The Pathway to God in Psalm 116
In our Psalm today we see the pathway to a relationship with God. This is a pathway most of us try to avoid in life but it is the only way to find our Savior. You will not find this pathway being championed on the Jerry Springer show today.
1. We must become hopeless and helpless.
Vs 3,4 I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord:
"O Lord, save me!"
We will only turn to God when we are out of options to save ourselves. It is in our despair that we find our Savior. If everything is great in life and we find ourselves living in the lap of comfort we will not turn to God.
2. We must pray.
Vs 1, 2 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
A weak prayer life reveals who we are really trusting.
3. We must have a childlike faith that God is there and he keeps his promises.
Vs 6 The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
This is not complicated it does take a step of faith. We must believe what God has revealed about our condition and our need.
4. We must rest in our decision.
Vs 7, 10 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
I believed; therefore I said, “I am greatly afflicted." And in my dismay I said,
"All men are liars."
Victory is found by resting in our faith decision and continuing to believe even as we face the valley of the shadow of death. Vs 15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Nine questions to ask yourself to make sure you are on the right pathway:
a. What is the goal of your life.... comfort or knowing God?
b. What do you need to happen in your life to have peace and satisfaction?
c. Have you ever thought there was something missing from your life?
d. What do you think that missing piece is?
e. Where do you turn to when you feel down and empty?
f. Are there any activities that help deaden the pain in your life?
g. Does your strategy take away the pain temporarily or permanently?
h. What do you think this pain is you feel in your heart?
i. Do you have the courage to do it God’s way?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
September 29
Hindsight
Psalm 78
The saying “Hindsight is twenty-twenty” is attributed to Billy Wider, the journalist, film maker, screenwriter and producer. The phrase means that everyone has perfect understanding after an event happens. It is easy to look back at history and see how we could have made better decisions.
If I could go back to do my life all over again here are a few of the changes I would make:
1. I would have spent more time in God’s Word.
2. I would have spent more time with my wife and children. I would have scheduled more fun stuff.
3. I would have started devotions with my kids when they were very young and not stopped until the day I sent them off to college... regardless of how they protested. I would even endure hunger strikes.
4. I would have moved to a discipleship model of the church 25 years ago.
5. I would have invested in Wal-Mart and Goggle stocks and sold them in April of 2008. This last one is a joke... if I would have become a millionaire it is likely I wouldn’t be writing this blog and my life would be completely messed up.
In Psalm 78 Asaph is reviewing the history of the nation and he had twenty-twenty vision as he looked back. Here are four of his conclusions:
1. If we could do it over again, we would reach the next generation with the gospel as our highest priority.
Vs 3 What our fathers have told us... we will tell the next generation
Vs 5 Which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children
Vs 6 So the next generation would know them, even the children to be born.
There is nothing as important as passing our faith on to the next generation. So what is your plan to teach the next generation? We all need to be engaged in this mission.
2. If we could do it over again, we would celebrate and appreciate God’s faithfulness everyday.
Vs 11 They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them
Vs 38 Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them.
Time after time he restrained his anger ...
He remembered that they were but flesh...
When we get together in our quarterly Bible reading reunions everyone remarks... WOW God is really patient with the Jews. Yes he is... he is also patient with us... celebrate and appreciate that everyday.
3. If we could do it over again, we would place all of our faith in the WORD of God.
Vs 22 for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance.
The victorious life is only found as we live believing the WORD of God. It is our faith in his word that supplies the deliverance. Set aside your unbelief and trust totally in the WORD of God.
4. If we could do it over again, we would KILL sin in our lives before it killed us.
Vs 63 Fire consumed their young men and their maidens had no wedding songs.
God doesn’t expect sinless perfection, for none of us could meet that challenge. But he does expect us to sin less! We should be progressing in our holiness. We live in a day when we play with sin. We are taught that sin is not a serious thing. But sin kills people and unless we strike first it will kill us.
What would you do differently if you could do it over again? Once you identify your list, bring that list into your daily agenda today.
Psalm 78
The saying “Hindsight is twenty-twenty” is attributed to Billy Wider, the journalist, film maker, screenwriter and producer. The phrase means that everyone has perfect understanding after an event happens. It is easy to look back at history and see how we could have made better decisions.
If I could go back to do my life all over again here are a few of the changes I would make:
1. I would have spent more time in God’s Word.
2. I would have spent more time with my wife and children. I would have scheduled more fun stuff.
3. I would have started devotions with my kids when they were very young and not stopped until the day I sent them off to college... regardless of how they protested. I would even endure hunger strikes.
4. I would have moved to a discipleship model of the church 25 years ago.
5. I would have invested in Wal-Mart and Goggle stocks and sold them in April of 2008. This last one is a joke... if I would have become a millionaire it is likely I wouldn’t be writing this blog and my life would be completely messed up.
In Psalm 78 Asaph is reviewing the history of the nation and he had twenty-twenty vision as he looked back. Here are four of his conclusions:
1. If we could do it over again, we would reach the next generation with the gospel as our highest priority.
Vs 3 What our fathers have told us... we will tell the next generation
Vs 5 Which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children
Vs 6 So the next generation would know them, even the children to be born.
There is nothing as important as passing our faith on to the next generation. So what is your plan to teach the next generation? We all need to be engaged in this mission.
2. If we could do it over again, we would celebrate and appreciate God’s faithfulness everyday.
Vs 11 They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them
Vs 38 Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them.
Time after time he restrained his anger ...
He remembered that they were but flesh...
When we get together in our quarterly Bible reading reunions everyone remarks... WOW God is really patient with the Jews. Yes he is... he is also patient with us... celebrate and appreciate that everyday.
3. If we could do it over again, we would place all of our faith in the WORD of God.
Vs 22 for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance.
The victorious life is only found as we live believing the WORD of God. It is our faith in his word that supplies the deliverance. Set aside your unbelief and trust totally in the WORD of God.
4. If we could do it over again, we would KILL sin in our lives before it killed us.
Vs 63 Fire consumed their young men and their maidens had no wedding songs.
God doesn’t expect sinless perfection, for none of us could meet that challenge. But he does expect us to sin less! We should be progressing in our holiness. We live in a day when we play with sin. We are taught that sin is not a serious thing. But sin kills people and unless we strike first it will kill us.
What would you do differently if you could do it over again? Once you identify your list, bring that list into your daily agenda today.
Monday, September 28, 2009
September 28
Zechariah 7 & 8
Ezra 6: 14 – 22
1. People ask how to be religious.
The construction work of the new temple continues in Jerusalem. The people of Bethel are now inquiring of God how to follow certain religious practices. Through Zechariah, God is quick to remind them that like their forefathers did, fasting simply for their own sake, instead of for God, is not right. Subsequently, as a hint for what the result of true fasting should be, God asks the people to:
-administer justice
-to show mercy
-to show compassion
-not to oppress the needy
-not to carry evil in their hearts
2. God tells the people how to be faithful.
This is not a time for the people in Israel to focus on themselves. God declares to His people that this is the time of His restoration for their land and their lives. He will dwell among them. He promises long lives filled with truth. He asks them to have faith and not be afraid, to be strong and to continue the work of rebuilding the temple. He promises them that they will observe fasts joyfully.
What do God's people do? They listen to their God and they follow His word! What a delight! What is then the result of their faithfulness? They have JOY. Notice that the word joy is repeated 3 times in today's reading. The workers finish the temple and everyone in Israel celebrates the occasion with joy, followed by, again, joyful celebration of the Passover.
In the same way which God brought restoration to His Israel and His temple, He brings restoration in our lives today. He often asks us to be faithful and labor for Him. He promises joy in our hearts as a result. He tests every motive we have, not so that He can blame us, but so that He can restore us and fill us with peace and joy.
Praying that we invite God's restoration in our lives and hope in His promise of joy.
Ezra 6: 14 – 22
1. People ask how to be religious.
The construction work of the new temple continues in Jerusalem. The people of Bethel are now inquiring of God how to follow certain religious practices. Through Zechariah, God is quick to remind them that like their forefathers did, fasting simply for their own sake, instead of for God, is not right. Subsequently, as a hint for what the result of true fasting should be, God asks the people to:
-administer justice
-to show mercy
-to show compassion
-not to oppress the needy
-not to carry evil in their hearts
2. God tells the people how to be faithful.
This is not a time for the people in Israel to focus on themselves. God declares to His people that this is the time of His restoration for their land and their lives. He will dwell among them. He promises long lives filled with truth. He asks them to have faith and not be afraid, to be strong and to continue the work of rebuilding the temple. He promises them that they will observe fasts joyfully.
What do God's people do? They listen to their God and they follow His word! What a delight! What is then the result of their faithfulness? They have JOY. Notice that the word joy is repeated 3 times in today's reading. The workers finish the temple and everyone in Israel celebrates the occasion with joy, followed by, again, joyful celebration of the Passover.
In the same way which God brought restoration to His Israel and His temple, He brings restoration in our lives today. He often asks us to be faithful and labor for Him. He promises joy in our hearts as a result. He tests every motive we have, not so that He can blame us, but so that He can restore us and fill us with peace and joy.
Praying that we invite God's restoration in our lives and hope in His promise of joy.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September 27: Zechariah 1-6
In today's passage, we read about Zechariah's visions for the restored people of Israel. Chiefly, we notice major assurances that God reveals through these visions:
1. That the people will be restored in prosperity;
2. That Israel's oppressors will indeed be punished;
3. That God will be among His returning people;
4. That the One Who is called the Branch will rmove the sins of the people;
5. That God will complete the temple through His two anointed ones;
6. That God will always punish wickedness;
7. That God will bring wicked nations to their knees; and
8. That there will be rest at last.
Due to their corporate rebelliousness over many generations, God had removed the people from His promised land. Yet, at this time, God indicates that "I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt.... My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem." God would bring them back to the land and offer His protection, explaining that "I myself will be a wall of fire around [Jerusalem],... and I will be its glory within." The people would have God's presence among them. In their efforts to rebuild the temple and Jerusalem, the people would find that God had anointed His chosen laborers. In the end, God wished to show the people that His work would move forward "not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit." As Leroy Eims explained about ministry and living out the Gospel, if anything of spiritual value comes about in this world, it will be because God did it.
In addition to these near-term promises, God also refers to the coming of a righteous Branch who would remove the people's sin in a single day. Here again, we have testimony to the coming Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. We learn that this coming Branch will bring the offices of Priest and King under a single Head, whose fulfillment would partially come under the authority of the High Priests in the restored Israel: "Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will brank out from his place and build the temple of the LORD. It is he who will build the temple of the LORD, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two." As the Book of Hebrews later illustrates, Jesus clearly fulfilled this role of High Priest (in the order of Melchizedek) and became, through His sacrifice of Himself, the Author of salvation.
By comparing these words to Colossians 1:15-20, we can see how Jesus has authority as Creator and Ruler over all!: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
QUESTIONS
1. Why might these assurances have calmed the people's fears? How do they indicate God's concern for His people?
1. What assurances spoke most powerfully to you right now? What other passages offer you assurances for today's challenges?
1. That the people will be restored in prosperity;
2. That Israel's oppressors will indeed be punished;
3. That God will be among His returning people;
4. That the One Who is called the Branch will rmove the sins of the people;
5. That God will complete the temple through His two anointed ones;
6. That God will always punish wickedness;
7. That God will bring wicked nations to their knees; and
8. That there will be rest at last.
Due to their corporate rebelliousness over many generations, God had removed the people from His promised land. Yet, at this time, God indicates that "I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt.... My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem." God would bring them back to the land and offer His protection, explaining that "I myself will be a wall of fire around [Jerusalem],... and I will be its glory within." The people would have God's presence among them. In their efforts to rebuild the temple and Jerusalem, the people would find that God had anointed His chosen laborers. In the end, God wished to show the people that His work would move forward "not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit." As Leroy Eims explained about ministry and living out the Gospel, if anything of spiritual value comes about in this world, it will be because God did it.
In addition to these near-term promises, God also refers to the coming of a righteous Branch who would remove the people's sin in a single day. Here again, we have testimony to the coming Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. We learn that this coming Branch will bring the offices of Priest and King under a single Head, whose fulfillment would partially come under the authority of the High Priests in the restored Israel: "Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will brank out from his place and build the temple of the LORD. It is he who will build the temple of the LORD, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two." As the Book of Hebrews later illustrates, Jesus clearly fulfilled this role of High Priest (in the order of Melchizedek) and became, through His sacrifice of Himself, the Author of salvation.
By comparing these words to Colossians 1:15-20, we can see how Jesus has authority as Creator and Ruler over all!: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
QUESTIONS
1. Why might these assurances have calmed the people's fears? How do they indicate God's concern for His people?
1. What assurances spoke most powerfully to you right now? What other passages offer you assurances for today's challenges?
September 26
The Only Hope for the USA
Haggai 1:5-7 Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."
Why?" declares the Lord Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house.
Is this a picture of what is happening this very day to our nation? We have worshipped at the feet of the almighty dollar for so long and we have neglected God. Because of these wrong priorities we are feeling the consequences of sin. We have borrowed money following Keynesian economics and not Biblical economics and there is a price to pay. It is our debt that has put us in this crisis.... debt is another word for greed, and love of money. Now it feels like we have holes in our pockets. All of these events are warnings that we are building the wrong dream. It is not the dream house that will secure our future ... it is the house Jesus is building for us in heaven. In the end we must all “Give careful thought to our ways.” Is the way I am living pleasing to God? Am I building his kingdom or mine? May God give me the strength to build his kingdom today.
Haggai 1:5-7 Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."
Why?" declares the Lord Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house.
Is this a picture of what is happening this very day to our nation? We have worshipped at the feet of the almighty dollar for so long and we have neglected God. Because of these wrong priorities we are feeling the consequences of sin. We have borrowed money following Keynesian economics and not Biblical economics and there is a price to pay. It is our debt that has put us in this crisis.... debt is another word for greed, and love of money. Now it feels like we have holes in our pockets. All of these events are warnings that we are building the wrong dream. It is not the dream house that will secure our future ... it is the house Jesus is building for us in heaven. In the end we must all “Give careful thought to our ways.” Is the way I am living pleasing to God? Am I building his kingdom or mine? May God give me the strength to build his kingdom today.
Friday, September 25, 2009
September 25
God as our Big Brother
Ezra 5:5 But the eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written reply be received.
A note from Smith’s insight into this passage: “On the side of a dollar bill opposite from the bust of Washington is a seal featuring an unfinished pyramid having thirteen steps representing the original thirteen states and the country’s future expansion. Atop the pyramid is the “Eye of Providence,” and above it in Latin are the words “Annuit Coeptis” meaning “He is favorable to our undertakings.” The idea is that God is watching over the United States to bring prosperity and security.
As we worked through the Major Prophets last month, we saw that God was watching Israel as they descended into deep sin. This watching of God caused anxiety and uneasiness among the nation. But today the watching of God is a “watching over” us. Like a big brother protecting a young sister on the playground at school. While we might feel uncomfortable with God “watching” us, we take great comfort knowing that God is “watching over” us every moment of every day.
What is interesting is that right after the words “Annuit Coeptis” are the words “In God We Trust.” Today we get to choose our perspective of God. Is God a distant and uninvolved God or is he watching over us every step of this day. What a different it would make in our lives if we really believed that God was our big brother. We might even get to the point where we say, “In God we trust.”
Hey, the countdown to Oct 18 is fast approaching. We will begin the NT on that day. Invite someone to join you reading the NT in 74 days. Everyone on the journey needs to purchase a copy of the Daily Bible. DARE to follow Christ.
Today is accountability day... let me know where you are in the journey. If you have any special prayer requests I would love to join you in united prayer for these burdens.
Ezra 5:5 But the eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written reply be received.
A note from Smith’s insight into this passage: “On the side of a dollar bill opposite from the bust of Washington is a seal featuring an unfinished pyramid having thirteen steps representing the original thirteen states and the country’s future expansion. Atop the pyramid is the “Eye of Providence,” and above it in Latin are the words “Annuit Coeptis” meaning “He is favorable to our undertakings.” The idea is that God is watching over the United States to bring prosperity and security.
As we worked through the Major Prophets last month, we saw that God was watching Israel as they descended into deep sin. This watching of God caused anxiety and uneasiness among the nation. But today the watching of God is a “watching over” us. Like a big brother protecting a young sister on the playground at school. While we might feel uncomfortable with God “watching” us, we take great comfort knowing that God is “watching over” us every moment of every day.
What is interesting is that right after the words “Annuit Coeptis” are the words “In God We Trust.” Today we get to choose our perspective of God. Is God a distant and uninvolved God or is he watching over us every step of this day. What a different it would make in our lives if we really believed that God was our big brother. We might even get to the point where we say, “In God we trust.”
Hey, the countdown to Oct 18 is fast approaching. We will begin the NT on that day. Invite someone to join you reading the NT in 74 days. Everyone on the journey needs to purchase a copy of the Daily Bible. DARE to follow Christ.
Today is accountability day... let me know where you are in the journey. If you have any special prayer requests I would love to join you in united prayer for these burdens.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Sept 24
Daniel 10-12
Daniel's Last Vision
The End Times - Daniel 12:1-3
'At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.'
I must admit that I was kind of intimidated by today's passage. Typically, I struggle with scriptures that describe prophecies of the future. I either get frustrated with not understanding the symbolism or I worry about what the future may bring.
When I really think about it, I know its foolish to worry about the future because God is in control of everything, including things that have not happened yet. Even if we don't understand why events take place or what is going to happen, it's OK as long as we trust God. He has infinite power and knowledge and He loves us more than we can comprehend. The most important part of prophocies to understand is this: Those who trust in Him will experience everlasting life with Him forever."
Daniel's Last Vision
The End Times - Daniel 12:1-3
'At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.'
I must admit that I was kind of intimidated by today's passage. Typically, I struggle with scriptures that describe prophecies of the future. I either get frustrated with not understanding the symbolism or I worry about what the future may bring.
When I really think about it, I know its foolish to worry about the future because God is in control of everything, including things that have not happened yet. Even if we don't understand why events take place or what is going to happen, it's OK as long as we trust God. He has infinite power and knowledge and He loves us more than we can comprehend. The most important part of prophocies to understand is this: Those who trust in Him will experience everlasting life with Him forever."
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
September 23
OVERCOMING OUR FEARS
An Arab chief tells the story of a spy captured and sentenced to death by a general in the Persian army. This general had the strange custom of giving condemned criminals a choice between the firing squad and “the big, black door.” The moment for execution drew near, and guards brought the spy to the Persian general. “What will it be,” asked the general, “the firing squad or ‘the big, black door?’” The spy hesitated for a long time. Finally he chose the firing squad. A few minutes later, hearing the shots ring out confirming the spy’s execution, the general turned to his aide and said, ‘They always prefer the known to the unknown. People fear what they don’t know. Yet, we gave him a choice.” “What lies beyond the big door?” asked the aide. “Freedom,” replied the general. “I’ve known only a few brave enough to take that door.” The best opportunities in our lives stand behind the forbidden door of the great unknown.
Ezra 3:3 “Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices.”
The return of the people to the land is a story of overcoming fear. It is 70 years after the destruction of Jerusalem and according to God’s plan it is time to move back to the land. God moves in both Cyrus’ heart and in the people’s hearts to make this move occur but that does not mean God exempted them from the emotion of fear. For many of these people the move to Jerusalem was a total leap in the dark. They were born and raised in Babylon and felt very comfortable in that city. But God had a bigger plan and part of that plan was the conquering of fear. So many times in our lives we are limited by fears. God is not looking for fearless people; he is looking for fearful people who trust him. For us to accomplish great things, daring things for the Lord, we must overcome our fears.
What are you afraid of today?
Take those fears to the Lord and ask him for strength to overcome them. As the apostle Paul stated in Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
An Arab chief tells the story of a spy captured and sentenced to death by a general in the Persian army. This general had the strange custom of giving condemned criminals a choice between the firing squad and “the big, black door.” The moment for execution drew near, and guards brought the spy to the Persian general. “What will it be,” asked the general, “the firing squad or ‘the big, black door?’” The spy hesitated for a long time. Finally he chose the firing squad. A few minutes later, hearing the shots ring out confirming the spy’s execution, the general turned to his aide and said, ‘They always prefer the known to the unknown. People fear what they don’t know. Yet, we gave him a choice.” “What lies beyond the big door?” asked the aide. “Freedom,” replied the general. “I’ve known only a few brave enough to take that door.” The best opportunities in our lives stand behind the forbidden door of the great unknown.
Ezra 3:3 “Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices.”
The return of the people to the land is a story of overcoming fear. It is 70 years after the destruction of Jerusalem and according to God’s plan it is time to move back to the land. God moves in both Cyrus’ heart and in the people’s hearts to make this move occur but that does not mean God exempted them from the emotion of fear. For many of these people the move to Jerusalem was a total leap in the dark. They were born and raised in Babylon and felt very comfortable in that city. But God had a bigger plan and part of that plan was the conquering of fear. So many times in our lives we are limited by fears. God is not looking for fearless people; he is looking for fearful people who trust him. For us to accomplish great things, daring things for the Lord, we must overcome our fears.
What are you afraid of today?
Take those fears to the Lord and ask him for strength to overcome them. As the apostle Paul stated in Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
September 22
Daniel 6
Killing Sin
Daniel 6:5 Finally these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”
We live in a day without heroes. It seems that every public figure has some dirty secret in their closet. If someone wanted to dig up some dirt on you, how difficult would it be?
When we read the story of Daniel we see one of the few characters in the Bible who doesn’t have a secret closet. Now that I think about it, he does have a secret closet, but he uses it for prayer. To Daniel’s credit, this guy is squeaky clean. Not even a rumor to build a scandal on in the National Inquirer.
So what was his secret? Three times a day he would get down on his knees and pray. Why three times? My guess is that sin is such a powerful and devious enemy Daniel could only go 6 hours without realigning his heart to gaze on the face of God. Daniel found that gazing on God’s beauty and holiness would give him enough strength and make it 6 hours.
We are all in need of spiritual transformation in our lives. May I suggest we copy Daniel’s discipline to keep us all on the straight and narrow pathway? Let’s take the challenge from Daniel One... do a test for the next 10 days. Let’s pray three times a day on our knees and see if after 10 days and see if our hearts are not much stronger.
There is no better time to start than right now.
Lord, I pray that many will take up this 10 day challenge. May we all gaze upon your beauty and your character over the next 10 days. Lord, give us your strength to kill sin in our lives. We want to live in freedom and victory that Daniel experienced. In Jesus’ name Amen
Killing Sin
Daniel 6:5 Finally these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”
We live in a day without heroes. It seems that every public figure has some dirty secret in their closet. If someone wanted to dig up some dirt on you, how difficult would it be?
When we read the story of Daniel we see one of the few characters in the Bible who doesn’t have a secret closet. Now that I think about it, he does have a secret closet, but he uses it for prayer. To Daniel’s credit, this guy is squeaky clean. Not even a rumor to build a scandal on in the National Inquirer.
So what was his secret? Three times a day he would get down on his knees and pray. Why three times? My guess is that sin is such a powerful and devious enemy Daniel could only go 6 hours without realigning his heart to gaze on the face of God. Daniel found that gazing on God’s beauty and holiness would give him enough strength and make it 6 hours.
We are all in need of spiritual transformation in our lives. May I suggest we copy Daniel’s discipline to keep us all on the straight and narrow pathway? Let’s take the challenge from Daniel One... do a test for the next 10 days. Let’s pray three times a day on our knees and see if after 10 days and see if our hearts are not much stronger.
There is no better time to start than right now.
Lord, I pray that many will take up this 10 day challenge. May we all gaze upon your beauty and your character over the next 10 days. Lord, give us your strength to kill sin in our lives. We want to live in freedom and victory that Daniel experienced. In Jesus’ name Amen
Monday, September 21, 2009
September 21
We read 3 stories today:
1. Belshazzar's would not humble himself.
The prophet Daniel interpreted King Belshazzar's vision of a finger writing on the wall as a prediction that the king's reign is coming to an end. The prediction was fulfilled that same night when Belshazzar was assassinated.
Belshazzar had not learned a lesson from his father's life. God had caused Nebuchadnezzar to go mad for a period of time in order to humble him. After this Nebuchadnezzar had declared God as the Most High God. But even knowing this, his son Belshazzar had made his own choice not to honor God:
"But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven." (Dan 5:22-23)
2. Daniel’s prayer of repentance for himself and Israel
Daniel however does humble himself. After reading God's word in scripture, he was compelled to confess the sins of his people:
"Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah and people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. (Dan 9:7-8)
How sweet this must have sounded to God! His children are recognizing their sin and turning to Him for forgiveness and help.
Last week God humbled me by exposing to me my unbelief. I had rationalized in my head why I should not bring up religious topics with a certain person. I made myself a list of reasons. Well, what happened is that it was the person who started the topic. We had a great conversation about faith. I found out that God has been working in that person's life much more than I had imagined. I felt ashamed and had to confess to God that I had not been willing to share His gospel because of a certain fear. After that however, I felt peace and freedom from seeing how great God is and that He is in full control. I was reminded that confession brings intimacy in our relationship with God.
Is there something you would like to confess to Him, small or great?
3. Answer to Daniel’s prayer - The Seventy "Sevens"
What a great outcome of Daniel's confession and prayer! While still praying, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and delivered an assurance from God for the coming of the Messiah:
"Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. "Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' (Dan 9: 24-25)
Although the decree of seventy "sevens" is a mystery to me, what I understand from it is that God is purposeful in all He does, including in every circumstance and in every conversation.
Have a great week in His purpose!
1. Belshazzar's would not humble himself.
The prophet Daniel interpreted King Belshazzar's vision of a finger writing on the wall as a prediction that the king's reign is coming to an end. The prediction was fulfilled that same night when Belshazzar was assassinated.
Belshazzar had not learned a lesson from his father's life. God had caused Nebuchadnezzar to go mad for a period of time in order to humble him. After this Nebuchadnezzar had declared God as the Most High God. But even knowing this, his son Belshazzar had made his own choice not to honor God:
"But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven." (Dan 5:22-23)
2. Daniel’s prayer of repentance for himself and Israel
Daniel however does humble himself. After reading God's word in scripture, he was compelled to confess the sins of his people:
"Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah and people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. (Dan 9:7-8)
How sweet this must have sounded to God! His children are recognizing their sin and turning to Him for forgiveness and help.
Last week God humbled me by exposing to me my unbelief. I had rationalized in my head why I should not bring up religious topics with a certain person. I made myself a list of reasons. Well, what happened is that it was the person who started the topic. We had a great conversation about faith. I found out that God has been working in that person's life much more than I had imagined. I felt ashamed and had to confess to God that I had not been willing to share His gospel because of a certain fear. After that however, I felt peace and freedom from seeing how great God is and that He is in full control. I was reminded that confession brings intimacy in our relationship with God.
Is there something you would like to confess to Him, small or great?
3. Answer to Daniel’s prayer - The Seventy "Sevens"
What a great outcome of Daniel's confession and prayer! While still praying, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and delivered an assurance from God for the coming of the Messiah:
"Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. "Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' (Dan 9: 24-25)
Although the decree of seventy "sevens" is a mystery to me, what I understand from it is that God is purposeful in all He does, including in every circumstance and in every conversation.
Have a great week in His purpose!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
September 20: Daniel 7,8
Intrinsically, visions of the future often appear mysterious to the prophets. Our logical, finite minds have difficulty connecting today's reality to the future, given the two-dimensional, linear nature of our thinking. God, however, sees all of creation in four-dimensional space (via height, width, depth, and time) and may therefore communicate these visions, but it doesn't mean that people will understand. Even Daniel notes that the second vision that he received "was beyond understanding." Still, there are clear truths about God's character and redemptive purposes transferred through a true prophet's visions.
You may have read recently about the forthcoming release of Dan Brown's book, _The Lost Symbol_. Dan Brown has written two immensely successfful books, _The DaVinci Code_ and _Angels and Demons_. Even secular critics note how Brown likes to stir controversy by tapping into people's suspicions about the Christian faith. Brown argues that the church has suppressed truths that were inconvenient in order to maintain its power and, in this latest effort, that all religious traditions grasp for common ground. Based on Brown's thesis, the Egyptian sun-god, Ra, has equal legitimacy with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Dan Brown's hocus-pocus offers a neat "out" for those considering the Gospel. If all faiths have some common, underlying symbology, why not construct your own faith that gives you the greatest bang for your buck while loading on the least amount of guilt and effort?
We can have confidence in the truths of the Scriptures and the present and coming Kingdom of Jesus Christ because of His fulfillment of hundreds of detailed prophecies about His life, death, resurrection, and reign over the earth. Indeed, no other figure has fulfilled such vivid prophecies, whose origins span 10-plus centuries. No mere human could even come close to matching the descriptions that the prophets had received about Jesus.
In today's first vision, Daniel sees four beasts, which represent "four great kingdoms that will rise from the earth." Despite the ferocious beasts, God has ordained that the saints will indeed reign over the earth and "possess it forever," resting on the power of Christ Himself: "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days [God the Father] and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all people, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." Jesus would later identify Himself as the Son of Man. Revelation contains similar language about the eternal King Jesus. In the Person of God the Father, we note that his hair and clothing is "white like wool," representing holiness and purity, and that "his throne was flaming with fire." In the vision, God is ready, willing, and able to mete judgment on the kingdoms of the earth. The Kingdom would be for all people, of every tribe and nation.
Indeed, even the fourth kingdom that had not yet come into being would not last, but the saints will participate in a peaceful and eternal kingdom of Christ: "But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him."
In short, while we cannot decipher the entirety of these visions, God has provided a clarion call for eternal reign of Christ, His authority, and His righteousness. As Paul writes in Colossians 1:13,14, "he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Amen!
QUESTIONS
1. How could the reality of Jesus's coming Kingdom affect your day-to-day reality?
2. What lies have you heard recently that call Jesus's authority into question? How could you combat these with the truth of today's passage?
Saturday, September 19, 2009
September 19
Psalm 137
Songs and Sorrow
Today in our Psalms we reviewed a brief history of the journey of the Jews. It is not a pretty picture. Time after time they turned their backs on God until the decline was so radical that God said, “Enough.” It is sad that we constantly think we know better than God. We still do it today. This constant turning away from God always leads to bondage. Psalm 137 paints an idyllic picture of people gathered together at a picnic by a beautiful river in Babylon. But there is no joy found in this picnic. They are reflecting on how far they have fallen as a people, just how far they are from God’s blessing. You can hear them ask this question, “Why were we so stupid to ignore the Word of the Lord?”
The psalmist recalled that Babylonians would ask them for songs of joy. But their grief was so great that even the singers were silent. The exiles hung their harps on poplar trees for they could not sing their songs about their homeland when they felt such great sorrow.
The lesson here is that it is difficult to sing when we are overwhelmed with sorrow, guilt or despair. Singing seems to spring from the heart, and when our heart is weighed down it is difficult, it is impossible, to raise a song from them. The pain of our soul will squelch the song in our heart.
But there is something we can do to overcome this sorrowful songlessness. BELIEVE... believe the Word of God, believe that he can restore us, believe that when we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Faith is the only antidote to songlessness.
No day of my life has ever passed that has not proven me guilty in the sight of my Holy God. Even on my best day, my best services are filthy rags. But it isn’t about my sin it is about his amazing grace. A grace so wonderful, so boundless, that it can cover over all of my shortcomings. This is what we need to sing about every day of our lives. Not a song about my guilt but a song about his pardon. Not a song about my sin but a song about his cleansing.
Go sing a song!!!
Songs and Sorrow
Today in our Psalms we reviewed a brief history of the journey of the Jews. It is not a pretty picture. Time after time they turned their backs on God until the decline was so radical that God said, “Enough.” It is sad that we constantly think we know better than God. We still do it today. This constant turning away from God always leads to bondage. Psalm 137 paints an idyllic picture of people gathered together at a picnic by a beautiful river in Babylon. But there is no joy found in this picnic. They are reflecting on how far they have fallen as a people, just how far they are from God’s blessing. You can hear them ask this question, “Why were we so stupid to ignore the Word of the Lord?”
The psalmist recalled that Babylonians would ask them for songs of joy. But their grief was so great that even the singers were silent. The exiles hung their harps on poplar trees for they could not sing their songs about their homeland when they felt such great sorrow.
The lesson here is that it is difficult to sing when we are overwhelmed with sorrow, guilt or despair. Singing seems to spring from the heart, and when our heart is weighed down it is difficult, it is impossible, to raise a song from them. The pain of our soul will squelch the song in our heart.
But there is something we can do to overcome this sorrowful songlessness. BELIEVE... believe the Word of God, believe that he can restore us, believe that when we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Faith is the only antidote to songlessness.
No day of my life has ever passed that has not proven me guilty in the sight of my Holy God. Even on my best day, my best services are filthy rags. But it isn’t about my sin it is about his amazing grace. A grace so wonderful, so boundless, that it can cover over all of my shortcomings. This is what we need to sing about every day of our lives. Not a song about my guilt but a song about his pardon. Not a song about my sin but a song about his cleansing.
Go sing a song!!!
Friday, September 18, 2009
September 18
Anchoring in the Storm
Psalm 89
It’s been a long time since Stamford had a Hurricane warning. But I remember in the 80’s we had several of them. In fact I was standing in the church parking lot when the eye of hurricane Gloria passed over head.
When the warnings of an approaching hurricane go out, people start to prepare, windows get taped, canned goods are purchased, flashlights are tested, and fresh water is stored up. But those who feel most uneasy with the oncoming storm are boat owners. They try to figure out the best way to protect their vessels.
If you go down to Stamford harbor, one sight you won't see is people tying boats to trees on shore. If you tie a boat to land during a hurricane it will be smashed into kindling wood. The only hope is to anchor deep. Place the anchor in a solid location, leave the rope slack, and hope for the best.
That is exactly what Psalm 89 is all about. This is a group of individuals living in a storm. They are captives in Babylon and the storm they are facing is a category 5 hurricane. What do they do? They check the anchor points. They need to anchor deeply, because this is a storm greater than any they have ever faced in life.
Psalm 89:35-37
Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness-- and I will not lie to David--
that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun;
it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.
When facing the storm the only place to anchor is in the promises of God. This promise in Psalm 89 is one of the greatest found in the Bible. It says that even if we mess up big time God is faithful. Even if we forsake God’s laws, violate his decrees, fail a 1000 times to keep our end of the agreement... God will never abandon us!! WOW!!! As long as there are seasons God will keep his promise.
Are the storm clouds forming on your horizon? Is the water rising? Are the trees beginning to bend? It is time to check the anchor points. Are you anchored on the solid rock or are you anchored to an insecure location.
There is an anchor point firm enough to secure you through the storm... THE PROMISES OF GOD. Trust them, anchor in them, rely upon them, and hold onto them as if your very life depends on it.
Psalm 89
It’s been a long time since Stamford had a Hurricane warning. But I remember in the 80’s we had several of them. In fact I was standing in the church parking lot when the eye of hurricane Gloria passed over head.
When the warnings of an approaching hurricane go out, people start to prepare, windows get taped, canned goods are purchased, flashlights are tested, and fresh water is stored up. But those who feel most uneasy with the oncoming storm are boat owners. They try to figure out the best way to protect their vessels.
If you go down to Stamford harbor, one sight you won't see is people tying boats to trees on shore. If you tie a boat to land during a hurricane it will be smashed into kindling wood. The only hope is to anchor deep. Place the anchor in a solid location, leave the rope slack, and hope for the best.
That is exactly what Psalm 89 is all about. This is a group of individuals living in a storm. They are captives in Babylon and the storm they are facing is a category 5 hurricane. What do they do? They check the anchor points. They need to anchor deeply, because this is a storm greater than any they have ever faced in life.
Psalm 89:35-37
Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness-- and I will not lie to David--
that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun;
it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.
When facing the storm the only place to anchor is in the promises of God. This promise in Psalm 89 is one of the greatest found in the Bible. It says that even if we mess up big time God is faithful. Even if we forsake God’s laws, violate his decrees, fail a 1000 times to keep our end of the agreement... God will never abandon us!! WOW!!! As long as there are seasons God will keep his promise.
Are the storm clouds forming on your horizon? Is the water rising? Are the trees beginning to bend? It is time to check the anchor points. Are you anchored on the solid rock or are you anchored to an insecure location.
There is an anchor point firm enough to secure you through the storm... THE PROMISES OF GOD. Trust them, anchor in them, rely upon them, and hold onto them as if your very life depends on it.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Sept 17
Job 38-42
God's turn.
One of my favorite shows on TV is a miniseries called Planet Earth that airs on the Discovery channel. It's an 11 part miniseries that takes a very in-depth look at different areas of the world. You see the animals and plants that live in the extreme conditions of mighty mountains, deep oceans, dry deserts, and frozen ice worlds. There are the great plains that are home to many herds of animals. The jungles have tremendous diversity in the different birds and plants that live there. In my opinion, the most amazing episode was about caves. I was stunned by the different forms of life that can survive in harsh, acidic conditions with no sunlight. There are crystal formations that put the most elaborate man-made chandeliers to shame. (I recommend googling images of the Chandelier Ballroom in Lechuguilla Cave in New Mexico. It's pretty amazing!) The entire time I'm watching this show, the constant thought in the back of my mind is this: the world is AWESOME and God made it all!
At this point in the book of Job, everyone has had multiple turns to say their piece. Now, it's God's turn to respond. He questions their conclusions and qualifications. Were they there when the earth began, when everything came to be, when all things took shape? Do they control the rising and setting sun, the lightening and thunderstorms, the rain and snow? Are they aware of all things that are happening at all times? The answer to all these questions is an undeniable NO!
Job is humbled and gives all credit and glory to God. Job 42:1-6 says:
Then Job replied to the LORD :
"I know that you can do all things;
no plan of yours can be thwarted.
You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?'
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.
"You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.'
My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.
Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes."
It's hard to comprehend why bad things happen to good people. At the end of this story, God restores Job to his former life, making him even more prosperous than before. Unfortunately, not everyone gets a happy ending like that and its difficult to understand why. One thing that we can understand and take comfort in is this: The same God who created the wonders of the earth in all of its beautiful details loves all of us more than we can imagine. Having a great and mighty God on our side is all we need.
September 16
Job 36
A five sentence summary of Elihu’s talk:
1. God is sovereign and he can do whatever he purposes.
2. God is always good, he cannot do evil.
3. We are morally responsible for all of our actions and attitudes.
4. We frequently sin and having a bad attitude is sin.
5. God uses pain and suffering to plant the flag of reality in our rebel hearts. He does this to spare of a greater eternal evil.
Elihu is the fourth and last speaker to Job. Apparently he was a bystander and much younger than the others but he offers a fresh perspective that will ultimately be judged by God as accurate. A summary of all the discourses up to this point would be .... Job you must have sinned in the past to bring this suffering on yourself. Elihu maintains that Job wasn’t suffering because of past sin but because of his present sin, which was his arrogant attitude that he is totally innocent. Elihu sheds light on the truth that not all suffering is punitive. Suffering can also be preventative to make sure we stay on the right path. One area where Elihu misses the mark... he wrongly assumed that a correct response to suffering always brings healing and restoration (Job 33:23-30) and that suffering is always connected to sin (Job 34:11).
Two applications for us:
1. Continue to trust and believe in the goodness of God when the lights go out in the class room. Satan loves to whisper in our ears, “God doesn’t care about you, God is not good, he is not fair, and you are the biggest fool on earth to continue to trust in him.” The moment we give into the lie of the evil one, we lose the battle.
2. We aren’t going to figure out the plan of God this side of heaven. God is so wise, so incomprehensible; we cannot know him completely. We can have some knowledge about him, for the Bible is full of details about who God is, how we can know him, and how we can have an eternal relationship with him. But we can never know enough to answer all of life’s questions, to predict our own future, or to manipulate God for our own ends. Life always creates more questions than we have answers.
So in the end we must have faith in God’s goodness and in God’s purposes.
A though to consider ... in exactly one month we are going to start reading the New Testament. For everyone who has failed to keep up with the reading it is a great time to restart the journey. But here is an even greater challenge. Would you consider asking someone to read through the NT with you this Fall? Start praying now for God’s guidance in who you should ask. Then approach the person and challenge them to read through the NT from Oct 18 – Dec 31st. They would have to purchase their copy of the Daily Bible. We would welcome them to the Bible reading blog.
DARE to follow Christ!!
A five sentence summary of Elihu’s talk:
1. God is sovereign and he can do whatever he purposes.
2. God is always good, he cannot do evil.
3. We are morally responsible for all of our actions and attitudes.
4. We frequently sin and having a bad attitude is sin.
5. God uses pain and suffering to plant the flag of reality in our rebel hearts. He does this to spare of a greater eternal evil.
Elihu is the fourth and last speaker to Job. Apparently he was a bystander and much younger than the others but he offers a fresh perspective that will ultimately be judged by God as accurate. A summary of all the discourses up to this point would be .... Job you must have sinned in the past to bring this suffering on yourself. Elihu maintains that Job wasn’t suffering because of past sin but because of his present sin, which was his arrogant attitude that he is totally innocent. Elihu sheds light on the truth that not all suffering is punitive. Suffering can also be preventative to make sure we stay on the right path. One area where Elihu misses the mark... he wrongly assumed that a correct response to suffering always brings healing and restoration (Job 33:23-30) and that suffering is always connected to sin (Job 34:11).
Two applications for us:
1. Continue to trust and believe in the goodness of God when the lights go out in the class room. Satan loves to whisper in our ears, “God doesn’t care about you, God is not good, he is not fair, and you are the biggest fool on earth to continue to trust in him.” The moment we give into the lie of the evil one, we lose the battle.
2. We aren’t going to figure out the plan of God this side of heaven. God is so wise, so incomprehensible; we cannot know him completely. We can have some knowledge about him, for the Bible is full of details about who God is, how we can know him, and how we can have an eternal relationship with him. But we can never know enough to answer all of life’s questions, to predict our own future, or to manipulate God for our own ends. Life always creates more questions than we have answers.
So in the end we must have faith in God’s goodness and in God’s purposes.
A though to consider ... in exactly one month we are going to start reading the New Testament. For everyone who has failed to keep up with the reading it is a great time to restart the journey. But here is an even greater challenge. Would you consider asking someone to read through the NT with you this Fall? Start praying now for God’s guidance in who you should ask. Then approach the person and challenge them to read through the NT from Oct 18 – Dec 31st. They would have to purchase their copy of the Daily Bible. We would welcome them to the Bible reading blog.
DARE to follow Christ!!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
September 15
Are you a maggot or a prince?
Job 25:4-6 How then can a man be righteous before God? How can one born of woman be pure? If even the moon is not bright and the stars are not pure in his eyes, how much less man, who is but a maggot-- a son of man, who is only a worm!"
A little theology today. This is the definition of sanctification: It is the state of being separated unto God. All believers enter into this state when they are born again by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. This is a once-for-all separation eternally unto God. It is an intricate part of our daily experience with Christ. While our sins have been crucified to the cross and we no longer bear the penalty of them, we must kill sin everyday of our life otherwise it can interfere with our intimacy with God. It will never change our position in his family just the expereince of fellowship with him. It is like my daughter Jenelle, when we adopted her into our family we made a once in a lifetime choice which we will never revoke. But there were a few times when she decided to disobey us and we had to send her to her room for a time out. It never broke our relationship only our fellowship.
Bilhad does not believe that man can ever get out of the “worm” state of living. We will always be maggots compared to God’s righteousness. There are two responses to this:
1. Of course. We will never be holy to the extent that God is holy in his character.
2. “You Lie” Bilhad is not speaking the truth here. God does expect us to rise above the maggot state and enjoy his intimate friendship. And he has provided a way through his son Jesus Christ to become a prince or princess in his kingdom. (when God’s intimate friendship blessed my house)
Job was considered righteous and blameless by God at the beginning of this ordeal. How did he obtain that state of righteousness? He believed, had faith, trusted in what God had promised to him. A person who trusts in the promise of God will be credited with righteousness. Remember Abraham in Genesis?
Indeed God expects us to rise above maggot living.
Col. 3:1-4 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Today make wise choices to fully enter into the freedom we have already obtained in Christ. Put off maggot thinking and start thinking and living like a prince.
Job 25:4-6 How then can a man be righteous before God? How can one born of woman be pure? If even the moon is not bright and the stars are not pure in his eyes, how much less man, who is but a maggot-- a son of man, who is only a worm!"
A little theology today. This is the definition of sanctification: It is the state of being separated unto God. All believers enter into this state when they are born again by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. This is a once-for-all separation eternally unto God. It is an intricate part of our daily experience with Christ. While our sins have been crucified to the cross and we no longer bear the penalty of them, we must kill sin everyday of our life otherwise it can interfere with our intimacy with God. It will never change our position in his family just the expereince of fellowship with him. It is like my daughter Jenelle, when we adopted her into our family we made a once in a lifetime choice which we will never revoke. But there were a few times when she decided to disobey us and we had to send her to her room for a time out. It never broke our relationship only our fellowship.
Bilhad does not believe that man can ever get out of the “worm” state of living. We will always be maggots compared to God’s righteousness. There are two responses to this:
1. Of course. We will never be holy to the extent that God is holy in his character.
2. “You Lie” Bilhad is not speaking the truth here. God does expect us to rise above the maggot state and enjoy his intimate friendship. And he has provided a way through his son Jesus Christ to become a prince or princess in his kingdom. (when God’s intimate friendship blessed my house)
Job was considered righteous and blameless by God at the beginning of this ordeal. How did he obtain that state of righteousness? He believed, had faith, trusted in what God had promised to him. A person who trusts in the promise of God will be credited with righteousness. Remember Abraham in Genesis?
Indeed God expects us to rise above maggot living.
Col. 3:1-4 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Today make wise choices to fully enter into the freedom we have already obtained in Christ. Put off maggot thinking and start thinking and living like a prince.
Monday, September 14, 2009
September 14
Eliphaz continues to press sinfulness onto Job. Job is now accused of specific sins: for denying help to the poor, for being pious. But we remember that in the first chapter God called Job: blameless and upright, a man who fears God.
if only I could go to his dwelling!
I would state my case before him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
I would find out what he would answer me,
and consider what he would say.
Would he oppose me with great power?
No, he would not press charges against me.
There an upright man could present his case before him,
and I would be delivered forever from my judge. (Job 23:8-12)
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
My feet have closely followed his steps;
I have kept to his way without turning aside.
I have not departed from the commands of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. (Job 23:13-17)
Sunday, September 13, 2009
September 13: Job 18-21
At the heart of today's passage lies Chapter 19. Here, we see a display of Job's frustration with his "friends," who have exasperated him and brought him to feelings of alienation, and a beautiful statement of his trust in the resurrection power of God Himself.
Job's alienation. Job's advisors, Bildad and Zophar, continue to hammer upon the idea that God punishes the wicked -- seemingly immediately and firmly -- for their sin. By implication, therefore, Job has harbored some sin that they do not name. Job's destitute state has come about because of his falling short of God's design. As a result, Job feels angry:
"He has alienated my brothers from me;
my acquaintances are completely estranged from me.
My kinsmen have gone away;
my friends have forgotten me."
How difficult to struggle without support from friends! We see numerous passages throughout the Scriptures that indicate we are to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to help others find strength in God (1 Samuel 23:16). One of the greatest encouragements we can find during struggles is the testimony of friends' faithfulness, particularly in the Church: "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Hope in the Resurrection. Despite his distress, Job may look beyond what has recently passed and see God's faithfulness and His presence on the earth:
"I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
I myself will see him
with my own eyes--I, and not another
How my heart yearns within me!"
In our struggles, we may find ourselves wishing for a better day. As with Job, we may have confidence in God's provision of resurrection, when He will make everything new. The Lord Jesus Christ will destroy sin and death, and pain and suffering will pass. The truths of Revelation 21 and 22 are indeed our secure hope. As we read in Hebrews 11:1,2, "now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Here, we see Job's living out of these verses. Hebrews 11 continues:
"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."
QUESTIONS
1. Whom can you encourage and help to find strength in God at this time?
2. Have you ever found yourself feeling like an "alien" or "stranger" on earth because of your faith? What promises do you see from Job's words and Hebrews 11? Where will we not be an "alien" or "stranger"?
Job's alienation. Job's advisors, Bildad and Zophar, continue to hammer upon the idea that God punishes the wicked -- seemingly immediately and firmly -- for their sin. By implication, therefore, Job has harbored some sin that they do not name. Job's destitute state has come about because of his falling short of God's design. As a result, Job feels angry:
"He has alienated my brothers from me;
my acquaintances are completely estranged from me.
My kinsmen have gone away;
my friends have forgotten me."
How difficult to struggle without support from friends! We see numerous passages throughout the Scriptures that indicate we are to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to help others find strength in God (1 Samuel 23:16). One of the greatest encouragements we can find during struggles is the testimony of friends' faithfulness, particularly in the Church: "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Hope in the Resurrection. Despite his distress, Job may look beyond what has recently passed and see God's faithfulness and His presence on the earth:
"I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
I myself will see him
with my own eyes--I, and not another
How my heart yearns within me!"
In our struggles, we may find ourselves wishing for a better day. As with Job, we may have confidence in God's provision of resurrection, when He will make everything new. The Lord Jesus Christ will destroy sin and death, and pain and suffering will pass. The truths of Revelation 21 and 22 are indeed our secure hope. As we read in Hebrews 11:1,2, "now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Here, we see Job's living out of these verses. Hebrews 11 continues:
"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."
QUESTIONS
1. Whom can you encourage and help to find strength in God at this time?
2. Have you ever found yourself feeling like an "alien" or "stranger" on earth because of your faith? What promises do you see from Job's words and Hebrews 11? Where will we not be an "alien" or "stranger"?
Saturday, September 12, 2009
September 12
Job 16
Job 16:19-21 Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high.
My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God;
on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend.
Job is not having much luck with his “counselors.” They seem bent on destroying him and proving he deserved these catastrophes.
Have you ever had someone in your life like Elpihaz? Someone who just loves to question you, who pull your strings, who stand against you, and takes particular delight in proving you wrong? That person is playing the role of a prosecuting attorney. It is like they are standing before a jury of your peers trying to win a verdict against you. If you have people like this in your life you need to take the comfort that Job takes in round two with Eliphaz. Job realizes that he cannot win his case with Eliphaz so he appeals to his divine advocate and friend Jesus. He will rest his case with God and give up trying winning the approval of his “earthly friends.”
There are people on this planet who love to play “devil’s advocate.” They love to take the place of the devil and accuse us. I thank the Lord for a “heavenly advocate” who is always on my side, who constantly loves me, who has the grace to forgive me and is always available for a discussion with his client.
If you want to live a stress reduced life... live for the approval of your heavenly advocate and friend Jesus.
Job 16:19-21 Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high.
My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God;
on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend.
Job is not having much luck with his “counselors.” They seem bent on destroying him and proving he deserved these catastrophes.
Have you ever had someone in your life like Elpihaz? Someone who just loves to question you, who pull your strings, who stand against you, and takes particular delight in proving you wrong? That person is playing the role of a prosecuting attorney. It is like they are standing before a jury of your peers trying to win a verdict against you. If you have people like this in your life you need to take the comfort that Job takes in round two with Eliphaz. Job realizes that he cannot win his case with Eliphaz so he appeals to his divine advocate and friend Jesus. He will rest his case with God and give up trying winning the approval of his “earthly friends.”
There are people on this planet who love to play “devil’s advocate.” They love to take the place of the devil and accuse us. I thank the Lord for a “heavenly advocate” who is always on my side, who constantly loves me, who has the grace to forgive me and is always available for a discussion with his client.
If you want to live a stress reduced life... live for the approval of your heavenly advocate and friend Jesus.
Friday, September 11, 2009
September 11
On this day 8 years ago we were eyewitnesses to a horrendous act of terrorism against our country. The world stood aghast as 30 miles from Stamford the Twin Towers were toppled. We were all shocked as we watched those might towers crumble into a mound of rumble. The question we asked that day, and continue to ask today is, “where was God?”
Job is living through his own 9-11 and in chapter 12-14 and he faces his third accuser, Zophar. Even in the face of the terrifying disasters of Job’s life, he affirms the truth that God’s providential control extends over all the events of earth, both the good and the bad.
Job 12:13-14 To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.
What he tears down cannot be rebuilt; the man he imprisons cannot be released.
Job affirms that God is in control of the universe. He obviously can’t figure out the plan of God but that doesn’t stop him from trusting in God’s sovereignty.
Warren Wiersbe the famous preacher stated, “God does not have to explain his ways to us. It is enough for us to know that he cares and that he never makes a mistake. We do not live by explanation: we live by promise.”
Today is accountability day. Send me an email telling me where you are in the journey.
Job is living through his own 9-11 and in chapter 12-14 and he faces his third accuser, Zophar. Even in the face of the terrifying disasters of Job’s life, he affirms the truth that God’s providential control extends over all the events of earth, both the good and the bad.
Job 12:13-14 To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.
What he tears down cannot be rebuilt; the man he imprisons cannot be released.
Job affirms that God is in control of the universe. He obviously can’t figure out the plan of God but that doesn’t stop him from trusting in God’s sovereignty.
Warren Wiersbe the famous preacher stated, “God does not have to explain his ways to us. It is enough for us to know that he cares and that he never makes a mistake. We do not live by explanation: we live by promise.”
Today is accountability day. Send me an email telling me where you are in the journey.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Sept 10
Job 8-10
Job's friend Bildad makes an attempt to help, but ends up failing miserably! He goes into a long discourse about how God is just, He will punish the guilty, and reward the blameless. What Bildad is saying about God is technically true, but he is making some major assumptions about God that are probably not accurate. He assumes that Job's children perished as a penalty for their sin. We read in the first part of this book that they did not perish because of their sin. Satan caused it to try to prove God wrong about Job. Next. Bildad says that God does not reject a blameless man or strengthen the hand of evildoers. He tells Job to look to God and plead with the Almighty and he will be restored. And while God does look after the righteous and punish the wicked, Bildad is assuming that being righteous and blameless is the key to being blessed by God. Scott mentioned yesterday that many people believe that being good is what saves them. God's infinite love and grace is what saves us. If salvation were based solely on being good, we would all fail miserably.
Bildad made a mistake that I am certainly guilty of: He thought he had God figured out. He thought he knew more about the Almighty than Job did, and it was his duty to enlighten his friend. I've heard Chuck say many times that God has crawled out of every box he has tried to put Him into. God cannot be completely figured out or understood. He cannot be labeled or definited. Isaiah 55:8 says, " 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.' " We should never be so arrogant as to think that we completely understand all of God's ways.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
September 9
The Great Debate
Job 4 – 7
What percentage of Americans think you earn your salvation by being a good person? The answer is 90%. Nine out of ten people think by being good, going to church, giving money to the poor earns the favor of God. Like the old Smith Barney commercial says, “We make money the old fashioned way, we earn it” most people believe they get salvation the old fashioned way, they earn it. This is the great debate today it was also the great debate with Job and his counselors.
His counselors believed in Smith Barney salvation. If you are good, God will give you good things in life. If you are bad you will be punished by God. So Eliphaz unloads both barrels of his shotgun into Job.
Job 4:7 Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed?
The reason Eliphaz is so emphatic in his arguing is that he wants to be in control of the universe. If Job is a blameless and righteous man and this happened to him, what does that mean for him?
The truth is that Job didn't deserve this suffering. That is God’s own opinion of the man. Not all suffering is deserved. It is not as simple as Eliphaz and Hollywood portrays it.... the good guys don't always win and wear white hats. The truth is there are no good guys; we have all fallen short of God’s standard.
In the end we must live by our faith. We must believe in the goodness of God and his plan of salvation for the universe. Both the so called “good” people and “bad” people are going to have trials in life. .
Job 5:7 Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.
The only question is, are you going to face those trials by trusting in your own resources (your goodness) or are you going to face them with God’s resource? With God by our side we can weather any storm.
Don’t rely on your goodness to win God’s approval, trust in the cross of Jesus. You will never be disappointed.
Job 4 – 7
What percentage of Americans think you earn your salvation by being a good person? The answer is 90%. Nine out of ten people think by being good, going to church, giving money to the poor earns the favor of God. Like the old Smith Barney commercial says, “We make money the old fashioned way, we earn it” most people believe they get salvation the old fashioned way, they earn it. This is the great debate today it was also the great debate with Job and his counselors.
His counselors believed in Smith Barney salvation. If you are good, God will give you good things in life. If you are bad you will be punished by God. So Eliphaz unloads both barrels of his shotgun into Job.
Job 4:7 Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed?
The reason Eliphaz is so emphatic in his arguing is that he wants to be in control of the universe. If Job is a blameless and righteous man and this happened to him, what does that mean for him?
The truth is that Job didn't deserve this suffering. That is God’s own opinion of the man. Not all suffering is deserved. It is not as simple as Eliphaz and Hollywood portrays it.... the good guys don't always win and wear white hats. The truth is there are no good guys; we have all fallen short of God’s standard.
In the end we must live by our faith. We must believe in the goodness of God and his plan of salvation for the universe. Both the so called “good” people and “bad” people are going to have trials in life. .
Job 5:7 Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.
The only question is, are you going to face those trials by trusting in your own resources (your goodness) or are you going to face them with God’s resource? With God by our side we can weather any storm.
Don’t rely on your goodness to win God’s approval, trust in the cross of Jesus. You will never be disappointed.
Monday, September 7, 2009
September 8
Job 2:10 Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?
This is the week we remember 9-11. Inevitably the “WHY” questions will be raised again. “Why did this happen?” “Why us?” “Why didn’t God do something that day?” “Why was God silent?” 3,000 innocent people lost their lives that fateful day eight years ago. It was a horrible day in the history of our country. And God will be put on trial once more. What is our response to the “WHY” trial that will occur again?
The problem of evil in world is still a perplexing one. The story of Job is one that attempts to answer that issue. Even though the “WHY” question will not be answered by the end of the book, we will receive some hints of how to respond to the evil that is found in our world.
The first hint is that evil and terrible things happen to good people. In the first chapters we see a man who is described by God as blameless and upright. He is singled out by God when Satan argues that Job only believes in God because God has blessed him. Satan argues that believers do not have a free will; they only love God when he becomes a “Sugar Daddy” and gives them all good things in life. The reality is that God is not on trial in this story; it is Job and his faith that are on trial. What will Job do? Will he curse God if the beautiful life is taken away?
So God permits Satan to attack Job. In a single day sudden tragedies strip Job of wealth and family.
And we respond by yelling.... at the top of our lungs, “This is not FAIR!!!” And the truth is life is not fair. Cancer is not fair. Lyme disease is not fair. Cerebral palsy is not fair. Wheelchairs are not fair. Hunger and poverty are not fair. Unemployment is not fair. Miscarriages are not fair. Infertility is not fair.
Job’s story is our story. Do we love God only because he is “useful” to us or do we love God because he is “beautiful?” Kathie and I have faced this trial several times in our lives. When we were first married we desired to have a large family. God blessed us with Jeremy in 1980. But when we tried to have another baby we experienced several years of infertility. After seeing several doctors they told us we wouldn’t be able to have any other children. What is amazing is that the same week we received that news Kathie was pregnant with our second son, Nathan. We believe both of our sons are miracle children. After Nathan's birth we started a long and painful process of infertility testing and surgeries. Month after month the answer was no. Finally after several years the doctors placed us in the category "Unexplained.” In reflection those first years were years of living with a wounded heart but then my heart became bitter against God. I had failed to love God simply because of his beauty; I was a lover of the “Sugar Daddy” God. After realizing the shallowness of my faith I repented and said to God, “What you want for my life is what I want.” This allowed God to move us to considering the most wonderful experience of adopting our beautiful daughter Jenelle.
Your faith is on trial today. Do you love God because he is “useful” to you or do you love Him because he is “beautiful?” We do have a choice. This choice doesn’t ease the pain or exempt us from trials but it does bring healing. Don't let the disappointments of life cloud your vision of Jesus. Jesus is with you in the midst of all the pain. Love him with all your heart.
God hath not promised, skies always blue, Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through
God hath not promised, sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised, strength for the day, Rest for the labor, light for the way
Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
This is the week we remember 9-11. Inevitably the “WHY” questions will be raised again. “Why did this happen?” “Why us?” “Why didn’t God do something that day?” “Why was God silent?” 3,000 innocent people lost their lives that fateful day eight years ago. It was a horrible day in the history of our country. And God will be put on trial once more. What is our response to the “WHY” trial that will occur again?
The problem of evil in world is still a perplexing one. The story of Job is one that attempts to answer that issue. Even though the “WHY” question will not be answered by the end of the book, we will receive some hints of how to respond to the evil that is found in our world.
The first hint is that evil and terrible things happen to good people. In the first chapters we see a man who is described by God as blameless and upright. He is singled out by God when Satan argues that Job only believes in God because God has blessed him. Satan argues that believers do not have a free will; they only love God when he becomes a “Sugar Daddy” and gives them all good things in life. The reality is that God is not on trial in this story; it is Job and his faith that are on trial. What will Job do? Will he curse God if the beautiful life is taken away?
So God permits Satan to attack Job. In a single day sudden tragedies strip Job of wealth and family.
And we respond by yelling.... at the top of our lungs, “This is not FAIR!!!” And the truth is life is not fair. Cancer is not fair. Lyme disease is not fair. Cerebral palsy is not fair. Wheelchairs are not fair. Hunger and poverty are not fair. Unemployment is not fair. Miscarriages are not fair. Infertility is not fair.
Job’s story is our story. Do we love God only because he is “useful” to us or do we love God because he is “beautiful?” Kathie and I have faced this trial several times in our lives. When we were first married we desired to have a large family. God blessed us with Jeremy in 1980. But when we tried to have another baby we experienced several years of infertility. After seeing several doctors they told us we wouldn’t be able to have any other children. What is amazing is that the same week we received that news Kathie was pregnant with our second son, Nathan. We believe both of our sons are miracle children. After Nathan's birth we started a long and painful process of infertility testing and surgeries. Month after month the answer was no. Finally after several years the doctors placed us in the category "Unexplained.” In reflection those first years were years of living with a wounded heart but then my heart became bitter against God. I had failed to love God simply because of his beauty; I was a lover of the “Sugar Daddy” God. After realizing the shallowness of my faith I repented and said to God, “What you want for my life is what I want.” This allowed God to move us to considering the most wonderful experience of adopting our beautiful daughter Jenelle.
Your faith is on trial today. Do you love God because he is “useful” to you or do you love Him because he is “beautiful?” We do have a choice. This choice doesn’t ease the pain or exempt us from trials but it does bring healing. Don't let the disappointments of life cloud your vision of Jesus. Jesus is with you in the midst of all the pain. Love him with all your heart.
God hath not promised, skies always blue, Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through
God hath not promised, sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised, strength for the day, Rest for the labor, light for the way
Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
September 7
Today's story about king Nebuchadnezzar is wild, much like his actual fate. It's a great reminder of the extent to which God will go in our lives to bring us to Himself.
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