Getting some chariots: 1 Chronicles 16:37-18:17
It’s not who hear, it’s who obey: Romans 2:1-24
The Lord is King forever: Psalm 10:16-18
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul: Proverbs 19:8-9
Boy, did I let the Bible blog get behind or what? And it was with the book of Romans, my favorite book. :)
Paul makes it clear in this letter to the church in Rome that it’s not just hearing the word that matters, it’s doing the word. It’s not just being a church member that matters, it’s actually doing God’s will that matters.
This isn’t saying that we’re not saved by grace. We still can’t get big headed & think we earn eternity. Yet, Christianity has to real enough to live it, or it means nothing.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
July 13, 2009 (Monday)
July 13
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1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36
Romans 1:18-32
Psalm 10:1-15
Proverbs 19:6-7
After a considerable amount of greetings and warm affections for the Romans, Paul gets into some of the hard truths of the world. Paul talks about the basic inability for anyone to see God, though his works are all around us! The world is content to deny and forget the power and Lordship of God although there is everything written in nature and creation to show that he exists, made all and that all are accountable to him. In forgetting God, the human race must turn to all sorts of things to fill in that need to love and worship him, instead they love and bow down to their own desires and own paths. The end of this section is a pretty brutal list of ways of describing a world that has forgotten God. It would be pretty discouraging to stop here, but take heart, the gospel is GOOD NEWS!
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1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36
Romans 1:18-32
Psalm 10:1-15
Proverbs 19:6-7
After a considerable amount of greetings and warm affections for the Romans, Paul gets into some of the hard truths of the world. Paul talks about the basic inability for anyone to see God, though his works are all around us! The world is content to deny and forget the power and Lordship of God although there is everything written in nature and creation to show that he exists, made all and that all are accountable to him. In forgetting God, the human race must turn to all sorts of things to fill in that need to love and worship him, instead they love and bow down to their own desires and own paths. The end of this section is a pretty brutal list of ways of describing a world that has forgotten God. It would be pretty discouraging to stop here, but take heart, the gospel is GOOD NEWS!
July 12, 2009
July 12
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Having read through Acts, seeing the great boldness, action, and conviction of Paul we have to be on the edge of our seats to get into the deep matters of the gospel that he illustrates in the wonderful book of Romans. Many see Romans as the best summarization of the Christian life, justification, peace with God, new life in Christ, the coming return of Jesus, the judgment of the world, the righteousness revealed in Jesus. Paul starts things off by stating his authority as an apostle, called by God to bring good news to the church of Rome. As this is a letter to real people in a real place, Paul begins by speaking warmly to his friends, praising them for the reputation of their great faith. We should long to have the same reputation. He desires to see his friends so that they might encourage and build one another up in the faith. This shows us what the Christian life should be about, encouraging one another and building one another up. Is this an accurate picture of how we usually treat one another?
Before getting into the meat of the letter, Paul makes a wonderful claim about the gospel:
"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes."
He will spend the rest of the letter explaining what this gospel is all about.
Monday, July 13, 2009
July 11
July 11
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Reading the last chapter of Acts is a really good experience as we move into the great book of Romans. The second half of Acts focuses heavily upon Paul and his work of bringing the good news of Jesus to all the world. He just keeps going on and on and on, knowing that the job of bringing the gospel to all peoples will be much bigger than something he can do alone, yet he is zealous to do all he can to establish churches in parts all across the area so that those churches can do the work in their own area. This is in so many ways just like our ministry here. Someone initially set up our church and centuries later we are still here to bring the gospel to this corner of the world. As we read Romans we get a closer look at Paul's theology as he writes letters to the church of Rome. We get to see even more clearly why he is so on fire to bring this good news to the world.
July 10
July 10
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This chapter is a great indication of what it means to show Godly leadership. Though Paul was a fellow prisoner on the boat, in tumultuous times we see that he is still God's appointed leader of those here. Paul uses the encouraging word that God gives him to tell the others on the boat that he will spare their lives. It is important in the church when someone has a strong conviction or a spiritual insight into where the church should be going that we listen to them. We should always test what people say to scripture, but if someone is excited about doing great things for God it's our job to support and get behind them.
Friday, July 10, 2009
July 9 (Thursday) -- Paul Does a Gilligan's Island
More begats: 1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40
Stormy sailing: Acts 27:1-20
God is a righteous judge: Psalm 7:1-17
Finding a honey is finding God’s favor: Proverbs 18:22
Have you noticed the person of Acts in these chapters? It was written by Dr. Luke, but these chapters are in 1st person. He uses words like “we” when talking about who sailed to Italy, boarded the ship, and lost hope of being saved by the storm.
The point is that Paul was not going through this alone. The Holy Spirit was guiding Paul to allow him to ultimately witness to the emperor of Rome, but it was not an easy road. And Paul had Christian friends along with him to support him, even when Paul was in chains like a criminal.
We need to further God’s kingdom with a no-matter-the-cost kind of philosophy, and encourage each other Christians who do the same.
Stormy sailing: Acts 27:1-20
God is a righteous judge: Psalm 7:1-17
Finding a honey is finding God’s favor: Proverbs 18:22
Have you noticed the person of Acts in these chapters? It was written by Dr. Luke, but these chapters are in 1st person. He uses words like “we” when talking about who sailed to Italy, boarded the ship, and lost hope of being saved by the storm.
The point is that Paul was not going through this alone. The Holy Spirit was guiding Paul to allow him to ultimately witness to the emperor of Rome, but it was not an easy road. And Paul had Christian friends along with him to support him, even when Paul was in chains like a criminal.
We need to further God’s kingdom with a no-matter-the-cost kind of philosophy, and encourage each other Christians who do the same.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
July 8 (Wednesday) -- Griping at Agrippa
The battle was God’s: 1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81
In such a short time can you persuade me to become a Christian? Acts 26:1-32
Be merciful to me, O Lord: Psalm 6:1-10
The tongue has the power of life and death: Proverbs 18:20-21
Check out today’s passage from Acts. I love this stuff, because it’s not fiction. This really happened!
Paul was talking to King Agrippa, who had the authority to let the Jews execute Paul. Yet, when Paul told the king about Jesus appearing to him, he also talked about Jesus wanting Paul to tell everyone to repent & believe in God – including the Gentiles. By the way, the Gentles are all non-Jews, including the Romans. Instead of cowering in a little corner hoping King Agrippa would be nice to him, Paul took the gospel to the king knowing that it might offend the king. The king already had a religion.
Yet, it’s not over. In the last verse of today’s passage, King Agrippa said that Paul would have been set free had he not appealed to Caesar. The Holy Spirit gave Paul not only the words to say, but also the guts to say them with a no-matter-what, no-matter-who kind of attitude. This allowed Paul to eventually take the gospel to the highest authority in the Roman empire.
What goals does the Holy Spirit have for you?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
July 7 (Tuesday) -- Their Throat Is an Open Grave
A bunch of begats: 1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17
More on Paul’s trail: Acts 25:1-27
Throat like a grave: Psalm 5:1-12
Offended like a barred gate: Proverbs 18:19
You know, David had to go through a lot of mess. A lot of folks wanted to kill him, at different times in his life.
And in today’s Psalm he pleaded with God to help him from his enemies’ attacks. Yet he wasn’t talking about the sword. He was talking about their words.
Verse 6 has “those who tell lies”. Verse 9 has “not a word from their mouth can be trusted”. That same verse has, “their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit.”
We, as Christians, need to watch what we say about others. It’s not our place to stir up a bunch of mess toward people, even if they’ve done us wrong.
July 6, 2009
July 6
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Luke (the author of Acts) seems very interested in giving us a lot of details about Paul's trial here. I believe that one thing that is going on is his desire to show that, just like Jesus, Paul is very much falsely accused of breaking the Jewish law in following the way of Jesus. Following after Jesus in no way breaks with the Old Testament, breaks in no way with what it means to be an Israelite, to be of the people of God. As Paul talks with Felix during the trial, he speaks of the coming judgment, the judgment that will be righteous and completely true. This makes Felix nervous and he really mostly wants to have nothing to do with Paul, kind of like Pilate in Jesus' trial. He keeps Paul in prison as a favor to the Jews. He is working out of pleasing man and not pleasing God. As the Psalmist spoke of in a passage from last week, God is more to be trusted than earthly princes, earthly judges, who make bad choices and who will one day die and be no more. God's law remains forever and his people will be righteous before his throne.
July 5, 2009
July 5
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Jesus let his disciples know before he went to be with the Father, that they would themselves experience persecution as he himself had. A servant is not greater than a master. Paul is displaying this very persecution here. The Jewish leaders were adamant about holding back Paul, who was powerfully preaching the gospel all over the Mediterranean world. 40 of the Jewish leaders pledged to not eat or drink until they had killed Paul. As they were preparing an ambush, Paul learns of the plot and has the Roman guards who were holding him captive to take him somewhere safe. Though Paul is in danger, God is always with him, he is always in control of the situation.
July 4, 2009
July 4
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When reading Acts it is important to always keep in mind the great commission. The Great Commission is the speech Jesus gives to the disciples at the end of the gospel of Matthew to spread the good news of salvation to all the earth. He also says here that "I will be with you always". God is always with us and we need him especially when we are bringing his good news to the world. Sometimes this is challenging, as Paul here sees, there are many people who don't trust Paul because of his past or who outright don't like what he has to say, but in this section of Acts we see God constantly comforting, encouraging, reassuring Paul. With God's presence Paul is able to stand up to his accusers, pointing out their hypocrisy and blindness.
July 3, 2009
July 3
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After reading the final Psalm, a call for all to praise God in any way that we can we
rewind back to the first Psalm. Where that chapter summed up the entirety of Christian
living, this opening Psalm is like a jumping off point. That's a good way of thinking of
the Psalms, a guidebook for the Christian life as it is expressed in song. There may be
certain songs that mean a lot to you in your life, songs that say something special about
how you look at yourself, God, your family, your friends. This opening Psalm points us
to the pathway of Christ. This Psalms shows us that it is not blessed to sit in a council
of men who don't fear God, but it is blessed instead to meditate on God's word, to live
in the light of his salvation and revelation. This is like a tree planted next to a river,
a tree with a good source of life.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
July 2 -- Cymbals are cool!
Reversing the shadow: 2 Kings 20:1-22:2
Away with him! Acts 21:18-36
Praise him with cymbals: Psalm 150:1-6
Slackers are working for destroyers: Proverbs 18:9-10
Today I want to blog about the passage from 2nd Kings. If you recall, Hezekiah was a king of Judah who flat out loved the Lord. Hezekiah had no sons. For anybody living in that part of the world at that time, dying with no kids was the worst shame you could have. The idea was that you must be a really horrible person to be cursed with being childless. Add to that the fact that Hezekiah as a king and had no son to pass the throne too. This was no doubt part of Hezekiah’s desperation in his praying to God.
Then something kinda cool happened – God heard Hezekiah’s prayer & healed him! I say “kinda” because it may not have been the best thing. You see, because God healed Hezekiah, Hezekiah went on to have a son, who grew up to betray the Lord & even encourage others in his kingdom to do the same. Amon even sacrificed his own son, Hezekiah’s grandson, to the fire god. I bet if Hezekiah had forseen what God did, he would have prayed a prayer that was more of “Your will be done”, than “please, oh please save me.”
Martin Luther once said, “"Blessed is he who submits to the will of God; he can never be unhappy. Men may deal with him as they will...; he is without care; he knows that 'all things work together for good' for him"”
Away with him! Acts 21:18-36
Praise him with cymbals: Psalm 150:1-6
Slackers are working for destroyers: Proverbs 18:9-10
Today I want to blog about the passage from 2nd Kings. If you recall, Hezekiah was a king of Judah who flat out loved the Lord. Hezekiah had no sons. For anybody living in that part of the world at that time, dying with no kids was the worst shame you could have. The idea was that you must be a really horrible person to be cursed with being childless. Add to that the fact that Hezekiah as a king and had no son to pass the throne too. This was no doubt part of Hezekiah’s desperation in his praying to God.
Then something kinda cool happened – God heard Hezekiah’s prayer & healed him! I say “kinda” because it may not have been the best thing. You see, because God healed Hezekiah, Hezekiah went on to have a son, who grew up to betray the Lord & even encourage others in his kingdom to do the same. Amon even sacrificed his own son, Hezekiah’s grandson, to the fire god. I bet if Hezekiah had forseen what God did, he would have prayed a prayer that was more of “Your will be done”, than “please, oh please save me.”
Martin Luther once said, “"Blessed is he who submits to the will of God; he can never be unhappy. Men may deal with him as they will...; he is without care; he knows that 'all things work together for good' for him"”
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
July 1 -- hook in the nose
Hooked by the nose: 2 Kings 18:13-19:37
Ready to be bound or die for the Lord: Acts 21:1-17
Let the saints rejoice in his honor: Psalm 149:1-9
Gossip is like food: Proverbs 18:8
When I read stuff like in Acts 21, I can’t help but think about how cushy our lives are in America. We have no persecution for being a Christian, especially in Alabama. But Paul was willing to do whatever the Holy Spirit guided him to do for the Lord, even though it meant his life would be in danger.
I believe our country is slowly heading towards a day when Christians will be persecuted. If it happens in our lifetimes, I’d like to think we’d have enough spiritual mettle to stand up for the Lord with a no-matter-what, no-matter-who kind of ‘tude.
But the million dollar question is: why don’t we go ahead and stand up for the Lord now, when it doesn’t hurt us?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
June 30 -- The Tent Maker's Dissertation
Hezekiah broke Moses’ bronze snake: 2 Kings 17:1-18:12
The tent maker’s dissertation: Acts 20:1-38
CeCe Winans favorite psalm: Psalm 148:1-14
Mouth begging for a beating: Proverbs 18:6-7
Paul’s closing statement to the Ephesians talked about how important it was for them to live by his teachings. Of course, we know some of his teachings to them – they’re in the Book of Ephesians. But here in Acts, as Dr. Luke recorded it, what was the main thing Paul said that he taught them? And not just to them, but to the Jews too? (Hint, that means everybody.) That we “turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus” (verse 21).
Repentance goes hand-in-hand with faith in Jesus. We can’t live a life full of sin, with no intention of ever changing, all the while claiming that Jesus is our Lord. When Paul called Jesus our “Lord”, it means that He’s our master --> we do what He says.
The tent maker’s dissertation: Acts 20:1-38
CeCe Winans favorite psalm: Psalm 148:1-14
Mouth begging for a beating: Proverbs 18:6-7
Paul’s closing statement to the Ephesians talked about how important it was for them to live by his teachings. Of course, we know some of his teachings to them – they’re in the Book of Ephesians. But here in Acts, as Dr. Luke recorded it, what was the main thing Paul said that he taught them? And not just to them, but to the Jews too? (Hint, that means everybody.) That we “turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus” (verse 21).
Repentance goes hand-in-hand with faith in Jesus. We can’t live a life full of sin, with no intention of ever changing, all the while claiming that Jesus is our Lord. When Paul called Jesus our “Lord”, it means that He’s our master --> we do what He says.
June 29 -- Watery Words of Wisdom
King after king after king: 2 Kings 15:1-16:20
Suffering a smack-down from a demon possessed man: Acts 19:13-41
Praise the Lord: Psalm 147:1-20
Watery words: Proverbs 18:4-5
Put on some steel toe shoes before reading Proverb 18:4 – The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
If you talk like most of our fellow man, then your words are as useful as salt water, which can’t be drank. This is what’s referred to as “deep waters” in the proverb.
But speak like the Lord would have you speak and you speak words that bring life, like a bubbling brook.
Wisdom is a treasure that everybody can attain. Seek your wisdom from the Lord & I promise you’ll find it.
June 28
June 28
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Today's passage from Psalms is quite rewarding. It is great that the entire year is filled with a daily reading from the Psalms since they act like a daily spiritual renewal and reflection upon the greatness of our God. Today's Psalm speaks to where we should place our trust. Psalm 146 opens with a exclamation of praise, declaring where our trust dwells. In verse 3 we see that even the most influential and "important" of people are not a place to put our ultimate confidence in, they are mortal just as we are! Next the Psalmist contrasts earthly rulers with our heavenly Lord. The Lord God is the one who made everything and "keeps faith forever". Not only is he eternal in his being, he is also infinite in justice, "who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry". It is good to know that no matter how bad things get here, our Lord will one day set them right... We then see that he grants salvation and favor by opening the eyes of the blind, lifting up those who are brought low, watching over the 'sojourners' (which kind of means homeless, but really can mean anyone who wanders this world like it is not their home). the Psalmist ends by stating a wonderful truth "the Lord will reign forever". Our great king will reign forever. We have a reason to hope and rejoice in the kingdom of God!
June 27
June 27
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As Paul goes out to bring the gospel to the nations, it is important for us to realize that he was discouraged as well. We read in today's passage that after speaking to the Jewish people over and over, they still rejected him and his teachings, he basically tells them that he's done with them and that they are responsible for the truth he has been teaching them. He is obviously frustrated at speaking to people who reject him over and over, yet Jesus then shows up in a vision and encourages Paul, "do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you". What an encouraging thing to remember. Those who were here Sunday to hear Pastor Jack heard a lot about this encouragement. It is important to remember that Jesus promises to always be with us.
June 26
June 26
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In the book of Kings we are reading much about the adventures of the wars of Israel and the tumultuous history of the good and bad kings of Israel. In Acts there is a very contrasting story going on. Here we are reading about the very exciting account of Paul's ministry to the nations. Today's readings involve Paul in Thessalonica, which provides for a great tie in to the missionary letters he sends to the churches, read the books of Thessalonica to get a fuller picture of Paul's relationship to the churches that he founds. Next is a very interesting story about Paul speaking before the Areopagus, where a group of philosophers liked to sit around and, well, philosophize. Paul is ready to speak the gospel in a way they can understand, while in a way that is very challenging. There is an altar to "an unknown god" and Paul basically shows them that he understands the spiritual world in a way revealed by God. He reveals this unknown God as the one who has made all things and all people "in him we live and move and have our being" he says, quoting one of their philsophers. This speech results in many people becoming Christians, "but some men joined him and believed", we read.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
June 25 -- Jailhouse Rock
If the madman calls you “king”, we also call you “king”: 2 Kings 8:1-9:13
Jailhouse rock – Christian style: Acts 16:16-40
Teach me to do your will: Psalm 143:1-12
It is not good to flog officials: Proverbs 17:26
I’ve loved the story about the Lord freeing Paul & Silas from prison ever since I first read it at 14 years old!
Again, the Lord caused His followers to do supernatural things so that others would believe in Jesus. The jailer point blank asked Paul & Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
The Holy Spirit is wanting to use us too if we just simply let Him. Ask Him to use you in any way He sees fit.
By the way, if anyone’s interested in a old school rendition of this story, check out one of my favorite classic Christian rock songs at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGMieqbOSSg
June 24 -- Retrieving lost tools, God style
Everything from a floating axehead, to chariots of fire, to blinded enemies, to a guard getting trampled to death: 2 Kings 6:1-7:20
Hi, Timothy. I want you to go around preaching with me. But there’s something I need you to do first: Acts 15:36-16:15
Set me free from my prison: Psalm 142:1-7
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view: Proverbs 17:24-25
Lot’s of hard core prophet action going on in today’s reading from 2nd Kings. :)
Because the Arameans had laid a siege (a blockade) against Samaria, the Israelites in Samaria couldn’t get out to grow crops or raise meat. They were hurting for food, with no late night Taco Bell in sight.
Read 2nd Kings 6:26-31 again. Can you imagine things getting so bad that you’d agree to share either others’ kids as meals? I can just hear my mother being part of that negotiation: “I’ll give you my son, Charles, for two of your kids. Charles is big & fat. You’ll get a lot of meals out of him.” :)
When it got this bad, the king of Israel was mad. Who was he mad at? Was he mad at the Israelites for disobeying God and cutting of His providence? Was he mad at himself for not sticking to God like glue or praying day & night for the wisdom to lead the nation in this time of crisis? Nope. He was mad at God & he took it out on God’s servant, Elisha.
But the Lord rescued Elisha by telling Elisha what to tell the king.
God is the one we should fear. Our fellow man has only the power that God lets him have. And God showed Himself off by delivering the Israelites out of their siege.
If you want to be the one who’s ahead of the game, trust God & seek His glory. Elisha was on the winning side all along.
Hi, Timothy. I want you to go around preaching with me. But there’s something I need you to do first: Acts 15:36-16:15
Set me free from my prison: Psalm 142:1-7
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view: Proverbs 17:24-25
Lot’s of hard core prophet action going on in today’s reading from 2nd Kings. :)
Because the Arameans had laid a siege (a blockade) against Samaria, the Israelites in Samaria couldn’t get out to grow crops or raise meat. They were hurting for food, with no late night Taco Bell in sight.
Read 2nd Kings 6:26-31 again. Can you imagine things getting so bad that you’d agree to share either others’ kids as meals? I can just hear my mother being part of that negotiation: “I’ll give you my son, Charles, for two of your kids. Charles is big & fat. You’ll get a lot of meals out of him.” :)
When it got this bad, the king of Israel was mad. Who was he mad at? Was he mad at the Israelites for disobeying God and cutting of His providence? Was he mad at himself for not sticking to God like glue or praying day & night for the wisdom to lead the nation in this time of crisis? Nope. He was mad at God & he took it out on God’s servant, Elisha.
But the Lord rescued Elisha by telling Elisha what to tell the king.
God is the one we should fear. Our fellow man has only the power that God lets him have. And God showed Himself off by delivering the Israelites out of their siege.
If you want to be the one who’s ahead of the game, trust God & seek His glory. Elisha was on the winning side all along.
June 23 -- You must stink pretty bad if you have to take 7 baths in one day
Take seven dips in the Jordan and call me in the morning: 2 Kings 4:18-5:27
The 1st Church Doctrine: Acts 15:1-35
Set a guard over my lips, O Lord: Psalm 141:1-10
Bribery perverts justice: Proverbs 17:23
What a remarkable story from 2 Kings! Naaman’s leprosy was healed by God! Even better than that: Naaman realized that our God is the only real God (2nd Kings 5:15).
This backs up what I said in the previous post about God giving us special abilities to bring glory to God, not ourselves.
The 1st Church Doctrine: Acts 15:1-35
Set a guard over my lips, O Lord: Psalm 141:1-10
Bribery perverts justice: Proverbs 17:23
What a remarkable story from 2 Kings! Naaman’s leprosy was healed by God! Even better than that: Naaman realized that our God is the only real God (2nd Kings 5:15).
This backs up what I said in the previous post about God giving us special abilities to bring glory to God, not ourselves.
June 22 -
Getting out of debt slavery – God style: 2 Kings 3:1-4:17
It’s tough to tell the difference between a Christian and Zeus: Acts 14:8-28
Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men: Psalm 140:1-13
How to get dry bones: Proverbs 17:22
Reading Acts, it must have been mighty tempting to Barnabas & Paul to let the Greeks continue worshipping them as Zeus and Hermes. But the Holy Spirit didn’t give Paul the ability to heal the man so that Paul & Barnabas could get the glory. The glory goes to God.
Paul later wrote a lot about spiritual gifts in 1st Corinthians 12-14. In those 3 chapters he wrote various ways that it’s tempting to think that the presence of a spiritual gift in your life makes you superior to other Christians. But the gifts are meant to edify the church and edify the individual, not make the individual the center of worship.
It’s tough to tell the difference between a Christian and Zeus: Acts 14:8-28
Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men: Psalm 140:1-13
How to get dry bones: Proverbs 17:22
Reading Acts, it must have been mighty tempting to Barnabas & Paul to let the Greeks continue worshipping them as Zeus and Hermes. But the Holy Spirit didn’t give Paul the ability to heal the man so that Paul & Barnabas could get the glory. The glory goes to God.
Paul later wrote a lot about spiritual gifts in 1st Corinthians 12-14. In those 3 chapters he wrote various ways that it’s tempting to think that the presence of a spiritual gift in your life makes you superior to other Christians. But the gifts are meant to edify the church and edify the individual, not make the individual the center of worship.
June 21 -- A Week Late
Here's a posting I typed up while Gorgeous and I were celebrating our anniversary far away from any Wi-Fi, up in Lake Cumberland State Park.
Don’t reject bald headed prophets: 2 Kings 1:1-2:25
Getting stoned for the Lord: Acts 13:42-14:7
We are fearfully and wonderfully made: Psalm 139:1-24
He whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble: Proverbs 17:19-21
In Acts it’s recorded that the church was doing what’s it’s supposed to do best: telling others about Jesus. Note in verse 50 who was incited against the Christians: God-fearing people.
Many of the times I’ve seen Christians bustin’ and movin’ for the Lord wound up coming under harsh criticisms from their fellow Christians. It wasn’t the world that didn’t like Christian rock in its early days – it was Christians. Not once has someone who professes to not believe in Christ get onto me when they overheard me telling someone about Jesus. But I have been fussed at from people who claim to be Christians. Most people who complain about churches are people in other churches.
Now it’s rubber-meets-the-road time. Are we at FUMCH making more waves by trying to further the Kingdom of God, or are is most of energy directed at stifling other Christians?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
June 20
June 20
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A little background on Saul/Paul. Saul was a really really hardcore Israelite. He was a zealot and a Pharisee, an expert in Jewish law, both Old Testament and other Jewish laws that were drafted by Jewish lawyers. As an expert in this area he knew all about the story of the Old Testament. When he came to Christ something incredible happened in his thinking. He understood the entire Scriptures as pointing to Christ. That is why reading this passage is so fascinating. We get a picture of how Paul is bringing all of his knowledge of the Old Testament and describing why this means that everyone should bow down to Christ, as one who was anticipated from the beginning of time. What a better reason for us to search the Scriptures for what God has shown us there about Jesus!
June 19
June 19
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In this passage we see the church lay hands on Saul and Barnabas so that they may go out into the world to do that which they have been called by God to do. As they go out to proclaim the salvation of Christ they come across an evil sorcerer named Bar-Jesus (no relation). Paul (which his name has now been changed to) calls out the evil sorcerer, tells him he is of the devil and, by the power of God blinds the man. The proconsul sees this and is understandably convinced.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
June 18
June 18
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I have been focusing a lot on Acts lately, but I do want to say some things about the passage from 1 Kings today. This is a fascinating story about the call of Elijah. Though we think of Elijah as one of the "greats" of the Old Testament, right up there with David and Abraham, we are given a picture of Elijah's discouragement. Remember, of all the "greats" of the Bible, only Jesus is perfect. But God appears to Elijah, not in the great, majestic wonders, but in a quiet whisper. God is comforting Elijah and encouraging him in the fact that his ministry is not in vain. All of Israel seemed to have rejected God and his prophets, going so far as to kill them. But he is reminding Elijah that he is preserving a part of Israel and that all will not forsake him. It is sometimes hardest to stay faithful to God when it seems everything is falling around us. But God is never far from us, seek him and he will strengthen you in the midst of your struggles.
June 17
June 17
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When the Bible takes a lot of time to tell one story it means that we should perk up and take note of what is going on. For the third straight day we are reading about Peter's vision of the unclean animals being made clean. This is emphasized for quite a long while in Acts. It is difficult to grasp the importance of this sense we are used to Christianity being a faith practiced all over the world. We have to remember that we are the "gentiles" that the Bible talks about over and over. The whole point of this story is to show us how truly amazing the gospel is. God is gracious and desires that men and women all over this world would come to know him. Right after this story there are several accounts of evangelism and about many coming to faith and repentance. We then learn a bit of church history because we hear about the first time the church is referred to as "Christians". What does "Christian" mean? Little Christ. We are like ambassadors sent out into this word to spread his good news of salvation.
Monday, June 22, 2009
June 16
June 16
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As we learned this past week in Indianapolis, after God reveals himself to us (as he did to Peter) we don't simply keep it to ourselves. God had revealed an incredible thing to Peter, the fact that anyone who believes in Jesus can be saved, no matter what nationality. The Lord also revealed himself to Cornelius, compelling him to call Peter into his house to preach to his friends and relatives. Peter preached the message of salvation through Christ, emphasizing the fact that all nations are called into this salvation. The Holy Spirit fell upon those Gentiles there who accepted the message and many "circumcised" or Jewish Christians were blown away by this fact. Acts is all about the gospel going out to peoples of all nations and the power of the Holy Spirit.
June 15
June 15
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Many of those who hunt out there, today's passage from Acts may contain one of your favorite verses in the Bible:
3Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat."
This passage tells the story of Peter falling into a trance before going off to a meal. Have you ever been so hungry that you just dream about food? Well there is definitely more to this story than that. Basically God is telling Peter that what he thought of a ceremonially "unclean" (the animals he was ordered to kill and eat) were no longer unclean. This indicates that Jesus cleanses people from all over the place of their sins, making them acceptable in his sight. This is difficult for Peter to understand, but God is teaching him that he is no longer merely the God of Israel, but of all nations. He is "Lord of all creation, of water earth and sky"
June 14 -- Joppa's Jumping for Jesus
Hi, all. We had a good time on the mission trip and it’s time to start catching up the Bible blog.
The nameless man of God: 1 Kings 12:20-13:34
Tabitha, get up: Acts 9:26-43
Arise, O Lord, and come to your resting place: Psalm 132:1-18
Parents are the pride of their children: Proverbs 17:6
As Matt noted in the last blog, the Holy Spirit is a part of the Trinity & should be revered. In this portion of Acts the Holy Spirit continued to empower the early church to rock and roll in Jesus’ name. Look at the lives that are impacted here:
1) The church as a whole in Judea, Galilee, & Samaria enjoyed peace because it was encouraged the Holy Spirit.
2) Aeneas, the paralytic, was healed & the people of Lydda & Sharon turned to Jesus.
3) Tabitha was healed and people in Joppa turned to Jesus.
Imagine how Hueytown, Pleasant Grove, Sylvan Springs, & Oak Grove would be impacted if all of us in our church opened up completely to the Holy Spirit & asked Him to use us however He saw fit?
The nameless man of God: 1 Kings 12:20-13:34
Tabitha, get up: Acts 9:26-43
Arise, O Lord, and come to your resting place: Psalm 132:1-18
Parents are the pride of their children: Proverbs 17:6
As Matt noted in the last blog, the Holy Spirit is a part of the Trinity & should be revered. In this portion of Acts the Holy Spirit continued to empower the early church to rock and roll in Jesus’ name. Look at the lives that are impacted here:
1) The church as a whole in Judea, Galilee, & Samaria enjoyed peace because it was encouraged the Holy Spirit.
2) Aeneas, the paralytic, was healed & the people of Lydda & Sharon turned to Jesus.
3) Tabitha was healed and people in Joppa turned to Jesus.
Imagine how Hueytown, Pleasant Grove, Sylvan Springs, & Oak Grove would be impacted if all of us in our church opened up completely to the Holy Spirit & asked Him to use us however He saw fit?
Saturday, June 13, 2009
June 13 (Saturday)
June 13
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We read today of the powerful conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Saul's name would be changed to Paul to indicate the great change that would happen to this man. From here on, so much of the New Testament is characterized by the story and testimony of Paul, much of the book of Acts and then so many of Paul's letters. Why is this? I believe that the story of the gospel is made so evident in Paul. Here is the greatest of sinners, a man sitting on, holding the coats of the men who stoned Stephen to death. A man 'zealous' of putting down the Jesus movement. Yet, in God's rich mercy Saul becomes one of the greatest missionaries and authors in Christian history. Paul stands as a kind of ultimate example of what it means for Jesus to take our lives and make them into something that works powerfully for the kingdom of God.
Friday (June 12, 2009)
June 12
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Today's passage in Acts continues to show the power of the Holy Spirit. From reading the book of Acts it is impossible to underappreciate the role of the Spirit as divine and as the third person of the trinity. As the apostles spread the good news of the kingdom and of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit is the power from God for Christ's disciples to carry out his work. The first passage is a bit interesting because Simon thinks that he can practically "buy" the power of the Spirit. Meaning he believes that money is more powerful in being able to command the Spirit. The point is that God is more powerful than money. Of all the Lord's in this world, Jesus is above all of them and all are under his feet, including money. The story of an Ethiopian man on the road suddenly and exuberantly desiring to become a follower of Christ is told. Once again, the power of the Holy Spirit in evangelism.
Friday, June 12, 2009
June 11 (Thursday) -- Can't Stop the Church
The Temple dedication: 1 Kings 8:1-66
The early church’s Git R Done attitude even under persecution: Acts 7:51-8:13
He has cut me free from the chords of the wicked: Psalm 129:1-8
Better be poor & happy than rich & full of strife: Proverbs 17:1
Some people reading the stuff in Acts might think, “Yeah, right, whatever. God doesn’t really give the people in His church the ability to heal, cast out demons, see visions, & forgive the people who persecute them. That’s just fantasy stuff.”
That’s what I love about the Bible – it’s THE TRUTH! :)
Keep in mind that the Book of Acts was written by a doctor named Luke. In many ways, the Book of Acts is a sequel to the Book of Luke (compare Acts 1:1 with Luke 1:1-4). His stated purpose for writing about Jesus & the church was to write an orderly account of everything that happened after he had carefully investigated it.
As Matt blogged in a previous post, Stephen is the first known martyr of the church. And the Holy Spirit used many people in the church to bring others to the church. In some ways, persecution leads to church growth. People get serious about the Lord when they’re forced to bluntly state whether they’re Christian or not.
And check out who was doing a lot of the persecution – Saul. We all know that Saul later is renamed “Paul” when He sees Jesus on the road to Damascus and starts rockin’ and rollin’ for the Lord. But I’m always impressed by God’s ability to use anybody, even someone as loathsome to the early church as Saul.
The Holy Spirit is just waiting to use you for His church. Ask Him to shape you, change you, lead you, empower you, use you, and whatever else He sees fit. And ask Him knowing that He’ll deliver.
The early church’s Git R Done attitude even under persecution: Acts 7:51-8:13
He has cut me free from the chords of the wicked: Psalm 129:1-8
Better be poor & happy than rich & full of strife: Proverbs 17:1
Some people reading the stuff in Acts might think, “Yeah, right, whatever. God doesn’t really give the people in His church the ability to heal, cast out demons, see visions, & forgive the people who persecute them. That’s just fantasy stuff.”
That’s what I love about the Bible – it’s THE TRUTH! :)
Keep in mind that the Book of Acts was written by a doctor named Luke. In many ways, the Book of Acts is a sequel to the Book of Luke (compare Acts 1:1 with Luke 1:1-4). His stated purpose for writing about Jesus & the church was to write an orderly account of everything that happened after he had carefully investigated it.
As Matt blogged in a previous post, Stephen is the first known martyr of the church. And the Holy Spirit used many people in the church to bring others to the church. In some ways, persecution leads to church growth. People get serious about the Lord when they’re forced to bluntly state whether they’re Christian or not.
And check out who was doing a lot of the persecution – Saul. We all know that Saul later is renamed “Paul” when He sees Jesus on the road to Damascus and starts rockin’ and rollin’ for the Lord. But I’m always impressed by God’s ability to use anybody, even someone as loathsome to the early church as Saul.
The Holy Spirit is just waiting to use you for His church. Ask Him to shape you, change you, lead you, empower you, use you, and whatever else He sees fit. And ask Him knowing that He’ll deliver.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
June 10 (Wednesday) -- Fear the Lord
Building a house to live in, Solomon’s style: 1 Kings 7:1-51
Telling it like it is, Stephen’s style: Acts 7:30-50
Blessed is he who fears the Lord: Psalm 128:1-6
My hair is becoming more splendorous every day: Proverbs 16:31-33
Today’s Psalm seems kind of weird. “Blessed are all who fear the Lord”. Does God really want people to fear Him? Is that how He gets his kicks?
But the word “fear” really means to respect. And this is followed up with “who walk in His ways”. We need to respect God enough so that He is our Lord. “Lord” means boss, not just friend. That’s the part that might be kind of hard to swallow.
Now for the best part: The word “blessed” means “blessed, happy, fortunate, to be envied”. In other words, it means really, really blessed – so much you’re fortunate and other folks some of what you’ve got.
Respect God enough so that He’s your boss --> and get sure enough blessed!
Telling it like it is, Stephen’s style: Acts 7:30-50
Blessed is he who fears the Lord: Psalm 128:1-6
My hair is becoming more splendorous every day: Proverbs 16:31-33
Today’s Psalm seems kind of weird. “Blessed are all who fear the Lord”. Does God really want people to fear Him? Is that how He gets his kicks?
But the word “fear” really means to respect. And this is followed up with “who walk in His ways”. We need to respect God enough so that He is our Lord. “Lord” means boss, not just friend. That’s the part that might be kind of hard to swallow.
Now for the best part: The word “blessed” means “blessed, happy, fortunate, to be envied”. In other words, it means really, really blessed – so much you’re fortunate and other folks some of what you’ve got.
Respect God enough so that He’s your boss --> and get sure enough blessed!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
June 9 (Tuesday) -- Our House...In the Middle of Our Street
Retro Alert: You might have to have been around in the 80's to recognize the image I put on today's post. :)
Building a temple in seven years, Old Testament style: 1 Kings 5:1-6:38
History of Israel, Stephen style: Acts 7:1-29
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of kids: Psalm 127:1-5
Plotting evil with winks: Proverbs 16:28-30
How fitting that today’s Psalm was written by Solomon, who we read about from today’s Old Testament reading in 1st Kings. :)
Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”
The house is the ultimate place of refuge and security. It’s where you go to rest, be safe, and re-energize. The house is a vital component to one’s life. It’s where a family spends time together, where meals are consumed, and memories are made.
Yet, the house has no stability unless the Lord is the center of the house.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
June 8
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Martyrdom was a major part of the life of the early church. It is also a major part of the church throughout history, including today. Here begins the story of the first martyr Stephen. I think that these Martyrs that we read of in the scriptures and in history and of today are indications of what it really means to follow Christ. To be a servant means to be willing to lay down our life for him. We should pray not that this should happen to us, but that we would be so committed to Lord Christ that we would be willing to die, knowing that death is no longer the victor. Here's a link to somewhere you can learn more about the martyrs.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
June 7
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Today's passage in Acts is fascinating and an incredible testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the early church. First there is a very amazing story about Ananias and Sapphira. In this time the Apostles were holding every thing in common, sharing all of their possessions. This was based upon mutual trust and honesty. Ananias broke this bond of the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, holding back his own portion. Now the main point here I think is that it is very serious to put yourself against the work of the Holy Spirit, lying to yourself, others, and to the Holy Spirit himself. I think the point of this story is that we have a portrait of the kingdom of God, those who work against the kingdom will perish. But then we have an amazing story of the apostles in persecution, arrested for breaking the rule given them to not preach in the name of Jesus. They could not resist but telling others. Yet, one of the Pharisees, in a moment of wisdom, said that they shouldn't kill the men since they might be from God. If they are from God then no one will be able to stop them. How true... finally they go away rejoicing because they were persecuted for the faith. Incredible. May God give us such boldness and conviction.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Saturday (June 6, 2009)
June 6
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Jesus' reign is spreading throughout the earth! Proclaim the day of the Lord is here! This is the great triumph and march of God's kingdom as it goes out throughout the book of Acts. Jesus is risen and he is Lord over all the earth. His kingdom shall not end and death and evil have been defeated. As this messages is carried into the world, as the disciples are carried along by the Holy Spirit, proclaiming Christ, healing, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they are seeing resistance. Jesus warned them of this so that they would not be surprised, a servant is not greater than his master he said. By the Holy Spirit they proclaim the truth "the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone". Jesus has begun the mission to spread his kingdom and it is by His authority that they are bringing healing and life and testimony to the world. They prayed and the Holy Spirit gave them strength in the most difficult of circumstances "and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly". The same spirit lives in us when we ask for him to send it to us.
Friday, June 5, 2009
June 5 (Friday) -- "What I have I give unto you" -- better than silver or gold
One…two…the plague comes for the counted: 2 Samuel 23:24-24:25
Good thing Peter didn’t have any silver or gold to give to the beggar: Acts 3:1-26
Look to the Lord with eyes like that of a slave to his master: Psalm 123:1-4
A wise man’s heart guides his mouth: Proverbs 16:21-23
Yesterday’s reading had the Holy Spirit using the disciples to witness to non-believers through the miracle of speaking in languages they were not trained to speak. Then the same Holy Spirit gave Peter the words to boldly explain to the witnesses how it related to Jesus dying on the cross for the sins, causing thousands to be saved!
Today’s reading in Acts might seem anticlimactic compared to yesterday’s. What is the healing of one lame beggar compared to the saving of thousands from Hell? I’ll tell you what it is. It’s everything. Every individual that’s ever existed means a lot to the Lord.
If you make a habit of praying for the Holy Spirit to use you in whatever way He sees fit, don’t be surprised if He uses you in a miraculous way, but on one individual at a time.
June 4 (Thursday) -- Holy Fire
This water is so good I want to pour it out: 2 Samuel 22:1-23:23
It’s too early in the morning to be drunk: Acts 2:1-47
Psalm 122: Psalm 122:1-9
Blessed is he who trusts in the Lord: Proverbs 16:19-20
Two items of note from two different passages.
2nd Samuel 23:13-17: What in the world was David thinking? If you were one of David’s men and had fought hard just to get him the drink of water he asked for, how would you feel when he poured it on the ground? :)
Acts 2: Hey, guess what? We don’t have to carry out the great commission on our own. What great commission am I talking about? The one where Jesus said to go out & tell people about Him.
Take Peter in today’s reading from Acts. Do you know who Peter was? Peter was just a plain ol’ fisherman with little to no education who was more impulsive than impressive. The next thing you know, the Holy Spirit is using him to bring thousands into the kingdom of God!
And who will do these wondrous things? Peter quotes Joel 2:28-32, which says, “your sons and daughters will prophesy”. It also says, “Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy”.
So the Holy Spirit using folks in miraculous ways is not a man-only thing.
How would you like to have a part of the Trinity poured out onto you? Luke 11:1-13 has Jesus explaining what we call the Lord’s Prayer with asking God for the Holy Spirit, knowing for sure that He’ll give Him to you.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
June 3 (Wednesday) -- Pride leads to the dark side
You never know what might get thrown over a wall: 2 Samuel 20:14-21:22
Jesus’ followers after Jesus went back to Heaven: Acts 1:1-26
The Lord watches over you: Psalm 121:1-8
Pride --> destruction: Proverbs 16:18
In the Star Wars movies Yoda said, “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” When us Star Wars fans first heard that we thought, “that old green sage is giving words of wisdom”.
Well, a long time ago, in a galaxy very, very near, King Solomon compiled a book of wise sayings that we call the "Book of Proverbs". Today’s proverb may be the most important proverb to remember.
Pride goes before destruction
a haughty spirit before a fall.
If you think you’re “all that and then some”, get a hold of yourself. You’re setting yourself up for a down fall.
If you’re the first person in your family to get a college degree and instead of being grateful you find yourself thinking you’re better than your siblings, get a hold of yourself. You’re setting yourself up for a down fall. (Trust me. I’ve done it.)
I used to have epilepsy. There was a time I had one to three seizures per day. It was a very humiliating experience, and was slowly getting worse. Plus, the docs said there was no cure & that each seizure ate up brain cells that would never be replaced.
I was also praying for the Holy Spirit to shape me and use me however He saw fit. I prayed this a couple of times a day for weeks. This was in my late twenties.
One day I had a seizure & I realized that almost all of my seizures occurred right after I had feelings of pride. My pride was based on temporary things, like my intellect or my strength and endurance. (Believe it or not, I used to be in good shape when I worked at the Bruno’s warehouse. :) ) Plus, I was getting near finishing college, earning a degree in a field that a lot of folks thought was pretty tough stuff. I had reason to be prideful, or so I thought.
And the Holy Spirit did something.
He made me thankful for the epilepsy. I’m not saying that God is the author of diseases and such. But at the very least, He held back His healing hand to teach me an eternal lesson about pride and humility. I realized that clarity over spiritual matters such as pride was much more valuable than health or longevity on Earth. Without a doubt it was the Holy Spirit who caused me to be grateful over a situation that I could have easily been angry or disappointed about.
I asked God to shape me to be humble enough not to need my pride kept in check. I came to the realization that I’m not “all that and then some”. The next day, my neurologist signed me up for yet another MRI scan. Ho hum. What a waste of time those things were. I had so many MRI scans before and none of them ever found the cause of the seizures.
But this time the MRI scan found a microscopic piece of scar tissue on my brain. It’s what was causing the seizures! I had hope for a cure after over a decade of hearing that I had to put up with epilepsy all my life and that the seizures would continue to slowly eat up my brain. A round of tests & a surgery later & I was cured!
Ask the Holy Spirit to shape you & use you in any way He sees fit (like Brother Al preached last Sunday). Do it with the attitude that there might be things that need to be changed. Pride is destructive. Don’t let pride keep the Holy Spirit from doing things in you.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
June 2 (Tuesday) -- The Shepherd's Workers
David is restored as king of all Israel --- with resistance: 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13
If you recognize your master by his ability to fish, you might be a redneck: John 21:1-25
I call on the Lord in distress, and He answers me: Psalm 120:1-7
Wisdom is better than gold: Proverbs 16:16-17
“Do you love me?”
Jesus asked Peter that three times. All three times, Peter responded with a sound affirmative. All three times Jesus’ reply back to Peter was for Peter to take care of His sheep.
We are the sheep. Peter and the other disciples went on to evangelize much of the world.
We are also now the Shepherd’s hired servants, like Peter. It’s our job to feed Jesus sheep.
What if Peter & the other disciples hadn’t done as Jesus said?
What if we don’t do as Jesus said and feed His sheep?
If you recognize your master by his ability to fish, you might be a redneck: John 21:1-25
I call on the Lord in distress, and He answers me: Psalm 120:1-7
Wisdom is better than gold: Proverbs 16:16-17
“Do you love me?”
Jesus asked Peter that three times. All three times, Peter responded with a sound affirmative. All three times Jesus’ reply back to Peter was for Peter to take care of His sheep.
We are the sheep. Peter and the other disciples went on to evangelize much of the world.
We are also now the Shepherd’s hired servants, like Peter. It’s our job to feed Jesus sheep.
What if Peter & the other disciples hadn’t done as Jesus said?
What if we don’t do as Jesus said and feed His sheep?
Monday, June 1, 2009
June 1, 2009 (Mmmm-onday)
June 1
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Four gospels and four resurrection stories. We have read through the four accounts of Jesus' life and they have all ended the same. No matter how many times you read it, there it is, Jesus overcomes sin and overcomes death and the message is still true for today. He is still with us and we have the presence of his Holy Spirit to go out and build his kingdom. There are a couple of items here to note. One, it shows that Mary thought Jesus was the gardener, also there are mentionings that it is the "first day of the week". Some people think what this means is that John is showing us that this is about "re-creation", meaning that the "garden" and "first day of the week" reminds us of Genesis 1, except here is the first day of the new creation, when Jesus has defeated the last enemy and is to take the right hand of God as the victorious Lord... Though this ends (tomorrow actually) the gospel readings, as we continue this resurrection of Jesus will be what it's all about in the story of the early church, Paul's letters, John's letters, etc. It's all about Jesus.
Thursday - Sunday
Having had moving going on and family matters for Charles, just to catch up I'm gonna post the links for the last few days and pick up for Monday blogging. here's the links for the past few days.
May 28
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May 29
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May 30
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May 31
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Friday, May 29, 2009
May 27 (Wednesday) -- Access to the Father
One…two…your sin will haunt you:2 Samuel 12:1-31
Jesus tells of His death & resurrection: John 16:1-33
You hands made me and formed me: Psalm 119:65-80
The Lord works out everything for his own ends: Proverbs 16:4-5
2nd Samuel 12: 11 was fulfilled just like the Lord told David. David’s sons Absalom and Adonijah tried to usurp the throne from David. Absalom did it for a while. Adonijah did it mainly when David was up in age. Even though David was a man after God’s own heart, he let sin mess up part of his life.
That’s the bad news.
The good news is that when we pray God the Father hears us directly. In John 16:26-27, Jesus said that when we pray He doesn’t have to ask God on our behalf because God loves us! Check that out – we have access to the One who created everything & is the source of all blessings! We don’t have to pay a preacher to pray for us. We don’t have to hire an attorney to be our advocate. We simply pray in the name of Jesus & God will hear us because He loves us.
Life of sin bad news
Life of prayer access to the Father
Jesus tells of His death & resurrection: John 16:1-33
You hands made me and formed me: Psalm 119:65-80
The Lord works out everything for his own ends: Proverbs 16:4-5
2nd Samuel 12: 11 was fulfilled just like the Lord told David. David’s sons Absalom and Adonijah tried to usurp the throne from David. Absalom did it for a while. Adonijah did it mainly when David was up in age. Even though David was a man after God’s own heart, he let sin mess up part of his life.
That’s the bad news.
The good news is that when we pray God the Father hears us directly. In John 16:26-27, Jesus said that when we pray He doesn’t have to ask God on our behalf because God loves us! Check that out – we have access to the One who created everything & is the source of all blessings! We don’t have to pay a preacher to pray for us. We don’t have to hire an attorney to be our advocate. We simply pray in the name of Jesus & God will hear us because He loves us.
Life of sin bad news
Life of prayer access to the Father
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
May 26 (Tuesday) -- Greater Love Has No Man Than This - That a Man Lay His Life Down for His Friends
Getta your eyesah offa the wife of Uriah: 2 Samuel 9:1-11:27
Jesus is friend and lord: John 15:1-27
The earth is filled with your love, oh Lord: Psalm 119:49-64
Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed: Proverbs 16:1-3
Loving Jesus and obeying Jesus go hand in hand. John recorded Jesus as saying that He’s both our friend and our Lord.
No one loves us as much as Jesus. Jesus died for us, His friends. That’s the greatest example of love (verse 13).
Now it’s our turn. In John 15:10 Jesus said, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.”
Who’s up to obeying Jesus? I want to remain in His love, do you?
Jesus is friend and lord: John 15:1-27
The earth is filled with your love, oh Lord: Psalm 119:49-64
Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed: Proverbs 16:1-3
Loving Jesus and obeying Jesus go hand in hand. John recorded Jesus as saying that He’s both our friend and our Lord.
No one loves us as much as Jesus. Jesus died for us, His friends. That’s the greatest example of love (verse 13).
Now it’s our turn. In John 15:10 Jesus said, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.”
Who’s up to obeying Jesus? I want to remain in His love, do you?
Monday, May 25
May 25
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John's gospel is a very Trinitarian gospel. You hear a lot about Jesus' divinity, his claiming the "I Am" statements for himself. He also writes a lot about the times Jesus spoke of his Father, his being sent by the Father, his going to be with the Father, his being the same as the Father. And now, here we read about the promised Holy Spirit. Jesus is soon to die for the sins of his people, then he will rise again and go to be with his Father. We celebrate Pentecost this coming Sunday and it is very important (we will celebrate by welcoming several students into the membership of the church) as the day God sent his Spirit to rest on his people. This passage gives us a great deal of information about the role of this Holy Spirit. Though we wait for the day of Jesus' return, we now have the presence of His spirit to comfort, strengthen and lead us to great acts for the kingdom.
Monday, May 25, 2009
May 24, 2009 (Sunday)
May 24
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In today's passage from 2 Samuel we read two very interesting stories, back to back about the ark of the covenant. They are both very famous stories and very interesting in contrast. The first is the story of a man who tried to stop the ark from falling off of planks when it had been set up wrong. Upon touching the ark he immediately died. This is a very dramatic story that displays the holiness and majesty of God. His worship is to be done in such a way as to appreciate his awesomeness and greatness... but then, right after is the famous story of David undignifiying himself by taking off his kingly garments (though he did have normal clothes on) before the slave women (which basically meant humbling himself as a man) and dancing before the ark. This shows us that we should worship God with reverence for him, yet humility for ourselves. We are nothing and God is everything. And we shouldnt be afraid to worship him in awe and great excitement.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
May 23, 2009 (Saturday)
May 23 -------------------- 2 Samuel 2:12-3:39 John 13:1-30 Psalm 119:1-16 Proverbs 15:29-30
Today's passage begins the longest chapter in the whole Bible. The longest chapter comes to chapters after the shortest. The longest chapter in the whole Bible is a long meditation upon God's law or word, it is a in depth look at how good God's plan for us is. This chapter is also an "acrostic" in Hebrew, each set of verses or "stanza" begins with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet (which doesn't come through in the English). This means that the author is showing how complete and finished is God's word, God's plan for us. His word is perfect...
May 22, 2009 (Friday)
May 22
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Today's passage from John is a great reflection from Jesus upon the meaning and purpose of his death. Jesus knew his mission was to come into the world to die to save his people from their sins. Yet at the same time Jesus prays to his Father to "glorify his name". In overcoming death and sin, in rising again on the third day, the name of the Father, the name of God is glorified and shown to be the name that is above all names. Our God is a great God.
In John we read about Jesus walking his disciples feet. Here we see more clearly what God's plan for us is. Jesus says this is showing his love for them. In washing their feet he is becoming humble and symbolizing his act of sacrifice that will cleanse his followers from their sins. Yet right after this we learn of the great betrayal of Judas, who will hand him over to be crucified.
Friday, May 22, 2009
March 21 (Thursday) -- We want him to die...again
David rescues his wife (err…I meant “wives”): 1 Samuel 29:1-31:13
Wanted dead or alive – the man who raises the dead: John 11:55-12:19
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good: Psalm 118:1-18
The path of life leads upwards for the wise: Proverbs 15:24-26
Imagine someone who had been dead for 3 days telling you about Jesus resurrecting him from the grave. Then imagine other folks not liking it & wanting to kill both Jesus & the resurrected man.
Poor Lazarus. He’d already died once and the chief priests were wanting him to die again. :)
It’s funny, but of the times I’ve done things for the Lord, usually the most active naysayers are the ones who claim to be religious. It’s been a while since that happened to me. I guess I’ve become slack in serving the Lord.
Wanted dead or alive – the man who raises the dead: John 11:55-12:19
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good: Psalm 118:1-18
The path of life leads upwards for the wise: Proverbs 15:24-26
Imagine someone who had been dead for 3 days telling you about Jesus resurrecting him from the grave. Then imagine other folks not liking it & wanting to kill both Jesus & the resurrected man.
Poor Lazarus. He’d already died once and the chief priests were wanting him to die again. :)
It’s funny, but of the times I’ve done things for the Lord, usually the most active naysayers are the ones who claim to be religious. It’s been a while since that happened to me. I guess I’ve become slack in serving the Lord.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
May 20 (Wednesday) -- Raising the dead beats talking to the dead
Talking to the dead, old testament style: 1 Samuel 26:1-28:25
Resurrecting the stinky dead, new testament style: John 11:1-54
Praise the Lord, all you nations: Psalm 117:1-2
Plans fail for lack of counsel: Proverbs 15:22-23
Can you imagine how embarrassed Abner was in today’s reading from 1st Samuel? :)
Saul certainly seemed lost. As king, he had a real problem with the Philistines attacking and no word from the Lord on getting out of it. It seems weird to think that Saul was able to communicate with the dead Samuel, but that’s what the Bible says happened and that’s what I believe happened.
Then in today’s reading from John, Jesus takes it up a notch. Instead of talking to the dead, Jesus resurrected the dead!
Some people think that Lazarus wasn’t really dead. They say he was in a coma or something like that. And Jesus’ seemingly lackadaisical attitude in John 11:6 to stay 2 days when He got word that Lazarus was sick, seems to support this theory. But He waited so that we’d believe in Him more (verse 15). He wanted Lazarus to be dead (verse 14). Even though Jesus knew He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, He was so into Lazarus’ death and Lazarus’s loved ones mourning that Jesus Himself cried about it (verse 35). Isn’t it nice that Jesus gets into our deep hurts? We’re not alone when everything seems to go wrong.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
May 19 (Tuesday) -- This Cave Isn't Big Enough for the Two of Us
If looking at a cave makes you think about relieving yourself, you might be a Jewish redneck: 1 Samuel 24:1-25:44
Stoning the Son of God: John 10:22-42
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice: Psalm 116:1-19
A foolish man despises his mother: Proverbs 15:20-21
Yeah, don’t be surprised if I write my comments from the Old Testament as long as we’re in 1st Samuel. I love the stuff about David, including today’s reading!
David could have easily taken advantage of the situation, but he let Saul get out of the cave alive. David saw Saul as the Lord’s anointed king. In David’s eyes, to harm the king is to blaspheme God’s anointing. Even though Saul was continuously trying to kill David, honoring the Lord’s work was more important than getting rid of a mortal danger.
No wonder that David went on to be perhaps the most beloved of all of the Jewish kings. He was truly after God’s own heart.
Monday, May 18, 2009
May 18, 2009 (Monday)
May 18
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In today's passage we read about how Jesus is the true Shepherd. He talks about false shepherds who have come before. Having this right after the story of the Pharisees makes us think about how the Pharisees were really the type of spiritual leaders who were false and leading astray. These are even working for the side of evil, on the side of Satan. Jesus is saying that he himself is the true shepherd. The shepherd even lays down his life for the sheep (remember yesterdays sermon?) Then Jesus speaks of "other sheep". Israel is no longer the only people to be God's own, Jesus is going to spread his kingdom his love and lordship across the whole world, calling people of all nations.
May 17, 2009 (Monday)
May 17
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In today's passage from John we can see that things are beginning to get tense. It's actually still kind of surprising when you start reading this story to see where it goes. Everything starts out so wonderfully. Jesus encounters a man born blind. Jesus tells his disciples that this man was born for the purpose of displaying God's power. God has the power to destroy the impact of sin and when Jesus was in the world he was showing us exactly what the kingdom of God is. One thing we learn here is that the kingdom of God is about healing. In the new creation there is no more evil, illness, pain and death. Jesus is defeating all of these... but then! After this wonderful story we read of the Pharisees once again coming in to rain on the parade and to find a way to condemn Jesus. This is the exact opposite of what should be going on. God wishes to bless the world through Israel and the religious leaders are trying to scoff and tear down the work of Jesus. It's a battle they cannot and will not win.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
May 16, 2009 (Saturday)
May 16
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The passage from John really speaks to how Jesus is the whole point of the Bible. Jesus gets into a pretty fierce debate about whether or not this group of Israelites understand the Old Testament. They are very proud of their status as the "children of Abraham" and not a slave to anything. Jesus is telling them that to be a child of Abraham is to have faith and obedience in the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He also rewrites Israelite history, or rather describes what it's all about. To be a slave to sin ultimately means a slave to our own sinful desires. to be freed from slavery means to be freed from the corruption of sin, the pain and death it causes us. To follow and believe in Christ means to be transformed down to the core. To reject the Christ is to be a "child of Satan". Pretty harsh! But the truth is, you're either one or the other. You either follow Christ or follow evil. Then Jesus says what they think he's saying in very clear terms "Before Abraham was, I am", (Remember in John, this phrase "I am" comes up over and over) For Jesus to say "I Am" is to repeat what the Lord claimed for himself on Mount Sinai. Jesus is saying he is the God of Israel. They start to stone him because it would be blasphemy to claim that you are God... that is, unless it were the truth.
Friday, May 15, 2009
May 15 (Friday)
May 15
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Our story from 1 Samuel is one of the most famous of the stories of David, one of the most famous stories of the Old Testament! It's popular for a good reason. We all know the inspiring chain of events. A Philistine, the arch enemies of Israel, are blaspheming God and taunting the nation of God. They have this gigantic guy named Goliath who is challenging anyone to fight him. All are afraid, yet David, with his great faith in the power of the Lord takes him on with just a sling and stones. He knocks Goliath out, steals his sword, kills him and cuts off his head... wow! But, what does this amazing story mean? Well, there's a lot of different things said about this story, but what makes the most sense to me is that this is an encouragement to the people of God that his covenant will stand. We have had Saul's failure as a King that God has appointed and we even read, "and the Lord was grieved that he had made Saul king over Israel!". I mean that's enough of a strong statement as to send theologians scrambling to make sure we know that God didn't make a bad decision, or was ignorant about what would happen (which he wasn't, to be sure). But the point is, it looks as if once again the annointing of the chosen one failed! But no! All along, Saul's failure is meant to show the Israelites humility and to make them reliant upon God alone. The Lord sends the humble, small and young David to be his chosen king and to defeat God's enemies. Thus begins one of the great foreshadowings of the King of all creation, Jesus! Jesus came as a humble servant and triumphed over sin, death and Satan through humility and death. Jesus came as a humble servant, but triumphed and will triumph mightily over his enemies! And in John we read more about how Jesus was "sent" by his Father. A very profound passage about how Jesus is sent by God and still is himself God.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
May 14 (Thursday) -- The Origin of David
X-Men Origins – The Anointing of David: 1 Samuel 15:1-16:23
No condemnation, but repentance: John 8:1-20
Sit at my right hand: Psalm 110:1-7
The Lord detests the way of the wicked: Proverbs 15:8-10
In 1st Samuel we’re starting to get into a really cool part of the Bible – the history of David. David was a young lad at this point. Some say he was about 14. The anointing from a prophet represented the Holy Spirit. When a prophet would anoint someone with oil he’d pour it on that person’s head & rub it in really good like a parent washing a kid’s hair. This symbolizes a covering of the Holy Spirit that’s so complete He’s getting into all our nooks and crannies. This anointing that Samuel did to David was like reading issue # 1 of a super hero comic book, where it describes the origin of the super hero’s powers. You don’t believe that David went on to do wondrous things? Stay tuned.
And in John we read about another wondrous thing: Jesus forgiving while others condemning. It’s not all one sided, though. This story ends with Jesus telling her, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” Yes, Jesus forgives us. But that same Jesus also expects us to shoot for LILYMI from here on.
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