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.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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
--------------------
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
--------------------
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
--------------------
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)