed too good to be true. When the apostles first heard it from the women, they didn’t believe it because the story sounded like nonsense (Luke 24:10&11; Mark 16:10&11). Even after the disciples saw Jesus alive for themselves, they still had questions.
The same is true for us today. We have not had the privilege of actually seeing Jesus alive following his death and burial, as Jesus’ disciples did. Thomas didn’t believe the other disciples when they told him they had seen Jesus alive. And Thomas said he wouldn’t believe their story unless he saw Jesus for himself (John 20:25). To be sure, when Jesus did appear to Thomas, the doubting disciple proclaimed Jesus as Lord (20:28). But, as Jesus said to Thomas, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway” (20:29). Like Thomas, we have not had the privilege of seeing Jesus alive. But, we have seen his resurrection power at work in our lives (Philippians 3:10). There have been miraculous answers to our prayers, unexplainable changes in our lives and the lives of others, and unusual occurrences in our lives that have all confirmed a power greater than we can understand. The question for us is, will we live our lives expecting Christ’s resurrection power to show up on a regular basis? Or, will we continue in our skepticism to ignore that truth? The choice is ours, but so are the consequences.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
October 30
Imagine you have only a few hours to live. Even though everyone, including yourself, knows it, no one else wants to accept it or believe it. What would you say to them? How do you want them to remember you? The words we say in those last few hours are probably not going to change the opinions they’ve developed of us over a lifetime of experiences. But, hopefully, what we say in parting will cement in their minds how we’ve tried to live.
“Dear children, how brief are these moments before I must go away and leave you!” (John 13:33). Jesus knew full well what he was talking about. Jesus was well aware of what was about to happen to him, even if his disciples weren’t. “So now I am giving you a new command-ment: Love each other” (13:34). Was it really a new commandment? In terms of time, that commandment had first been given by God many hundreds of years earlier to the Hebrew nation. “Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). And through the centuries God’s people had constantly expressed love for one another, even as we have in the centuries since Jesus repeated this command to his disciples. What was new, was Jesus’ example as he demonstrated the full definition of love. “Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (vss.34&35). It would be many days before Jesus’ disciples finally realized what he was teaching them in that moment. Not until after Jesus suffered and died, not until after Jesus resurrected from the grave, not until after Jesus ascended into heaven, and not until after Jesus sent his Holy Spirit to his disciples would the reality of that moment and that teaching truly overwhelm them. “I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative - - and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit - - he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you” (John 14:25&26).
When we truly love someone, we want to give to that individual. God gave His Son to us because He loved us (John 3:16). Jesus gave his life to us because he loved us (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; I Timothy 2:6). Christ’s example of love should be the light illuminating the way we unselfishly love others (John 13:15). Jesus is not referring to a “new” commandment in the sense that the commandment had never been given before, but “new” in the sense that it had rarely been practiced before. And that love will be so radically different from how the world practices love, that it “will prove to the world you are my disciples” (13:35). So, how does your love differ from that of the rest of the world (Matthew 5:43-48)? What are some attitudes we might start exhibiting and some things we might start doing that would prove to the rest of the world that our love is a reflection of Christ’s love?
“Dear children, how brief are these moments before I must go away and leave you!” (John 13:33). Jesus knew full well what he was talking about. Jesus was well aware of what was about to happen to him, even if his disciples weren’t. “So now I am giving you a new command-ment: Love each other” (13:34). Was it really a new commandment? In terms of time, that commandment had first been given by God many hundreds of years earlier to the Hebrew nation. “Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). And through the centuries God’s people had constantly expressed love for one another, even as we have in the centuries since Jesus repeated this command to his disciples. What was new, was Jesus’ example as he demonstrated the full definition of love. “Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (vss.34&35). It would be many days before Jesus’ disciples finally realized what he was teaching them in that moment. Not until after Jesus suffered and died, not until after Jesus resurrected from the grave, not until after Jesus ascended into heaven, and not until after Jesus sent his Holy Spirit to his disciples would the reality of that moment and that teaching truly overwhelm them. “I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative - - and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit - - he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you” (John 14:25&26).
When we truly love someone, we want to give to that individual. God gave His Son to us because He loved us (John 3:16). Jesus gave his life to us because he loved us (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; I Timothy 2:6). Christ’s example of love should be the light illuminating the way we unselfishly love others (John 13:15). Jesus is not referring to a “new” commandment in the sense that the commandment had never been given before, but “new” in the sense that it had rarely been practiced before. And that love will be so radically different from how the world practices love, that it “will prove to the world you are my disciples” (13:35). So, how does your love differ from that of the rest of the world (Matthew 5:43-48)? What are some attitudes we might start exhibiting and some things we might start doing that would prove to the rest of the world that our love is a reflection of Christ’s love?
October 28
“Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful” (I Corinthians 4:2). For, “what do you have that God hasn’t given you?” (v.7). The answer is, ‘nothing.’ God has entrusted to each and everyone of us the ability to make material treasure (Deuteronomy 8:18) that we can invest on ourselves or that we can invest in building His kingdom. He has also blessed each of us with natural talents we can use to serve ourselves or use to serve Him. We alone make the choice as to whether we will be good stewards, faithfully utilizing all that God has placed at our disposal to bring glory to Him, or whether we will selfishly use all that God has placed at our disposal to bring glory to ourselves. But, the Bible is reminds us over and over that we will all give an account to the One who has so abundantly blessed us (Romans 14:12; II Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 16:27; Acts 10:42; Galatians 6:5).
It makes no difference how much wealth or how many talents we have been given by God. We have all been given something (Matt.25:15). That which is important is not how much we have been given, but how faithful we have been with what we have received. Those who prove themselves faithful in managing what God has given them for His glory will be entrusted by God with more. Those who haven’t proven themselves faithful in managing what God has given them for His glory will lose what they already have (25:29).
The fact is, there are many opportunities God places before us to be a blessing to others with our monetary resources and our talents. For, when we see someone in need and come to their aid, we are really blessing the God who created that individual in His image. And when we see someone in need and ignore that person, we are really ignoring the God who created that individual in His image (25:40,45). Again, the lesson is that we need to be awake, alert, and prepared to give an account to God on any given day and at any given moment. We do not know the day when Jesus will return and we do not know the day when our time on this earth will be over. In either case, the wise are those who are faithful managers, living their lives at all times to honor God and in doing so, ready at any time for the judgment (25:1-13). If Jesus returned today, would you be prepared? If Jesus called you home today, would your bags be packed and ready to go? It might be wise to give it some thought now, before it’s too late!
It makes no difference how much wealth or how many talents we have been given by God. We have all been given something (Matt.25:15). That which is important is not how much we have been given, but how faithful we have been with what we have received. Those who prove themselves faithful in managing what God has given them for His glory will be entrusted by God with more. Those who haven’t proven themselves faithful in managing what God has given them for His glory will lose what they already have (25:29).
The fact is, there are many opportunities God places before us to be a blessing to others with our monetary resources and our talents. For, when we see someone in need and come to their aid, we are really blessing the God who created that individual in His image. And when we see someone in need and ignore that person, we are really ignoring the God who created that individual in His image (25:40,45). Again, the lesson is that we need to be awake, alert, and prepared to give an account to God on any given day and at any given moment. We do not know the day when Jesus will return and we do not know the day when our time on this earth will be over. In either case, the wise are those who are faithful managers, living their lives at all times to honor God and in doing so, ready at any time for the judgment (25:1-13). If Jesus returned today, would you be prepared? If Jesus called you home today, would your bags be packed and ready to go? It might be wise to give it some thought now, before it’s too late!
October 25
As Jesus’ time of death drew near, his stories became very pointed. Whereas, there were times earlier in his ministry when neither the crowds or his disciples understood the meaning of his teachings, Jesus made sure they knew exactly what he was saying in his final days on earth. Jesus told a story about two sons, one with good intentions who didn’t keep his promise to his father, and the other who did help his father in spite of his initial refusal to do so (Matthew 21:28-32). In another story, Jesus told of a vineyard owner whose tenants horribly treated his servants sent to collect their rent, even killing some, including the owner’s son (Matt.21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19). And in a third story, Jesus told of a king ready to throw a great banquet. But, those who were initially invited, shamefully treated the servants sent to invite them, even killing some (Matt.22:1-14). The Jews knew exactly what Jesus was saying. God had been sending prophets to the Jews for centuries and they continuously beat those prophets and even killed many. Finally, God sent His Son and they were plotting even then to also kill Jesus. There was no doubt about Jesus’ meaning in his teachings.
So, in order to justify arresting Jesus and doing to him what he prophesied they would do, the religious leaders tried to trip Jesus up with questions about religious law. If they could entice him to give an answer the people disagreed with, they could also justify arresting him. In their first question, they brought some “supporters of Herod” along. “Should we pay taxes to the Roman government or not?” If Jesus replied that Jews should not pay taxes, then he would alienate the Roman officials. But, if Jesus said that Jews should pay taxes then he would upset the Jews who hated the Roman taxation. Jesus said there is a time and a place to render unto the government what the government asks and a time and method for giving to God what belongs to Him (Mark 12:13-17; Matt.22:15-22; Lk.20:20-26). Those who heard his answer were completely amazed.
When the Sadducees, who did not believe in a Resurrection of the dead, tried to trap Jesus with a hypothetical example that was so far-fetched it could never happen, Jesus exposed their ignorance with his answer (Matt.22-23-33; Mk.12:18-27; Lk.20:27-40). Not only were the crowds impressed by what Jesus said, but so were the Sadducees who asked the question. The Bible says, “that ended their questions, no one dared to ask any more” (Lk.20:40).
The apostle Peter writes, “if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way” (I Peter 3:15). Peter had watched how Jesus dealt with difficult people and difficult questions. May God grant us the grace to be as wise, as clear, and as bold as Jesus was when people ask us why we believe what we believe.
So, in order to justify arresting Jesus and doing to him what he prophesied they would do, the religious leaders tried to trip Jesus up with questions about religious law. If they could entice him to give an answer the people disagreed with, they could also justify arresting him. In their first question, they brought some “supporters of Herod” along. “Should we pay taxes to the Roman government or not?” If Jesus replied that Jews should not pay taxes, then he would alienate the Roman officials. But, if Jesus said that Jews should pay taxes then he would upset the Jews who hated the Roman taxation. Jesus said there is a time and a place to render unto the government what the government asks and a time and method for giving to God what belongs to Him (Mark 12:13-17; Matt.22:15-22; Lk.20:20-26). Those who heard his answer were completely amazed.
When the Sadducees, who did not believe in a Resurrection of the dead, tried to trap Jesus with a hypothetical example that was so far-fetched it could never happen, Jesus exposed their ignorance with his answer (Matt.22-23-33; Mk.12:18-27; Lk.20:27-40). Not only were the crowds impressed by what Jesus said, but so were the Sadducees who asked the question. The Bible says, “that ended their questions, no one dared to ask any more” (Lk.20:40).
The apostle Peter writes, “if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way” (I Peter 3:15). Peter had watched how Jesus dealt with difficult people and difficult questions. May God grant us the grace to be as wise, as clear, and as bold as Jesus was when people ask us why we believe what we believe.
October 21
People have a tendency to place a value on human life dependent upon many factors, including: color of skin, occupation, degree of success at what a person does, level of achieve-ment, awards won, salary made, the number of things owned, people we associate with, the kinds of clothes we wear, etc. For some reason, we think it makes us feel better to look at others and believe we are better than they.
The Lord doesn’t look at people the way we do. “The Lord doesn’t make decisions the way we do! People judge by outward appearances, but the Lord looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions” (I Samuel 16:7). Jesus told a story about a proud Pharisee who was praying and thanked God that he was so much better than everyone else. Jesus also told of a sorrowful tax collector who humbly asked God to forgive him for his many sins. Jesus then concluded, “this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored” (Luke 18:9-14).
When parents were bringing their children so Jesus could touch them and bless them, Jesus’ disciples responded as so many others in the world would have. Their Master was way too important to be wasting his time with children. But, Jesus’ views toward people are far different than our human views. Jesus was upset with his disciples and said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God” (Luke 18: 15-17; Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16).
When a very rich young man came to Jesus wanting eternal life, Jesus told him to obey all the commandments. Whether it was arrogance or ignorance, the young man felt like he truly had not broken any of the commandments at any time. Most of us would look at him with disgust. Not Jesus. The Bible says, “Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him” (Mark 10:21). If we truly love Jesus and we are sincere in wanting to follow Jesus, then we must view all people in the same way Jesus does; with love and with compassion. Do we? Or, do we com-pare ourselves to others in the same way the rest of the world does?
The Lord doesn’t look at people the way we do. “The Lord doesn’t make decisions the way we do! People judge by outward appearances, but the Lord looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions” (I Samuel 16:7). Jesus told a story about a proud Pharisee who was praying and thanked God that he was so much better than everyone else. Jesus also told of a sorrowful tax collector who humbly asked God to forgive him for his many sins. Jesus then concluded, “this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored” (Luke 18:9-14).
When parents were bringing their children so Jesus could touch them and bless them, Jesus’ disciples responded as so many others in the world would have. Their Master was way too important to be wasting his time with children. But, Jesus’ views toward people are far different than our human views. Jesus was upset with his disciples and said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God” (Luke 18: 15-17; Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16).
When a very rich young man came to Jesus wanting eternal life, Jesus told him to obey all the commandments. Whether it was arrogance or ignorance, the young man felt like he truly had not broken any of the commandments at any time. Most of us would look at him with disgust. Not Jesus. The Bible says, “Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him” (Mark 10:21). If we truly love Jesus and we are sincere in wanting to follow Jesus, then we must view all people in the same way Jesus does; with love and with compassion. Do we? Or, do we com-pare ourselves to others in the same way the rest of the world does?
Saturday, October 11, 2014
October 14
King Solomon wrote, “There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.....God has made everything beautiful for it’s own time” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,11). Not only does God perfectly orchestrate the events that shape our lives (Acts 17:24-31), but He also does so when the time is just right. The apostle Paul says, “But when the right time came, God sent His Son.......” (Galatians 4:4). Why was that time more right for Jesus to come into the world than at any other time? There are some reasons that we know of. Greek had become a universal language making it easier to communicate the gospel around the world. The Romans had built a vast system of highways speeding up the transmission of the gospel to all parts of the world. Some reasons we can identify and many, only God knows. But, God always works when the time is just right.
We all know the importance of timing; whether it’s asking our parents to borrow the car, asking our boss for a raise or a job promotion, asking someone out on a date, etc. If we know how important timing is, then God knows it even better. But, while we have to guess when the time is right to do certain things, God absolutely knows for certain when the time is right. Jesus purposely delayed responding to Mary and Martha’s request to quickly come and heal their brother, Lazarus. God would receive greater glory by coming on His timetable and not theirs (John 11:1-44). Jesus’ brothers insisted that Jesus go to Judea for the Festival of Shelters, but Jesus said, “Now is not the right time for me to go” (John 7:6). However, Jesus did go a short time later, when he knew the time was right.
Not only did God determine when the time was right for Jesus to enter the world, but God knew when the time was right for Jesus to exit the world. And regardless of man’s intentions, God’s will is always done according to His timetable and not on ours. “As the time drew near for his return to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). At one point, Jesus was teaching in the Temple. “Then the leaders tried to arrest him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come” (John 7:30). On another occasion, Jesus was speaking to the crowds. “And some wanted him arrested, but no one touched him” (7:43; see also 8:20). When the Temple guards who had been sent for the purpose of arresting Jesus, returned empty-handed, they were asked by the priests and Pharisees, “why didn’t you bring him in?” Their answer? “We have never heard anyone talk like this!” (7:45&46). In other words, they just couldn’t do it. God knew the time was not yet right for Jesus to be arrested.
We need to know that the God who has shown His interest in making sure the timing was just right for certain events throughout history, is just as interested in making sure that things happen at just the right time in our lives. God knows the trials and temptations we are facing in our lives. He also knows when we need to be protected from them and when we need to grow through them (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; I Corinthians 10:12&13). Faith is totally placing our trust in God no matter what happens or when it happens.
We all know the importance of timing; whether it’s asking our parents to borrow the car, asking our boss for a raise or a job promotion, asking someone out on a date, etc. If we know how important timing is, then God knows it even better. But, while we have to guess when the time is right to do certain things, God absolutely knows for certain when the time is right. Jesus purposely delayed responding to Mary and Martha’s request to quickly come and heal their brother, Lazarus. God would receive greater glory by coming on His timetable and not theirs (John 11:1-44). Jesus’ brothers insisted that Jesus go to Judea for the Festival of Shelters, but Jesus said, “Now is not the right time for me to go” (John 7:6). However, Jesus did go a short time later, when he knew the time was right.
Not only did God determine when the time was right for Jesus to enter the world, but God knew when the time was right for Jesus to exit the world. And regardless of man’s intentions, God’s will is always done according to His timetable and not on ours. “As the time drew near for his return to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). At one point, Jesus was teaching in the Temple. “Then the leaders tried to arrest him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come” (John 7:30). On another occasion, Jesus was speaking to the crowds. “And some wanted him arrested, but no one touched him” (7:43; see also 8:20). When the Temple guards who had been sent for the purpose of arresting Jesus, returned empty-handed, they were asked by the priests and Pharisees, “why didn’t you bring him in?” Their answer? “We have never heard anyone talk like this!” (7:45&46). In other words, they just couldn’t do it. God knew the time was not yet right for Jesus to be arrested.
We need to know that the God who has shown His interest in making sure the timing was just right for certain events throughout history, is just as interested in making sure that things happen at just the right time in our lives. God knows the trials and temptations we are facing in our lives. He also knows when we need to be protected from them and when we need to grow through them (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; I Corinthians 10:12&13). Faith is totally placing our trust in God no matter what happens or when it happens.
October 13
Any parent who truly loves their children can readily identify with the desperation of the father whose son had possessed a demon since he was a baby, or maybe a toddler. The dad had heard marvelous stories of Jesus casting out demons and he dared to believe that maybe the Master could do the same for his son. But, Jesus was up on the mountain with Peter, James, John, Moses, and Elijah when the dad came to Jesus’ other disciples. Unfortunately, none of Jesus’ disciples had the faith to cast the demon out of the boy. When Jesus showed up, the father immediately approached him. Notice the father’s request. “Have mercy on us, and help us. Do something if you can” (Mark 9:22). This was not just his son’s problem. As Paul stated in I Corinthians 12, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it” (vs.26). “Help us!” the father pleaded. “What do you mean, ‘if I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes” Without hesitation the father replied, “I do believe, but help me not to doubt!” (Mark 9:23&24).
Can you relate to the father’s plight? How many times do we believe God is able to do something, and yet still have a shred of doubt as to whether He wants to? Apparently, the disciples didn’t have enough faith or they would have cast the demon out of the boy. Interest-ingly enough, another man had been successfully casting out demons in Jesus’ name. But, since he didn’t belong to the Twelve, John was ready to rebuke him. Was John truly trying to protect the integrity of those who followed Jesus or was he jealous because this man was doing what they were not? Sounds like the latter, but only Jesus knows John’s motivation for sure. Jesus assured his disciples that this man’s faith qualified him as a disciple more than he would be disqualified because he hadn’t traveled with their group (Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49&50).
Awe gripped the people as they saw Jesus display the power of God (Lk.9:43). “With faith as small as a mustard seed, you will move mountains. Nothing will be impossible” to those with faith (Matt.17:20). How big is your faith? Big enough to see the awesome power of Jesus Christ on display? If not, why not?
Can you relate to the father’s plight? How many times do we believe God is able to do something, and yet still have a shred of doubt as to whether He wants to? Apparently, the disciples didn’t have enough faith or they would have cast the demon out of the boy. Interest-ingly enough, another man had been successfully casting out demons in Jesus’ name. But, since he didn’t belong to the Twelve, John was ready to rebuke him. Was John truly trying to protect the integrity of those who followed Jesus or was he jealous because this man was doing what they were not? Sounds like the latter, but only Jesus knows John’s motivation for sure. Jesus assured his disciples that this man’s faith qualified him as a disciple more than he would be disqualified because he hadn’t traveled with their group (Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49&50).
Awe gripped the people as they saw Jesus display the power of God (Lk.9:43). “With faith as small as a mustard seed, you will move mountains. Nothing will be impossible” to those with faith (Matt.17:20). How big is your faith? Big enough to see the awesome power of Jesus Christ on display? If not, why not?
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
October 8
The apostle Paul wrote that Christians are people who “live by believing and not by seeing” (II Corinthians 5:7). Christians recognize that a life lived for God involves trusting in His promises even if we can’t comprehend how He will keep them, rather than walking in the comfort of things we can already see and understand. Thomas was only expressing what most of us would have naturally felt when his fellow disciples informed him they had already seen Jesus resurrected bodily from the dead. “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side” (John 20:25). Not until Jesus appeared to Thomas so that he could see, did Thomas then acknowledge Jesus as, “my Lord and my God!” (20:28). Jesus then pointed out the difference between walking by faith and walking by sight. “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway” (20:29). The fact is, “it is impossible to please God” without this kind of childlike faith and trust in Him (Hebrews 11:6). Those who do walk by faith in God have a confidence that He is able to do, “infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask of Him or hope that He could do” (Eph. 3:20; Proverbs 3:5&6). These bold individuals will be blessed for their faith, while those who walk by sight in only what they can understand and comprehend with their human mind, will miss out on the blessings of God.
When two blind men followed Jesus, they dared to impose upon the Master with a request. “Son of David, have mercy on us” (Matthew 9:27). Jesus asked them whether they were men who walked by faith in God or by sight in what they could understand. “Do you really believe that I can make you see?” “Yes, Lord, we do.” So Jesus touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen” (9:28&29). Just like that, the two men were able to see.
Contrast their attitude and the subsequent results, to that of the people living in Jesus’ home-town of Nazareth. When Jesus taught, he did so with a wisdom and an authority never observed before in the Jewish religious teachers (Matthew 7:28; Mark 1:22; Luke 4:32; John 7:46). So, when Jesus began teaching in the synagogue of his hometown, people were astonished. They asked, “where did Jesus get all his wisdom and the power to perform such miracles? He’s just a carpenter’s son. We know Mary, his mother. And we know his brothers and sisters. What makes him so great?” (Mark 6:1-4; Matthew 13:53-57). Many of these people had watched Jesus grow up. While they had to acknowledge that he was an exceptionally nice boy, it was still hard to comprehend someone coming from among them who knew and did so much. One of the saddest statements in the Bible appears in this portion of our text. “And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief” (Matt.13:58; Mk.6:5&6).
What about you? Do you see Jesus doing many miracles around you? If not, maybe it has to do with the size of your faith, or the lack thereof. Jesus said that faith as tiny as a mustard seed could move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Have you moved any mountains lately? Why not?
When two blind men followed Jesus, they dared to impose upon the Master with a request. “Son of David, have mercy on us” (Matthew 9:27). Jesus asked them whether they were men who walked by faith in God or by sight in what they could understand. “Do you really believe that I can make you see?” “Yes, Lord, we do.” So Jesus touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen” (9:28&29). Just like that, the two men were able to see.
Contrast their attitude and the subsequent results, to that of the people living in Jesus’ home-town of Nazareth. When Jesus taught, he did so with a wisdom and an authority never observed before in the Jewish religious teachers (Matthew 7:28; Mark 1:22; Luke 4:32; John 7:46). So, when Jesus began teaching in the synagogue of his hometown, people were astonished. They asked, “where did Jesus get all his wisdom and the power to perform such miracles? He’s just a carpenter’s son. We know Mary, his mother. And we know his brothers and sisters. What makes him so great?” (Mark 6:1-4; Matthew 13:53-57). Many of these people had watched Jesus grow up. While they had to acknowledge that he was an exceptionally nice boy, it was still hard to comprehend someone coming from among them who knew and did so much. One of the saddest statements in the Bible appears in this portion of our text. “And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief” (Matt.13:58; Mk.6:5&6).
What about you? Do you see Jesus doing many miracles around you? If not, maybe it has to do with the size of your faith, or the lack thereof. Jesus said that faith as tiny as a mustard seed could move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Have you moved any mountains lately? Why not?
October 6
Jesus often used common and ordinary objects visible by the human eye, to illustrate spiritual truths that were not always so obvious to ordinary human beings. “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost it’s flavor?......You are the light of the world......let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:13-16). “Don’t worry about everyday life......Look at the birds. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to Him than they are......And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing......And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t He more surely care for you?” (Matthew 6:25-30).
Jesus would talk about fishing, crops, cooking, and buried treasure to illustrate how the kingdom of God grows. “In fact, in his public teaching he taught only with parables” because those to whom he was teaching couldn’t understand in any other way (Mark 4:34). “Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables” (Matthew 13:34). Jesus was not trying to impress anyone with his teachings. It was not Jesus’ intention to purposely sound so educated that no one understood him. Jesus knew that a change in people’s lives and character could never take place unless they first understood the truths of God. Jesus wanted people to understand what he was saying. Unfortunately, because some weren’t really listening, or their minds were on a different train of thought, most, including Jesus’ disciples, still didn’t always understand what he was trying to say. That is when he was alone with his disciples, Jesus would later “explain the meaning to them” (Mk.4:34).
The fact is, when we “keep on looking, we will find what we are looking for” (Matt.7:7-11).
“Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand,” Jesus told his disciples (Matthew 13:43). So, how seriously are we really listening? How much do we really want to know the truth? Because if we do, we will.
Jesus would talk about fishing, crops, cooking, and buried treasure to illustrate how the kingdom of God grows. “In fact, in his public teaching he taught only with parables” because those to whom he was teaching couldn’t understand in any other way (Mark 4:34). “Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables” (Matthew 13:34). Jesus was not trying to impress anyone with his teachings. It was not Jesus’ intention to purposely sound so educated that no one understood him. Jesus knew that a change in people’s lives and character could never take place unless they first understood the truths of God. Jesus wanted people to understand what he was saying. Unfortunately, because some weren’t really listening, or their minds were on a different train of thought, most, including Jesus’ disciples, still didn’t always understand what he was trying to say. That is when he was alone with his disciples, Jesus would later “explain the meaning to them” (Mk.4:34).
The fact is, when we “keep on looking, we will find what we are looking for” (Matt.7:7-11).
“Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand,” Jesus told his disciples (Matthew 13:43). So, how seriously are we really listening? How much do we really want to know the truth? Because if we do, we will.
Friday, September 26, 2014
October 2
“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them. I assure you, until heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest detail of God’s law will remain until it’s purpose is achieved...... I warn you - - unless you obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven at all!” (Matthew 5:17-20). Early on in his ministry, Jesus explains that he did not come to do away with the law of Moses. And, neither did Jesus come to replace the law of Moses. There was nothing wrong with the law of Moses. The law of Moses explained how God wanted those who followed Him to interact and relate with other people. What Jesus came to do was fully explain the intent of the law of Moses. Jesus even gave some examples of what he meant.
The law of Moses said, “Do not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:21; Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17). But, the emotion which leads to murder is anger and Jesus cautioned that the anger which leads to murder is just as bad as the murder itself. Meanly calling someone a name is a sin against the God who made that person as surely as physically taking their life (Matt.5:22). So, Jesus is not replacing the prohibition of murder with something better. Jesus is simply addressing the wrong and the evil which often takes place before murder ever occurs. Jesus is saying there are other things we do that are also harmful to others that we need to discontinue doing.
The law of Moses said, “Do not commit adultery” (Matth.5:27; Ex.20:14; Deut.5:18). But, the lust which occurs in a person’s heart that precedes adultery is every bit as harmful as the act of adultery itself. Jesus says that if we deal with the problem of a straying heart first, then we won’t have a problem straying from our marriage vows (Matt.5:28).
Then Jesus says, “You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy’” (Matt.5:43; Leviticus 19:18). In truth, the law of Moses said nothing about hating one’s enemy, but the Pharisees had added their interpretation to the law. Jesus defines for them the true intention of the law of Moses. “I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (Matt.5:44). Don’t just do what everyone else does. Don’t just do what is necessary to follow the letter of the law. Do more than the minimum. Do what others won’t do because you have a relationship with God that compels you to do more than the minimum standards (Matt.5: 45-48). How about us? Are we striving to imitate God in our attitudes and in our relationships? Or, are we only doing what is necessary to get by?
The law of Moses said, “Do not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:21; Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17). But, the emotion which leads to murder is anger and Jesus cautioned that the anger which leads to murder is just as bad as the murder itself. Meanly calling someone a name is a sin against the God who made that person as surely as physically taking their life (Matt.5:22). So, Jesus is not replacing the prohibition of murder with something better. Jesus is simply addressing the wrong and the evil which often takes place before murder ever occurs. Jesus is saying there are other things we do that are also harmful to others that we need to discontinue doing.
The law of Moses said, “Do not commit adultery” (Matth.5:27; Ex.20:14; Deut.5:18). But, the lust which occurs in a person’s heart that precedes adultery is every bit as harmful as the act of adultery itself. Jesus says that if we deal with the problem of a straying heart first, then we won’t have a problem straying from our marriage vows (Matt.5:28).
Then Jesus says, “You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy’” (Matt.5:43; Leviticus 19:18). In truth, the law of Moses said nothing about hating one’s enemy, but the Pharisees had added their interpretation to the law. Jesus defines for them the true intention of the law of Moses. “I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (Matt.5:44). Don’t just do what everyone else does. Don’t just do what is necessary to follow the letter of the law. Do more than the minimum. Do what others won’t do because you have a relationship with God that compels you to do more than the minimum standards (Matt.5: 45-48). How about us? Are we striving to imitate God in our attitudes and in our relationships? Or, are we only doing what is necessary to get by?
October 1
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy,” was God’s command to His people (Exodus 20:8; Deuteronomy 5:12). God had completed His creation work in six days and then rested the seventh day, not because He was tired, but as an example that human beings should follow (Genesis 2:1-3). How does one keep the Sabbath holy? In His commandment given through Moses, God said, “Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any kind of work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; then He rested on the seventh day. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy” (Ex.20:9-11; Deut.5:13-15). When the people of God left Egypt and needed food, God provided them manna that appeared fresh on the ground every morning. God told the people not to keep any of the manna overnight because it would be full of maggots and stink by the next morning. God wanted His people to trust Him every day. But, on the sixth day, the Israelites were to gather twice as much manna so they would be able to observe the Sabbath as a holy day and not have to work. God preserved their manna on the sixth day, unlike the other days (Exodus 16:14-31), so it would be edible on the Sabbath.
By Jesus’ day, the religious leaders had come up with a long list of things they defined as work so people would know what they could and could not do on the Sabbath. These regulations were not given to humans by God, but by man. These religious leaders were more concerned with being “keepers of the Sabbath” than they were in personally “keeping the Sabbath.” They loved being moral police more than they did pointing people to God.
When Jesus came, he did not question the importance or the value of the Sabbath. But, he did question the legalistic list the Pharisees had comprised. Because their definition had not come from God, but from man, Jesus looked right at these religious hypocrites and asked, “If you had one sheep, and it fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you get to work and pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than sheep! It is morally right to do that which is good on the Sabbath.” And then he healed a man with a deformed hand (Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 6:6-11). “Is the Sabbath a day to save life or to destroy it?”, he asked them (Mark 3:4). Jesus was concerned that God’s people understand the purpose of the Law as it relates to the Sabbath and observe it as best they could so their hearts could be close to God. He wasn’t as interested in people obeying man-made rules and regulations with hearts that were far from God. “I, the Son of Man, am master even of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28; Matt.12:8; Lk.6:5). For, “the Sabbath was made to benefit people, and not people to benefit the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). God didn’t establish people so they could worship the Sabbath. He established the Sabbath as a benefit to people. We would all be wise to give God honor and worship every day of the week, but especially on the Sabbath.
By Jesus’ day, the religious leaders had come up with a long list of things they defined as work so people would know what they could and could not do on the Sabbath. These regulations were not given to humans by God, but by man. These religious leaders were more concerned with being “keepers of the Sabbath” than they were in personally “keeping the Sabbath.” They loved being moral police more than they did pointing people to God.
When Jesus came, he did not question the importance or the value of the Sabbath. But, he did question the legalistic list the Pharisees had comprised. Because their definition had not come from God, but from man, Jesus looked right at these religious hypocrites and asked, “If you had one sheep, and it fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you get to work and pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than sheep! It is morally right to do that which is good on the Sabbath.” And then he healed a man with a deformed hand (Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 6:6-11). “Is the Sabbath a day to save life or to destroy it?”, he asked them (Mark 3:4). Jesus was concerned that God’s people understand the purpose of the Law as it relates to the Sabbath and observe it as best they could so their hearts could be close to God. He wasn’t as interested in people obeying man-made rules and regulations with hearts that were far from God. “I, the Son of Man, am master even of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28; Matt.12:8; Lk.6:5). For, “the Sabbath was made to benefit people, and not people to benefit the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). God didn’t establish people so they could worship the Sabbath. He established the Sabbath as a benefit to people. We would all be wise to give God honor and worship every day of the week, but especially on the Sabbath.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
September 23
“It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). God has promised unbelievable blessings when we obey Him, and He has clearly described the curses we will receive when we wander from Him like sheep, choosing our ways over His ways (Isaiah 53:6). His patience with us is beyond anything any of us deserves. The history of Israel was one of straying from God and reaping His wrath and then returning to God and finding His favor.
God’s people often regarded marriage very lightly; favoring marriage to many wives and concubines over faithfulness to one wife. No wonder they thought nothing of worshipping many idols rather than remaining true to the One, Jehovah God. They also intermarried with foreign wives who worshipped pagan idols and produced children who knew little of God (Malachi 2:10-15). And, rather than appreciating God’s undeserved grace, His people often questioned why God didn’t punish others whom His people perceived to be more wicked than themselves (2:16& 17).
God has always had a special place in His heart for widows and orphans, but more often than not, these unfortunate victims of man’s selfishness found themselves neglected, cheated, and oppressed by the people of God (3:4&5). And nowhere was their wickedness more apparent than when the Israelites chose to withhold their tithes and offerings from God and keep them for themselves (3:6-12).
“The day of the Lord is an awesome, terrible thing. Who can endure it?” (Joel 2:11). “That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time! Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief; instead, tear your hearts.’ Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered. He is filled with kindness and is eager not to punish you. Who knows? Perhaps even yet He will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this terrible curse” (2:12-14).
God has continually sent judges, prophets, and others to turn the hearts of His people back to Him (Malachi 4:5&6; Hebrews 1:1&2). Yes, even today, God uses people on a regular basis to impart to us nuggets of wisdom that will draw us closer to Him. May we be wise enough to see His hand of gracious favor upon us and turn to Him.
God’s people often regarded marriage very lightly; favoring marriage to many wives and concubines over faithfulness to one wife. No wonder they thought nothing of worshipping many idols rather than remaining true to the One, Jehovah God. They also intermarried with foreign wives who worshipped pagan idols and produced children who knew little of God (Malachi 2:10-15). And, rather than appreciating God’s undeserved grace, His people often questioned why God didn’t punish others whom His people perceived to be more wicked than themselves (2:16& 17).
God has always had a special place in His heart for widows and orphans, but more often than not, these unfortunate victims of man’s selfishness found themselves neglected, cheated, and oppressed by the people of God (3:4&5). And nowhere was their wickedness more apparent than when the Israelites chose to withhold their tithes and offerings from God and keep them for themselves (3:6-12).
“The day of the Lord is an awesome, terrible thing. Who can endure it?” (Joel 2:11). “That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time! Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief; instead, tear your hearts.’ Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered. He is filled with kindness and is eager not to punish you. Who knows? Perhaps even yet He will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this terrible curse” (2:12-14).
God has continually sent judges, prophets, and others to turn the hearts of His people back to Him (Malachi 4:5&6; Hebrews 1:1&2). Yes, even today, God uses people on a regular basis to impart to us nuggets of wisdom that will draw us closer to Him. May we be wise enough to see His hand of gracious favor upon us and turn to Him.
September 21
“The people of Judah were exiled to Babylon because they were unfaithful to the Lord” (I Chronicles 9:1b). The prophet, Jeremiah, along with many others, had tried to warn the people of Judah on many occasions what would happen if they continued to ignore the Lord, but they would not listen. “Because you have not listened to me, I will gather together all the armies of the north under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, whom I have appointed as my deputy. I will bring them all against this land and it’s people.......I will completely destroy you.....I will take away your happy singing and laughter......This entire land will become a desolate wasteland. Israel and her neighboring lands will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years” (Jeremiah 25:7-14). “The truth is that you will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again” (Jer.29:10).
God is not mocked and He is not deceived. We reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). He is always faithful to His promises (Numbers 23:19). God tells us what we will receive if we are faithful to Him, and God warns us what we will receive if we are unfaithful to Him. The people of God had been punished as God had foretold and it was time for them to be restored as God had also foretold. Many Israelites had already returned to the land of Judah. They had rebuilt the Temple and they had rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. Since the population of Jerusalem itself was small, some people would be needed to leave their regions where they lived to resettle in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1&2). Many were given specific responsibilities; whether it was ministering in the house of the Lord (I Chron.9:10-13), guarding the entrances to the house of God (9:14-32), playing music (9:33&34), etc. After seventy years of captivity, God’s people were ready to do what they needed to do and what they were called to do (Luke 17:10).
Why is it that hardships, pain, and suffering are often what drive us to do what we should be doing all along? Apparently, it is easy to take so much of what we have forgranted, and unless we are put in a position to see how blessed we are, we forget. May we be wise enough to learn from the mistakes of others in the past so we will not be foolish and repeat them, ourselves (Romans 15:4).
God is not mocked and He is not deceived. We reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). He is always faithful to His promises (Numbers 23:19). God tells us what we will receive if we are faithful to Him, and God warns us what we will receive if we are unfaithful to Him. The people of God had been punished as God had foretold and it was time for them to be restored as God had also foretold. Many Israelites had already returned to the land of Judah. They had rebuilt the Temple and they had rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. Since the population of Jerusalem itself was small, some people would be needed to leave their regions where they lived to resettle in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1&2). Many were given specific responsibilities; whether it was ministering in the house of the Lord (I Chron.9:10-13), guarding the entrances to the house of God (9:14-32), playing music (9:33&34), etc. After seventy years of captivity, God’s people were ready to do what they needed to do and what they were called to do (Luke 17:10).
Why is it that hardships, pain, and suffering are often what drive us to do what we should be doing all along? Apparently, it is easy to take so much of what we have forgranted, and unless we are put in a position to see how blessed we are, we forget. May we be wise enough to learn from the mistakes of others in the past so we will not be foolish and repeat them, ourselves (Romans 15:4).
Monday, September 15, 2014
September 18
According to the apostle Paul, the responsibility of church leaders is “to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). Leadership first equips us to do God’s work and then empowers us to do God’s work.
When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall, he began his task with prayer seeking God’s plan and then Nehemiah continued to bathe the process with prayer as it was being carried out (Nehemiah 1:3&4; 2:4; 4:4&5,9; 6:9). Once, God had revealed to Nehemiah how to carry out the work (2:12), it became Nehemiah’s responsibility to explain, equip, and empower others to carry the plan out. Various people rebuilt certain sections of the wall, often-times those sections that were nearest their homes. This was a brilliant strategy since those rebuilding that portion of the wall would be especially careful to do a good job since their lives were most dependent upon that section being done right. During the work, Satan placed many obstacles in their way, as he always does when God’s people set out to do God’s will. It is interesting that Nehemiah did not depend solely upon prayer to protect the work and the workers. Nehemiah combined a reliance upon prayer, as well as the use of the manpower and tools God had given them for protection. At first, armed guards were placed behind the lowest parts of the wall, along with families armed with swords, spears, and bows (4:13). Later, Nehemiah had the men alternate with one half working on the wall while the other half stood guard (4:15-23).
When the devil tried to distract Nehemiah, Nehemiah saw right through his lies and refused to leave the work God had given him to do (6:1-14). Because Nehemiah began the task in prayer, and because Nehemiah bathed the work in prayer, and because Nehemiah equipped and empowered God’s people to do the work, and because Nehemiah refused to be distracted from the work, the whole process was completed in only fifty two days. He says, “When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized that this work had been done with the help of our God” (6:16).
Nehemiah’s example is still worthy of following today; whatever the task is that God has given us. There is obviously much more strength when people work together than when they work alone (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). What could the church of Jesus Christ do today if we had the same formula, enthusiasm, passion, devotion, and prayer life that Nehemiah did?
When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall, he began his task with prayer seeking God’s plan and then Nehemiah continued to bathe the process with prayer as it was being carried out (Nehemiah 1:3&4; 2:4; 4:4&5,9; 6:9). Once, God had revealed to Nehemiah how to carry out the work (2:12), it became Nehemiah’s responsibility to explain, equip, and empower others to carry the plan out. Various people rebuilt certain sections of the wall, often-times those sections that were nearest their homes. This was a brilliant strategy since those rebuilding that portion of the wall would be especially careful to do a good job since their lives were most dependent upon that section being done right. During the work, Satan placed many obstacles in their way, as he always does when God’s people set out to do God’s will. It is interesting that Nehemiah did not depend solely upon prayer to protect the work and the workers. Nehemiah combined a reliance upon prayer, as well as the use of the manpower and tools God had given them for protection. At first, armed guards were placed behind the lowest parts of the wall, along with families armed with swords, spears, and bows (4:13). Later, Nehemiah had the men alternate with one half working on the wall while the other half stood guard (4:15-23).
When the devil tried to distract Nehemiah, Nehemiah saw right through his lies and refused to leave the work God had given him to do (6:1-14). Because Nehemiah began the task in prayer, and because Nehemiah bathed the work in prayer, and because Nehemiah equipped and empowered God’s people to do the work, and because Nehemiah refused to be distracted from the work, the whole process was completed in only fifty two days. He says, “When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized that this work had been done with the help of our God” (6:16).
Nehemiah’s example is still worthy of following today; whatever the task is that God has given us. There is obviously much more strength when people work together than when they work alone (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). What could the church of Jesus Christ do today if we had the same formula, enthusiasm, passion, devotion, and prayer life that Nehemiah did?
September 17
Great leaders are rare. They are people who not only have their own act together, but people who are able to inspire others to also get their act together. Ezra and Nehemiah were just such leaders. When they observed the sorry state of their people, they did something about it. First of all, they didn’t accept the moral decline of the Jews as inevitable and irreversible. They didn’t turn a deaf ear to Israel’s condition. They were appalled and stunned at what had happened (Ezra 9:1-4; Nehemiah 1:4). Then, they mourned, fasted, and prayed. And in their prayers, they didn’t place blame on everyone else. They accepted responsibility for the moral decay of their countrymen. They confessed their own sins, as well as the sins of their people (Ezra 9:5-15; Nehemiah 1:4-11). And with God’s help, they formulated a plan for their people returning to God (Ezra 10:1-17; Nehemiah 2:1-18). Both believed that God had always been faithful to His promises and still would be if God’s people repented. The example of faithfulness of these two great men had a positive impact on the rest of God’s people. In Ezra’s case, he was able to convince those who had married pagan wives to separate themselves from those wives. In Nehemiah’s case, he was able to convince the people of Jerusalem to help him rebuild the walls.
Our world and our society cries out for leaders like these two. Our moral decay demands that someone step into the vaccuum created by sin. Where will those leaders come from? What will those leaders look like? Unless God’s people step to the plate and be the moral leaders they should be in their homes, in their churches, in their schools, in their communities, and in their nation, Satan will certainly fill that void with ungodly leaders who will lead with ungodly methods. The Bible clearly states, “When the wicked take charge, people hide” (Proverbs 28:28). “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan” (29:2). “When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding” (28:12). “The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed; they shout for joy when the godless die” (11:10). “Kings and rulers make a grave mistake if they give foolish people great authority, and if they fail to give people of proven worth their rightful place of dignity” (Ecclesiastes 10:5&6).
Either we accept the God-given call to be spiritual and moral leaders in any and every sphere of influence God has placed us in, OR we are destined to reap the results of immoral and ungodly leaders whose primary concern is themselves and no one else. What is your choice? It would certainly be no insult for people to compare us to men like Ezra and Nehemiah.
Our world and our society cries out for leaders like these two. Our moral decay demands that someone step into the vaccuum created by sin. Where will those leaders come from? What will those leaders look like? Unless God’s people step to the plate and be the moral leaders they should be in their homes, in their churches, in their schools, in their communities, and in their nation, Satan will certainly fill that void with ungodly leaders who will lead with ungodly methods. The Bible clearly states, “When the wicked take charge, people hide” (Proverbs 28:28). “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan” (29:2). “When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding” (28:12). “The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed; they shout for joy when the godless die” (11:10). “Kings and rulers make a grave mistake if they give foolish people great authority, and if they fail to give people of proven worth their rightful place of dignity” (Ecclesiastes 10:5&6).
Either we accept the God-given call to be spiritual and moral leaders in any and every sphere of influence God has placed us in, OR we are destined to reap the results of immoral and ungodly leaders whose primary concern is themselves and no one else. What is your choice? It would certainly be no insult for people to compare us to men like Ezra and Nehemiah.
Monday, September 8, 2014
September 11
Even in the midst of our sufferings, even when life looks bleak, even when we see no human way out of our mess, God remains a God of hope. Hope is an attitude that never lets us give up. God gives us plenty of promises we can believe in that keep our focus on Him and on the won-derful future He has prepared for us. “Don’t be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you.....When every-thing is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:1-3; Romans 5:3&4; James 1:2-4).
God’s people had been in exile in Babylon for seventy years. But, God wanted them to endure and He gave them promises through His prophets so His people would not quit. Some of these promises had to do with events in their near future: “Take courage......My Spirit remains among you.......So do not be afraid” (Haggai 2:4&5). “Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 1:3). “My love for Jerusalem and Mount Zion is passionate and strong. But I am very angry with the other nations that enjoy peace and security. I was only a little angry with my people, but the nations punished them far beyond my intentions....My Temple will be rebuilt, says the Lord Almighty, and plans will be made for the reconstruction of Jerusalem......The towns of Israel will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem as His own” (Zechariah 1:14-17).
Other promises God gave His people, had to do with future events that were still a long ways off. “Listen to me, O Jeshua the high priest, and all you other priests. You are symbols of the good things to come. Soon I am going to bring my servant, the Branch......and I will remove the sins of this land in a single day” (Zechariah 3:8&9).
Despair has a way of crippling us and keeping us from doing anything to change our situation. As God tried to encourage His people to rebuild His Temple, He reminded them that nothing gets done in our strength alone, but rather through the power of His Holy Spirit (Zech. 4:6). He also reminded them that great accomplishments begin with humble beginnings. “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin....” (4:10). In other words, whatever situation we find ourselves in, we must begin the process of rebuilding and getting on with our lives by relying on His strength and not ours. For the task will never be completed until we have taken our first steps. We can always trust in God to keep His promises, giving us hope in whatever circumstances we might find ourselves.
God’s people had been in exile in Babylon for seventy years. But, God wanted them to endure and He gave them promises through His prophets so His people would not quit. Some of these promises had to do with events in their near future: “Take courage......My Spirit remains among you.......So do not be afraid” (Haggai 2:4&5). “Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 1:3). “My love for Jerusalem and Mount Zion is passionate and strong. But I am very angry with the other nations that enjoy peace and security. I was only a little angry with my people, but the nations punished them far beyond my intentions....My Temple will be rebuilt, says the Lord Almighty, and plans will be made for the reconstruction of Jerusalem......The towns of Israel will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem as His own” (Zechariah 1:14-17).
Other promises God gave His people, had to do with future events that were still a long ways off. “Listen to me, O Jeshua the high priest, and all you other priests. You are symbols of the good things to come. Soon I am going to bring my servant, the Branch......and I will remove the sins of this land in a single day” (Zechariah 3:8&9).
Despair has a way of crippling us and keeping us from doing anything to change our situation. As God tried to encourage His people to rebuild His Temple, He reminded them that nothing gets done in our strength alone, but rather through the power of His Holy Spirit (Zech. 4:6). He also reminded them that great accomplishments begin with humble beginnings. “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin....” (4:10). In other words, whatever situation we find ourselves in, we must begin the process of rebuilding and getting on with our lives by relying on His strength and not ours. For the task will never be completed until we have taken our first steps. We can always trust in God to keep His promises, giving us hope in whatever circumstances we might find ourselves.
September 7
When prophecies were first given, they all dealt with future events. Some of them had another meaning that was applicable to the times in which they were given. We have the benefit centuries later of having seen many of these predictions already come true. But, some of the prophecies contained in scripture have yet to be fulfilled. We know they eventually all will because history has proven that many already have. Many people spend a lot of time today trying to analyze current events by pointing to prophecies these events seem to be fulfilling.
Daniel was given God’s inspiration to interpret many dreams during his day. On one occasion, Daniel wasn’t even told what the dream was. The God who caused King Nebuchadnezzar to have the dream in the first place, also told Daniel what the dream was, and what the dream meant (Daniel 3). A few years after Nebuchadnezzar died, Nabonidus ruled the Babylonian Empire and he placed his son, Belshazzar in charge of many functions of the empire. It was almost as though they ruled together, each with his respective responsibilities.
Belshazzar was holding a drunken party, utilizing many of the gold and silver cups that had come from the Temple, taken many years earlier when Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem. During the party, the King and his guests could see what looked like fingers, writing three Arabaic words on the wall. He was naturally terrified and discovered that Daniel had been able to interpret dreams for Nebuchadnezzar. As he spoke to Belshazzar, Daniel told how Nebuchadnezzar had been become so proud that God had to humble him (5:17-21; Daniel 4). Unfortunately, Belshazzar was just as proud and defiled the Lord by using God’s sacred utensils for a drunken orgy (5:22-24). Daniel said the three words on the wall meant that Belshazzar’s days as king were numbered, and that his kingdom would soon be divided between the Medes and the Persians (5:25-28). Daniel’s prophecy was fulfilled that very night (5:30).
We would be wise to learn from scripture and learn from history (Romans 15:4). God’s Word is true. God’s predictions will always be fulfilled. And, God’s ways are always right. Since God despises pride so much (II Chronicles 26:16; Proverbs 8:13; 11:2; 16:18; Isaiah 2:11), we ought to live in the understanding and the humility that all we have comes from Him and all we do should be for His glory. We can be wiser than kings if we learn from their mistakes.
Daniel was given God’s inspiration to interpret many dreams during his day. On one occasion, Daniel wasn’t even told what the dream was. The God who caused King Nebuchadnezzar to have the dream in the first place, also told Daniel what the dream was, and what the dream meant (Daniel 3). A few years after Nebuchadnezzar died, Nabonidus ruled the Babylonian Empire and he placed his son, Belshazzar in charge of many functions of the empire. It was almost as though they ruled together, each with his respective responsibilities.
Belshazzar was holding a drunken party, utilizing many of the gold and silver cups that had come from the Temple, taken many years earlier when Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem. During the party, the King and his guests could see what looked like fingers, writing three Arabaic words on the wall. He was naturally terrified and discovered that Daniel had been able to interpret dreams for Nebuchadnezzar. As he spoke to Belshazzar, Daniel told how Nebuchadnezzar had been become so proud that God had to humble him (5:17-21; Daniel 4). Unfortunately, Belshazzar was just as proud and defiled the Lord by using God’s sacred utensils for a drunken orgy (5:22-24). Daniel said the three words on the wall meant that Belshazzar’s days as king were numbered, and that his kingdom would soon be divided between the Medes and the Persians (5:25-28). Daniel’s prophecy was fulfilled that very night (5:30).
We would be wise to learn from scripture and learn from history (Romans 15:4). God’s Word is true. God’s predictions will always be fulfilled. And, God’s ways are always right. Since God despises pride so much (II Chronicles 26:16; Proverbs 8:13; 11:2; 16:18; Isaiah 2:11), we ought to live in the understanding and the humility that all we have comes from Him and all we do should be for His glory. We can be wiser than kings if we learn from their mistakes.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
September 2
Each of us and all of us have a very important choice to make. Either we will live our lives without God or live our lives with God. Jesus clearly articulated what life without God is like when he said, “without me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Even as a branch will die if it is not connected to the vine or the trunk, so a person without God simply cannot experience life as our Creator intended it to be experienced (John 15:1-8; 10:10). Everything holds together because of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:17). Everything finds it’s meaning in Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul recognized this and wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” (II Chronicles 16:9). God wants to bless people. God searches the earth for people He can bless. We see example after example of God doing that when people chose to put their confidence in Him rather than in themselves. There were 44,760 “skilled warriors” in the armies of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The Bible says, “they were all skilled in combat and armed with shields, swords, and bows” (I Chronicles 5:18&19). When they waged war against their enemies, they were victorious, but not because they were such skilled warriors. “They cried out to God during the battle, and He answered their prayer because they trusted in Him” (5:20). The enemy was defeated “because God was fighting against them” (5:22).
On another occasion, King Asa of Judah had an army of “300,000 warriors from the tribe of Judah, armed with large shields and spears. He also had an army of 280,000 warriors from the tribe of Benjamin, armed with small shields and bows. Both armies were composed of courageous fighting men” (II Chronicles 14:8). But, when Asa was forced to wage war, he did not do so based solely on the strength, the skills, and the courage of his armies. Asa prayed to God, “O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O Lord, you are our God; do not let mere men prevail against you!” (14:11). They didn’t. Asa and his army experienced a resounding victory because they trusted in God.
We have battles going on in our lives everyday. Battles within our family, battles over our finances, battles with people at work or school, battles over our time limitations, etc. We can choose to engage those battles with our own strength, or with God’s strength. May the lessons and experiences of others throughout history be sufficient for us to make the right choice.
“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” (II Chronicles 16:9). God wants to bless people. God searches the earth for people He can bless. We see example after example of God doing that when people chose to put their confidence in Him rather than in themselves. There were 44,760 “skilled warriors” in the armies of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The Bible says, “they were all skilled in combat and armed with shields, swords, and bows” (I Chronicles 5:18&19). When they waged war against their enemies, they were victorious, but not because they were such skilled warriors. “They cried out to God during the battle, and He answered their prayer because they trusted in Him” (5:20). The enemy was defeated “because God was fighting against them” (5:22).
On another occasion, King Asa of Judah had an army of “300,000 warriors from the tribe of Judah, armed with large shields and spears. He also had an army of 280,000 warriors from the tribe of Benjamin, armed with small shields and bows. Both armies were composed of courageous fighting men” (II Chronicles 14:8). But, when Asa was forced to wage war, he did not do so based solely on the strength, the skills, and the courage of his armies. Asa prayed to God, “O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O Lord, you are our God; do not let mere men prevail against you!” (14:11). They didn’t. Asa and his army experienced a resounding victory because they trusted in God.
We have battles going on in our lives everyday. Battles within our family, battles over our finances, battles with people at work or school, battles over our time limitations, etc. We can choose to engage those battles with our own strength, or with God’s strength. May the lessons and experiences of others throughout history be sufficient for us to make the right choice.
August 31
What is life without hope? What keeps us going if we are convinced that our situation will never change? Never improve? There is not a one of us with the patience of God. He gives us a long time to wake up, recognize the mess our sins get us in, and repent of our evil before He executes judgment. And, even when God judges individuals or nations, He is quick to encourage them with hope.
Make no mistake, it was because the people of God were no different morally than the pagan nations around them, that they were conquered and exiled to other lands. God had sent many prophets to warn them. God had given them many opportunities to repent. But, they wouldn’t listen. And now, they felt as lifeless and hopeless as old, dry bones. They felt like, “all hope is gone” (Ezekiel 37:11). Once again, God gives them a message of hope. Ezekiel was taken to a valley filled with dry bones. Everywhere he looked, all he could see were bones lying on the ground. God asked Ezekiel, “Can these bones become living people again?” (37:3). Friends, we believe in a God with whom nothing is impossible (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37; Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17; Ephesians 3:20&21). And God proves this over and over to confirm that it is true, and to give us hope even in the midst of our hopelessness.
Ezekiel did as God commanded him. He spoke to the bones the words God gave to him and the bones began to come together. Muscles and flesh formed on the bones. Skin covered the bodies. Ezekiel spoke again and the bodies began to breathe and a great army came to life (37:7-10). God was showing Ezekiel that if He was capable of bringing life back to dead bones, He was capable of restoring and redeeming Israel. This was the message Ezekiel was to give to the people of Israel: “I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel. When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the Lord. I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I am the Lord. You will see that I have done everything just as I promised” (37:12-14).
However dire your circumstances may currently be, and however low your life has sunk, remember that nothing is impossible with God. When we turn to Him, He will breathe life back into what appears to us to be a lifeless situation.
Make no mistake, it was because the people of God were no different morally than the pagan nations around them, that they were conquered and exiled to other lands. God had sent many prophets to warn them. God had given them many opportunities to repent. But, they wouldn’t listen. And now, they felt as lifeless and hopeless as old, dry bones. They felt like, “all hope is gone” (Ezekiel 37:11). Once again, God gives them a message of hope. Ezekiel was taken to a valley filled with dry bones. Everywhere he looked, all he could see were bones lying on the ground. God asked Ezekiel, “Can these bones become living people again?” (37:3). Friends, we believe in a God with whom nothing is impossible (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37; Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17; Ephesians 3:20&21). And God proves this over and over to confirm that it is true, and to give us hope even in the midst of our hopelessness.
Ezekiel did as God commanded him. He spoke to the bones the words God gave to him and the bones began to come together. Muscles and flesh formed on the bones. Skin covered the bodies. Ezekiel spoke again and the bodies began to breathe and a great army came to life (37:7-10). God was showing Ezekiel that if He was capable of bringing life back to dead bones, He was capable of restoring and redeeming Israel. This was the message Ezekiel was to give to the people of Israel: “I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel. When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the Lord. I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I am the Lord. You will see that I have done everything just as I promised” (37:12-14).
However dire your circumstances may currently be, and however low your life has sunk, remember that nothing is impossible with God. When we turn to Him, He will breathe life back into what appears to us to be a lifeless situation.
August 29
All too often when we come to the Lord seeking His will, we already have our mind made up as to what we want Him to do. But, in order to be like Jesus, we will often times close our prayers with the words, “yet I want your will, not mine” (Luke 22:42). That is not to imply we pray with this mind set every time, but it is to suggest that we have probably all been guilty of being a little self-seeking in our prayers from time to time. It’s as though what we are really saying to God is, “tell me what your will is, but here’s what I want you to tell me.” What we are really asking, is that God bless what we’ve already decided.
After the Babylonians had conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and deported many of the Jews to other lands; a large number of the few who remained in Judah, approached the prophet, Jeremiah, with this request: “Please pray to the Lord your God for us. As you know, we are only a tiny remnant compared to what we were before. Beg the Lord your God to show us what to do and where to go......May the Lord your God be a faithful witness against us if we refuse to obey whatever He tells us to do! Whether we like it or not, we will obey the Lord our God to whom we send you with our plea.” (Jeremiah 42:1-3,5&6). Unfortunately, they had already decided they would be safe by fleeing to Egypt and seeking asylum in that country. But, God’s answer to their request was to remain in Judah. God promised to grant them favor with the king of Babylon if they did so (42:11&12).
But, as God predicted (42:13-22), they refused to obey the Lord’s command to stay in Judah and decided to do what they wanted to do anyway, seek refuge in Egypt (43:1-7). What it came down to then, and what it still comes down to today, is an arrogant and stubborn pride to be one’s own ruler. “We will not listen to your messages from the Lord! We will do whatever we want” (44:16&17)! God predicted, “when I have ruined the land because of their disgusting sins, then they will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 33:29).
What seems the right thing for us to do, may not always be the right thing to do. Our ways lead to ruin and death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). God’s ways lead to life. He may not do things the way we want Him to. But, God always knows what He’s doing (Isaiah 55:8&9). Our role is to simply decide whether we will trust Him (Proverbs 3:5&6), or whether we will insist on our own ways. The choice is ours, and so is the consequence that goes with it. Choose wisely!
After the Babylonians had conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and deported many of the Jews to other lands; a large number of the few who remained in Judah, approached the prophet, Jeremiah, with this request: “Please pray to the Lord your God for us. As you know, we are only a tiny remnant compared to what we were before. Beg the Lord your God to show us what to do and where to go......May the Lord your God be a faithful witness against us if we refuse to obey whatever He tells us to do! Whether we like it or not, we will obey the Lord our God to whom we send you with our plea.” (Jeremiah 42:1-3,5&6). Unfortunately, they had already decided they would be safe by fleeing to Egypt and seeking asylum in that country. But, God’s answer to their request was to remain in Judah. God promised to grant them favor with the king of Babylon if they did so (42:11&12).
But, as God predicted (42:13-22), they refused to obey the Lord’s command to stay in Judah and decided to do what they wanted to do anyway, seek refuge in Egypt (43:1-7). What it came down to then, and what it still comes down to today, is an arrogant and stubborn pride to be one’s own ruler. “We will not listen to your messages from the Lord! We will do whatever we want” (44:16&17)! God predicted, “when I have ruined the land because of their disgusting sins, then they will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 33:29).
What seems the right thing for us to do, may not always be the right thing to do. Our ways lead to ruin and death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). God’s ways lead to life. He may not do things the way we want Him to. But, God always knows what He’s doing (Isaiah 55:8&9). Our role is to simply decide whether we will trust Him (Proverbs 3:5&6), or whether we will insist on our own ways. The choice is ours, and so is the consequence that goes with it. Choose wisely!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
