Thursday, April 30, 2015

Thursday, May 6

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Judges 11:1–12:15

John 1:1–28

Psalm 101:1–8

Proverbs 14:13,14

 

 

Today, we begin our reading of the Gospel of John, which features the most explicitly theological discussions among the four Gospels.  In addition, John includes several long discussions on Jesus as the Christ, where he declares “I am” and thereby echoes God’s Name given to Moses in Exodus:  “the bread of life”; “the light of the world”; “the gate for the sheep”; “the good shepherd”; “the resurrection and the life”; “the way, the truth, and the life”; and “the true vine.”

 

I would like to highlight some significant verses from today’s reading:

 

 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made….  No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.” (John 1:1–3,18)

 

The chapter begins with a glorious statement about the eternal existence of the Lord Jesus Christ - -and His pre-existence relative to creation.  This verse deliberately echoes Genesis 1:1, linking Jesus Christ with the creation.  For Greek philosophers, the Word (the “logos”) referred both to the spoken word and its unspoken counterpart, reason.  For the Jews, the Word connoted God’s “light,” “life,” and “truth” – the force that allows for the working-out of His purposes.  We understand that God the Son existed separate from God the Father but in full equality as God Himself.  God the Son carried out crucial responsibilities related to creation.  We understand, therefore, that Jesus Christ is not created but is Himself a Creator.  Capping the introduction with v. 18, John encircles Jesus as the true Deity, worthy of worship and the Person through Whom God would most deeply reveal Himself.

 

 

“In him was life, and that light was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it…  He  was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.” (John 1:4,5,10)

 

The Gospel of John includes 36 references to “life”; no other New Testament book refers to “life” more than 17 times.  Indeed, Jesus declares Himself to be “the way, the truth, and the life” – the very means of approaching God and receiving salvation.  Psalm 36:9 similarly links “light” and “life”:  “For with you is the fountain of life;/ in your light we see light.”  John heavily features the metaphor of darkness (representing sin, evil, or death) with light (recalling forgiveness, goodness, or life).  We understand that, even with experiencing the “light” in Christ first-hand, “the darkness has not understood it,” and the “world did not recognize him.”  These characterizations suggest that an individual’s receptivity to the Gospel goes beyond mere physical sight and plunges into matters of the spiritual heart.

 

 

“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:11–13)

 

While the Gospel came first to the Jews, God’s purposes followed after the promise of Genesis 12:1-3, which reads in part:  “…  And all peoples on earth/ will be blessed through you.”  This blessing would receive its most eminent form in the Person of Jesus Christ.  John uses the verb “receive” to indicate the idea of inviting or opening our hearts to Christ; it requires a confessing response and implies an inward and outward change.  While God has indeed created each person, receiving Christ brings about a “new birth” that makes the Father-child relationship eternally permanent.  That we must receive Christ to inherit salvation makes it impossible to earn forgiveness through our own actions; it comes only as a free gift from God Himself.

 

 

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

 

This verse touches upon Jesus’s amazing revelation of God’s character, specifically in the Person of Jesus Christ.  Jesus revealed the glory of God and demonstrated the breadth of God’s gracious and truthful character.  The terminology for “made his dwelling” hearkens back to the earthly tabernacle, where God had resided during the Israelites’ time in the desert.  Now, the living Christ has inhabited the earth, providing very real evidence of His existence, just as the smoke and fire of the desert times had.  As Christ-followers, we desire to speak the “truth in love,” copying the godly character of Jesus, who provides the very embodiment of Truth.

 

(The NIV Study Bible provided significant “meat” for today’s discussion.)

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing the Father to us and for giving us the opportunity to receive You into our hearts.  Thank You for Your abundant grace and mercy to us.  Thank You for showing us light, life, and truth.  Help us to know You more deeply through studying Your Word and hearing Your voice in prayer.  May we bring glory to Your Name as we follow You.  In Your Name, amen.

 


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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

April 29

Luke 24

Jesus in Disguise

This passage fascinated me.  After Jesus' death two of His followers were walking from Jerusalem back toward Emmaus when out of nowhere a stranger joins them.  The two men were kept from recognizing it was Jesus (v.16) and the first thing I thought of was "why didn't they recognize who He was".  Probably for the same reason I don't recognize Him during my day - I'm blind.  They were too wrapped up in the moment of the tragedy and retelling the story from their perspective. They weren't looking at the fulfillment of prophesy or the picture of the miracle.  The disciples were counting on Jesus to rescue a nation - they were looking for a king but they couldn't recognize His Kingdom.  Although the disciples were able to recognize superficial signs such as that it was the third day since the events took place, some women went to the tomb but didn't find His body, and there were visions of angels, they were unable to see the thread woven through the Scriptures that shows Jesus - The Messiah - is at the center of it all.  So in His love, grace, kindness and mercy, Jesus breaks it down for them.  "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."(V. 27)   Perhaps He started with Gen. 3:15, and worked His way through Isaiah 53, Jeremiah 31, and a hosts of other passages.  It wasn't until He was at the table with them, gave thanks , broke bread and gave it to them that their "eyes were opened and they recognized Him" (v. 31).  So it just made me think - how closed are my eyes to Jesus appearing to me during the day?  Am I too wrapped up in the ordinary or focused on myself  that I miss the disguise of the Divine?  Am I not recognizing Him when His glory is embedded in what I've come to accept as routine sunshine?  This all made me think of the song "Jesus in Disguise" by Brandon Heath.  I've attached the link to the YouTube video.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VEyouQhBtY

Lord I pray that you open our eyes, wide as we can to recognize you when you appear to us in disguise.



Randi

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Proverbs 14:9-10

Fools mock at making amends for sin,
but goodwill is found among the upright.
Each heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can share its joy.

I chose this proverb for my comments today because it just makes perfect sense to me.  We are all embattled with personal issues; some far more severe than others.  Even though we reach out to others and try to help - it is only God who knows what is truly in our hearts.  God knows our hearts like an English muffin - He can reach every nook and cranny.  He knows if our repentance is sincere, He brings us joy through victories of all shapes and sizes.  He is the healer and physician who can mend our hearts and bring forth the joy that was promised by Him - just let go!!

Monday, April 27, 2015

April 27: Forgiveness and Victory

Judges 7:1-8:17
Luke 23:13-43
Psalm 97:1-98:9
Proverbs 14:7-8

Reflecting on today's readings, two thoughts came to me.  The first had to do with victory.  Gideon's troops faced long odds - odds God made even longer by trimming their ranks from an overmatched 32,000, to what most certainly should have been an overwhelmed 300.  But with that 300, because they fought as God ordered, God went before them and their victory was assured - despite their meager ranks.  

The second thought had to do with forgiveness.  If you are anything like me, you deal with persistent sin - sin  that, no matter how good one's intentions are, no matter how resolute one's repentance, no matter how firm one's decision to turn over a new leaf, keeps recurring.  And if you're like me, sometimes you find yourself wondering: doesn't God ever get so frustrated as to say "I give up"?  The answer came somewhat obliquely today, reading about the two criminals crucified next to Jesus.  They were not without blame or guilt; they were rightfully being punished for the crimes they'd committed.  The amazing thing is that, even at death's door, after a life of crime and sin, God's forgiveness was available...all one criminal had to do was repent and ask.  

Today, so much is going on to give a Christian reason for fear and despair - from the riots in Ferguson and Baltimore, to the attacks on Christians both in the middle east and right here in America, there is more than enough reason to feel like one of the 300 awaiting an attack by the multitudes.  The good news is we do not fight alone, and our God goes before us.  The even better news is that not only is our God prepared to forgive our sins, His mercy is more than enough to forgive the sins of those who oppress us.  

And if those who oppress Christians were to turn their hearts back to God and receive His forgiveness?  That would be a victory worth seeing.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Sunday, April 26, 2015


I had written the entire blog for today. All about the Israelites' disobedience and how God had to keep reminding them of all he had done. And then I touched some unknown button on my IPad and every bit of the text disappeared.

So here I am with a blank page in front of me and I re-read the Psalms passages before I could let myself get too upset.

Come, let us sing for joy in the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. (Ps 95:1-2)

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (Ps 96:1-3)

Perhaps the Lord just wanted me to praise him today. Maybe this wasn't the day for an Old Testament lesson. Like the Israelites, I am reminded of all the Lord has done for me. In good times and bad. When I am down, he lifts me up in my body and in my spirit. He causes my heart to beat and my lungs to breathe. He sustains my very being and supplies all of my needs. I will worship and praise him all day. Every day. Until he returns and I will see him face to face. And that's when the worship will really begin!! Amen



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Saturday, April 25, 2015

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Saturday, April 25, 2015

8 Barak said to her, "If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go."
9 "Certainly I will go with you," said Deborah. "But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman." So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh. (Judges 4:8-9 NIV)

One way to look at the account of Deborah and Barak is to see it as a story of missed opportunity. I see Deborah - wife, prophetess, and judge over Israel - having a great relationship with the Lord. It is not often in Scripture that we see such a powerful woman leading God's people in this manner. I see Deborah being so effective because she is woman of integrity, who listens for the voice of God. In this "man's world" culture, she is highly esteemed and people from all over Israel come to her for godly justice.

However, I also see Barak, whose history and resumé we have no knowledge of. He comes to Deborah to hear the message from God that she has for him, to take on King Jabin's general, Sisera. The message is to go and fight Sisera leading Israel's army and "I will…give him into your hands" (4:7). He has the word, but he lacks the relationship with God, the faith that God is enough. He finds greater comfort in Deborah going with him rather trusting that God was already with him. What if Barak had simply gone forward at God's word and trusted God to speak, to supply his needs, and to lead him each step of the way?

I know that the Lord purposed to deliver Israel from the hands of King Jabin and Sisera, but what was his purpose for Barak? What did the Lord desire to do in Barak's life and heart? How much faith and trust did God intend to build as Barak followed Him? I've wondered these same things when I look back on my life and see missed opportunities - opportunities to take risks, to be on the edge (just me and the Lord). Barak leading a few tribes of Israel against the 900 chariot force led by Sisera is worthy of our respect. This man was not absent of faith (Hebrews 11:32). I'm simply asking this: how much more did God want to do in his life? More importantly, how much more does God want to do in our lives?

Friday, April 24, 2015

April 24 Judges 2

Judges 2:10  After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.

What do you fear? One of the greatest fears I have as a father is of being greeted in heaven by the many people I have led to the Lord but failing to find my own children or grandchildren there. When I think about that possibility, it causes me sleepless nights. Now I know that God in his sovereignty is working everything out, but it is difficult from a human position to contemplate the reality. Over the centuries there have been many famous Christians whose children have not followed in their footsteps. D.L. Moody, A.W. Tozar and Charles H. Spurgeon were men who faced this issue. This was also true for the first generation after the death of Joshua.

So what is the best strategy for passing along the faith to the next generation? Because of free will there is no guarantee for a "speed bump free" transition, but there are certain commitments we can make to give them the best opportunity to develop their own strong faith.

 

Here is a picture of the spiritual slide in the generations: 

 

1st Generation: See the miracles and workings of God. They live to please God and not people. They pray, read the Word, worship and are concerned with reaching unchurched people. They are radically generous, love boldly and have great joy in their walk with the Lord.

 

2nd Generation: They are carried to church but do not see any radical change in their lives.  Most of them are "saved" as children. They don't have the personal stories of God working mighty miracles in their lives. They never take a risk with God. They play it safe and live in their comfort zone. This generation then subtly places materialism in the place of God.  Comfort, popularity and the dollar occupy the center of their hearts.

 

3rd Generation: They come to church but question WHY? It's boring; it is hopelessly out of touch. The second generation says, "I know, but come to church anyhow." The 3rd generation watches their parents and sees the inconsistencies and then cries out "hypocrite." 

 

So what is the plan to move our children back to a first generation experience with God?   As parents we must "burn out" for Jesus. There is no place for lukewarm, comfortable Christianity in this world. When we think of the cross and the commitment Jesus made for us, this gives us the fuel necessary to make the radical commitment. "Yawning Christianity" is extremely dangerous. If we want the next generation to catch the Christian virus, we must be contagious. The only hope for turning the tide is for us to make a radical commitment to follow Jesus.

 

 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Thursday, April 23

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015

Judges 1:1–2:9

Luke 21:29–22:13

Psalm 90:1–91:16

Proverbs 13:24,25

 

 

Today’s two psalms today, both from Moses, declare the sovereignty and lovingkindness of our great God.  I have taken a few snippets and offer mini-reflections below.

 

 

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place

    throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born

    or you brought forth the whole world,

    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:1,2)

 

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

                will rest in the shadow of the of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress,

                my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1,2)

 

How encouraging to know that God has seen all of history – all that has transpired and all that will transpire – and remains sovereign in everything!  In my darker moments, life experience causes me to doubt or question His provision and sovereignty, reasoning that He might have fallen asleep at the wheel.  Perish the thought!  He is always active and always present.  He is indeed our “dwelling place throughout all generations”; there is no other refuge like Him.

 

Trusting Him does indeed usher us into His shelter, the shadow of the Almighty.  When we embrace all He has for us, we become fully covered by His wing.  His all-sufficient grace then carries us (Psalm 91:3–8).

 

 

“A thousand years in your sight

    are like a day that has just gone by,

    or like a watch in the night….

Teach us to number our days,

    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:4,12)

 

My temporal perspective struggles to see beyond even today.  We place overwhelming importance on the day-to-day and may lose sight of the greater, eternal perspective.  As the Source of all wisdom, God may direct our hearts and mind to “number our days,” spending our time on what really matters.  In light of eternity, how may we better allocate today and tomorrow?  It boils down to engagement with His purposes:  to love Him, to love others, and to make disciples.  We love Him and serve others as we work, for example, if we carry out an attitude of putting Him first.

 

 

“If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’

    and you make the Most High your dwelling,

no harm will overtake you,

    no disaster will come near your tent.” (Psalm 91:9,10)

 

I read a helpful blog post that argued that nothing is truly a disaster if God intended it.  That is, God will continue working His good purposes through even the greatest struggles we face.  Many times, we cannot find the “good” in these difficult moments, but we know that God will still be there.  As Jerry Bridges writes in Trusting God, “in His wisdom, He always knows what is best, and, in His sovereignty, He has the power to bring it about….  Our suffering has meaning and purpose in God’s eternal plan, and He brings or allows to come into our lives that which is for His glory and our good.”  These challenges bring us further into God’s presence and bring about His will of Christlikeness in His children. (Romans 8:28,29)

 

 

Lord God, we need You desperately.  We wish to live in Your shelter, the shadow of Your presence.  Point out to our hearts how Your sovereignty and majesty proceed from all times and in all circumstances.  Give us vision of Your glory and holiness.  Increase our faith so that we may continue faithfully towards You, even when the road is bumpy.  Help us to become instruments of peace and praise to a hurting world.  You are worthy of all honor and glory forever and ever.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 


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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

April 22

Psalm 89

Reading this psalm we see the glorious reign of God and His promise to David to establish and keep his descendants on the throne forever (v.3-4) This promise is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.  Even through Israels disobedience, God said He would never take away His love, betray His faithfulness, violate His covenant or change what He said (v.33-34).   We know this is true because centuries after this Psalm was written Jesus arrived.  So the promises God gave us then, are ours to stand on now.  God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He can do.  Because of Jesus and the cross we now have Gods faithful love with us. (v.24)  Without God's Spirit in us we are weak and incapable of any spiritual task.  On the flip side of that, when we allow God to fill us with His Spirit, He will accomplish more through us than we can ever imagine.  We are commanded and empowered by God to go forth in His strength with the power of His spirit  - by a promise given to us over 2000 years ago and fulfilled through Jesus.  I pray for all of today that we put on our full armor and walk with the posture and strength our Lord has given us.




Randi

Monday, April 20, 2015

April 20: The narrative and the Truth

Joshua 21:1-22:20
Luke 20:1-26
Psalm 89:1-13
Proverbs 13:15-16

Growing up I had to learn that just because I didn't like the answer didn't make it wrong . It was a difficult lesson to learn, and one I am now trying to pass on to my kids - preference does not determine correctness.  Correctness determines correctness.

It's an important lesson, particularly when one sees how much influence the world could have on our children's thinking.  There have been so many instances where people, helped by the media, in pursuit of a narrative, have so blatantly disregarded fact.  And it is so deceptively easy to be caught in the flow of the popular thought, of the story one wants to be true, even when it is wrong.  And sometimes the consequences can be pretty severe - just ask those who lost their property and livelihood in the aftermath of the whole "hands up, don't shoot" protests.  

Today's New Testament reading illustrates how this thinking is not new.  The chief priests, the elders questioning Jesus's authority knew exactly where Jesus was going with His answer - and they knew what was true...but rather than acknowledge the truth, they chose to deny they knew the answer, in order to preserve the narrative they so desperately wanted to keep intact. 

Their insistence on the narrative led to consequences far more severe than those at Ferguson.  Out Lord suffered and died.  Thankfully, over two thousand years ago, God was in control, and truth won out.  And whenever we feel frustrated or discouraged, whenever we worry about our children and the influence of the world, whenever it seems like the sin in the world is poised to carry the day, we can rest in the knowledge, the certainty our God is just as much in control today.  And His truth will win out. 

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Thursday, April 16

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015

Joshua 13:1–14:15

Luke 18:1–17

Psalm 85:1–13

Proverbs 13:7,8

 

 

“For some time he [the judge] refused.  But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think,  yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” (Luke 18:4,5)

 

 

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

 

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:13,14)

 

 

But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:16,17)

 

 

Today’s passages from Luke provide three portraits of how we may approach God through Jesus Christ:  with boldness, humility, and a childlike heart.  While the Parable of the Persistent Widow focuses on persistence in prayer, the Parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee indicates the attitude of humility that we should have in light of our brokenness before the Almighty King.  The final verses emphasize Jesus’s deep love for all people and His encouragement for receiving “the kingdom of God like a little child.”

 

Elsewhere in Scripture, we understand that we may not approach God’s throne due to our own merit.  In Isaiah 64:6, the prophet explains:  “All of us have become like one who is unclean,/ and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;/ we all shrivel up like a leaf,/ and, like the wind, our sins sweep us away.”  We stand guilty before a holy God.  Having fallen short of His standard of righteousness, even our “best efforts” cannot right the score.

 

Romans 6:23 beautifully encapsulates the Gospel message, showing us the hope we may in Christ:  “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  We deserve death – or separation from God – but, in His mercy and by His grace, those who have received Christ also receive eternal life.  2 Corinthians 5:21 explains how we, the sinful, received righteousness through Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf:  “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

 

With this background in mind, the tax collector’s humility provides a helpful example for us.  He acknowledged that his shortcomings had separated him from God and that God would need to bestow mercy for reconciliation to occur.  Jesus explains that “this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.”  His humble confession of faith far surpassed the Pharisee’s boastful comparisons and the “good deeds” underlying them.

 

Recognizing that God justifies us through faith and by His grace, we then approach the throne of grace with boldness and childlike joy.  The persistent widow in the first parable desperately needed justice from this stubborn judge; otherwise, she would have few resources to receive relief from her suffering.  Desperation definitely prompts boldness within us, but this passage suggests that we should take this attitude in all circumstances.  As Pastor Scott has mentioned, the depth of our prayer life provides a clear marker for our reliance on God vs. ourselves.  Are there ever any situations in which fervent prayer wouldn’t be appropriate?

 

God also desires that we approach Him with a childlike faith and joy.  As adults, this world causes us to become jaded and weary.  We may even intentionally keep ourselves from the prospect of facing disappointment later.  Brother Lawrence appeared to have a strong grasp on living with this childlike faith and combining it with everyday life:

 

“He was content doing the smallest chore if he could do it purely for the love of God.  He even found himself quite well off, which he attributed to the fact that he sought only God and not His gifts. He believes that God is much greater than any of the simple gifts He gives us.  Rather than desiring them from Him, he chose to look beyond the gifts, hoping to learn more about God Himself.  Sometimes, he even wished that he could avoid receiving his rewarding so that he would have the pleasure of doing something solely for God.”

 

 

Brother Lawrence explained that this childlike faith leads us to loving God:  “Let us occupy ourselves entirely in knowing God.  The more we know Him, the more we will desire to know Him. As love increases with knowledge, the more we know God, the more we will truly love Him. We will learn to love Him equally in times of distress or in times of great joy.”

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching these great truths about approaching You.  Give us hearts of humility, boldness, and childlike faith in our pursuit of You.  Help us to see our desperate need for Your grace and Your intervention in everyday life.  Give us glimpses of Your glory as we seek You so that we may know You more deeply.  We love You, Lord Jesus.  In Your Name, amen.

 


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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

April 15

Luke 17:21

The Kingdom of God is within you

I think one of the hardest hurdles to get over is understanding that God's Kingdom isn't an earthly kingdom.  There is nothing here to compare His kingdom to.  When God's spirit begins to work in our hearts, we take our first in jumping over the hurdle.  God's Kingdom is written and lives within our hearts. We release His Kingdom into the world through our prayers and by intentionally extending His love to others.  This is a totally radical and counter cultural view of how to live and certainly not easy.  We have to remember our Lord is coming back and when He does that's when we will no longer have to spread His message because the Message will have arrived.  I pray for God's strength to fill us so that we live each day intentionally releasing His Kingdom which lives inside us into the world.




Randi

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Sunday, April 12, 2015

A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. Proverbs 13:1

I thought it interesting how the proverb for today pretty much sums up the other scripture readings. We see Joshua following God's instructions to march around the city of Jericho once a day for six days and then seven times around on the seventh day. The people shouted as God had told them to and the city walls fell, allowing them access into the city. The Israelites destroyed the city and everything in it, except for those items that the Lord told them to keep and were to be put into his treasury. All went well because the people listened to their Father's instruction.

But when they went to Ai, they were not successful. Joshua lamented to the Lord about this failure and threw himself facedown on the ground before the ark of the Lord. " the Lord said to Joshua, 'Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies;" Joshua 7:10-12a. This time their failure was because they had mocked God by disobeying his commands.

In Luke we read the story of the prodigal son. Though the reading doesn't say that the father rebuked his son for asking for his inheritance, we can imagine that the father had taught his children to be prudent and wise during their growing up years. And here again, the son goes off and finds only hardship and hunger.

And in Psalm 81 we read how God rescued Israel from so much. They called to God and he answered them. But then the people rebelled. "But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices." Psalm 81:11-12. If they would only have listened to God, he would have made their paths easier.

So what I get out of today's readings is that we can do it the hard way or we can do it the easy way. Listening to God. Following his ways. Doing what he tells us to do. Being obedient to our Father seems like the best way to live life.

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Friday, April 10, 2015

Thursday, April 9

THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015

Deuteronomy 33:1–29

Luke 13:1–21

Psalm 78:65–72

Proverbs 12:25

 

 

“Then Jesus asked, ‘What is the kingdom of God like?  What shall I compare it to?  It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden.  It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.’

 

“Again he asked, ‘What shall I compare the kingdom of God to?  It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.’”

 

 

In these two brief parables, Jesus indicates some significant truths about the Kingdom of God.  While interpreters have promoted several views on these two brief items, my study suggests that these verses, taken together, speak about the outward-reaching and inward-renewing nature of the Kingdom.  Both these sides of the Kingdom nature emerge from our call to live intentionally as disciples and to make disciples.

 

In the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus explains that the Kingdom begins small.  Despite its infinitesimal size, the mustard seed transformed into a great tree.  Likewise, starting with the seed of the Gospel, the Kingdom would expand from this small band of 12 disciples to reach the whole world.  The “braches” of the mustard tree even had “birds perched in its branches.”  These branches may represent the offshoots into new places or among new people-groups.  The Gospel would create a natural multiplication, starting with a humble group of fishermen.  Please recall the Sanhedrin’s observations at seeing the disciples’ boldness in Acts 4:13:  “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”  Their commitment to the Kingdom and the filling of the Holy Spirit would carry the mission well beyond Jerusalem (Acts 1:8).

 

The parable of the yeast speaks about the inward-renewing nature of the Kingdom.  The yeast “worked all through the dough,” changing its character and allowing it to rise when heated.  In a sense, the yeast activates the dough and brings forth its true purpose.  Whenever we mix flour, water, and other ingredients, chemical reactions take place to bring forth the flavor from otherwise inert and bland components.  In the same way, the Gospel and Christ living in us serves as yeast, transforming our hearts and characters for God’s purposes.  After we initially receive Christ, the Gospel life begins reworking and reflavoring the “dough” of our lives.  I find the promise of Philippians 1:6 quite encouraging regarding this ongoing process:  “… [I am] confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

 

How have you seen the Gospel life in you and through you impacting your inner growth and the outward growth of His Kingdom?  How may you celebrate the change that He is bringing about?  How have you seen the power of the Gospel life?  How may you become more committed to both the inward and outward working of the Gospel?

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for establishing Your Kingdom and allowing us to participate in it.  Thank You that You are transforming our hearts and conforming our wills according to Your purposes.  We would like to walk more closely with You and to better reflect Your lovingkindness.  Thank You for giving us a role within the advancement of the Kingdom and to allow us to witness the branching out of the mustard tree.  Give us insight into how to participate actively in this Kingdom advancement through the power of the Holy Spirit.  We love You.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.


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Wednesday, April 8, 2015

April 8

Luke 12:35-59

One of Steven's friends shared with me once that the acronym for Bible is Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.  The basis of our faith is believing in the resurrection and the return of our Lord.  It's not the end to a Disney movie, it's the hope that will take us from this life to an eternity with Jesus.  While He walked this earth with us and before He went to Heaven, He left us instructions on how to live our lives until He returns. He has given us gifts empowered by the Holy Spirit and resources which we are to use responsibly and effectively until He returns.  So I often wonder how do we know if we are prepared for His unexpected return?  I think the answer lies in what He will find us doing when He shows up.  His instructions include guidelines such as not being hypocritical, being a witness to His love, trusting and not worrying, and being diligent to not only read His word but live it.  We are all aware of the signs of the times.  His return is inevitable.  So when Jesus returns, what will He find us doing?

  Lord I pray for my brothers and sisters to be strong and courageous in carrying out the assignments You have given us as we wait and watch for You to return.  I ask that as we go into our day our eyes stay fixed on You knowing you go before us, You are with us, and You will never foresake us. 




Randi

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Luke 12:15
 
Then he said to them, "Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
 
I selected this particular verse because of things that I see around me.  Living in Stamford, we go from one end of the spectrum to the other.  I drive home past people living on benches in the park, I interact with families in need of food stamps to feed their children, and I get upset when the fancy cars fly by me and feel they are entitled to drive however and wherever they desire with no regard for humans.  With all the wealth that can be found in this county, it saddens me to know that there are so many homeless and hungry individuals, even though they can be working two or three jobs to provide for their families.  I just wish that there somehow could be more balance.
 
This is nothing new....these situations existed when Jesus walked the earth.  But His love for the oppressed and unfortunate was so great, that it gave them hope for the future.  He constantly reminded everyone to care for the children, widows and the poor.  Jesus often tells those that have much to leave it behind and follow Him.  Alas, greed and the need to amass wealth and food supplies is a difficult habit to break.  My mother used to say, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, but it seems to me that the poor have more of a spirit for the Lord.  When you have nothing to give, you give more of yourself.
 
Luke12:29 - And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
 
Lord - today I thank you for my family, friends and what You have provided for my survival.  I am indeed grateful!  Help me to be more aware and giving to those less fortunate; and may I also be strengthened and encouraged by these individuals and their faith in You!  Let our treasure be You and Your kingdom!

Monday, April 6, 2015

April 6: Of Moses and Canaan; of Frank Kaminsky, Bo Ryan and Wisconsin

Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20
Luke 11:37-12:7
Psalm 78:1-31
Proverbs 12:19-20

If you haven't followed Badger Basketball - ie, the NCAA men's basketball team of the University of Wisconsin - you probably don't know the name "Frank Kaminsky".  He just finished his basketball career.  In 2015, he was voted the college basketball national player of the year.  As good as he was - and he was good again this year - his team never won the championship.  As hard as he worked, as hard as the team worked, last year they made it to the Final Four; this year they made it to the championship game and, about 20 minutes ago, the Wisconsin Badgers lost to the Duke Blue Devils.  And Frank is a senior who has played his entire four years of eligibility.  Next year, he can no longer play college ball, even if he were to stay in school.  It is safe to say that, for someone as talented and as hard working as Frank is, he hasn't gotten to where he is meant to go yet.  As the sun was about to set on his collegiate career, and rise on a new life, his coach, Bo Ryan, was probably telling his star player not to forget the lessons he'd learned while on the team - lessons of hard work and practice, of teamwork and diligence and thoughtfulness and discipline. Before the game, coach probably told Frank to carry those lessons with him, in victory and in defeat, and they would serve him in good stead as he went on with his life.

Which is sort of what Moses is telling the Israelites, isn't it?  In Deuteronomy, the Israelites are in the territory of Moab, and "in his final act at this important time of transferring leadership to Joshua, Moses delivered his farewell address to prepare the people for their entrance into Canaan.  Moses emphasized the laws that were especially needed at such a time...." (Zondervan NIV Study Bible).  Moses knows he is about to part ways with the Israelites, as they are about to embark upon a new series of trials and victories without him.  And he's giving them the best advice he can, to prepare them for what they will face.  And his message was simple and straightforward: Carefully follow the terms of this covenant, so that you may prosper in everything that you do...make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations...love the Lord your God, walk in obedience to Him, keep His commands, decrees and laws - then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess."  The key here wasn't just the act of obedience - it was where that act found its roots: in a love for the Lord.  In Moses's counsel, it started from the inside.  Which, as Jesus pointed out in the NT reading, the Pharisees had forgotten.  Their acts seemed pious, but their hearts were far from what God first wanted.  

These lessons weren't just for the Israelites or the Pharisees.  They are for us as well - here and now.  My daughter leaves for college soon, and I hope she will hearken to Moses's words - far better than anything Polonius said to Laertes, or anything I might tell her.  I pray her brothers will learn these words, these lessons as well, sooner rather than later.  Then wherever it is any of them goes, whatever it is any of them does, "they will live and increase", and the Lord will bless them in whatever land He causes them to enter and possess.

Friday, April 3, 2015

April 3 Thursday in Kenya and Good Friday on a Cross


On Thursday Muslims attacked the Garissa University Campus in Western Kenya. During a 15-hour siege they killed 147 Christian students.  From the eyewitness reports the gunmen ordered all of the students to lie down on the ground. Then they were asked if they were  Christian or Muslim. If they said Muslim, they had to recite the Shahada (The Islamic creed). If they recited the creed; they were released. If they were Christian; they were shot on the spot. When the terrorists were asked why they were doing this, they said they were killing the infidels, which is commanded in the Qur'an.

 

What a contrast to the event we celebrate today as Christians. Jesus didn't come to earth to put infidels to death; he came to love and forgive them. The God of the Bible doesn't demand we give our sons to him. The God of the Bible gave His Son for us. That is what Good Friday is all about: God the Father loving the world so much that he gave his one and only son. The contrast is also seen in that while Jesus' enemies were nailing him to a Roman Cross, he spoke words of forgiveness, "Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing."

 

According to secularism "all religions are alike" and they are all dangerous. Most secularists fail to distinguish between religions. But today we can see the clear difference.

Good Friday is the best day to compare Islam with Christianity. On the cross we see a God who loves, forgives, sacrifices and offers mercy. On Thursday there was no mercy to be found. To ignore these differences is to miss the greatest opportunity ever afforded a person.

Two days, two worldviews and two radical outcomes.



--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Thursday, April 2

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

Deuteronomy 21:1–22:30

Luke 9:51–10:12

Psalm 74:1–23

Proverbs 12:11

 

 

“He who works his land will have abundant food,

     but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.” (Proverbs 12:11)

 

 

In this verse, Solomon refers to the ongoing value of consistent, diligent effort and how God uses this as a vehicle for providing for the righteous man who follows God's wisdom.  Clearly, as in the Exodus-era desert, God may have instead chosen to rain down food from heaven as a means of showing His provision and love for His people.  Yet, Proverbs consistently hold up diligence as a key element of a righteous life.

 

What does the New Testament offer on these questions?  We understand from Acts 2:42-47 that the rally disciples pooled their resources and shared with those in need.  This charitable attitude has consistently followed the Gospel throughout the world.  Still, even Paul worked as a tentmaker so that his ministry might be unencumbered by the burden of seeking financial support from new believers or any controversies regarding his financial management.  Paul then chides the Thessalonians, who had “packed it in” related to work, in anticipation of Christ's imminent return.

 

Colossians 3:23,24 explains:  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  Therefore, as we work in a “secular” context, we serve the Lord Jesus Christ through our diligence, giving work “spiritual” value.

 

For the Christ-follower, we live to honor God and to know Him more deeply.  As part of our daily mission, we work to provide for our families' needs, but this work should also reflect God's character within us.  If people find an inconsistency between our testimony as believers and our conduct, they will undoubtedly take notice.  It may turn them away from seeking God, which would be a great tragedy.

 

From my study of the Scriptures, I believe that the Christ-follower ought to work with excellence, humility, and integrity.  By “excellence,” I mean that we ought to apply our talents to expand God's glory, to create and bless as well as we are able.  Excellence means reaching our potential, by God's grace – to sound our proper notes in His symphony.  By “humility,” I mean that we offer thanks and praise to God for strengthening us for His purposes and to see ourselves as God's servants rather than vice-versa.  “Integrity” involves honoring your word and showing consistency with God’s principles and in your motivations.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God strengthens us to serve honorably, to His greater glory and for the good of His people.

 

The value and principles for “secular” work also apply to Kingdom mission.  Jesus gave His disciples and us the command to “go” – and, while we are going, to “make disciples.” (Matthew 28:16-20)  In Luke 10:1,2, Jesus refers to the “work” involved with the Kingdom mission: “He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his harvest field…. ’”  On the surface, we might take these words as encouragement that God will raise up someone else to serve in this work.  Yet, I believe strongly that each of us has a calling to “be about the Father’s business” in the Kingdom mission.  Just as we all have responsibilities as husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, employers and employees, and teachers and students, we have the glorious privilege and responsibility of participating in the Kingdom mission of making disciples.  This process involves work of different kinds – from earnest prayer to sharing the good news of the Gospel to building others up with the truth of God’s Word.  It also simply involves encouraging our friends in Christ to persevere and to maintain an eternal perspective of trust in God.

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for endowing our lives with purpose as we co-labor with You in the Kingdom mission.  Thank You that our work may have meaning as we direct our service towards You.  Help us to honor You and to serve as worthy ambassadors for You in our workplaces, homes, and schools.  Give us insights into what You require from us as workers.  Give us a passion and hunger for Your Kingdom’s advance and a willingness to lay down our self-seeking priorities.  Thank You for loving us so deeply that You would give Your life for us, while we were yet sinners.  To You be all praise, honor, and glory forever.  In Your Name, amen.

 


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Wednesday, April 1, 2015

April 1

Psalm 73

When I read this Psalm this morning I thought it was basically the story of my life before my testimony, before I began my journey to separate myself from the values the world holds as our standard of living and pursue a life following the standards set by God.  This Psalm was written by Asaph who was one of David's Levitical choir leaders.  The theme that struck me throughout this reading is that until we emerge ourselves into God's truth and His faithfulness in our lives, it's hard to understand how people who are trying to live a righteous life through Christ can suffer more than people who climb the corporate ladder and get ahead.  The fascade of our society is that the grass is greener on the other side, or if it glitters it must be gold which can leave faithful people wondering what's going on.  The life style of the rich and famous can, on a shallow level, look very inviting.  In Mathew 6:21 and Luke 12:34 we learn that where our treasure is, our heart is there also.  Finding joy in the riches of this world is living in a dreamworld.  Our reality and our identity lies in God.  Our hope is found in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Asaph was able to awaken to the truth that happiness and hope can be a reality, but it is based on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness.  Let's continue to pray for a great awakening.





Randi

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Well I am the last post for the chilly month of March.  Very happy that it is behind us now and that we will move ahead to some warmth...I hope.  These bones are getting older each day and require some sunshine.

After reading the post from Jose, I would like to focus on Psalm 72.  Within these verses there are numerous mentions of the Lord's desire to defend the afflicted and save the children of the needy.  We are the needy, and only the Lord can protect and save our children because He alone sees them 24/7.  The Lord blesses us with children, but at some point in our lives, after we have raised them to the best of our abilities, we need to rededicate them to the Lord.  Many of us have memories of what we were like when we were younger, and personally, there are a lot of memories that I would prefer to forget! 

I do not know what my children think and do from day to day, but my prayer is consistent.  I pray that the Lord set them on a track that will bring them to Him so that they will learn from where their strength comes.  I pray that the Holy Spirit fills whatever void is within them and that they learn to love and serve as our Master taught us.

As stated in 72:14 - He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in His sight.

It is a big and somewhat scary world in which we live, and I pray that the Lord will keep all the needy parents in mind as we pray for the children who are precious in His sight.