Bible Blog Post - June 30, 2020

2 Kings 17:1-18:12

Acts 20:1-38

Psalm 148:1-14

Proverbs 18:6-7

2 Kings - In this section of 2 Kings, we see a third and final invasion into Israel by the Assyrians that occurred as punishment from God for breaking away from His laws.  By this time He had given them ample warnings through various prophets sent to warn the Israelites. Yet, the kingdom of Israel, under Hoshea, finally fell to the invading Assyrians for discontinuing to pay tribute to Assyria, a penalty they had to deal with after breaking away from God.  It was repeated over and over again that: 

"the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. They worshipped other gods and followed the practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced." 2 Kings 17:7-8

It seems like a broken record to us when reading about the history of Israel and Judah through recorded texts.  It's easy for us to see the outcome of the poor choices they made, but this also raises a question.  How many times have you seen this in your own personal life?  How many times have you broken away from God's ways?  Once?  Twice?  Or, over and over again? Thankfully, The Lord our God is merciful and patient with us.  He is so merciful that He sent us His Son to wipe away our sins, but that still may not be enough to keep us from drifting away. When everyone around you is telling you "have it your way", "go ahead, it'll be fun", "you're not hurting anyone" etc., you must remember the words from God, "Do not do as they do." 2 Kings 17:15.  If we continue to do as others do, we may fall so far away that we may become unreachable.  Instead, we need to persevere against worldly and false views, for God's reward for us is unmeasurable and overshadows anything that the world offers. 

We should be like King Hezekiah, who was King of Judah while all this was happening to Israel.  We later read that Judah also ended up having to deal with the Assyrians.  The difference between Hoshea and Hezekiah was that Hezekiah was backed by the Lord because of his obedience to God's commands. 2 Kings 18:7.  He did not worship false gods or idols, or serve the King of Assyria.  He stayed close to God throughout his reign, and because of this, he showed great success and even confidence when he was confronted by the Assyrian King.

Psalm 148 is such a beautiful reminder of what we are called to do.  It's a calling to praise the Lord, no matter who, or what, or where we are.  Praising the Lord involves obedience, and obedience is something that we must have throughout our lives.

Written by Anthony :)

So Will I - Hillsong United

https://youtu.be/C2U7ffUM5Ec

bible blog post Monday June 29th

Tearing Down The House (Acts 19:1-20)

Years ago we had a customer with one of the most severe toxic mold issues in their basement, the foundation of their home.  There was no way to eradicate it and the health of the family living in the house was at risk.  The mold filled the entire basement and the only way to get ride of it successfully, without worry that it was completely gone, was to get ride of the basement and build a new one.  Easier said than done!  That meant our customer had to do something drastic - they had to demolish their entire house in order to tear out the infested basement and build a new clean one that their new home could sit on safely.  It was a costly decision that they knew was needed and in the long run was best for their entire family.  I was reminded of this customers story when I read through Acts 19 today.

In Acts 19 we read about a group of people who were living life just fine, without any issues in their eye's (see last Monday's devotional).  But then they had an encounter that opened their eyes to the true nature, character, and power found in the name of Jesus Christ.  This encounter rocked their lives and opened their eyes to the filth of sin that had infected their hearts and the very foundations of their lives.  This revelation led them to not only confess to the sins that were infecting their lives but they sought to remove the very things that were leading them to sin.  This confession moved them to publicly destroy everything that caused them to sin in order to build a new heart, a new hope, a new foundation and live under the power and goodness of the name Jesus Christ.  The destruction of their sinful attachments had a tremendous financial cost to them but it was worth it to be living with clean hearts that were able to serve more effectively for the Lord.

So what about us?

Are we daily encountering the character and power of our Savior Jesus Christ?  Do we sit and reflect on who He truly is and the wonderment of the power and grace He not only holds but can enact on our behalf to help or to convict?  Do we recognized how severely imperfect and blemished we are in comparison to His goodness and righteousness and how that can affect the way we live our lives for Him?

Does this encounter reveal to us a need to confess?  Do we see in ourselves ways that we have not treated others as He has treated us?  Do we recognized that we lack the grace, mercy, forgiveness and love that has been shown to us when we didn't deserve it?  Are we truly wiling to take a long hard look at the ugly, moldy sins that have set up home in our hearts and confess them openly to the Lord so that healing, correction, or rebuilding can occur?

Are we using this confession as a catalyst to action?  Are we willing to truly walk the walk and not just talking the talk?  Are we willing to get ride of anything in our lives that God reveals as sinful or that leads us to sin?  Are we willing to surrender our jam packed agendas, our self centered desires, our hidden sinful longings, our hurts from others, our anger at others, our unforgiveness of others, our precious limited time, our gluttonous ways, our talk that tears others down, our gossip, our judgements, our wastefulness, our self indulgence, our discontent eyes, our greed, our electronics, our pleasures, our whatever it might be that causes us to let sin have a place in our lives and hearts, to have an audience in us along side the presence of our very powerful and awesome Savior Jesus Christ?

When the people of Acts 19 encountered the power of Jesus Christ it moved them to change, to seek right hearts so that they could live right lives.  Because of their willingness to destroy what was not "Christ like" it allowed them to build in themselves a new home for the Savior to live and "In this way the word of the LORD spread widely and grew in power" (Acts 19:20).  God's kingdom grows and His power spreads when we let go of anything sinful, anything not of him and let him have the rightful place in our hearts and lives.

Encounter the Lord daily, let Him reveal what you need to see, confess it and seek to remove anything that gives sins a foothold in your life.  Then you can rest assured that the power of the Lord is going to be at work through you as well as in you in mighty ways.

Bible Blog Post - June 28, 2020

2 Kings 13:1-14:29

Acts 18:23-19:12

Psalm 146:1-10

Proverbs 18:2-3

Picking up the Bible and reading God's Word each day is the greatest transformational tool around.  It doesn't matter whether you're a new Christian in spiritual infancy, or have gained wisdom through God's Word and are spiritually mature.  God is there with open arms; our Father loves all of His children at any stage of spiritual development.  As we propel forward in our faith, God will continue to work through situations to help us grow.  This includes growing in our knowledge and understanding of Him.

Both Apollos and the Ephesians had incomplete knowledge about the significance of Jesus' death on the cross and what it meant for them.  They knew that John's baptism gave them repentance from sin, but it wasn't the way to receive the Holy Spirit.  When you are baptized in the name of the Lord, however, you not only receive repentance for your sins, you also receive a new life in Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  

During a recent small group, one of the members was talking about her initial hesitation of becoming a small group leader.  She had a fear that people would ask her questions about scripture and that she wouldn't have the knowledge to answer them.  She eventually gained the courage to start a small group.  She felt that God was telling her that she did not need to have all of the knowledge, that her interpersonal skills and love for the Lord were enough.  Her courage to take the first step into the role of small group leader, led to her growing in her faith and greatly influencing those around her.  This reminds me of Apollos, a man of great intellect who was well liked by the people.  He used his skills to honor the Lord, even though his knowledge of Jesus' life was limited.  As he was sharing the Way of the Lord, he was approached by Pricilla and Aquila.  They wanted to give him a better understanding of the life of Jesus Christ and how to receive salvation through faith in Him.

God had plans for Apollos, and although Apollos didn't have complete understanding in the beginning, his faith in God provided him with the opportunity to meet people who would help him to grow spiritually and use his skills to influence others.  Each of us have skills and talents that should be used for the greater glory of our Lord.  If you're not sure what yours are, try to meet with God in prayer and ask Him to reveal them to you.  Let's pray that dangerous prayer and ask God to use us.  I think we will be amazed at the transformations that occur when we release any resistance and open ourselves up fully to Him.

Dear Lord, please help us to step out of our comfort zones and share our love and knowledge of you with others.  Please let any fears of lacking be dismissed, and allow us to embrace the opportunities of discipleship that you provide us with.  Thank you, Lord, for your everlasting love and guidance.  Please help us to continue to grow in our faith and branch out in unexpected ways that help to grow your kingdom.

Amen.

Amanda and Anthony

June 27: Of O-makase and Dancing Shrimp

2 Kings 10:32-12:21

Acts 18:1-22

Psalm 145:1-21

Proverbs 18:1

O-makase (oh-muh-KAH-say): a Japanese phrase that means "entrusted", or"respectfully leaving another to decide what is best".  Often used in sushi restaurants, where the diner lets the chef to pick the menu, and the chef prepares a meal using his greatest skill and his finest, freshest fish.  In o-makase, the diner gets the best the chef has to offer.  

Why would a customer surrender the meal to the chef? Simply put, the diner knows the chef - knows chef isn't just a chef, he's a MASTER.  The diner trusts chef, however strange the food (odori-ebi, I'm looking at you) or the surroundings (hello, Ginza subway station).  And the chef gives the diner his best.  

As much as I love my sushi, it isn't the best o-makase out there.  For a far better o-makase "entrusted experience", look no further than the menu presented in Psalm 145.

First, we get to know the Master - by word of mouth, at the very least.  "One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts…of the power of Your awesome works…Your abundant goodness."  Having gotten to know Him, we know we can entrust ourselves to Him.  "The Lord is trustworthy in all He promises, and faithful in all He does."  And when we do that, what does He do?  Verse 19 - "He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him"; and verse 15-16 - "The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food at the proper time.  You open Your hand, and satisfy the desires of every living thing."

That isn't just a perfect o-makase meal; that is a perfect o-makase relationship, a perfect o-makase life.  Like I said, though, sometimes it doesn't seem to make sense as it is happening - the odori-ebi mentioned above is raw shrimp so fresh it wiggles - "dances" - in your mouth as you eat it.  

It certainly wouldn't have made too much sense to Joash, who had to stay hidden in the temple for six years (which kinda puts our three month quarantine into perspective). But Joash, and Jehosheba who hid him, put their trust in the Master.  And the Master prepared such a feast of a life that Joash became king, at the age of seven.  

It might not have made sense to Paul in Corinth, where he was persecuted as he preached.   But Paul entrusted himself to the Master, who told him "Do not be afraid…I am with you".  Paul continued to preach, and we read "Crispus…and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized."  What a feast of salvation the Master served - because Paul trusted.  

The last few months haven't been very easy.  The strain of the pandemic, on work, on plans and prospects, even on marriages - would not seem to make sense, coming from the Master.  When we doubt, the choice is ours - surrender to the doubt, or remember the Master and His reputation.  If we choose the latter, we can then sit at His table for the o-makase feast of a life He wants to give us.  

Father, the choice is clear, but not always easy.  Give us the wisdom and the strength to choose to know You, to trust You, and to sit at the feast of a life You have prepared for us.  

June 26 My Last Blog

Acts 17

 

Today will be my last blog entry. I would like to thank each of you for allowing me to speak into your lives over the past years. Your willingness to give me a few minutes of your time has been a precious gift to me. My prayer for each of you is that you would continue to give daily Bible reading top priority in your life.  

 

If you want to know what a nation believes about God, listen to their music, watch their movies and read their poetry. Their view of God will be revealed in these cultural art forms. Paul understood this principle and engaged it when he debated the scholars on Mars Hill. He recognized that to reach the Athenians he had to use their culture, their language and their history. So he quoted one of their poets. This was absolutely brilliant.

 

"For in him we live and move and have our being." As some of your own poets have said, "We are his offspring."   Acts 17:28

 

By boldly using this quote he shattered their philosophy that God was impersonal and distant from his creation. Paul reasoned that since we are his offspring, and since we are personal, then God must be a personal God. Therefore, every person on earth is ultimately subject to His rule and sovereignty.

 

The lesson for us in 2020 is that for us to effectively reach our post Christian generation we must use current cultural issues to open conversations about Jesus. We must be familiar with current poems, songs, movies, TV shows, and newspaper articles to open the door to spiritual conversations. This requires us to do double the homework. We must study the Word of God as well as the cultural trends of our day.

 

So, I leave you with a great mission, to reach the greater Stamford area with the gospel. Blessed will be the person who brings God's truth to bear on the significant issues in our day. May God help you to bring his truth and light to our dark and lost world.

 

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, June 25

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020

"Answer me quickly, LORD;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
Rescue me from my enemies, LORD,
for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground." (Psalm 143:7-10)


In Psalm 143, David pleads to God for His support against the attacks of his enemies: "Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,/ for I hide myself in you."

Instead of trusting in himself or his kingly power, David turns to his heavenly King and rightly bows his knee before God's throne. In that spirit of humility, David asks God to remain present and to answer him, given David's failing spirit.

Just with us, David looks to God's Word -- "word of your unfailing love" -- and the guidance of "the way I should go." He recognizes his need for God to "teach me to do your will" and for the "good Spirit [to] lead me on level ground." David's pathway in this moment gives us insight on the parallel way in which we could pursue God.

How could you run towards God today? I was convicted earlier this week about not having consecrated recent days to God. Instead of seeking to live in God's strength, I had been taking on too many challenges in my own strength, leading to feelings of burnout. Turning to God and surrendering the last couple of days to Him, I experienced some breakthroughs in thinking about some imposing projects, for which I give thanks to God.

What can you take away from David's viewpoint on God's help? Where do you need to seek His strength instead of your own?


Lord God, thank You that You are our Shield and our Strength. Give us wisdom of where and when we have fallen short of inviting You fully into our lives. Guide us into all truth by Your Spirit. Bring wholeness to our minds, bodies, and spirits as we trust in You. In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.


"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNq0WtMSmIY


________________________________________________________________________
596 Glenbrook Road, Unit 13 | "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection
Stamford, CT 06906-1423 | and the life. He who believes in me will
(C) 203.820.1741 | live, even though he dies; and whoever
(H) 203.355.9374 | lives and believes in me will never die.
(E) swe@edwa.info | Do you believe this?'" -- John 11:25,26

June 24

Psalm 142

August 5, 2010 - A collapse of the main ramp into the San Jose mine left 33 miners trapped 2,300 feet underground. The fears and thoughts that must have run through the minds of those men must have been terrifying. Upon their rescue, they spoke about their faith in knowing that only God could bring them out. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be trapped underground. I get claustrophobic in an elevator. In our Psalm today, David is in a cave, most likely hiding from Saul. Here, in this prayer, David gives us an outline to follow on how to order prayer in times of distress when we feel alone and in the dark.  Start by crying out with your voice. Pour your heart out to God. I spend many a day on my knees face down in tears, but God is our refuge, and as hard as it is when you're in the middle of a battle, give Him praise. (v5) Even though David was overwhelmed, he knew God wasn't, and that has not changed. God is not overwhelmed by our day to day stresses and circumstances. No one knows us better than our God, and no one knows better the plan for our life. I know it seems like our circumstances are more than we can handle and guess what, without God, they are. Only God can lead us out of the darkness. I would like to encourage anyone who feels they are "in a cave" to seek God's face. If you need prayer, please e mail me, I will pray with you. Lord we give you praise, honor and glory. Meet us where we are and lead us out of the darkness.

Randi

Love Letter

The part of today's reading that stuck out to me was this letter written in Acts 15:23-29. I encourage you to read it (and even from verse 1 so that you can see why it was written). Christians did not make it easy for people who were new to the faith and came from a different culture. They preached a practice that there was much controversy over, causing people to question Christianity and feel offended. How true this still is today! 

This letter is a great example of how a mistake was recognized, and efforts were made to rectify things. It ties in very nicely with 1 Corinthians 3:2: I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. This analogy is so important to consider when we are talking to others. Feeding someone solid food when they are not ready will cause them to choke. We need to consider who we are interacting with before we talk, and what we are saying.

How quick we can be to push our views on others when we should be practicing love above all else. There are foundational principles that we should not waiver on, but we must consider the thought that we might be giving people more than they can handle or are equipped to handle at this time. I hope we can go forward and meet people where they are at, not expecting them to conform to the same level of spirituality that we are at. Mentoring, encouraging, and relationship building are key. It took Christ years to build a relationship with the disciples so that he could reach them, so we have a long road ahead!

I'm not sure if there's someone you may have spoken to in a way that was too much for them to handle, or if you offended someone, but maybe you could consider writing a letter to them (and following up in person like Paul and Barnabus). If not, I pray that you would have wisdom and love for those you come in contact with, I hope you can discern when to speak, and what to say in a way that will further God's Kingdom, bringing others closer in relationship to you and to Him.

bible blog post Monday June 22nd

What Eye's Matter To You? (2 Kings 3:2-3)

29 times in 1st & 2nd Kings we read the words "He did evil in the eyes of the LORD" when referring to the Kings of Israel and Judah.  In today's reading we see it is said again of King Joram but with a twist,

"He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, but not as his father and mother had done.  He got rid of the sacred stone of Baal that his father had made.  Nevertheless he clung to the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them." 2 Kings 3:2-3

Joram didn't do the "same evil" as his parents.  He DID seek to get ride of some of the evil but despite his efforts we read that he DID NOT get ride of enough, he DID NOT change course back to one that did good in the eyes of Lord.  He didn't take inventory of his heart and weigh it against the word of God and God's call for his life. 

This made me wonder, "Did Joram think his efforts were enough for the LORD?  Did Joram believe that if he got rid of the "Big Noticeable" sins that it would be enough for God?  Did Joram deceive himself into believing that a little bit of effort to transform would satisfy God into blessing his life or at the very least not let it completely fall apart?  Did Joram truly believe that what he had done merited a title of "doing good in the eye's of the LORD?"   It is possible that what he had done looked good in his own eyes and even the eyes of others but those aren't the eyes that matter. 

It made me reflect on myself.  I had to ask God, "Do I do evil in your eyes?  It may seem like a harsh questions, an uncomfortable one but I think it is a good honest question that we each need to ask.  It is entirely possible for us to deceive ourselves into thinking that because we don't do the "big sins" (whatever those might be to you) that we are living good, unspoiled, guiltless lives in the eyes of the LORD.  But, can we at times find ourselves like Joram?  Can we deceive ourselves by not daily seeking God's word and call on our lives and measuring that against how we are living.   Can we fail to see the other sins we have let have a home in our hearts, in our lives?  Can we fail to make right our hearts and lives with the LORD each day?  It is possible for us to look at our lives as good in our own eyes and even the eyes of others but those aren't the eyes that matter.

I found myself asking God to reveal to me anything that I have let have a place in my heart or my life that is seen by Him, His eyes, as evil, that is not seen as good.  I want to seek to live a life that is good in the eyes of my God, not solely for my sake or benefit, but because it blesses others.  When I live and do "good in the sight of God" He in turn uses that for His Good, His Glory, and to bless others.  The 5 kings throughout the books of 1&2 Kings who "did good in the eyes of the Lord" were a blessing and benefit to the kingdom they served.  I serve God's Kingdom and I want to bless and benefit it for the LORD.  To serve well and effectively I need to seek the LORD daily and ask him to help me ride anything in my life that keeps me from living the good he calls me to live in.

It is one thing to ask God to show me what evil, what sin, I harbor in my heart  or life that he sees as not good but it is another thing to take action to remove whatever he reveals.  Living a "good life" is a multi-step process that God will help us with if we seek Him.  I can not harbor any sin and think it is ok in my eyes because mine are not the ones that matter.

Let us seek to live lives that Do merit the title of "doing right in the eyes of the LORD."  Let our lives be a blessing as we seek to serve in God's Kingdom according to His word and His call.   It's his eyes we need to seek to please as His are the ones that truly matter.

Bible Blog Post - June 21, 2020

2 Kings 1:1-2:25

Acts 13:42-14:7

Psalm 139:1-24

Proverbs 17:19-21

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:24

I admire how openly David was speaking with God in his prayer of protection and guidance.  He fully acknowledged how completely the Lord knew him, and he went as far as asking the Lord to let him know if there was anything offensive in him.  That is such a bold request, and I wonder how different the world would be if we shared the same devotion to God that David had.

Imagine sitting at a table with God having a one-on-one conversation, and asking Him to list any offensive way in you that might lead you away from everlasting life.  Now imagine having that knowledge, full disclosure of all the changes that you need to make.  Would you be willing to make the necessary sacrifices now for investing in everlasting life in the future, even if it meant going against the norm and what you've always believed to be true?  Hearing the truth isn't always easy to accept, nor is it always welcomed, but time and time again we see that drifting away from God's way leads to destruction and sorrow.

In Acts, we see Paul and Barnabas delivering the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to Jews and Gentiles.  The Jewish leaders were still unwilling to accept that He was the Messiah that God had promised.  They did not believe Jesus, nor His disciples, despite the many miracles that occurred.  Imagine if the synagogue leaders opened up to God like David did, putting themselves second, and putting to rest their interpretation of who the Messiah would be.  They had such a small vision of who they thought God would send that they discounted the marvelous acts of God that were happening right before their eyes.  Had they accepted Paul and Barnabas' claims, and put aside their personal beliefs, they would have had the opportunity to receive salvation.  

God is always present in our lives. We need to open ourselves up like David did and foster a deep personal relationship with God; one that involves equal parts talking and listening.  Just like a good boss will give you constructive criticism to highlight areas that need improvement in the workplace, our Heavenly Father will reveal things that need addressing in all areas of our lives.  It may not be easy to accept these truths, but God knows what's best for us.  Today, ask yourself, "What kind of life would I gain if I consistently followed God's Word and guidance?"

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for always listening to our prayers.  Please help us to become more attuned to listening to you, and apply your wisdom to our lives.  Amen. 

Amanda and Anthony

June 20: Of Ferocious Commitment Instead of Other Gods

1 Kings 22:1-53

Acts 13:16-41

Psalm 138:1-8

Proverbs 17:17-18

   Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: "Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!" - Acts 13:16 

I've started using the Matthew Henry Commentary on the Bible, to try and understand what is going on.  A side note, I didn't realize it had been written in 1706.  The author has an interesting discussion about our New Testament reading from Acts today.  In the reading, Paul, a visitor to Antioch, has been invited to preach the sermon following a reading of the law.  The commentary describes his response thus: 

"He gladly embraced the opportunity given him to preach Christ to his countrymen the Jews.  He did not object to them that he was a stranger, and that it was none of his business; nor object to himself, that he might get ill-will by preaching Christ among the Jews; but stood up, as one prepared and determined to speak.."

Paul then proceeded to give powerful testimony, tying the history of the Jews to the crucifixion, and death of Jesus, which may well have been known as fact to the synagogue, and then declaring what, to the Pharisees, was the troubling heresy of Jesus's resurrection.  Paul knew, throughout his being, what he was talking about.  Paul motioned with his hand.  He demanded: "Listen to me!"

How different from how I have responded to such opportunities.  I have been timid, reluctant, afraid to cause offense.  I have been worried about my standing, about the possibility of being found lacking, unacceptable.  I have feared being rejected by friends, branded a fanatic or delusional.  

Father, forgive me for being lukewarm, for putting other gods - the gods of acceptance, of social standing, of friendship - before you.  In place of my timidity, give me a ferocious commitment based on the knowledge of, and faith in, Jesus and what He has done for me, for all of us.  

June 19

June 19, 2020

Psalm 137

Today in our Psalm we reviewed a brief history of the journey of the Jews. It is not a pretty picture. Time after time they turned their backs on God until the decline was so radical that God said, "Enough." It is sad that we constantly think we know better than God. We still do it today. This constant turning away from God always leads to bondage. Psalm 137 paints an idyllic picture of people gathered together at a picnic by a beautiful river in Babylon. But there is no joy found in this picnic. They are reflecting on how far they have fallen as a people, just how far they are from God's blessing. You can hear them ask this question, "Why were we so stupid to ignore the Word of the Lord?"

The psalmist recalled that Babylonians would ask them for songs of joy. But their grief was so great that even the singers were silent. The exiles hung their harps on poplar trees for they could not sing their songs about their homeland when they felt such great sorrow.

The lesson here is that it is difficult to sing when we are overwhelmed with sorrow, guilt or despair. Singing seems to spring from our heart, and when our heart is weighed down it is difficult, it is impossible to raise a song from it. The pain of our soul will squelch the song in our heart.

But there is something we can do to overcome this sorrowful songlessness. BELIEVE...  believe the Word of God, believe that he can restore us, believe that when we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive us. Faith is the only antidote to songlessness.

No day of my life has ever passed that has not proven me guilty in the sight of my Holy God. Even on my best day, my best services are filthy rags. But it isn't about my sin, it is about his amazing grace. A grace so wonderful, so boundless, that it can cover over all of my shortcomings. This is what we need to sing about every day of our lives. Not a song about our guilt, but a song about his pardon. Not a song about our sin, but a song about his cleansing.

So this is our homework assignment…. Sing a song… do it right now. 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, June 18

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020


"Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." (1 Kings 19:11b,12)


In today's passage, we read of Elijah's near-burnout. As Chapter 19 opens, we find Elijah under threat from Ahab and Jezebel. He responds in fear and runs "for his life." Leaving his servant in Beersheba, he takes a day's-length trip into the wilderness. Falling bereft and overwhelmed in God's presence, he resigns himself: "I have had enough, LORD. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."

Have you ever found yourself in a similar state as Elijah? Having poured yourself out for the "right" cause, you feel defeated and alone. In these moments, only God's touch can heal. Indeed, seeing Elijah in this state, God intervenes by sending an angel to bring nourishment and provisions. He then head son a 40-day, 40-night journey to "Horeb, the mountain of God."

In a cave on that mountain, God questions Elijah's presence. Elijah stands upon his tremendous work on God's behalf: "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."

Elijah then receives the message of God's presence through the sounds of diminishing volume, until He finally comes in the "gentle whisper." God then asks: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" To which, Elijah replies with a repeat of his recounting what has just transpired and his aloneness in the face of widespread opposition.

Elijah then receives great encouragement from God's call to return to the people of Israel. God had further plans for Elijah's continuation to anoint kings and prophets. Importantly, God had claimed allegiance among a wayward people: "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel -- all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him." (v. 18)

What type of encouragement are you seeking now? What disappointments and brokenness have you recently seen? Where in the Scriptures could you find something speaking to your situation? (Not just a rhetorical question: Please feel free to reach out if you're seeking Scriptural encouragement.) Or perhaps God is calling you to lay at His feet and hear from His heart. Please do. When we are dry, our dryness may be much more than physical; we need to hear God's loving heart, beating for His people and His Kingdom purposes.


Lord God, thank You for the testimony of Elijah's turnaround. We are beleaguered and restless and needful of Your speaking into our lives. Reassure us of Your presence and Your sustaining plans. We love You and need You today. In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.




________________________________________________________________________
596 Glenbrook Road, Unit 13 | "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection
Stamford, CT 06906-1423 | and the life. He who believes in me will
(C) 203.820.1741 | live, even though he dies; and whoever
(H) 203.355.9374 | lives and believes in me will never die.
(E) swe@edwa.info | Do you believe this?'" -- John 11:25,26

June 17

1 Kings 18

Have you noticed through our readings that when God ordains something, He always wins? Funny how that works.  Here, we see it again. God uses a drought to awaken the nations, and works through Elijah to make His point. Elijah goes up to Mt. Carmel, a holy mountain and a center for idol worship. There, he challenges 450 of Baal's best to a contest. My take away from this reading just confirms the importance of prayer and listening to God. Through prayer and listening, Elijah knew what he was going up against. In fact, he was so confident he said "How long will you waiver between two opinions?" He taunted the prophets of Baal knowing he would be victorious through what God would do. He might not have known exactly how it would play out, but his trust in the victory rested with God. And that is just one of many examples of how we as Christ followers should approach life. Knowing that the Lord is greater than all gods (Psalm 135:5) We have so much ahead of us in our lives and in our church, would you please unite with me in prayer knowing that what God has ordained will come to pass. Let's surrender our hearts and our own agendas to His will and in prayer listen for His voice to guide us into His victory.

Bible Blog Post - June 16, 2020

1 Kings 15:25-17:24  

Acts 10:24-48

Psalm 134:1-3

Proverbs 17:9-11

If you were in a position of power and authority, and people looked up to you, what kind of leader would you be?  As we continue to learn in the Old Testament about the division of Israel, the reigns of the kings who sought power over God's laws quickly ended in failure.  These kings went against God by creating false idols and misleading the people who trusted in them.  They were seeking power and control over the people of Israel, even if it meant drawing them away from God. With each ruling, Israel moved further away from God.  The kings were so wrapped up with their own ambitions that they didn't acknowledge the failing cycle of the leaderships that preceded them.  God was infuriated each time by their disobedience, leading to several kings deaths and entire families being wiped out. Not only was their reign terminated, but lineages were as well.  Their tunnel vision prevented them from seeing the repercussions of their actions. 

As we are reading, from our vantage point, it is obvious that what these kings were doing was wrong. They put themselves first instead of God, and they were destroying a nation as a consequence.  Like all stories in the Bible, we can apply these lessons to our own lives.  While you may not be ruling a nation like the kings, your actions still affect those around you.  Look at Elijah and Peter, for example.  Elijah visited a widow, and because of her faith, God was able to provide food for Elijah, her and her son during the drought.  Then, the Lord showed her mercy by bringing her son back to life. The Lord also favored the God-fearing Centurion, and sent the Holy Spirit upon him and the others that were listening while Peter was there speaking to them.  In both accounts, faith took precedence over self-interest.   

In our own lives, whether we are aware of it or not, we have the ability to influence others.  This can occur in the work environment, at home and even in personal relationships.  Sometimes we may think our actions are harmless, and we're so caught up in our own personal interests that we forget to take a step back and assess whether or not we are truly serving God in the situation.  If you find that what you're working toward achieving is pulling you away from God, stop and look at yourself as objectively as you look at the kings from the Old Testament.  Don't create a failing cycle in your own life as they did.  Instead, seek God in all that you do.  

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the wisdom that you provide us with by reading your Word.  Please help us to become aware of any ways that we are not positively serving you, and help us to shift our focus away from self-interest and toward the betterment of your kingdom.  Amen.

-Amanda and Anthony

bible blog post Moday June 15th

It Starts With You (Psalm 133:1-3)   

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) live together in unity?" Psalm 133:1

Unity is a word that has been clinging to my heart and mind with urgency and importance over the past several months.  I have been keeping it at the forefront of my prayers.  I have learned during my life that often times when I pray for things God will give me opportunity to practice and develop the very things I ask for.  It was no surprise when I read Psalm 133 today and saw that the whole Psalm is dedicated to the importance and impact of unity.  Three short verses that pack in so much more than one can actually share in a blog post.  I will focus on the first verse and our part in unity and what is to be gained or found when we choose to live in it.

Unity starts with a U.  I don't think that is a coincidence.  I believe that as I have been praying and seeking unity that God has clearly been saying to me, "Ruth, if you want to have unity with others, no matter what the circumstances, it must start with YOU!.  I must sit in reflection of my heart and my attitude.  I must seek the lord and ask if there is anything within me that is or will hinder unity from happening.  I must ask for wisdom to understand others and circumstances and to not think that I already know the answers.  I must be willing to listen and that means truly listen to what others are saying and not just listening so that I can form a good rebuttal.  I must be willing to act in support of others even if that means there is a cost to myself.  I must NOT sit and wait for others to change, to expect the responsibility of unity to rest on the shoulders of others but to pray for the Lord to work in others as I seek His strength to do what I can to keep unity flowing strong.

To live in unity requires a humble heart.  I must remember that I live for the Lord's kingdom and not my own.  Unity is about God's will be done in and through me.  Unity is about distributing forgiveness and grace to others just as Christ has to me.  Unity is about keeping my eyes focused on the eternal goals of life and not the temporal ones.  Unity is remembering that the hearts of people are more important to the Lord than the task and the impact of my ability to love others should never be underestimated.  Living in unity is all about giving the Lord an opportunity to use me as he sees fit not how I think I will fit into a relationship, situation or circumstance.  When I surrender my everything (strengths, weaknesses, hurts, abilities, frustrations, uncertainties, wants, fears, etc...) to the Lord and let him lead my heart for the blessing and benefit of others it ushers in the opportunity for unity to have center stage and to become a good and pleasant tool to be used in what God is doing.

I prefer to live with others in ways that are good and pleasing according to the Lord.  I prefer to live with others in a way that builds them up and strengthen the bonds God has called us to have.  I prefer to be the one that ushers in unity rather than the one who keeps it at bay.  When we live in unity it is good and pleasing and can be an instrument the Lord uses to reveal Himself to those who don't yet know him. 

Unity starts with "you".  Are you ready and willing?

Bible Blog Post - June 14, 2020

1 Kings 12:20-13:34

Acts 9:26-43

Psalm 132:1-18

Proverbs  17:6

It seems like every now and again, through readings and reflections, I'm reminded how influential David was.  His self-denial and ultimate faith in the Lord is a true testament to God's will.  He stood by what he knew was true, God's Word, and while he was far from perfect, as all humans are, he committed himself to God and trusted in Him despite his many adversaries.  Life is not about choosing what is convenient, or what is worldly, it's about choosing God.  As Todd White, Founder and President of Lifestyle Christianity, said, if you're not choosing Jesus, you're choosing the world.  You can't do both.  Each moment we need to listen to God's clear Word and what we know is true.  Don't listen and be fooled by others whose intentions are to mislead you or to guide you toward what is acceptable by the world.  Listen to Our Father, our Lord and Savior, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

This month marks the completion of my third year as a full time teacher.  I absolutely love "my kids" and each year comes with its own challenges and victories.  This morning I was thinking back to how much of a struggle I encountered in my first year and a half there, not with the children, but with other staff members; one in particular.  What I think started as a power struggle on their part, resulted in me being treated really poorly.  I cried, I dreaded going to work, I interviewed at other places, I had my mind made up - I wasn't going back if I got a job offer.  However, the Lord had other plans.  I had interviews, but I didn't land any jobs.  He was not about to let me cower down in fear and failure, and He wasn't letting me go without working His love through myself and others.   I returned as a second year teacher, and felt like I had grown more of a backbone, but there was still friction with this other person.  I remember one specific example of when I had a quick remark back to them, almost like I had gained a point in this unnamed game.  One day during a team meeting, another coworker witnessed the treatment towards me and later came to me privately and said with authority that I should not let her talk to me like that again.  She had compassion for me in this situation, but I'm not sure where her advice would have led me.  Would it have solved my problems to stand up against this person and show my "power" in future situations?  Probably not.  Of course I should be firm in what is right, but I shouldn't change my character for defensive purposes.  My mom suggested praying for her, and quite frankly I didn't want to.  Why would I want to pray for someone who was being mean to me?  I didn't understand the power of prayer at that time, nor the power of God for that matter, even though he had helped me in monumental ways prior to that.  It wasn't until my cousin, who is a pastor, suggested I do a 30 day prayer challenge and pray for her that I caved in and fully lifted the matter up to God.  The prayers were not for her to change for me, not selfish prayers, but pray for her well being.  So I began to pray for her on my way to work.  I prayed for her to feel happiness and love, and many good things, and you know what?  THINGS CHANGED!  I don't even remember how many days it took, but it wasn't the full 30.  That is how great God is.  Now looking back, my work environment has evolved into something so much better by the grace of God, and it all started with incorporating selfless prayer into my day for someone who I didn't want to pray for.  Isn't that something?  When I let go and let God, something my mom has encouraged me to do for years, He allowed me to see what He is capable of.  His patience in me to come to Him is something that deserves immense recognition.  He's a man of His Word, and He works in His perfect timing, allowing us to gain wisdom through our experiences and during our time of waiting.  

Well, how does this relate to today's readings?  In Kings, we read about several patterns of seeking advice.  First, Rehoboam was unsure of how to answer his people when they requested that the heavy yoke that his father put on them be removed, so he sought advice from the wise elders that served his father.  They clearly said that if he were to serve these people, then they would serve him for life.  However, he wasn't set on the words of wisdom provided to him, and instead sought the advice of his peers.  They said that he should be more harsh than his father, and so when the people returned after three days, the threats were spewed out.  Well, that didn't work in his favor, because that led to the division of Israel.

In the north, Jeroboam created false idols, convinced the people to worship at altars he created instead of going to Jerusalem, hired anyone to be a priest, and ultimately ignored the Word and Will of God, over, and over, and over again.  Then, a man of God was sent to him to share a message from the Lord that what he was doing was wrong and there would be destruction of what was being created there.  This man of God had strict instructions from God himself not to eat or drink with anyone, and to return home a different way.  When Jeroboam asked the man to go back with him for food and drink, but the man declined and was on his way.  However, a prophet went out after him and was able to convince the man to go back with him by lying and saying that God said so.  

Let's pause.

This part really stood out to me because while we are unsure of what this prophet's motives truly were, he was able to convince this man to come back with him; and after this man of God was killed for his disobedience, the prophet mourned his loss and requested that he be buried with him when he died.  

It makes me think that people can mislead you no matter if their intentions are good or bad.  I think about my experience at school, and how I received advice from three different people, and two of them aligned with what God wants.  As a Christian, we must discern from right in wrong in our actions, but we must also discern the words that are spoken to us by others, and listen for the Word of God.  God is with us always.  Sometimes it may feel like we are spending a lot of time in the valley, but we must stay in good faith knowing that it's in the valley that we are able to gain a lot of the truths and wisdom that He wants us to receive.

Be open to the Word of the Lord.  Have your ears attuned to His voice.  God is able to replace any heart of stone with one of flesh, which then gives us eyes that see, ears that hear, and tongues that profess His love.  Jesus spoke to Saul and turned his eyes away from persecuting Christians, to becoming one of God's devoted tools of ministry.  Saul left his old ways and became a disciple of Jesus Christ, risking his own life to spread the news of his Savior.  How incredible is that?

God WORKS in us, through us, and around us constantly.  I have realized that I often get in my own way, claiming to let God be my stronghold, but letting my feelings turn me away from being a Christ-like follower.  Ouch.  It digs deep in me to say that, but it is the truth.  This is where I can look at David and his self-denial, his unrelenting love, admiration and devotion to God, and despite his many sinful acts, he was forgiven and favored by the Lord.  We too share that relationship with God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord, I pray that believers and nonbelievers can lean into the wisdom of your Word during this time of extreme hardship in our country and our world, and always.  What seems impossible to us is entirely possible through you.  I pray that those who read your Word are active disciples in spreading your Word through their actions.  Please help us embody your body, and be the people that you intend us to be.  We are the church, and hatred is not welcome.  Heavenly Father, please let us be wise in our conversations, and let the Holy Spirit work through us and those who we encounter.  Dear Lord, please extinguish the selfish flames within us that prevent us from seeing others with   your lens.  I pray all of these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

June 13: Of Garbage, Fished Out and Transformed

1 Kings 11:1-12:19

Acts 9:1-25

Psalm 131:1-3

Proverbs 17:4-5

Of all the unlikely people God has seen fit to put in His service - from Moses (a murderer), to David (a murderer AND an adulterer), to Gideon and Peter (both cowards), to Samson (is there a bigger spoiled brat hero in the Bible?), of all the reclamation projects God has made useful, of all the seeming detritus of humanity God has called for His purposes, no one gives me as much hope for myself as Saul.

Yeah, that Saul.  

The Jew, born to a devout, and likely prominent, family.  Born into privilege, likely a Roman citizen.  The man who aided and abetted the stoning of Stephen, then decided that this Way was a cancer on the Jewish people.  The industrious fellow who then began going house to house, dragging men and women off and putting them in prison.  Still not content with that, the diligent fellow who went to the high priest and solicited letters of introduction so he could do the same thing in Damascus.  The one whose reputation so preceded him that even after a clear instruction from God Ananias was reluctant to help him.  

Yeah, that Saul. 

The vicious, oppressive piece of scum God fished out of the garbage of Saul's own evil designs and transformed into a powerful evangelist and the most powerful evangelistic writer in the New Testament, a man who very quickly was such a powerful tool in God's hands the Jews to whom he'd been endorsed were plotting to kill him

Yeah, that Saul.  

You see, if you're like me, it is still hard sometimes to accept that this awesome God you've just started to get to know would want to have anything to do with the you that you've come to  know, warts and all.  Salvation is sometimes tough enough to accept - but a job as part of His crew?  No way.  Not worthy. 

Until you read about Saul, and others like him.  Just as unworthy.  Just as messed up.  Just as lost, just as rebellious, just as many reasons for Him not to like them they way you think He couldn't possibly like you.  Yeah, maybe even more.  And then you realize, He doesn't even just wait for you, He comes after you.  And He grabs you by - the eyeballs, in Saul's case - and shakes you up.  And then, believe it or not, when you are at rock bottom, He puts you to work on His crew.  And not just the small stuff - the stuff that could get you ostracized, that could lose you your job, maybe even your friends.  In Saul's case, could even get you killed.

Someone once explained it to me - God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies those He chooses to call.  Like maybe you and me.  Like Saul.

Yeah, that Saul. 

Thank You, God.  And thanks, Saul.