Saturday, February 27, 2016

Saturday, February 27, 2016

[Keesha Sullivan]

Increasing our Belief in God

            Do you believe that "Everything is possible for him who believes"? (Mark 9:23) Do you believe that God can turn your financial situation around? Do you believe that He can save that son or daughter that has been lost for decades? Do you believe that He can fulfill that aching desire in your life for companionship? Do you believe that He can still heal the sickness in your body? If you hesitated before answering any of those questions, know that you are not alone. 

It is easy to say that we believe for others or even tell people that we believe, but it is much harder to live it. This is what we saw in the scriptures today. We saw a desperate dad with a demon possessed son cry out to the Savior in unbelief. He had probably been to the doctors and others that couldn't do anything for him. This dad had even been to the disciples and they too did nothing for him. He was at the point where he wasn't sure if anything would ever change. He was at the point where he believed no one could really help, but he didn't want to fully give up. 

He said to Jesus, "But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us" (Mark 9: 22). Jesus asks him, "If you can? Everything is possible for him who believes" (Mark 9:23). The man replies immediately and fully realizing his error, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

If you are at the point where you have done all that you can and you still need a touch from God in an area, just know that "everything is possible for him who believes" (Mark 9:23). The breakthrough is on the way! God can do anything; He can turn any situation around. He might not do it when we want Him to do it, but He's always right on time. 

Lord, the world has beat us down. It doesn't have any answers. The world cannot help us. We need You God. We need Your touch. Help us overcome our unbelief. Increase our faith and trust in You that You can do anything. Please heal our wounds and turn our situations around! We thank You that "everything is possible for [us] who believe" You can! (Mark 9:23). We love You God! In Jesus's name. Amen! 

Thursday, February 25

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

Leviticus 16:29–18:30

Mark 7:24–8:10

Psalm 41:1–13

Proverbs 10:15,16

 

 

“During those days another large crowd gathered.  Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.  If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” (Mark 8:1–4)

 

“Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;

                the Lord delivers him in times of need.

The Lord will protect him and preserve his life;

                he will bless him in the land

                and not surrender him to desire of his foes.

The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed

                and restore him from his bed of illness.” (Psalm 41:1–13)

 

 

These passages point to the compassionate heart of God.  In the first, the Lord Jesus Christ views 4,000 men – plus women and children – and wants to ensure that they are not left stranded and hungry.  In the second example, the psalmist David highlights the blessings that may accrue to “he who has regard for the weak,” thereby endorsing compassion for all through the righteous.

 

What does Jesus’s compassionate heart tell us?  He targeted His love to these folks’ direct needs.  In addition, He involved His disciples in serving and blessing those in need.  For both groups, Christ’s compassion drew forth greater faith.  Importantly, we see that Jesus takes seven loaves of bread, feeds the entire group, and then returns seven basketfuls to His disciples.  It appears that, should we join God in responding in compassion, He will take what little we may bring, multiply it, and refill us after we have poured ourselves out on behalf of others.  The same thesis runs through Psalm 41, too.

 

How may we appropriate God’s power to apply His compassion for those in need?  First, we may draw near to God and seek to serve under His auspices; we cannot push forward under our own strength.  Second, we may bring our resources and lay them before the Lord’s throne for His purposes.  Third, we may serve with abandon, trusting God for the refilling of our resources.  By showing compassion, we display God’s character and bring praise and glory to our Father.  As the worshippers described in Psalm 84:7, “they will go from strength to strength… ”

 

Whom may we love and serve in compassion?  How may we point to a compassionate God Who cares both for the recipient and the giver?

 

May we eagerly serve with Christ’s heart of compassion.

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example of loving concern for hurting people.  We come to You today and seek Your heart, so that we may display this same heart of compassion.  We lay our small and insufficient resources before You, trusting You to increase them for Your purposes.  Make us ready to share Your love where it is most needed.  Empower us through Your Holy Spirit to persist in lovingkindness.  Thank You for indicating that You would refill our resources so that we may indeed go from strength to strength.  We love You and worship You as King of kings and Lord of lords.  In Your Name, amen.

 

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February 24

Mark 7

I think it's great that we go to the doctor once a year and check the physical condition of our hearts.  The doctor listens for certain clues that indicate whether or not our hearts are in a healthy state.  What the doctor can't see, however, is the spiritual state of our hearts.  What hurts are we holding on to that might slip out of our mouths in the form of sarcasm or a hurtful comment?  I believe this is what Jesus is talking about when He says "what comes out of a  man is what makes him 'unclean'" (v.20)  In Matthew 12:34 and Luke 6:45, Jesus tells us that "the mouth speaks what the heart is full of". Jesus explains that what we put in our minds is what comes out of our mouths. Lord I pray for renewal and transformation for all of us.  Lord I pray the words we speak reflect that we know You, that we spend time with You, and that Your words are what we choose because we love You. 





Randi

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Psalm 40:1-10

I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;

He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

Lord, I am grateful that You hear my cry. I thank You for being the Rock on which I can stand!

The Lord works in mysterious ways, and all I can say is that I am grateful to Him for all He has done and is doing in my life. It's so nice to take the passenger's seat and watch His works unfold. Practicing patience daily and waiting on the Lord; what a peaceful feeling.

February 22: Of difficult conversations...

Leviticus 13:1-59

Mark 6:1-29

Psalm 39:1-13

Proverbs 10:10

Today's reading on Leviticus laid the groundwork for some very tough conversations.  Consider: a priest examines someone and concludes they have are sick and God's laws demand they be cast out - from family, life and livelihood.  No room for doubt, no room for second chances till the person was healed.  Just cast out.  That would have been a tough conversation, but one the priest was duty-bound to have, however painful.  Israel wasn't a sinless people - were there those who protested, vociferously perhaps, even violently?  I don't know...but it is easy to imagine how they might have done so.  

The truth is, God calls us to have tough conversations -  often the ones that involve someone we care about doing something they oughtn't.  We are called to have these often - as parents, trying to raise our children properly; as managers and employers, trying to help build an employee's career; as coaches and teachers, trying to get our athletes and students to achieve more than their natural inclinations might permit them.  Some of these conversations are tougher than others.  Consider: when my daughter was a child, I could have a clear, strong conversation with her, and she had to obey.  Today, she is an adult, and the best I can offer is the guidance of advice, example and support (or withdrawal of such).  The conversations I have with her aren't as easy, and I know she has the option to agree and follow, or not. And I know she struggles with many of the concepts I put forward.

If they are difficult, why are we called to have these conversations?  Because of love.  Because we are called to love the people we are meant to have them with.  I love my daughter - so I try to raise her right.  I love my friends - so I try to keep them from doing themselves the harm I fear they will cause.  

You know who else was prepared to have a difficult conversation?  John the Baptist, for one.  He didn't have it with a daughter-turned-adult, he had it with Herod, who had wanted to hear him speak, and whom he told that it was wrong for him, Herod Antipas, to have divorced his wife, and to have married his brother's wife.  Herod didn't take too kindly to that, and had John the Baptist imprisoned and, eventually, beheaded.  Did John know that ticking the ruler off might cost him his life?  I imagine it must have crossed his mind - but he had the tough conversation anyway.  [An interesting side note: John was proven right - the divorce proved bad for Herod Antipas, as his former father in law Aretas then waged war against him, a war that ended in Antipas's death in exile.]

Today, these conversations may not get you beheaded.  But having them may still exact great cost.  The world demands silent acquiescence when it comes to so many topics, an acquiescence premised on misguided compassion, an acquiescence that runs contrary to God's laws which, to the faithful, means those who acquiesce court far worse consequences later on.  Abortion is one; infidelity and extramarital sex are two others.  Even race can often be discussed only in one way.  

How are we to respond?  Thankfully, we have an example in our Lord who, when confronted with sin, rejected the sin but loved the sinner.  For while He did not condemn the adulterous woman, yet still He made clear where He stood on her actions.  "Is there no one left to condemn you?  Then neither do I condemn you.  Go - and sin no more."

Father I pray we know You well enough to know Your will, and care enough for our fellow man to speak that will to them, however difficult, by example and by word, not in condemnation but in love.  

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Saturday, February 20, 2016

"That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, 'Let US go over to the other side.'" (Mark 4:35, emphasis added)

Jesus Calms A Storm.

I've often read this account and wondered, "How could the disciples get so scared?  Didn't they realize who was in the boat with them?"  It's easy to ask that question looking back on the situation almost 2,000 years later.  However, when I think about my life, the storms that have come my way, and how I have responded to them, I realize that I have acted much like the disciples in this account.  You see, they really didn't know who Jesus was, but they were learning.  I believe that we "are in the same boat" (no pun intended).  The best way to get to know someone is to spend time with them, not just read about them.  

"He [Jesus] appointed twelve that they might be with him." (Mark 3:14)

Jesus was a Master at spending time with people.  Notice, He doesn't SEND the disciples across the sea, but instead says to them, "Let US go over to the other side."  Jesus was not about to send His boys anywhere without equipping them first.  In this case, all the Equipment they needed was Him - just Jesus' presence was enough, a truth they didn't know until the storm came.  We learn a lot about ourselves and others when we go through storms, don't we?

The boat began to shake and the waves invaded the boat.  They cried out, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"  Gripped with fear, they questioned the promise of Jesus - "Let US go to the other side."  They were still learning who He was.  Then, Jesus commanded the wind and the waves - "Quiet! Be still!" - and they obeyed His every word.  He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

Storms are a part of life, for better or for worse.  Jesus told His disciples, "In this world you shall have tribulations, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).  This is the truth.  However, right before Jesus ascended into heaven He said to the disciples, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  He Promised His Presence!  It's not just anybody who goes with us into our storms - It's Jesus, the One who can speak to the wind and waves and they obey Him.  He goes through every storm WITH US.  One of the truths that He constantly speaks to us is that His presence (the Holy Spirit) in our lives is more than enough.  Our job is live in that presence, to be in relationship with His Spirit, and listen to His guidance.

Lord, we know that you have many "other side" experiences for us, for you have given us the ministry of re-presenting you to those who aren't a part of the family yet.  There are people on the other side that you desire to love and lift out of the brokenness of their lives.  You are the Greatest Lover that we know!  Help us not to frantically run to you when our storms come.  Help us to be with you, resting on the pillow with you in the boat, confident in your power and authority over every gusty wind and every violent wave.  We love you, Jesus!  Amen.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Friday, February 19, 2016

[Keesha Sullivan]

Do We Trust God?

            Times are quickly changing. Many believe that these are the end times that the Bible speaks about in the New Testament. If these are the times, that means that disaster, turmoil and famine are inevitable. As I thought about the possibility of these three things, I asked myself, "Do you trust God right now while things are good and plentiful?" Do I trust God right now while I am not suffering from any of the persecution that my fellow brothers and sisters are suffering from in other countries?

            In today's Scripture it said, "The days of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread" (Psalm 37:18-19; 25). David wrote this knowing that there would be times of turmoil, disaster, and famine, but he believed that God would see the righteous through each trial and tribulation. God would work out the supernatural in a situation that seemed dire in the natural realm.

            In the natural realm, usually when a disaster comes, the end result is people "withering" (Psalm 37:19) - they suffer from lack of nourishment.  In the supernatural realm where God can do the impossible, as disaster strikes God's children will thrive. In the event of a famine, God's people will enjoy plenty. The righteous will not be forgotten and neither will their children.

            As I read on these promises that God spoke to David, my heart took solace in knowing that God is trustworthy. His word is tried and true. If I can't trust God in the plenty, it will definitely be hard for me to trust Him when the world goes through lack. Our only hope yesterday, today, and forevermore is Jesus.

            Lord, help us to build a greater trust in You being the ultimate Provider. Help us to understand that without You we have no hope. Help us to look to You whether we experience abundance or whether we don't. Thank You for being God! We love You, and we place our trust in You.

Thursday, February 18

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

Leviticus 6:1–7:27

Mark 3:7–30

Psalm 37:1–11

Proverbs 10:3,4

 

 

“Trust in the Lord and do good;

    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Take delight in the Lord,

    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 

“Commit your way to the Lord;

    trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,

    your vindication like the noonday sun.” (Psalm 37:3–6)

 

 

Psalm 37 discusses the challenges we face in observing those who are succeeding in this world, tying it to Asaph’s reflections in Psalm 73.  The psalm urges the believer not to “fret” or be “envious” of those who appear to succeed in spite of “wicked” character.

 

Instead of focusing on others, the psalmist urges us to concentrate on God and trusting in Him.  The reading indicates that God will reward the righteous in His timing.

 

What does it mean to “take delight in the Lord”?  And how will this lead to His giving us “the desires of your heart”?  As Keesha wrote several weeks ago, we must seek God, becoming passionate about knowing Him.  This relational closeness will naturally draw us to “take delight” because of His awesome character.  In this “delight,” we will come to desire what He desires for us.

 

Theologically, Jonathan Edwards described our response to God as the awakening of a “new sense” within us, under the Spirit’s direction.  Edwards recognized early on that only with a proper knowledge of God’s excellency would individuals desire Him and seek to mirror His character.  Reason and truth alone do not bring about inward transformation, as the unredeemed “see nothing in Christ wherefore they should desire him; no beauty or comeliness to draw or incline their hearts to him.”  Without God’s intervention, individuals cannot demonstrate “any denomination or character” of being “spiritual.”   Edwards compared the common – that is, non-saving – grace in the Spirit’s work to the shining of light on a dark body since the body will neither reflect any light nor produce any of its own.  In his natural state, a person resists what God had prescribed for him to do in order to glorify Him.

 

Edwards encapsulated the transformational catalyst as the “new sense,” which yielded a spiritual “change of nature” and prominently marked the Spirit’s regeneration and the root of “all holy affection.”  This doctrine of the “new sense” notably removed “the customary dichotomy of cognition and affection, of head and heart.”

 

Through the spiritual affections, the Holy Spirit transforms an “opinion” of God’s excellency into a “sense” thereof.   Effective grace thus inclines the heart “towards God and divine things, with such strength and vigor, that these holy exercises do prevail in him above all carnal or natural affections.”  Not mere momentary guidance, this “new sense” realigns the soul’s faculties according to the Spirit’s direction and engender ongoing holiness.

 

We may therefore pray to receive a deeper revelation of God’s beauty and excellency – the doorway to experiencing eternal life, rooted in knowing God and Jesus Christ (John 17:3).

 

For us, practically speaking, we find direction in Matthew 6:33 (from Friday’s reading):  “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  This verse appears to offer a New Testament parallel to the Abrahamic promises.  It wraps up our commitment to Christ and His Kingdom above earthly ties and the promises of God’s provision in all times.  We seek God not for His benefits, but because of His awesome Person.  He is worthy of all honor and praise, due only to His lovingkindness and holiness.  Yet, in His wholly otherness, He loves us so much to give eternal life to those who have trusted in Christ and to bring “all things” into our lives.

 

 

Lord God, help us to know You fully and to receive fresh revelation of Your beauty and excellency.  Bring our hearts into line with Your desires.  Give us fresh eyes to perceive spiritual reality so that we may delight in You today.  We love You and worship You as King of kings and Lord of lords.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

Keith Green:  “O, Lord, You’re Beautiful” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVgPQm06g2c)

 

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February 17

Psalm 36

As I read this Psalm contrasting God's faithfulness and love to the sinful hearts of people who don't know Him, the first impression I was struck with was how David personifies transgression.  In the Jewish Study Bible the first line reads "I know what Transgression says to the wicked; he has no sense of the dread of God, because it's speech is seductive to him". Evil is real and has a voice.  People who don't know God are enticed by it's appeal.   In contrast, for those who know Him, we are aware that God's love is everywhere and in all attributes of His character, He saturates us with love and kindness in the shelter of His wings. When we tune in to hear His voice, we are offered grace and forgiveness in His love for us.  The contrasting image of sin versus knowing God is found in verse 9 and 12: "For with You is the fountain of life" (v.9), "See how the evildoers lie fallen thrown down, not able to rise (12)."  We see this imagery used in Jeremiah where forsaking the spring of living water is compared to digging our own cistern (2:13).   Jesus Himself tells us in John 4:14, "Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life".  When we open our hearts to God, He faithfully pours His love into us. His refreshing springs of water will wash away any sin, and all we have to do is receive it. None of us are perfect, and we all have a story.  We have to always keep in mind that the world sees God through our testimony.  Sharing our story and revealing God's love is how we glorify our King.  I pray we all get to share our story today.



Randi


        

February 16: Of leprosy and blindness, and how the former is, perhaps, preferable to the latter...

Leviticus 1:1-3:17

Mark 1:29-2:12

Psalm 35:17-28

Proverbs 9:13-18

I had to read this verse twice: in Mark 1:40, a leper comes to Jesus, begging to be healed.  In just the next verse, we read in the NIV version that Jesus "reached out his hand and touched the man."

I thought that leprosy was a defiling disease - I had to go back to Leviticus -  and required the afflicted to live apart from the community, crying out "unclean, unclean" when they approached.  They were unable to live with family, and given there was no cure for leprosy, they were condemned to a life apart, in difficult conditions, suffering from a disease the symptoms of which would likely lead to their death.  Leprosy was condemnation, from which there was no hope of rescue or redemption, no help even, for one who helped risked touching the leper, and risked spiritual impurity. 

Yet here Jesus was - approached in faith, Jesus TOUCHED the leper and, in doing so, took upon Himself the leper's unclean state.  And not only that - in touching the leper, He healed him.  By taking upon Himself the leper's defiled state, Jesus saved him from the condemnation and desolation his state demanded.  And all because the leper cried out in desperate faith.

You know, the sad thing is, the leper was far better off than I often am - at least he was constantly aware of his need for a salvation beyond his own abilities.  How often do I delude myself into believing my own self sufficiency, thereby blinding me to my need for a salvation beyond my abilities, and precluding me from crying out in desperate faith?

Jesus, there are none so blind that will not see - and I am such a one.  Forgive my willful blindness to my need for You - touch me in my sinfulness, take upon Yourself the sin I cannot bear, and grant me the gift of Your salvation.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Saturday, January 23, 2016 [Psalm 34:6-8 NIV]

This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,and he delivers them.  Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

     A story is told about a young man that was invited to preach at a gathering of pastors and ministry leaders. This young man was a scholar, professionally trained at some of the world's top seminaries and Bible schools.  He was a very gifted thinker and speaker.  However, his message was troublesome to the audience.  This young man spoke about the questions and difficulties that the biblical text posed.  In all of his learning he had grown skeptical of things like Noah and the ark, Moses' parting of the Red Sea, and the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.  "Gentlemen," the young man exclaimed, "I'm simply not convinced that we have gotten it right."

     During the questions and answers portion of the young man's talk, several pastors got up and challenged him.  For every challenge this brilliant young man had an answer and all of the pastors sat down dismayed - all except one. He was an older man, clearly in the latter part of his years.  He stood up, reached into his brown paper lunch bag, pulled out an apple, and took a bite.  "Young man," said the apple-chewing pastor, "You're very brilliant and have brought up a lot of questions for us.  I'd like to ask you one, though. What does this apple taste like?"  The scholar looked puzzled, thought for a moment and answered, "Sir, there is no way for me to know that."  The old pastor replied, "Exactly, unless you take a bite out of this apple like I did, you'll never know what it tastes like.  You can question it, speculate about it, compare it to other apples, but you'll never know until you taste it.  Son, you know a lot of good information, but I think it's time you tasted Jesus."

     Skeptics are real and have real questions. Many of us who follow Jesus today were skeptics at one time in our journey. In fact, we still have a few questions lingering.  But, if you you check your testimonies, many of you will find that there was a moment in your life when you tasted Jesus - a time when He met you right where you were and poured out His love on you in a powerful way.  This encounter happened because you decided to take a bite and taste.  We will never have all the answers to all of the questions that we have about God until we meet Him face to face.  However, there's not a skeptic in this world that can tell me what I felt like when Jesus first met me… when He saved me from destroying myself… when He comforted me at my lowest moments… You can strip everything else away from me, but no one can strip me of my history with Jesus.  

     He invited me to trust Him.  And in the moments that I accepted His invitation He NEVER failed me.  No, every situation didn't turn out like I wanted it to.  Loved ones passed away, opportunities I wanted faded into the background.  But, I feel like the songwriter that wrote:

As I look back over my life

And I think things over

I can truly say that I've been blessed

I've got a testimony!

Father, we don't have all of the answers, but please grant us the courage and strength to trust You anyway.  In Jesus' Name...Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGwtyFQrzb0

Thursday, February 11

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

Exodus 32:1–33:23

Matthew 26:69–27:14

Psalm 33:1–11

Proverbs 8:33–36

 

 

“When Joshua heard the noise of the people shouting, he said to Moses, ‘There is the sound of war in the camp.’” (Exodus 32:17)

 

 

In today’s reading, we encounter the Israelites’ resorting to worshipping the golden calf.  Having seen God’s great hand in freeing them from Egyptian slavery, triumphing specifically over the Egyptian gods through the 10 designated plagues, spiritual amnesia descended quickly upon the Israelites.  This incident highlights the tremendous danger of failing to remember God’s faithfulness and to celebrate His presence on a daily basis.

 

I took note of Joshua’s pointing to the “sound of war in the camp.”  Having received training as a military leader – or at least blessed of God for this purpose – Joshua prophetically spoke of the spiritual warfare now within the camp.  As with each of us, individually and corporately, we face a real spiritual enemy over our commitment to our Father vs. our commitments to the flesh, the world, or the devil’s schemes.  Clearly, the devil sought to derail the Israelite nation by distracting them from their source of power, love, joy, and peace – the Almighty I am.

 

In The Knowledge of the Holy, A. W. Tozer argued that our view of God defines our horizons:  “The history of mankind will probably show that no people has ever risen above its religion, and man’s spiritual history will positively demonstrate that no religion has ever been greater than its idea of God.  Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God.”

 

This reality means that we must hold right attitudes towards God, chiefly to put no other gods before Him.  While this phrase certainly includes idols of human making, such as the golden calf, it more broadly refers to any commitments that draw us away from God.  These commitments may seem simple and innocuous, but they distract us from undivided, devoted worship of our Father.  These distractions ultimately sell God short and steal our joy.

 

What distractions do you face today?  How may you prepare to overcome these distractions?

 

I encourage you to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).  A great pathway is to remember God’s faithfulness by thinking over, writing down, or sharing ways in which He has made Himself known to you today or this week.  Then, please consider lifting up a prayer of thanksgiving or singing a praise song.  Through this process, we may lift up our soul (Psalm 27:13,14) and bolster our friends and family in the faith.  As we soon turn to the Book of Deuteronomy, we will receive many reminders to “remember.”  May we heed these truths.

 

 

Lord God, we wish to serve You and know You better.  Help us to overcome spiritual amnesia and the warfare we face for our heart’s allegiance.  By the blood of Christ and by His powerful Name, break these chains that wish to hinder us.  Give us strength to love You and worship You with all our hearts.  We desperately need You, both individually and as a country.  Show us how we may better honor You.  In the powerful Name of Jesus, amen.

 

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Feb 12

Psalm 33:16-17   No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.

What do we trust in? That can be determined by the way we spend our time and money. We will naturally gravitate towards that which we believe will provide security. For many people it is money. It is easy to think that having some dollars in the bank will give us a secure future. Kings on the other hand are tempted to think security is found in horses. We in the USA think security is found in our armed forces.  

But no king or President is saved by having tanks. Tanks can run out of fuel and they can't fight terrorists. No dollar is safe from an economic downturn or a volatile world market, just check the recent stock market numbers. The only hope of security is found by placing our eyes on the Lord.

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

America's future will not be secured by politicians. It will only be protected by Jesus Christ.

So here is the mission; convince the people of God that they are the only hope to lead our nation to Jesus. The gospel message will not come up during the next Presidential debate. It is our responsibility, as Christ followers, to live it and proclaim it. And it is only when our country turns to King Jesus that we will be truly secure.   

John Witherspoon said after the victory of the American Revolution. (1723-1794)

 "While we give praise to God the supreme disposer of all events, for his interposition on our behalf, let us guard against the dangerous error of trusting in, or boasting of an arm of flesh. I could earnestly wish that while our arms are crowned with success, we might content ourselves with a modest ascription of it to the power of the Highest."   

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

February 10

^{Proverbs 8: 27-32}

 I was there when he set the heavens in place,
    when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,
 when he established the clouds above
    and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
 when he gave the sea its boundary
    so the waters would not overstep his command,
and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
    Then I was constantly at his side.
I was filled with delight day after day,
    rejoicing always in his presence,
 rejoicing in his whole world
    and delighting in mankind.

  "Now then, my children, listen to me;
    blessed are those who keep my ways.

  When I first started to read the bible, one of the first questions that stumped me is found  in Genesis 1:26.  "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, .....'".  Teaching reading is a passion of mine, and one of the first questions I will always ask a student is  - who is the sentence referring to.  So naturally when I read that passage I wondered who is "us".  I looked up God in the Hebrew text for this passage and found the noun Elohim means God in a plural form. Obviously the Trinity existed from the very beginning.  I had my first true "AHA" moment though when I read John 1:1-5 and my confusion was cleared up.  As I sat and read today's Proverbs passage, I could visualize Jesus narrating the story of the creation. After all, He was there. He was the craftsman at The Fathers side (v.30). I could picture a Son in awe of His Father as He was in excitement as a masterpiece was being created that we were a part of.  "I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in His presence rejoicing in His whole world and delighting in mankind"  Jesus was so delighted with us He told His Father "I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given me because You loved Me before the creation of the world" (John 17:24).  Jesus loved us from the very beginning.  We were chosen in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight (Eph. 1:4)  When I sat and thought about it, my perspective changed.  Although this love is incomprehensible, it is available.  There was nothing we did or can do to achieve this love.  His love is built in as part of the plan.  All we have to do is receive His love. I think a key is found in Psalm 32:5 "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord and you forgave the guilt of my sin". No matter where we are in life, His love is available, all anyone has to do is repent, and receive.  From the beginning of creation, God's love has been unfailing and since Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, His love will never fail.


Randi

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Matthew 26:31-46

My message today is very short and simple. I picked Matthew because it points out a very human flaw. How often have you done something or said something or gone somewhere and then said - I will NEVER again! They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and even though we swear to ourselves that we will NEVER again, we often fall short of our promises to ourselves and others. As my mother used to say, "Never say never!" I know that in my lifetime, there were three things that I said I would NEVER do. Guess what - I did them all!

The things that I did still bother me when they come to mind, but I am grateful for a Mighty, Loving God who knew they would come to pass, just as His denial by Peter; not once but three times, and I grateful for His forgiveness and mercy. Just as He died for forgiveness of our sins, we have to forgive ourselves. I do not want to even imagine how devastated Peter must have felt when the words the Lord spoke to him came to pass.

Father - in each day and every way, may I give You thanks and praise for all You have done and forgiven in me. You knew my sins before I committed them and You still forgive and love me. You are a Good, Good Father!! Thank You!

Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial

On the way, Jesus told them, "Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,

God will strike the Shepherd,

and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there."

Peter declared, "Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you."

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me."

"No!" Peter insisted. "Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!" And all the other disciples vowed the same.

February 8: Of offense and defense, of sin and salvation

Exodus 28:1-43

Matthew 25:31-26:13

Psalm 31:9-18

Proverbs 8:12-13

A side note about last night's Superbowl - a wonderful game, with a twist.  Usually, offense wins the game - they score more points than the opposition.  Last night's game was different, though - the Broncos' Peyton Manning-led offense was ok at best.  It was the Von Miller-led defense that won the game, starting with the Cam Newton strip-fumble-Broncos touchdown in the 1st quarter.  The defense beat the offense.  More on this later.

The struggle I have with my own sinfulness is great enough.  The battle waged around me makes things even more difficult.  The world preaches a gospel of self - self centeredness, self gratification - and worse, it has gotten to the point the gospel of self is the new normal, and anyone who deviates from that definition of normal isn't merely left to labor under the seeming unfairness of a situation where the sinful are gratified because of their sinfulness, they are ostracized, they are persecuted, the world demands that they confirm to this new "normal".

The time Jesus lived in, those times weren't easy.  There weren't any of the conveniences we take for granted today; people ate, drank, lived by the sweat of their brow for the most part.  Giving someone something to eat, something to drink, took a lot more effort than picking up a value meal at the local fast food joint.  Consider what it took to draw water for a drink, even - no water coolers, no refrigerators filled with bottles of H20...no, one had to draw water from a well someone had to have dug...a task so costly that people fought for wells, and families were torn asunder even.  There were no sewing machines, no Uniqlo or Gap, and people didn't have 4 or 5 of everything, so clothing someone was a very tall order indeed.  So it must have been pretty controversial when Jesus told the parable of the goats and the sheep, and made it clear salvation  came to those who exhibited a very challenging degree of generosity.  And like the world that, even then, was preaching a gospel of self, Jesus was persecuted for it - we read the chief priests were already planning his death.

Where then lies our hope, any hope for the Christian struggling with his own sinfulness in a self-ish world?  The psalmist makes it clear - "Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief...Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends...They conspire against me and plot to take my life."  And then the psalmist's counsel, his example: "But I trust in you, Lord...my times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me...Let me not be put to shame, Lord, for I have cried out to you..."

How wonderful to have the constancy of the psalm's reassurance: it was true when the psalm was written, it is true today: the world is self-ish...but we have our God and His Help.

...back to the Superbowl analogy.  How wonderful that, as we live in a world that tries to play offense on us, we have the defense of Christ that wins the victory.  

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Saturday, February 6, 2016

By Keesha Sullivan

God Is More Than Enough

  "...A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15). Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, which would mean a man's life consists of Jesus. The more I seek Jesus the more life I possess. This is a lesson that the Lord has really been driving home over for me over the last few years. He keeps breaking down the lies of this world and filling my mind with His 

truths.

     In 1 John 2:15-17, we read, " Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." The enemy pushes needing a house, a car, more money, more recognition, more of everything, while the Lord says you just need more of me. 

     The reading from today spoke about the people giving their first fruits to the Lord. We read in Exodus 23:19, ""Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God." As I read this scripture, I realized that the only way a person could joyfully give their firstfruits is if they trusted God and knew that He was more than enough to provide. In order to give the firstfruits (our tithe) each month, we must know that our life doesn't consist in the abundance of our possessions, but rather it consists of Jesus and being obedient to Him. 

     Lord, please help us to tear down the lies of this world and fill our minds with Your truths. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You are more than enough. If we have You, we possess everything. Help us to live lives full of gratitude. Help us to live lives that are consciously aware of the fact that because we know the One and Only King - Our Savior, Our Everything - that we are more than blessed; we are completely fulfilled. We love You, Lord. We thank You for fulfilling our every need and desire. In Jesus's Name, we pray. Amen

Feb 5

Matthew 24 

 

There is a growing conviction on the part of many that planet earth is unraveling in high gear. Some suggest if you put your ear to the ground, you can already hear the thunderous hoof beats of the approaching horses and riders of the apocalypse. This sense of impending danger can be directly attributed to the impotence of a political solution to correct the disintegration of our global problems. Who, other than the omniscient God, could have anticipated the truly epic world changes of recent years and given us a picture of how this drama is going to be acted out on planet earth?

 

When you grasp that Jesus predicted 2000 years ago that a country the size of New Jersey will be the focus of the entire planet, it is staggering to consider.   

 

So what should we do as we see the world unraveling around us?  Live with hope and anticipation. Jesus said in Matthew 24:25, "See, I have told you ahead of time." Jesus does not want any of us to perish or to be taken by surprise by the coming apocalypse. He has warned us. Do not put your hope in any political solution; put your hope in Jesus. Our hope is found in the victory that Jesus secured on the cross. Jesus has already triumphed over the forces of evil. We know how the story ends.

 

We also need to live with daily watchfulness. Jesus wants us to be prepared for his second coming. We should live with the anticipation of a little girl from New Haven, CT who was talking with her mother concerning the second coming of Jesus.

 "Mommy, do you believe Jesus will come back?" "Yes, dear," replied the mother.

 "Could he come back this week?" "Yes, dear."

"Could he come back today?" "Yes, dear."

"Mommy, could he come back in the next hour?"

 "Yes, he could come back in a few minutes." The girl looked up at her mom and said, "Mommy, would you comb my hair?"

 

This anticipation and yearning for Christ's return is all but dead among Christians today. We haven't given up on the doctrine of the second coming, but we have given up on the joyful anticipation of it. We have been so seduced by comforts of life in Stamford that we no longer desire the comforts of heaven. We believe Jesus is coming back in our heads but don't allow it to touch our hearts.

 

This is what we must rekindle in our hearts today.

 

Even so, come quickly Lord.

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, February 4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Exodus 19:16–21:21

Matthew 23:13–39

Psalm 28:1–9

Proverbs 7:1–5

 

 

Do you tend to view the glass half-full or half-empty?  We sometimes use this rhetorical question to judge whether we have taken an optimistic or pessimistic perspective on a situation.  In today’s world, many times, folks will take liberties in their perspective, even showing willingness to stretch the truth or “explaining away” reality.  The glass is neither half-full or half-empty; its fullness or very existence is of my own making, one may argue.  In contrast, as Christ-followers, we are committed to know, follow, and serve the Truth.

 

In today’s reading, we encounter the Ten Commandments.  These bedrock laws help to define the reality of man’s fallen condition, pointing out our disconnection both with God and with others.  If we read these Commandments and examine our hearts and live even a little, we recognize our clear shortcomings.  By these standards, we have all indeed broken fellowship with God by our active rebellion or passive indifference.  God rightly should punish us for this disobedience.  As Romans 6:23a indicates, the “wages of sin is death” -- or spiritual separation from God.  We “earn” this wage after having sinned; we deserve the consequences.

 

Chiefly, we have broken the First Commandment of placing other gods before the Almighty.  While we may not openly worship idols of wood and stone, we have all placed other priorities (also “idols”) in the place of our Father.  We have failed to trust in His provision and looked to self-satisfaction beyond bringing Him praise.

 

Despite this reality -- and we are truly foolish if we ignore this reality -- God has declared His overwhelming love for us in buying our pardon through the blood of Christ.  As law-breakers, we must identify with the heaviness and real consequences of our sin.  Only then may we understand the glory of God’s grace and experience real gratefulness in knowing of God’s enduring love for us, despite our brokenness.

 

Sometimes, the Western Church has presented a “modern Gospel,” focused on how knowing Christ brings fulfillment to our lives.  Indeed, this statement is true, but we miss out on the power of the Cross if we strip down the Gospel to a life-improvement remedy.  The Gospel is our only hope, our only rescue.  We were desperately separated from our loving Creator without His powerful intervention.  We must identify with Christ’s death by dying to sin and with His Resurrection by rising to a new life focused on honoring Him (Romans 6).

 

Have you ever found yourself grateful and relieved after a stressful or dangerous situation?  That sense of gratefulness and relief should naturally accompany our remembrance of His law, the Cross, and the pardon He bought for us.

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your willingness to suffer in our place for the sin that we have so clearly committed.  Give us wisdom and courage to search out the evil corners of our hearts and minds so that we may turn towards honoring You completely.  Send Your Holy Spirit into our midst that we might know You more completely and love You more intentionally.  Thank You for Your amazing provision for us.  Help us not to shy away from the reality today.  In Your Name, amen.

 

 

“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vmY2ztb5xc

 

 

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February 3

Exodus 17:11-16

When I read this, the first image that came to my mind was Grace church on Sunday morning.  Whether you are leading in worship or singing in the pews, one thing you will see is everyone's hands raised up in worship.  To worship means to be rendered to God only (Naves Topical Study Bible) - or totally giving yourself away to God.  In this position of surrendered worship, God led the Israelites to victory.  Much like Moses, when we are in a battle, we become weary.  We drop our hands, maybe even lose our focus.  What stood out to me was how Aaron and Hur did whatever was necessary to keep Moses' hands raised.  Worshiping God, despite our weariness or the appearance of unchanged circumstance, can be a challenge. In the very first small group bible study I was in, this point came up as part of our study, so we made a promise to "hold up each others arms" as we went through life's challenges.  God is continually teaching me that prayer and words of encouragement are one of the ways He uses us to bless others and worship Him through the storms.  I'm sure we all know someone who needs help holding up their hands in worship today. Our help comes from the Lord,  the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2).  I pray we all lift up our hands to the throne of the Lord (v.16) and perhaps help someone keep their hands lifted as well.



Randi