Saturday, May 30, 2015

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Has anyone in a position of authority ever threatened you undeservedly? Have you ever felt like you were melting with fear at what they would do? Maybe it was a boss that said you could possibly lose your job. Maybe it was a government official that was trying to change things in your eyes for the worse. Maybe it was someone that you looked up to that made you feel like something bad could happen to you. In any case, I believe that all of us have felt fear or anxiety at one time or another over what future events could possibly bring due to a person in power over us.

Although Jesus never felt fear, He was put in situations that would’ve bred fear in any of us. For instance, in one case Pilate tried to intimidate Jesus with his position of authority. He said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Don’t you realize I have the power either to free you or to crucify you?” (John 19:10). Essentially Pilate told Jesus in so many words, I have the power to let you go on living or to put you to death in one of the most gruesome, inhumane ways possible, by nailing your hands and feet to a cross so that you die slowly and painfully.

Most people during that time as well as today would’ve melted with fear. The majority of people would’ve replied to Pilate’s question by asking, “What do I need to do in order to be set free?” Jesus, on the other hand, replied to Pilate’s question with a statement that I believe caused some fear to invade Pilate’s heart. Jesus stated, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

Even in the midst of facing death on a cross, Jesus was not intimidated, fearful, or anxious. He knew that God had allowed this great injustice to occur so that God’s will would ultimately be done on earth. Jesus did not deserve to be flogged, to be beaten with a whip or stick. He did not deserve to be spit on, mocked, and ultimately murdered.  Yet, Jesus’ heart said, “Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” Our God is good, perfect, and holy.  Her, in this sinful world, He permits evil to happen. The evil is allowed in order for a greater good to take place. The greatest good that could have ever taken place was Jesus willfully dying on the cross so that the world could be saved!

There have been men and women that have followed Jesus’ actions, and even His words, in the face of death. The night before Dr. King was assassinated he spoke the following words to at a rally in Memphis: “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land! And so I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. My eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!”

Lord, I pray that we can have the courage of Jesus even when we are put in situations where we are unjustly accused or threatened. Give us boldness and the mindset that Jesus possessed. Help us to realize that You are ultimately in control and that all that you allow in this sinful world will be used for a greater good. Help us to remember that You are God and that there is no authority greater than You. Help us to have the mentality, “Yet not my will, but Yours be done.” We love You God. We fear not for the Lord our God is with us. May Your will be done.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen

May 29

Psalm 119

Yesterday two incidents occurred that are memorable. The first is Kathie and I ordered coffee at a Dunkin Donuts and the young clerk completed the order by pushing the senior citizen discount button. We had not requested the 10% but there must have been something senior-like in our appearance that caused her to push that button. The second incident is why we were ordering the coffee. We were traveling up to the Cape to celebrate our 40^th wedding anniversary. When I reflect on those 40 years, my first thought is how quickly they have passed. They say time passes quickly when you are having fun; well, we just completed a 40-year party. Another reflection is the question of how we made it. What special strategy did we have in place that enabled us to make it 40 years? The secret strategy is found in our reading today, Psalm 119:105:  "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."  The Word of God has guided us through every high and low point in our marriage. It has given us wisdom when we faced critical forks in the road. The Word has encouraged us when we were tempted to give up. God has used his Word to supply actual steps we needed to take so our relationship would thrive. In the end we testify that our marriage has blossomed not because we are special people but because we serve a special God. We owe everything to his guidance and direction each step of our journey. We want to encourage you to also commit yourself to reading his Word each day and allowing it to transform your life.

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, May 28

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

2 Samuel 13:1–39

John 17:1–26

Psalm 119:81–96

Proverbs 16:6,7

 

 

In John 17, we read Jesus’s great High Priestly prayer before heading to the Cross.  The prayer naturally includes many references to God’s sovereignty, and Jesus’s praises and requests provide insight into God’s desires for us individually and corporately as the Church.

 

Jesus explains that “now this is eternal life:  that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”  (John 17:3)  Eternal life begins and ends with a relationship (to “know” God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ).  It doesn’t center around God’s blessings or our actions, but rather it focuses on the relationship between God and His children.  When we align our heart-desires with knowing God more deeply, we will experience the joy and peace of eternal life, which continues from the moment of trusting Christ for salvation into forever.

 

Jesus then highlights several elements by which truth permeates and transforms the human heart:  “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.  Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you.  For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.” (John 17:6–8)  God the Father directed the Lord Jesus Christ to reveal Himself to certain disciples, who then obeyed His Word.  They accepted the “words” from God, “knew with certainty” that Jesus came from God the Father, and then “believed.”  God similarly reveals Himself through Christ in the lives of even modern-day disciples, speaking to us through His Word and then proving His genuine provenance from the Father.  Believing in His Name, disciples then become obedient unto Christ and bring “glory” to Him (John 17:10)

 

Jesus then offers three requests on behalf of His disciples and the forthcoming throng of believers:  for the Word so that they might overcome trouble; for protection; and for love or unity.  The Word would allow the believers to become sanctified (“set apart”) for the Kingdom.  God would sovereignly choose to reveal His Word, but, for those who had trusted in Christ, the continued revelation of the Word would effectively carry them through the world.  Recognizing that His followers will remain in the world, living as salt and light, Jesus also prayed for our protection.  He anticipated the world’s persecution and disapproval, but this prayer suggests that the Kingdom would ultimately prevail.  Lastly, Jesus urges that His followers would live in unity, both experiencing and revealing the Communion of the Trinity for the sake of advancing the Kingdom.

 

I find it heartening to consider that God would desire our unity or love as believers to play such a role in evangelism.  It is a great joy to co-labor with Him to this end.  Still, when we consider the calling, we often fall short.  God set us into motion with unity through giving us of the same Spirit, but, in our sinful pride, we each wish to “go our own way.”  The division and enmity between believers takes away from the glory of God.  Thinking about these shortcomings causes me to wonder, “How may I become more fully surrendered to the Kingdom’s purposes so that my selfishness won’t be a hindrance?  How may I promote unity and demonstrate godly love?”  How about for you?

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your great provision for Your children.  We give You all praise and honor, for You, Lord, have revealed Yourself to us by Your good pleasure.  Thank You for this privilege!  We join You in asking the Father for a greater revelation through Your Word, protection from the evil one, and deeper love and unity among our Body.  Strengthen us to bring glory to Your Name.  In Your Name, amen.

________________________________________
1) Blog:                  http://bit.ly/rV1Cw1

2) Facebook:        http://on.fb.me/tc6jkS

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

2 Samuel 9:1-11:27
John 15:1-27
Psalm 119:49-64
Proverbs 16:1-3

Lately I have been hearing the phrase repeatedly - put God first in your life and things will fall into place.  I asked a dear friend yesterday....how do I put God first in my life?  Is there a certain way to do this?  How do I know if I am putting God first in my life?  Her answer was to act and speak as Jesus would.  Before you say or do something, think about it with Jesus at the center of your decision.  In this way, God will be leading you and thus be at the center of your life and coming first in all of your decisions.  I guess sometimes I just try to complicate or over-think my life.

I read 2 Samuel 9:1-11:27 and considered how David tried to "show kindness" to different individuals.  Some like Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, were deeply honored that the king would notice a "dog like me", a cripple.   Yet others like Hanun, son of the Ammonite king, Nahash, was misled by his adviser and mistrusted David's intentions to repay the kindness Nahash had shown to David.  Thus ensued yet another war after the disgrace of David's men.

David was trying to repay the kindness shown to him by many....then, the way of the world took over.  He saw Bathsheba, desired her, had his way with her, and then had her husband killed on the battlefield.  Obviously, David did not have the Lord at the center of his life at this point in time.  Eventually, he realized what he did was very wrong, but through his repentance, the Lord forgave him as the Lord always did with David.  David was indeed a man after God's own heart.

So after thinking about how I am supposed to put God first in my life, it came as quite a surprise when my verses for Tuesday so easily answered my questions.  John 15:5 - "I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me, you can do nothing."  Remain in Jesus, act, think and do as He would - that is putting Him first.  The clincher came when I got to Proverbs 16:3 - "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed".  There are no coincidences - the Lord Himself gave me the answer to my question.  How amazing is that!!   Praise God!

May 27

2 Samuel 12

God commissioned Nathan to confront David with his sin.  Nathan, using great skill and tact, had to creatively make David realize that what he did was wrong.  We all need a friend like Nathan who will, in truth and love, hold up a mirror so we can come to repentance when we can't see for ourselves that we are treading in dangerous waters. I think  we also need to cultivate within us a heart like David.  As I read further into this account, I learned that it was  during this trial that David wrote Psalms 32 and 51.  ( Ref. Amplified Study Bible pg. 464)  "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions, wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin" (51:1-2)  A true cry of repentance.  We all have, at some point, been on our knees, face to the floor crying for mercy. I believe that's where the forgiveness found in God's loving nature begins. "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit" (32:1-2).  This type of forgiveness can only come from God. God wants us to bring our transgressions before Him so He can forgive us.  As a matter of fact, not only does He want to forgive us, He provided a way for us to experience the joy of forgiveness, at the Cross, through Jesus.  Lord, I pray for my brothers and sisters that as a body of Christ we turn to each other in truth and love and are true friends. I pray Lord that we seek Your face and turn our hearts to you in sincere repentance.  I pray Father that we learn there is forgiveness at the Cross and the blood that was shed for us covers our transgressions and washes away our sins.  "O Lord open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise"  (51:15)






Randi

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Sunday, May 24, 2015

You may have noticed that I haven't written on the past two Sundays. I've been struggling with what to write and what to say. I always pray before I read the passage and ask for wisdom and understanding and for the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and show me what to write. And even so, when I start to think about what to write, I've felt the words "hypocrite" and "fraud". "You try to write about spiritual things and yet you are so broken. Your family is in turmoil and you just can't seem to get your act together. Who are you to encourage other people?"

Jesus words? Absolutely not!! Words straight from the enemy's mouth. The spiritual battle rages on and on.

So, yes. I am broken. And yes. I am a sinner. And yes. I cannot live this life without wrapping myself in the full body cast of my Lord and Savior. I will not let the enemy shut my mouth and I will lean on Jesus and trust that he will strengthen me and protect me. The words of Psalm 119:28-32 will be my scripture for today.

"My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands; for you have set my heart free."

Amen and Amen


Sent from my iPad

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Saturday, May 23, 2015 [by Keesha Sullivan]     

At times, I feel alone when things go wrong, especially with friendships. I have lost very few friends, but when it does happen it is definitely a painful process. Last year, I lost a friend of over a decade. I felt betrayed and sad. Even with the betrayal, I still wanted to reconcile, but it wasn’t going to be possible. As I read the May 23rd passage, I realized that I definitely wasn’t alone when it came to being betrayed by a loved one.     

Jesus said, “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill scripture: He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me” (John 13:18). Jesus was referring to Judas Iscariot, one of his beloved disciples, helping the Pharisees murder Jesus. Jesus had had poured his heart into Judas, and He loved him. Although He had cared for Judas, Judas was poised to not only turn his back on Jesus, but to help others kill him.     

As I thought about what occurred with Jesus, I thought about the verse that says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). I also thought about how I needed even more healing from this pain. Since Jesus understood, He was and is the Perfect Person from whom to receive healing.     

Over the last several weeks, I’ve been placing my hand over my heart and asking God to heal the pain. My heart has been healing as He continues to touch. He also continues to speak to me, as He did through these verses, to let me know He understands. He has been through the pain of broken relationships and has been well acquainted with abandonment. Jesus has been THROUGH all of these heartaches…and has made it to the other side without bitterness or resentment.  That’s why He has the answers and the healing power to make our hearts whole again.    

Thank You Lord that when we go through painful circumstances that You heal our hearts and help us to move on. Thank You Lord that we have a God that understands and empathizes with what we go through. We love you so much and we need You. Please continue to heal our hearts from whatever burdens we are carrying. Fill us with Your love and Your incredible peace. Help us to remember that You have the power to completely heal our hurts from whatever wounds this world inflicts. Thank You that we can be of good cheer, because You have overcome the world and its sinful nature. In Jesus Name we pray Amen 

May 22

John 12 

Have you ever heard the voice of God? One cannot open the Bible without encountering a very articulate God. I can personally testify that God is still speaking to those who have ears to hear. There is not a week that goes by where I do not hear his voice through the Word, through the whisper and guidance of the Holy Spirit, through the counsel of close friends; he even speaks through the circumstances of life. I testify that this personal guidance from God has significantly impacted the direction of my life.

Which brings us to John 12, it the Monday before Good Friday and Jesus can already see the shadow of the cross growing. This inevitable struggle with Satan and death must have been weighing heavily on his heart. He was in desperate need of encouragement. That is when he heard the voice.

 "Father, glorify your name!"  Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.  Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine."  John 12:28-30  

Notice the different levels of hearing between three distinct groups; the crowd, the curious and the committed. Three messages were heard at this event.

1. The crowd heard thunder. They knew something happened out of the ordinary but they couldn't pick up on the message.

2. The curious heard an angel. They knew it was a spiritual source but the voice was still muffled.

3. The committed heard the voice of the Father. It was God the Father who said, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."

The committed know the voice of the Father. Which leads to the question, when was the last time you heard the voice of God? If you have never heard God's voice, it isn't God with the problem. By nature he is continuously articulate. The problem lies in us. To hear the voice of God we must desperately seek it and we must quiet our hearts. God will not speak above the sounds of our culture. So this Memorial weekend take some time, read the Bible, and quietly sit before the lord asking him to speak to you. 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, May 21

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015

1 Samuel 29:1–31:13

John 11:55–12:19

Psalm 118:1–18

Proverbs 15:24–26

 

 

With today’s reading, we begin looking at Psalm 118.  This psalm marks the middle chapter of the New and Old Testaments, taken together, and sits wedged between the shortest and longest chapters in the Bible (Psalm 117 and Psalm 119).  Psalm 118 marks the final psalm in the Egyptian Hallel, stretching from Psalms 113 to 118.  Jewish tradition held that, at the Passover meal, families would sing Psalms 113 and 114 before the meal and Psalms 115 to 118 after the meal.  According to Matthew 26:30, Jesus and His disciples followed this tradition:  “When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

 

Given this unique placement in the story of redemption through Christ, Psalm 118’s contents take on a blended Davidic-Messianic context.  The original context suggests a song of thanksgiving in remembrance of national deliverance, with Psalm 118:5–21 coming from the king’s mouth.  Looking at these words as speaking of Jesus the Messiah, we may read of His leading God’s children into the freedom of redemption and, consequently, into praise.

 

Psalm 118:5–21 mingles a remembrance of God’s deliverance and praise for His mercy.  The psalmist reminds us not to trust in mortal humans.  Instead, we should remember that “the Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.” (118:6)

 

Not only will He remain close to us, He will actively intervene on our behalf, fighting our battles.  While we may not fight physical battles against enemy nations, we all face spiritual attacks and flaming arrows of lies and deceit.  His victory comes with our active participation in fighting back:  “… in the name of the Lord I cut them down,” which the psalmist repeats three times in vv. 10–12.  Praise God for the amazing image and truth in v. 12:  “They swarmed around me like bees,/ but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns… ”  I struggle sometimes to trust in God’s victory in light of those “hard-pressed” moments and thank Him for reminding me that we may overcome through His strength.

 

Studying Psalm 118:17–21 from a Messianic context, we find suggestions of Jesus’s triumphant righteousness of all those who would trust in Him.  He speaks of a coming Resurrection in vv. 17,18:

 

“I will not die but live,

                and will proclaim what the Lord has done.

The Lord has chastened me severely,

                but he has not given me over to death.”

 

 

Even though the Lord Jesus Christ would suffer separation from God, His Resurrection would declare the ultimate victory over sin and death.

 

Jesus would apply v. 22 to Himself:  “The stone the builders rejected/ has become the cornerstone… ”  While the Roman and Jewish leadership would crucify the Lord Jesus Christ, He would become the cornerstone of the Kingdom of God.  Because He has sacrificially given Himself, we may “rejoice today and be glad” in His salvation.

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your chastening that brought us peace.  Thank You for standing in our place to secure victory over spiritual enemies in this lifetime and build a Kingdom for Yourself.  Thank You that we may participate with You in that Kingdom and that we have great hope and joy for today and forever.  Give us greater clarity regarding the security of our hope in You.  Cause us to become more grateful and to honor You out of reverence for all You have done.  In Your Name, amen.

________________________________________
1) Blog:                  http://bit.ly/rV1Cw1

2) Facebook:        http://on.fb.me/tc6jkS

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Tuesday/Wednesday, May 19-20, 2015

Once again, I have missed my weekly Bible post.  I also neglected to take my Bible on a recent vacation.  I will be back on track next week and the vacation was enjoyable except for the multitude of bug bites I received.

Even though I did not read my assignment, and I don't want to upset anyone, there is such a great feeling when you kneel on the silky smooth sands of the Bahamas in crystal clear water and pray to the Lord God Almighty.  I lifted my eyes to the sky and was amazed by the beauty He has created, and I thanked Him for the chance to enjoy the peace and love that He sends to us each day.

Also, my knees did not hurt when I was able to stand.  The water down there can be pretty shallow in many parts.  God bless you all!

May 18: Of knowing, hearing and listening...and of obeying

1 Samuel 22:1-23:29
John 10:1-21
Psalm 115:1-18
Proverbs 15:18-19

Does anyone else have the same problem I do? Does anyone else struggle to really understand, and really appreciate in a way that transforms them, the words Jesus speaks in today's NT reading? I have read the passage about the Good Shepherd countless times. I've been familiar with the concept since childhood - even my favorite strawberry jam growing up was from a place called Good Shepherd Convent. So I get the whole "sheep know the shepherd's voice and follow the shepherd, and ignore the unfamiliar voice who is only there to steal them" idea...but I struggle to appropriate it, to make it meaningful in my life as fully as I think it should be.

The problem cannot be with Him - He's said as much: "I know my sheep". The problem must then lie with me - I do not know Him well enough, which is why I remain so very distracted, unable to focus on His Words in scripture, unable to sit quietly and listen for Him during prayer time. How different from David who, when he inquired of the Lord, so very clearly heard what God had to say, and in his obedience he was saved from Saul's clutches.

Wouldn't it be amazing to be able to hear the voice of God the way David did? And yet there is no reason why we shouldn't - Christ Himself tells us we will know His voice.

Father, Who knows our voices and hears our prayers, grant us please the stillness of heart and mind and the closeness of relationship with You that will allow us to hear and know Your voice. Then give us the courage and the desire to act on what we hear. Amen.

Re: May 15

Amen, we need faith like David to taken on the enemy

Aila

On 2015-05-15 15:28, Scott Taylor wrote:
> 1 Samuel 17
>
> David taught us how to pray today. "You come against me with sword
> and speak and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord
> Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."
>
> The object of David's faith was the Lord. David did have faith in
> his own skills and abilities, but he ultimately had overwhelming faith
> in the God who would win the victory. From King Saul's perspective,
> Goliath was too big to hit. From David's perspective, Goliath was
> too big to miss.
>
> Today we find ourselves in a spiritual battle against Satan. Everyday
> Satan gets up and challenges people with lies, intimidate and
> destruction. Who is going to fight against him?
>
> We can't sit around and wait for God to fight this battle. We must
> engage our enemy. The only victory is through prayer.
>
> _Satan, I resist you and all of your demons in the person and power of
> the Lord Jesus Christ. I submit to the Lordship and control of the
> Lord Jesus, and I bring the power of my Lord's incarnation, His
> crucifixion, His resurrection, His ascension, and His glorification
> directly to focus against you and all your work against me. I claim my
> union with the Lord Jesus Christ, and I resist you. I force you to
> flee from before the truth of God. I also pray this protection over my
> brothers and sisters who find themselves in the battle today. I pray
> for Grace Church as we prepare to gather together this Sunday. I
> invite the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of those spiritually blinded,
> to convict those in rebellion and to manifest yourself to those who
> are seeking. Lord you are our victory and nothing can resist your
> powerful name. Amen!!!_
>
> --
>
> _"Multiplying leaders to change the world"_

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Saturday, May 16, 2015

28 When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, 29 Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days. (1 Samuel 18:28-29)

Insecurity can be a life-threatening disease.  It can steal, kill, and destroy the life of its host and, potentially, the lives of those around the host.  A few of the symptoms are:

 

1.  Self-deprecation (constantly putting yourself down),

2.  Pride (confidence built upon the illusion that “you did it” all by yourself)

3.  Jealousy (seeing “the best” in others and wanting it for yourself)

Saul was a man who had these symptoms.  After Samuel prophesied over Saul’s life about his future as Israel’s first king, Saul replied with excuses why he was unworthy. “I’m a Benjamite, from the smallest clan in Benjamin” - I’m not worthy! (1 Sam. 9:21)  Yet, it didn’t take long for Saul to have a few successes and begin to become proud - so proud that he built a monument to himself. (1 Sam. 15:1-12)  And, having been rejected by the Lord as king because of his disobedience, Saul became jealous of David, his replacement, a man after God’s own heart.  His jealousy burned into anger to the point of attempted murder.  It was clear that Saul was capable of being king, but something was wrong from the very beginning.

Saul never confronted his insecurities.  The dictionary defines insecurity as being “lack of confidence or assurance; self-doubt; instability.”  From this definition it seems that insecurity is a bad thing.  However, insecurity only becomes a full-blown disease when it is not confronted by the security we have in Jesus Christ.  God was not looking for a self-confident and self-assured person to serve Him as king of Israel.  God was looking for a person like David who, when reminded of his lack of experience to fight a warrior like Goliath, responded by saying, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Sam. 17:33-37)  David showed how insecure he was in his own abilities by constantly affirming his confidence in God’s abilities.  

There are many times when I don’t feel like I have what it takes to be a good husband, a faithful minister, or a competent leader - times when the weight of the what I’m facing makes me insecure and shaky.  I praise God that He invites us to “cast [our] cares on the Lord and he will sustain [us]; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)  I thank Jesus for the truth He spoke saying, “I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  I will never be enough for what God is calling me to be and to do without Him working in me and through me.  Our victory is in constantly admitting our insecurities, inabilities and weaknesses.  But, for this admission to bear fruit it must be done in humility and faith before Our Almighty God who reminds us through Paul saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  When we are weak, then we are strong.

May 15

1 Samuel 17

David taught us how to pray today. "You come against me with sword and speak and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." 

The object of David's faith was the Lord. David did have faith in his own skills and abilities, but he ultimately had overwhelming faith in the God who would win the victory. From King Saul's perspective, Goliath was too big to hit. From David's perspective, Goliath was too big to miss.

Today we find ourselves in a spiritual battle against Satan. Everyday Satan gets up and challenges people with lies, intimidate and destruction. Who is going to fight against him? 

We can't sit around and wait for God to fight this battle. We must engage our enemy. The only victory is through prayer.   

Satan, I resist you and all of your demons in the person and power of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I submit to the Lordship and control of the Lord Jesus, and I bring the power of my Lord's incarnation, His crucifixion, His resurrection, His ascension, and His glorification directly to focus against you and all your work against me. I claim my union with the Lord Jesus Christ, and I resist you. I force you to flee from before the truth of God. I also pray this protection over my brothers and sisters who find themselves in the battle today. I pray for Grace Church as we prepare to gather together this Sunday. I invite the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of those spiritually blinded, to convict those in rebellion and to manifest yourself to those who are seeking. Lord you are our victory and nothing can resist your powerful name.   Amen!!!

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, May 14

THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2015

1 Samuel 15:1–16:23

John 8:1–20

Psalm 110:1–7

Proverbs 15:8–10

 

 

“The Lord has sworn

                and will not change his mind:

‘You are a priest forever,

                in the order of Melchizedek.’” (Psalm 110:4)

 

 

Today’s Psalm 110 speaks clearly of the coming Messiah and discusses His reign and eternal Priesthood.  To understand these truths better, we may look to a key passage from Hebrews to glean what this reference to Melchizedek implies for us.

 

Echoing Psalm 110:4, in Hebrews 7, the author explains that Jesus serves as the Great High Priest, interceding for those who have trusted in Him.  In this manner, He fulfills the “mediator” role that Paul discusses in 1 Timothy 2:5.  For those clothed with Christ’s righteousness, God no longer holds their sin against them, fulfilling the promise of Isaiah 1:18:  “Though your sins are like scarlet,/ they shall be as white as snow;/ though they are red as crimson,/ they shall be like wool.”  Only in Christ may we find this transformation.  Praise God for His indescribable gift!

 

What makes Jesus’s Priesthood worthy and legitimate to bring about this great salvation?  The author of Hebrews points to two key factors:  its permanence and the Priest’s perfection. 

 

He carries on this discussion with reference to Melchizedek, who, like Jesus, served both in the king and priest roles.  Melchizedek served as king over Salem, which would later become Jerusalem, and provided priestly duties upon meeting Abraham and his men.  Melchizedek receives an offering from Abraham, which signified that the father of the Israelites owed no debt to any king but the Lord.  This Melchizedek serves as a type or prefiguration for the Lord Jesus Christ, as the author of Hebrews explains.

 

The author of Hebrews views Jesus’s permanent priesthood as setting aside the old covenant, which “made nothing perfect.”  The “better hope,” in the Personhood of Christ, allows His followers to “draw near to God.”  This change in the priesthood required a change in the law.

 

Jesus serves forever according to the oath sworn to Him by God the Father:  “You are a priest forever.”  This permanence allows Jesus to “become the guarantor of a better covenant.”  Because He has risen from the dead, He remains the living God – “the same yesterday, today, and forever” – and therefore His priesthood continues through all eternity.  By His blood, He may intercede for anyone at any time.  This readiness allows Him to “save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”  What an awesome promise!  Our salvation rests on promises and guarantees, sealed with the sturdy, solid trustworthiness of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Jesus’s priesthood also rested on His perfection, “the power of an indestructible life.”  His worthiness to serve as priest did not rest on His ancestry; in fact, Jesus descended from Judah:  “in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.”

 

The author of Hebrews talks about this “indestructible life” as being “holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.”  God desires holiness in His people (1 Peter 1:15,16), but we consistently fall short.  Prior to Jesus’s coming, God instituted the Levitical priests to “offer sacrifices day after day, first for their own sins, and then for the sins of the people.”  This priesthood required consistent application and pointed directly toward the promise of a new Priest.  The Levitical priesthood also established the means of salvation:  “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22)

 

This perfect Priest therefore supersedes the human priesthood:  “For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.”  Through our knowledge and trust in this Priest, we may “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.”  What a joy to be able to approach the One Who has created us!

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your permanent and perfect Priesthood.  Thank You for interceding on our behalf through shedding Your precious blood and providing a secure means of becoming children of God.  Deepen our trust in You, and help us to grow in our grateful celebration of Your provision.  Give us opportunities to share this amazing news with our loved ones and neighbors.  To You be all praise, honor, and glory forever and ever!  Amen.

________________________________________
1) Blog:                  http://bit.ly/rV1Cw1

2) Facebook:        http://on.fb.me/tc6jkS

May 13

1 Samuel 14

When I was reading about Saul I couldn't help but think of the old expression "You can' judge a book by it's cover". Saul had a good physical appearance, and he was known for his personal courage, but his leadership abilities didn't match the expectations created by his appearance.  As we go through the reading we learn he lacked communication skills, created a curse that jeopardized his son's life, and ignored the safety of his soldiers. I don't think his impulsive nature was a character flaw. Much like my own weaknesses, I think his mistakes came from lack of focus on God.  This was the topic of our small group discussion last night.  When we misplace our focus and take our eyes off of God, our weakness becomes magnified. Our weaknesses should always be our reminder of our desperate need for God's guidance. After many years of bad decisions, Saul finally realized he couldn't turn to God as a last resort and built his first alter to God.  The confirming lesson I learned from this is that I have to go to God in prayer first.  When I admit I'm weak, that's when God fills me with his strength.  Appearance is nothing but an empty shell when we don't seek God first.  Lord I pray we all continue to seek you first before we make any decisions and that our weaknesses remain constant reminders of our desperate need for you.




Randi

May 11: The Falsehood of Good Intentions

1 Samuel 10:1-11:15

John 6:43-71

Psalm 107:1-43

Proverbs 15:1-3

In Jn 6:32 is where the fragility of the faith of those who left begins to appear, it would seem - when Jesus claims to know of a bread greater than Moses, and then claims to be that very bread in verse 35.  He goes further, declaring that trust in the heavenly bread - in Him - is God's will, God being Jesus's Father.  So at the end of yesterday's NT reading, we see people begin to challenge His teachings - after all, isn't He just the Son of Joseph?  We know his parents!  What is He talking about?

We pick it up in v43 today, and Jesus, rather than being sympathetic or conciliatory, admonishes them - stop grumbling!  And He doubles down, citing the Prophets as further evidence of His saving nature, of His divinity.  At this point, it seems like many in the audience are merely looking for reason to justify disagreement, no longer searching for the truth behind His words.  There is no longer the humility one would expect of a disciple listening to a teacher, giving the teacher's words the benefit of the doubt.  Why the change?  I can only guess, not having been there myself, but it would seem as though at this point, Jesus diverged from their preconceived notion of the Messiah, and what the Messiah would do.  It seems that at this point, it became apparent to them that salvation was going to have to require some effort on their part, perhaps effort they did not want to have to make.  Perhaps they were looking for a Savior who would do everything for them.  And so when it became apparent they had things to do themselves to enjoy salvation, they were unable to accept it: "This is a hard teaching."  And this is why "from this time, many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him."

How often do we see that today, in bodies as large as entire churches, to single individuals such as ourselves - all deciding God couldn't be God, His Word couldn't be right - because it wasn't what we wanted?  Because it wasn't what makes us feel good?  It certainly seems to happen a lot.  I certainly try to excuse my sins, citing the worthiness of the best of intentions, as if that made any difference in the light of God's Word.  

I don't know if it was bravado, or a lack of alternatives, but whatever it was, I want to learn, I want my family to learn, to respond to these situations the way Peter did.  We know he was strong and proud to the point of arrogance; we know he was a bit of a coward; we know he wasn't necessarily very smart - but through all of that, what he was, was faithful.  When faced with similar situations, as we will be throughout our lives, may we always find ourselves answering "Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  You are the Holy One of God."

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Saturday, May 9, 2015  [by Keesha Sullivan]

John 6:  "More Than Enough"

After over 40 years of marriage, he could not stand to see his wife in pain anymore. From the time she woke up until the time she went to sleep, she would have fitful bouts of pain. He knelt down by her bedside and laid his hand on her belly as she slept. He looked at her lovingly and then turned his face upward and closed his eyes. “Lord, please take the pain away. Please, Lord,” he quietly whispered not to wake her as tears welled up in his eyes. He went downstairs to begin preparing food for her and not even an hour later, Jesus took this man’s beautiful bride to heaven. God had heard his prayer.  

Anyone that knew this couple knew how much they loved one another. When we heard of her passing, Kenny and I prayed about whether to attend the funeral. It was out of state and we would have to fly. God gave us the green light. Because the flight had to be quick, it was going to be expensive. We agreed that we couldn’t out-bless God, so we took a leap of faith. We got back to find our account full. We had a surplus that not only covered the flight, but that left us with more than we needed.

We assumed that we had miscalculated some bills somewhere, but w

e

really

knew

Who

was responsible for this overflow.

In the scripture we read for today, it said, “5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do” (John 6: 5-6). I believe that Jesus was calling for his disciples to take a leap of faith. He wanted them to look past the physical realm and into the spiritual. He wanted them to look past the lack of money and food and to see God’s abundance. He was teaching them to "think like sheep," for if the Lord is Our Shepherd we are never lacking in anything - we have all

that

we need (and then some), regardless of how the circumstances present themselves (Psalm 23:1).

“8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (John 6:8). Jesus answers the question pretty promptly by praying to His Father and giving thanks. God took the lack of food, the five loaves and two fish, and fed the crowds. In addition to feeding them, they had twelve baskets left over.

Lord, help us to see past our physical circumstances. Help us to see your plentiful provision. Help us to look to you from where our resources and help come from. Fill us Lord and bless us with a renewed way of thinking. We need you, and we truly love you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Thursday, May 7

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

1 Samuel 1:1–2:21

John 5:1–23

Psalm 105:37–45

Proverbs 14:28,29

 

 

1 Samuel opens at the tail end of the tumultuous period described in the last several chapters of Judges.  As with the story of Ruth, the story of Samuel’s birth and his rise as prophet speak to the ability of righteous men and women to make a difference in a challenging environment that has turned away from exalting God as King.

 

In the story of Hannah, we find a humble, gentle servant who diligently seeks God’s face during her time of infertility.  She dedicates her firstborn to the Lord’s service in her vow (1 Samuel 1:11), to become a Nazirite dedicated to purity.  As she poured out her heart before the Lord, her deep emotion caused her lips to quiver.  Observing her, Eli demanded that she stop her drunkenness.  Just this reference to a drunken person in front of the Lord’s presence highlights the shallow commitment to God that marked this era in Israel’s history.

 

God ultimately honors Hannah’s sincerity and faithfulness, and she appropriately names her son Samuel (“heard of God”), remarking, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”  While we may seek God’s blessing for our personal benefits, Hannah’s attitude of seeking to “partner with” God in His work provides an excellent role model for us.  Her husband Elkanah wisely allows Hannah to honor the promise that she has made before the Lord.  Eli then receives encouragement from hearing this testimony of God’s faithfulness, too, as Hannah presented Samuel before the Lord.

 

Hannah’s beautiful prayer contains wonderful descriptions of the sovereign power and authority of our God the King.  Her faith stands apart from this time when “Israel had no kind; everyone did as he saw fit.” (Judges 17:6)  May her declaration and trust in God’s faithfulness become ours:

 

“There is no one holy like the Lord;

    there is no one besides you;

    there is no Rock like our God.”

 

“The Lord brings death and makes alive;
    he brings down to the grave and raises up.
The Lord sends poverty and wealth;
    he humbles and he exalts.
He raises the poor from the dust
    and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes
    and has them inherit a throne of honor.

 

For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s;
    on them he has set the world.
He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,
    but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.” (1 Samuel 2:2,6–9)

 

 

Lord God, we humbly seek You as Hannah did.  Help us to partner with You in Your Kingdom work – not for our glory, but to the glory of Your Name.  Allow us to have our desires transformed in Your presence, and then grant us the desires of our hearts.  We love You and thank You for Your encouraging presence with us.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

________________________________________
1) Blog:                  http://bit.ly/rV1Cw1

2) Facebook:        http://on.fb.me/tc6jkS

May 8

1 Samuel 3 

One of my favorite movies of all time is "Field Of Dreams." It is the story of Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer who in the middle of his corn field hears a voice speaking to him. The voice says, "If you build it, he will come." The conflict in the movie is how Ray will respond to the voice. Will he obey the voice and take the risk of financial collapse, or will he play it safe and raise corn.

This is not a Christian movie but the parallels are obvious. We are people who have heard a voice from another world. It is a voice from beyond the physical, material, and financially focused world. Not everyone has heard the voice. But we have heard the voice, now what will we do?

92% of Americans believe in God. But does this God still speak?  If he does, has he spoken to them?  If he has spoken to them, have they obeyed the voice?  These are the critical questions that we must each answer.

Samuel was one of the mightiest men of God. It is no coincidence his first assignment from God necessitated that he learns how to hear God's voice. Samuel's ability to hear the voice was his most important priority.

There are lots of voices speaking to us in 2015. Every day we hear the voices of government officials, we hear the voices of media people, friends, bosses, and family. But is there any more important voice than God's?

A few observations on the voice of God:

1. It is a real voice that speaks in our language. Not every one hears the voice audibly, but we certainly hear his whisper in our hearts and our conscience.

2. His voice can be heard in his Word the Bible.

3. It is a friendly voice. It will not ask you to violate anything in his written Word.

4. His voice is a quiet whisper. We must be silent to hear it. When was the last time you sat quietly for an hour?

5. His voice is blocked by sin.

6. His voice speaks to young people, even elementary age children.

Prayer: Lord, teach us to listen. The times we live in are noisy, and our ears are weary with the 1000 raucous sounds which continuously assault them. Give us the spirit of the boy Samuel when he said to you, "Speak, for your servant is listening." Let us hear you speaking to our hearts. Help us to become acquainted to the sound of your voice. And then give us the courage to obey. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Savior and our articulate God. Amen.

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

May 6

John 4:50

Jesus replied "You may go.  Your son will live."  The man took Jesus at His word and departed.

When I read this passage this morning it made me stop and think - Do I take Jesus at His word - Do I truly trust in His Holiness and display the same kind of faith that the man did?  The royal offical came a long way to see Jesus.  Perhaps he had legal authority over Jesus, however he humbles himself immediately by calling Him "Sir."  In doing this he places himself under Jesus' Holy authority.  Unlike the others, this man trusted Jesus before he saw the miracle.  He believed and demonstrated his faith by being obedient and returning home.  It wasn't until he got there that he saw in the natural the miracle that took place the day before.  Throughout the gospels we read multiple accounts of Jesus' grace and holiness.  He performed miracles to increase the faith of everyone around Him,  I believe it's no different for us today. So as I sit in prayer this morning, lifting up to our Lord not only my own requests but those of others, I challenge myself to take Jesus at His word.  I place myself under His authority and  trust in His Holiness and will display my faith to my Lord by "departing" from the kitchen table and going about my day knowing that Jesus has heard my cries.   Lord I pray for my brothers and sisters that you give them the faith to do the same and I thank you Lord that as we pray, You are sending Your angels to attend to us and answer our prayers.  Lord increase our faith.




Randi

May 4: Choices, Obvious and Difficult

Judges 19:1-20:48
John 3:22-4:3
Psalm 104:24-35
Proverbs 14:22-24

Today's psalms give testament to the overwhelming power of God, and to how completely we can depend upon Him. It talks of how He created the sea, full of creatures, even Leviathan "which you formed to frolic there". Consider the idea of creation - of the formation of something from nothing. Man has not seen its process - anything we "create", we really only transform. We take wood and turn it into furniture. We take food and turn it into energy. We do not really create anything from nothing. But God did - and His creations are not inanimate - they are "living things both large and small".

His greatness does not end there. Where my sons might build something out of their Lego pieces, they then leave their "creation" on the shelf. God is different - He gives His creations "their food at the proper time"; and when He opens His hand, "they are satisfied with good things." As inexplicable are HIs decision to create us and His power to do so, so too is His desire to provide for us inexplicable as well. Yet there it is - He is faithful, and we can trust in His provision.

In that context, then, when confronted with difficulty, with pain and with troubles, as was the man whose concubine (whom he'd just reclaimed from her unfaithfulness) was brutally raped and murdered, when confronted with situations we cannot understand, situations that lead us to question where God was or whether He cared - we have a choice It is a difficult one, but make no mistake - it IS a choice. We can choose to focus on the situation we do not understand, or on the God Whom we know exists, trusting that He will give us our food at the proper time, and satisfy us with good things.

Typing while sitting in a train on the way to work, the right choice seems so obvious as to be silly. I pray that when, inevitably, God chooses to permit us the challenging situations we need to grow according to His will into the people He plans for us to become, that we will have such a relationship with Him that the choice will remain obvious, and will not be so difficult.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Praise the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. (Ps 104:1)

I love all that this Psalm has to say about how our God takes care of his creation. 'He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.' (Ps 104:5). 'They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.' (11-12)

I am just so in awe of God's creation. When I hear someone say that this all happened by chance, through evolution or whatever, I want to shout at them, "Open your eyes!! Look around you! Look how everything works together!! There is no way this is all an accident!"

God planted trees and brought water to keep them alive. Their branches became a place for birds to build their nests and provide us with the first music. Songs unique to each type of bird. Plants and berries provided food for the birds and even today, I believe that God stirs the hearts of some people to throw out bread or hang a bird feeder to keep the birds alive through the winter. I read about a certain flower in South America that has a very long, curved shape. The nectar and pollen lie at the base of the inside of the flower. Now can you guess what also lives in the very area where this flower grows? A certain type of humming bird, equipped with a very long, curved beak. The only bird that can reach the nectar and the pollen to keep bird and flower from becoming extinct. Accident? I think not. Divine design? Without a doubt.

I cannot help getting so excited about nature and how God caused it all to be with his spoken word. How awesome is the one who thought of every tiny detail!! How nothing was forgotten, not one mistake made. The more I think about how it all works, the more I want to praise God and thank him for opening my eyes and my heart to receive him.

Lord, let me never lose my childlike wonder of who you are and what you have done. I am excited to know that the best is yet to come. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Sent from my iPad

Saturday, May 3

Saturday, May 2, 2015

[Keesha Sullivan]

In the reading, Samson finds a fresh jawbone of a donkey and kills one thousand Philistines after they burn his former stepfather and wife to death. After the victory, "because he was very thirsty, he cried out to the Lord, 'You have given your servant this great victory. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?" (Judges 15:18). This passage stood out to me as I thought about Samson giving immediate glory to God for his victory and then asking God for water. His knowledge and awareness of God's power was more than evident in these verses. 

Samson knew that "every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17). I wonder how many times I have a victory and I don't give immediate glory to God and then ask for help with the next thing. Over the last several weeks, I've been learning a lot about the "god of me". The "god of me"steals God's glory and takes praises for the victory. The "god of me" tries to figure things out and refuses to humbly ask God for help. I've realized that I need to destroy, annihilate, and starve the "god of me." 

This past week our students have had to complete state testing on lap tops with Wi-Fi. When we tried to complete the practice test to ensure the state test would go flawlessly, we realized that we had some serious issues. Over ¾ of the students could not access the Wi-Fi. We were not able to complete the practice test due to the Wi-Fi problems. 

Teachers and students were fearful of what problems the real test would present. We knew that we had had some serious issues to overcome. Monday morning, I prayed to God. I asked Him for His help. I didn't want this testing week to turn into a debacle. I felt God's presence hovering over me as I prayed. I felt the atmosphere change. I knew He had heard and answered my prayer. 

Monday as well as the rest of this week the testing went flawlessly. Not one student was prevented from getting on the Wi-Fi. Teachers commented all week on how surprised they were at how easy this process went. I told them it was God. I gave Him the glory and got some weird looks from my colleagues at the same time.

In order to tear down the "god of me", I realized that I need to pray for everything. I need to pray for getting safely to work. I need to pray for God's protection throughout the day. I need to pray for my interactions with my beautiful students that I would show them the same unconditional love that my Heavenly Father shows me. If I pray and ask, it is much more likely that I will know Whothe victory came from when it comes. I will know Who to give the glory to. I will know Who to ask for help from the next time. 

Lord, help us to get rid of the "god of me" and to recognize there is only one true God. Help us to give Youglory for the victories that you give us each and every day, whether they are great or small. Help us to ask you for help instead of seeking to figure things out. Lord thank You for Samson's example in this reading passage. Help us to be more like him. We love you Lord. We thank You for being a God that gives us good and perfect gifts. In Jesus' name, we pray amen.