Mark 2
16 But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?”
17 When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
I am a sinner. I am in need of my Savior Jesus every day. I cannot be the person God created me to be without Jesus working in my life every single day. I am anything but righteous. It is the righteousness of Jesus living in me that allows me the opportunity to stand before God and claim to be one of His children. To quote a Casting Crowns song: “Not because of who I am, but because of what You’ve done. Not because of what I’ve done, but because of Who You are.” Thank You, Jesus, for rescuing a sinner like me!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Repent
Matthew 4
17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Jesus preaches a very simple, but very powerful message, doesn’t He? REPENT (turn away from sin and turn towards God)…the Kingdom of Heaven is near. This message of repentance is one that needs to be proclaimed loudly in America today. We have become a society of rationalized, justified sinners, who don’t think that our sins are really all “that bad.” Jesus has a simple, yet powerful message for the Church in America today: “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Jesus preaches a very simple, but very powerful message, doesn’t He? REPENT (turn away from sin and turn towards God)…the Kingdom of Heaven is near. This message of repentance is one that needs to be proclaimed loudly in America today. We have become a society of rationalized, justified sinners, who don’t think that our sins are really all “that bad.” Jesus has a simple, yet powerful message for the Church in America today: “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Monday, September 28, 2009
Enlightening Nick at Night
John 3
1 There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”
3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
The Pharisee Nicodemus comes to Jesus in the dark, and after dark to try to see what the Truth is. Jesus straightens “Nick at Night” out in a hurry. Telling him that you must be born from above (also translated “again”), Jesus goes on to proclaim to Nicodemus some very profound and some very famous words. Read verse 16 and follow. Yeah, verse 16 is the most famous New Testament verse out there, but check out verses 17 – 21. I think these verses speak for themselves:
16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”
1 There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”
3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
The Pharisee Nicodemus comes to Jesus in the dark, and after dark to try to see what the Truth is. Jesus straightens “Nick at Night” out in a hurry. Telling him that you must be born from above (also translated “again”), Jesus goes on to proclaim to Nicodemus some very profound and some very famous words. Read verse 16 and follow. Yeah, verse 16 is the most famous New Testament verse out there, but check out verses 17 – 21. I think these verses speak for themselves:
16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Obey Your Momma
John 3
1 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”
4 “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”
5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
I LOVE this passage of Scripture. Not just because it is the first miracle Jesus performs, but more importantly because it shows the type of relationship Jesus had with His mom. Jesus is a grown man now, yet He obeys His mom, and she knows that He will. Even after telling her that His time has not yet come, Mary turns to the servants and says simply, “do whatever he tells you.” She doesn’t even address Jesus again here, she just tells the servants to do whatever he says to do. Of course, what happens next is that Jesus turns water into wine, saves the wedding party, etc. The important lesson of obedience often gets glanced over in this passage, but I believe it is the central lesson here. Jesus is obedient to His momma. He models obedience not only to His Heavenly Father, but to His earthly parents as well. It is a model we should all follow.
1 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”
4 “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”
5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
I LOVE this passage of Scripture. Not just because it is the first miracle Jesus performs, but more importantly because it shows the type of relationship Jesus had with His mom. Jesus is a grown man now, yet He obeys His mom, and she knows that He will. Even after telling her that His time has not yet come, Mary turns to the servants and says simply, “do whatever he tells you.” She doesn’t even address Jesus again here, she just tells the servants to do whatever he says to do. Of course, what happens next is that Jesus turns water into wine, saves the wedding party, etc. The important lesson of obedience often gets glanced over in this passage, but I believe it is the central lesson here. Jesus is obedient to His momma. He models obedience not only to His Heavenly Father, but to His earthly parents as well. It is a model we should all follow.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Walk The Walk
Matthew 3
7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.
John the Baptizer says it all right here, folks. He is talking to the “religious people” and even to the “religious leaders” who think that they are okay just because of who they are. John essentially says let your life reflect your repentance…walk the walk, don’t just talk the talk. This same message needs to be heard by the Church today.
7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.
John the Baptizer says it all right here, folks. He is talking to the “religious people” and even to the “religious leaders” who think that they are okay just because of who they are. John essentially says let your life reflect your repentance…walk the walk, don’t just talk the talk. This same message needs to be heard by the Church today.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Shepherd Evangelists
Luke 2
16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
The first evangelists to spread the Good News about Jesus’ birth were uneducated, disrespected, lowly shepherds. Their testimony was based on their experience with Jesus. Why is it that so many people who claim to be followers of Christ shy away from telling others about their experience with Jesus? We can no longer use the excuse that we are not educated enough or that we don’t know the Bible well enough, or that we don’t know anything. If we know Jesus…if we have experienced Jesus and the change that He brings to our lives, then we have everything we need to know in order to proclaim His glory to others. Father, make more of us like those lowly shepherds in Luke 2. May we proudly and loudly proclaim Jesus with our lives.
16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
The first evangelists to spread the Good News about Jesus’ birth were uneducated, disrespected, lowly shepherds. Their testimony was based on their experience with Jesus. Why is it that so many people who claim to be followers of Christ shy away from telling others about their experience with Jesus? We can no longer use the excuse that we are not educated enough or that we don’t know the Bible well enough, or that we don’t know anything. If we know Jesus…if we have experienced Jesus and the change that He brings to our lives, then we have everything we need to know in order to proclaim His glory to others. Father, make more of us like those lowly shepherds in Luke 2. May we proudly and loudly proclaim Jesus with our lives.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Truth
Luke 1
1 Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.
I LOVE how Luke starts his Gospel. He acknowledges that others are trying to write an account of Jesus, he utilizes eyewitness accounts and conducts a thorough investigation before writing! Luke’s goal is to help his patron (Theophilus) know beyond a reasonable doubt that Jesus is the Christ. Luke wants Theophilus to be certain of the TRUTH of everything he has been taught about Jesus. Truth is Truth, whether you want to believe it or not, but Luke has investigated the story of Jesus to make sure that this story is indeed the TRUTH. May I proclaim this TRUTH at every turn, and may those who hear my proclamations know that what I proclaim about Jesus is true.
1 Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.
I LOVE how Luke starts his Gospel. He acknowledges that others are trying to write an account of Jesus, he utilizes eyewitness accounts and conducts a thorough investigation before writing! Luke’s goal is to help his patron (Theophilus) know beyond a reasonable doubt that Jesus is the Christ. Luke wants Theophilus to be certain of the TRUTH of everything he has been taught about Jesus. Truth is Truth, whether you want to believe it or not, but Luke has investigated the story of Jesus to make sure that this story is indeed the TRUTH. May I proclaim this TRUTH at every turn, and may those who hear my proclamations know that what I proclaim about Jesus is true.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
God Never Changes
Malachi 3
6a “I am the LORD, and I do not change.”
God today is the same God who spoke the universe into existence. He is the same God Who kicked Adam & Eve out of the Garden of Eden because of their sin. He is the same God Who flooded the earth destroying every living creature except those in the ark that Noah had built. God is the same God Who destroyed Sodom & Gomorrah because not even 10 righteous men could be found in those cities. He is the same God who scattered and allowed to be enslaved, His chosen people because they turned their backs on Him. God is a God of love. He is also a God of Holiness. He expects nothing short of perfect obedience. We are incapable of such obedience. Jesus paid the price for our sins as was part of God’s plan all along. God does not change. He still punishes sinners, and forgives those who obey His Word. The same God Who destroyed the planet with a flood will one day destroy this planet with a fire, and only those who are counted as the Bride of Christ (the Church) will be saved. He is the LORD, and He does not change.
6a “I am the LORD, and I do not change.”
God today is the same God who spoke the universe into existence. He is the same God Who kicked Adam & Eve out of the Garden of Eden because of their sin. He is the same God Who flooded the earth destroying every living creature except those in the ark that Noah had built. God is the same God Who destroyed Sodom & Gomorrah because not even 10 righteous men could be found in those cities. He is the same God who scattered and allowed to be enslaved, His chosen people because they turned their backs on Him. God is a God of love. He is also a God of Holiness. He expects nothing short of perfect obedience. We are incapable of such obedience. Jesus paid the price for our sins as was part of God’s plan all along. God does not change. He still punishes sinners, and forgives those who obey His Word. The same God Who destroyed the planet with a flood will one day destroy this planet with a fire, and only those who are counted as the Bride of Christ (the Church) will be saved. He is the LORD, and He does not change.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Celebration Time
Nehemiah 12
27 For the dedication of the new wall of Jerusalem, the Levites throughout the land were asked to come to Jerusalem to assist in the ceremonies. They were to take part in the joyous occasion with their songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres. 28 The singers were brought together from the region around Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites. 29 They also came from Beth-gilgal and the rural areas near Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built their own settlements around Jerusalem. 30 The priests and Levites first purified themselves; then they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.
The Celebration Services are on! The wall around Jerusalem has been finished, and it is time to dedicate it to the Lord. This wall was a symbol of God’s love and protection for His people. When we gather on the Lord’s Day, we should celebrate with all our might. We are there to proclaim God’s great love for us through His Son, Jesus. It is Jesus Who protects us and Who IS Love. Our Celebration Services should boldly proclaim that love and be an expression of gratitude for that protection. Yeah, there is a time for quiet, reflective worship, and there is a time for bold, loud celebration of our Lord Jesus. May we fully participate in both!
27 For the dedication of the new wall of Jerusalem, the Levites throughout the land were asked to come to Jerusalem to assist in the ceremonies. They were to take part in the joyous occasion with their songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres. 28 The singers were brought together from the region around Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites. 29 They also came from Beth-gilgal and the rural areas near Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built their own settlements around Jerusalem. 30 The priests and Levites first purified themselves; then they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.
The Celebration Services are on! The wall around Jerusalem has been finished, and it is time to dedicate it to the Lord. This wall was a symbol of God’s love and protection for His people. When we gather on the Lord’s Day, we should celebrate with all our might. We are there to proclaim God’s great love for us through His Son, Jesus. It is Jesus Who protects us and Who IS Love. Our Celebration Services should boldly proclaim that love and be an expression of gratitude for that protection. Yeah, there is a time for quiet, reflective worship, and there is a time for bold, loud celebration of our Lord Jesus. May we fully participate in both!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Unfaithfulness=exile
1 Chronicles 9
1b The people of Judah were exiled to Babylon because they were unfaithful to the LORD.
When God’s people are unfaithful to the LORD, they can expect to be exiled from His presence. Pretty simple, eh?
1b The people of Judah were exiled to Babylon because they were unfaithful to the LORD.
When God’s people are unfaithful to the LORD, they can expect to be exiled from His presence. Pretty simple, eh?
Sunday, September 20, 2009
What a Worship Service!
Nehemiah 9
1 On October 31 the people assembled again, and this time they fasted and dressed in burlap and sprinkled dust on their heads. 2 Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners as they confessed their own sins and the sins of their ancestors. 3 They remained standing in place for three hours while the Book of the Law of the LORD their God was read aloud to them. Then for three more hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the LORD their God.
Woof! First, the folks are facedown on the ground, chanting Amen, Amen, and singing God’s praises, then they spend three hours standing hearing God’s Word read to them. THEN, the spend three hours confessing their sins, and worshipping God. Now THAT is a worship service, folks. How far have we come from this example in this age of feel-good Celebration services? Makes me wonder what I am doing, and if what I am doing is pleasing to God. Hmmm…
1 On October 31 the people assembled again, and this time they fasted and dressed in burlap and sprinkled dust on their heads. 2 Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners as they confessed their own sins and the sins of their ancestors. 3 They remained standing in place for three hours while the Book of the Law of the LORD their God was read aloud to them. Then for three more hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the LORD their God.
Woof! First, the folks are facedown on the ground, chanting Amen, Amen, and singing God’s praises, then they spend three hours standing hearing God’s Word read to them. THEN, the spend three hours confessing their sins, and worshipping God. Now THAT is a worship service, folks. How far have we come from this example in this age of feel-good Celebration services? Makes me wonder what I am doing, and if what I am doing is pleasing to God. Hmmm…
Saturday, September 19, 2009
So Be It, God!
Nehemiah 8
6 Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
As a worship guy, I am always interested at seeing various methods of worship described in the Scriptures. With hands in the air and faces on the ground, the people praised God chanting “Amen, Amen.” Tomorrow, we will gather with like-minded folks, sing songs, pray, celebrate the Lord’s Supper, and hear a message from God’s Word. Perhaps we should spend some time on our faces proclaiming to God “so be it!” (that’s what “amen” means). May God be glorified in my life every day, and may His glory be proclaimed as I lead others in a time of corporate worship tomorrow.
6 Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
As a worship guy, I am always interested at seeing various methods of worship described in the Scriptures. With hands in the air and faces on the ground, the people praised God chanting “Amen, Amen.” Tomorrow, we will gather with like-minded folks, sing songs, pray, celebrate the Lord’s Supper, and hear a message from God’s Word. Perhaps we should spend some time on our faces proclaiming to God “so be it!” (that’s what “amen” means). May God be glorified in my life every day, and may His glory be proclaimed as I lead others in a time of corporate worship tomorrow.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Another Nehemiah Prayer
Nehemiah 4
4 Then I prayed, “Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their own heads, and may they themselves become captives in a foreign land! 5 Do not ignore their guilt. Do not blot out their sins, for they have provoked you to anger here in front of the builders.”
Those opposed to God’s people mocked them. Nehemiah’s response? He prayed. But, check out his prayer – may their scoffing fall back on their own heads, may they become captives in a foreign land, don’t ignore their guilt, don’t blot out their sins. Now, there’s a prayer calling on the righteous indignation of god to protect those who are following Him. We live in a nation and culture that deems it perfectly acceptable to mock those who follow Christ. While I pray that the mockers will have their eyes opened and their hearts softened toward Jesus, I cannot help but think a little more of Nehemiah’s prayer might be appropriate as well. Hmmmm…
4 Then I prayed, “Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their own heads, and may they themselves become captives in a foreign land! 5 Do not ignore their guilt. Do not blot out their sins, for they have provoked you to anger here in front of the builders.”
Those opposed to God’s people mocked them. Nehemiah’s response? He prayed. But, check out his prayer – may their scoffing fall back on their own heads, may they become captives in a foreign land, don’t ignore their guilt, don’t blot out their sins. Now, there’s a prayer calling on the righteous indignation of god to protect those who are following Him. We live in a nation and culture that deems it perfectly acceptable to mock those who follow Christ. While I pray that the mockers will have their eyes opened and their hearts softened toward Jesus, I cannot help but think a little more of Nehemiah’s prayer might be appropriate as well. Hmmmm…
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Pray Like Nehemiah
Nehemiah 1
5b “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, 6 listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! 7 We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses.
8 “Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. 9 But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’
10 “The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. 11 O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.”
This prayer of Nehemiah is one that puts my prayer life to shame. As a “leader” of God’s people, I should be praying that our hearts will turn back to Jesus, that we will confess our sins, and that we will live our lives for Christ as we once upon a time pledged that we would. That is my prayer today, and will be my prayer every day from here on out. Please pray that for me, too.
5b “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, 6 listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! 7 We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses.
8 “Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. 9 But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’
10 “The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. 11 O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.”
This prayer of Nehemiah is one that puts my prayer life to shame. As a “leader” of God’s people, I should be praying that our hearts will turn back to Jesus, that we will confess our sins, and that we will live our lives for Christ as we once upon a time pledged that we would. That is my prayer today, and will be my prayer every day from here on out. Please pray that for me, too.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Godly Influence
Ezra 4
18 “The letter you sent has been translated and read to me. 19 I ordered a search of the records and have found that Jerusalem has indeed been a hotbed of insurrection against many kings. In fact, rebellion and revolt are normal there! 20 Powerful kings have ruled over Jerusalem and the entire province west of the Euphrates River, receiving tribute, customs, and tolls. 21 Therefore, issue orders to have these men stop their work. That city must not be rebuilt except at my express command. 22 Be diligent, and don’t neglect this matter, for we must not permit the situation to harm the king’s interests.”
The rebuilding of Jerusalem had become a great concern for the enemies of God’s people during the reign of the Persian King Artaxerxes. Thus, we see this correspondence from the king ordering the halt to this rebuilding. Anything not in the king’s interests was not to be tolerated. Followers of the One True God don’t always share the same interests as the government in power. It is interesting to me as I read today’s passage, Artaxerxes changes his mind about the rebuilding of Jerusalem due to the influence of a godly man named Ezra. As Christ-Followers, the best thing we can do for our government, is to be the salt and light that changes the hearts and minds of those in government. That influence is not won by screaming opposition, but by living the Christian life.
18 “The letter you sent has been translated and read to me. 19 I ordered a search of the records and have found that Jerusalem has indeed been a hotbed of insurrection against many kings. In fact, rebellion and revolt are normal there! 20 Powerful kings have ruled over Jerusalem and the entire province west of the Euphrates River, receiving tribute, customs, and tolls. 21 Therefore, issue orders to have these men stop their work. That city must not be rebuilt except at my express command. 22 Be diligent, and don’t neglect this matter, for we must not permit the situation to harm the king’s interests.”
The rebuilding of Jerusalem had become a great concern for the enemies of God’s people during the reign of the Persian King Artaxerxes. Thus, we see this correspondence from the king ordering the halt to this rebuilding. Anything not in the king’s interests was not to be tolerated. Followers of the One True God don’t always share the same interests as the government in power. It is interesting to me as I read today’s passage, Artaxerxes changes his mind about the rebuilding of Jerusalem due to the influence of a godly man named Ezra. As Christ-Followers, the best thing we can do for our government, is to be the salt and light that changes the hearts and minds of those in government. That influence is not won by screaming opposition, but by living the Christian life.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Following Mordecai's Example
Esther 10
3 Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants.
As the book of Esther comes to a close, we read about the honor bestowed upon Mordecai. He was faithful to God, and he spoke out on behalf of God’s people, saving them from annihilation. I don’t dare compare myself or anyone else in Christian ministry today to Mordecai, but it is our responsibility to speak out on behalf of God’s people, is it not? It is our responsibility to save the people created in God’s image (that would be EVERYONE) from annihilation at the hands of Satan, right? Alas, far too many of us are content to “play church” instead. It is not politically correct to speak out on sin, and to call people to repentance. It is not fashionable to stand up for the poor and downtrodden, and the church has certainly seceded her responsibility to care for the poor to the government now hasn’t she? Just makes my head spin at how easily Satan can twist things around so that even those who claim to follow Christ just get confused as to what their task or purpose might be. Sigh.
3 Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants.
As the book of Esther comes to a close, we read about the honor bestowed upon Mordecai. He was faithful to God, and he spoke out on behalf of God’s people, saving them from annihilation. I don’t dare compare myself or anyone else in Christian ministry today to Mordecai, but it is our responsibility to speak out on behalf of God’s people, is it not? It is our responsibility to save the people created in God’s image (that would be EVERYONE) from annihilation at the hands of Satan, right? Alas, far too many of us are content to “play church” instead. It is not politically correct to speak out on sin, and to call people to repentance. It is not fashionable to stand up for the poor and downtrodden, and the church has certainly seceded her responsibility to care for the poor to the government now hasn’t she? Just makes my head spin at how easily Satan can twist things around so that even those who claim to follow Christ just get confused as to what their task or purpose might be. Sigh.
Monday, September 14, 2009
For Such A Time As This
Esther 4
13 Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
This is perhaps the most famous passage from the book of Esther, and while I want to keep things in their proper context, I do believe thee is a message for us today here. Don’t think for a moment that just because we live in the United States of America with all the wealth and extravagance we truly do possess, that we are off the hook for one moment. It is our duty as Christians to live like Christ, to love like Christ and to share Christ with others around our communities and around the globe! As followers of Christ, we have been placed in this nation at this time for His purpose. Shame on us for forgetting that even for one moment.
13 Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
This is perhaps the most famous passage from the book of Esther, and while I want to keep things in their proper context, I do believe thee is a message for us today here. Don’t think for a moment that just because we live in the United States of America with all the wealth and extravagance we truly do possess, that we are off the hook for one moment. It is our duty as Christians to live like Christ, to love like Christ and to share Christ with others around our communities and around the globe! As followers of Christ, we have been placed in this nation at this time for His purpose. Shame on us for forgetting that even for one moment.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Identity In Christ
Ephesians 2:8-10
8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
This is NOT from my chronological one year Bible reading plan, but it is the text of the message I will share with our RTU crew this morning. Last night, Mark Hall made the statement: “What’s true about you is what God says about you.” What God says about us is that we are made in His image, created for good works which He has prepared in advance for us to do! These students (and all of us who follow Christ) need to stop listening to the lies satan continues to whisper and to list only to the Voice of Truth. I love the Johnny Diaz song right now which proclaims that there could never be a more beautiful you (because you are created just the way God wanted you to be). We need to realize that as members of the body of Christ, we each bring our own unique qualities, talents, traits, and personalities to the body to build up that body and to attract others to Christ!
8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
This is NOT from my chronological one year Bible reading plan, but it is the text of the message I will share with our RTU crew this morning. Last night, Mark Hall made the statement: “What’s true about you is what God says about you.” What God says about us is that we are made in His image, created for good works which He has prepared in advance for us to do! These students (and all of us who follow Christ) need to stop listening to the lies satan continues to whisper and to list only to the Voice of Truth. I love the Johnny Diaz song right now which proclaims that there could never be a more beautiful you (because you are created just the way God wanted you to be). We need to realize that as members of the body of Christ, we each bring our own unique qualities, talents, traits, and personalities to the body to build up that body and to attract others to Christ!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Abdicating Our Responsibility
Zechariah 7
8 Then this message came to Zechariah from the LORD: 9 “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. 10 Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.”
Why is it that we “modern day” followers of the LORD of heaven’s Armies think that He has changed His mind on how we should treat the “least of these”? Why is it that those of us who call ourselves Christian in America want to abdicate our responsibility to the government? WE are called to judge fairly, show kindness, to show kindness and mercy, not to oppress the widows, orphans, foreigners and the poor. Yet, we are quite content to let the Nanny State government take our responsibility. Shame on us. We have schemed against not only one another, but against God.
8 Then this message came to Zechariah from the LORD: 9 “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. 10 Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.”
Why is it that we “modern day” followers of the LORD of heaven’s Armies think that He has changed His mind on how we should treat the “least of these”? Why is it that those of us who call ourselves Christian in America want to abdicate our responsibility to the government? WE are called to judge fairly, show kindness, to show kindness and mercy, not to oppress the widows, orphans, foreigners and the poor. Yet, we are quite content to let the Nanny State government take our responsibility. Shame on us. We have schemed against not only one another, but against God.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Remembrance and Repentance
Zechariah 1
2 “I, the LORD, was very angry with your ancestors. 3 Therefore, say to the people, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.’ 4 Don’t be like your ancestors who would not listen or pay attention when the earlier prophets said to them, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Turn from your evil ways, and stop all your evil practices.’”
On this Day of Remembrance (9/11) in America, the message contained in this passage of Scripture could not be more appropriate. God is calling His own to return to Him. For far too long, Christians in America have taken God for granted. I saw a survey the other day that said 69% of Christian Women are committed to their marriage, and that was the high number in the survey! That means 3 out of 10 Christian Women are not committed to honor their marriage vows, and the numbers are higher for men who claim to be Christian! This makes me sick! While we need to remember the lives taken from us on 9/11, we also need to remember the Life given for us so that we could liver eternally. We need to return to the LORD in repentance.
2 “I, the LORD, was very angry with your ancestors. 3 Therefore, say to the people, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.’ 4 Don’t be like your ancestors who would not listen or pay attention when the earlier prophets said to them, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Turn from your evil ways, and stop all your evil practices.’”
On this Day of Remembrance (9/11) in America, the message contained in this passage of Scripture could not be more appropriate. God is calling His own to return to Him. For far too long, Christians in America have taken God for granted. I saw a survey the other day that said 69% of Christian Women are committed to their marriage, and that was the high number in the survey! That means 3 out of 10 Christian Women are not committed to honor their marriage vows, and the numbers are higher for men who claim to be Christian! This makes me sick! While we need to remember the lives taken from us on 9/11, we also need to remember the Life given for us so that we could liver eternally. We need to return to the LORD in repentance.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Precious To God
Daniel 10
15 While he was speaking to me, I looked down at the ground, unable to say a word. 16 Then the one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing in front of me, “I am filled with anguish because of the vision I have seen, my lord, and I am very weak. 17 How can someone like me, your servant, talk to you, my lord? My strength is gone, and I can hardly breathe.”
18 Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. 19 “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”
Okay, so Daniel sees this guy “5bdressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. 6 His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people.”
The other men with him, see nothing, but are terrified and run off to hide. I would be terrified as well! Then, this fierce being with a face that flashes like lightening, and whose eyes are like torches has one simple message: “you are very precious to God.” That is an encouraging statement to me today. Thank You, Lord!
15 While he was speaking to me, I looked down at the ground, unable to say a word. 16 Then the one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing in front of me, “I am filled with anguish because of the vision I have seen, my lord, and I am very weak. 17 How can someone like me, your servant, talk to you, my lord? My strength is gone, and I can hardly breathe.”
18 Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. 19 “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”
Okay, so Daniel sees this guy “5bdressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. 6 His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people.”
The other men with him, see nothing, but are terrified and run off to hide. I would be terrified as well! Then, this fierce being with a face that flashes like lightening, and whose eyes are like torches has one simple message: “you are very precious to God.” That is an encouraging statement to me today. Thank You, Lord!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Stay Focused
Ezra 4
1 The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the LORD, the God of Israel. 2 So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do. We have sacrificed to him ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here.”
3 But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, “You may have no part in this work. We alone will build the Temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.”
4 Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. 5 They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne.
There will always be enemies of God’s work who try to discourage those who are building up His Kingdom. It is important for us to stay focused on Jesus and not allow the “local residents” discourage us, get in our way, or flat out oppose us in force. No matter what, I want to stay focused on Jesus and on His plans for my life and for the building up of His Kingdom here on earth. No one will take that focus from me. Period.
1 The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the LORD, the God of Israel. 2 So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do. We have sacrificed to him ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here.”
3 But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, “You may have no part in this work. We alone will build the Temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.”
4 Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. 5 They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne.
There will always be enemies of God’s work who try to discourage those who are building up His Kingdom. It is important for us to stay focused on Jesus and not allow the “local residents” discourage us, get in our way, or flat out oppose us in force. No matter what, I want to stay focused on Jesus and on His plans for my life and for the building up of His Kingdom here on earth. No one will take that focus from me. Period.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Proclaiming God
Daniel 6
25b “Peace and prosperity to you!
26 “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel.
For he is the living God,
and he will endure forever.
His kingdom will never be destroyed,
and his rule will never end.
27 He rescues and saves his people;
he performs miraculous signs and wonders
in the heavens and on earth.
He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions.”
King Darius finally got the picture: The One True Living God is it, baby! Daniel has been rescued from the lions den and those who sought Daniel destruction have instead become a tasty lion breakfast. Oh, how I long for political leaders who would not just give God their lip service, but would give Him their life service as well. Oh, how I long for those who claim to follow Christ to do the same. Oh, how I long to make sure that I am doing just that. I cannot ask anyone to do anything that I am not willing to undertake myself. I truly want to live in such a way as to be able to join Paul in saying, “follow me as I follow Christ.”
25b “Peace and prosperity to you!
26 “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel.
For he is the living God,
and he will endure forever.
His kingdom will never be destroyed,
and his rule will never end.
27 He rescues and saves his people;
he performs miraculous signs and wonders
in the heavens and on earth.
He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions.”
King Darius finally got the picture: The One True Living God is it, baby! Daniel has been rescued from the lions den and those who sought Daniel destruction have instead become a tasty lion breakfast. Oh, how I long for political leaders who would not just give God their lip service, but would give Him their life service as well. Oh, how I long for those who claim to follow Christ to do the same. Oh, how I long to make sure that I am doing just that. I cannot ask anyone to do anything that I am not willing to undertake myself. I truly want to live in such a way as to be able to join Paul in saying, “follow me as I follow Christ.”
Monday, September 7, 2009
Touched By An Angel
Daniel 8
15 As I, Daniel, was trying to understand the meaning of this vision, someone who looked like a man stood in front of me. 16 And I heard a human voice calling out from the Ulai River, “Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of his vision.”
17 As Gabriel approached the place where I was standing, I became so terrified that I fell with my face to the ground. “Son of man,” he said, “you must understand that the events you have seen in your vision relate to the time of the end.”
18 While he was speaking, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground. But Gabriel roused me with a touch and helped me to my feet.
A couple of days ago, I was musing on seeing the Glory of the Lord, and how terrifying that must be. Now, in today’s reading, Daniel describes how terrifying it was simply to see an angel of the Lord (Gabriel). In fact, Daniel is so overcome with fear, he faints and has to be revived by Gabriel. Yeah, we like the nice-nice pictures of angels and of God, but when we see what Scripture says about the appearance of an angel and how it caused Daniel to faint, well…maybe we should take all this a little more seriously than we are known to do.
15 As I, Daniel, was trying to understand the meaning of this vision, someone who looked like a man stood in front of me. 16 And I heard a human voice calling out from the Ulai River, “Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of his vision.”
17 As Gabriel approached the place where I was standing, I became so terrified that I fell with my face to the ground. “Son of man,” he said, “you must understand that the events you have seen in your vision relate to the time of the end.”
18 While he was speaking, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground. But Gabriel roused me with a touch and helped me to my feet.
A couple of days ago, I was musing on seeing the Glory of the Lord, and how terrifying that must be. Now, in today’s reading, Daniel describes how terrifying it was simply to see an angel of the Lord (Gabriel). In fact, Daniel is so overcome with fear, he faints and has to be revived by Gabriel. Yeah, we like the nice-nice pictures of angels and of God, but when we see what Scripture says about the appearance of an angel and how it caused Daniel to faint, well…maybe we should take all this a little more seriously than we are known to do.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Healing Living Water
Ezekiel 47
1 In my vision, the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing east from beneath the door of the Temple and passing to the right of the altar on its south side. 2 The man brought me outside the wall through the north gateway and led me around to the eastern entrance. There I could see the water flowing out through the south side of the east gateway…
6 He asked me, “Have you been watching, son of man?” Then he led me back along the riverbank. 7 When I returned, I was surprised by the sight of many trees growing on both sides of the river. 8 Then he said to me, “This river flows east through the desert into the valley of the Dead Sea. The waters of this stream will make the salty waters of the Dead Sea fresh and pure. 9 There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this river flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows.
This stream of healing water that flowed from the Temple in Ezekiel’s vision reminds me of the stream of healing, Living Water that is Jesus. When I think about all Jesus has done (and continues to do) in my life; how He has (and continues to) heal me, mold me, shape me, change me (sorry, Tim Hawkins just flashed before my mind’s eye), I cannot help but leap for joy and express my love for Jesus in the strongest possible terms. I will do anything to bring glory and honor and praise to Him, because He is the stream of Healing, Living Water. He brings relief to a dry and thirsty soul, and from Him springs Life everlasting. Thank You Jesus for loving me enough that You would willingly fill me with this Living Water that far surpasses the healing river described in Ezekiel’s vision! Life DOES flourish wherever this Water flows!
1 In my vision, the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing east from beneath the door of the Temple and passing to the right of the altar on its south side. 2 The man brought me outside the wall through the north gateway and led me around to the eastern entrance. There I could see the water flowing out through the south side of the east gateway…
6 He asked me, “Have you been watching, son of man?” Then he led me back along the riverbank. 7 When I returned, I was surprised by the sight of many trees growing on both sides of the river. 8 Then he said to me, “This river flows east through the desert into the valley of the Dead Sea. The waters of this stream will make the salty waters of the Dead Sea fresh and pure. 9 There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this river flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows.
This stream of healing water that flowed from the Temple in Ezekiel’s vision reminds me of the stream of healing, Living Water that is Jesus. When I think about all Jesus has done (and continues to do) in my life; how He has (and continues to) heal me, mold me, shape me, change me (sorry, Tim Hawkins just flashed before my mind’s eye), I cannot help but leap for joy and express my love for Jesus in the strongest possible terms. I will do anything to bring glory and honor and praise to Him, because He is the stream of Healing, Living Water. He brings relief to a dry and thirsty soul, and from Him springs Life everlasting. Thank You Jesus for loving me enough that You would willingly fill me with this Living Water that far surpasses the healing river described in Ezekiel’s vision! Life DOES flourish wherever this Water flows!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Take Careful Note
Ezekiel 44
5 And the LORD said to me, “Son of man, take careful notice. Use your eyes and ears, and listen to everything I tell you about the regulations concerning the LORD’s Temple. Take careful note of the procedures for using the Temple’s entrances and exits.”
My first reaction to reading this entire section of Scripture today was to think, “man am I glad that I live under the New Covenant. All the rules and regulations God lays out here are something else.” But upon further reflection, I would also have to add: “Today, there is only ONE entrance to the presence of God – Jesus.” We had better pay careful attention of the procedure that God has laid out for us to be able to enter into His Holy presence. Jesus is the ONLY Way, the ONLY Truth, the ONLY Light, and the ONLY way to God the Father. So, the question I must wrestle with today is how can I live in such a way as to show others the way? What do I need to change/improve upon/do so that Jesus alone receives the glory, honor and praise? Father, may my life point others to You through Your Son, Jesus.
5 And the LORD said to me, “Son of man, take careful notice. Use your eyes and ears, and listen to everything I tell you about the regulations concerning the LORD’s Temple. Take careful note of the procedures for using the Temple’s entrances and exits.”
My first reaction to reading this entire section of Scripture today was to think, “man am I glad that I live under the New Covenant. All the rules and regulations God lays out here are something else.” But upon further reflection, I would also have to add: “Today, there is only ONE entrance to the presence of God – Jesus.” We had better pay careful attention of the procedure that God has laid out for us to be able to enter into His Holy presence. Jesus is the ONLY Way, the ONLY Truth, the ONLY Light, and the ONLY way to God the Father. So, the question I must wrestle with today is how can I live in such a way as to show others the way? What do I need to change/improve upon/do so that Jesus alone receives the glory, honor and praise? Father, may my life point others to You through Your Son, Jesus.
Friday, September 4, 2009
God's Glory
Ezekiel 43
1 After this, the man brought me back around to the east gateway. 2 Suddenly, the glory of the God of Israel appeared from the east. The sound of his coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory. 3 This vision was just like the others I had seen, first by the Kebar River and then when he came to destroy Jerusalem. I fell face down on the ground. 4 And the glory of the LORD came into the Temple through the east gateway.
5 Then the Spirit took me up and brought me into the inner courtyard, and the glory of the LORD filled the Temple.
When Ezekiel experiences the glory of God, what is his immediate reaction? He falls face down on the ground. We sings songs like “Show Me Your Glory,” but I wonder if we really want to experience that. What a remarkable picture Ezekiel pants here: the sound of rushing waters, and the WHOLE LANDSCAPE SHONE WITH HIS GLORY! I mean, I love the sunsets here in Florida, when the whole sky lights up with brilliant oranges, pinks, and purples, and I love seeing it reflecting off the ocean, but the whole landscape shining? Woah! And that is just the visual part of God’s glory. Yeah, I can understand Ezekiel falling on his face in the midst of this display of God’s glory. If only we had that same reverence for God today. Sigh.
1 After this, the man brought me back around to the east gateway. 2 Suddenly, the glory of the God of Israel appeared from the east. The sound of his coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory. 3 This vision was just like the others I had seen, first by the Kebar River and then when he came to destroy Jerusalem. I fell face down on the ground. 4 And the glory of the LORD came into the Temple through the east gateway.
5 Then the Spirit took me up and brought me into the inner courtyard, and the glory of the LORD filled the Temple.
When Ezekiel experiences the glory of God, what is his immediate reaction? He falls face down on the ground. We sings songs like “Show Me Your Glory,” but I wonder if we really want to experience that. What a remarkable picture Ezekiel pants here: the sound of rushing waters, and the WHOLE LANDSCAPE SHONE WITH HIS GLORY! I mean, I love the sunsets here in Florida, when the whole sky lights up with brilliant oranges, pinks, and purples, and I love seeing it reflecting off the ocean, but the whole landscape shining? Woah! And that is just the visual part of God’s glory. Yeah, I can understand Ezekiel falling on his face in the midst of this display of God’s glory. If only we had that same reverence for God today. Sigh.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
No Right To Question God
Daniel 4
34b His rule is everlasting,
and his kingdom is eternal.
35 All the people of the earth
are nothing compared to him.
He does as he pleases
among the angels of heaven
and among the people of the earth.
No one can stop him or say to him,
‘What do you mean by doing these things?’
Okay, if the pagan king Nebuchadnessar can give God this type of praise, why can’t those of us who follow Christ do the same? I love this praise that the king lays out. Especially the last part: “No one can stop him (God) of say to him (God), ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’” Even this pagan who had been insane for a while understands that he has no right to question the Most High God. How insane must we be to question God? Hmmmm…who are the crazy ones now?
34b His rule is everlasting,
and his kingdom is eternal.
35 All the people of the earth
are nothing compared to him.
He does as he pleases
among the angels of heaven
and among the people of the earth.
No one can stop him or say to him,
‘What do you mean by doing these things?’
Okay, if the pagan king Nebuchadnessar can give God this type of praise, why can’t those of us who follow Christ do the same? I love this praise that the king lays out. Especially the last part: “No one can stop him (God) of say to him (God), ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’” Even this pagan who had been insane for a while understands that he has no right to question the Most High God. How insane must we be to question God? Hmmmm…who are the crazy ones now?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Trust In God
1 Chronicles 5
18 There were 44,760 capable warriors in the armies of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They were all skilled in combat and armed with shields, swords, and bows. 19 They waged war against the Hagrites, the Jeturites, the Naphishites, and the Nodabites. 20a They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him.
It occurs to me as I read this passage today that in the midst of the battle, because of their trust in God, He answered their prayers. It is not that the people cried out to God in the midst of their battle, it is that they trusted God! We are in the midst of a battle every day…a battle for our eternal existence, a battle for our attention, a battle to live in such a manner as to bring glory and honor to God. We need to trust in God. Then, when we do cry out to Him, we can be assured that He will hear our cries. I feel the battle raging all around me these days, and I want to put all my trust in God through His Son, Jesus. Only then, can I be assured that “everything will work out.” I’m not asking for it to work out my way, but His way!
18 There were 44,760 capable warriors in the armies of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They were all skilled in combat and armed with shields, swords, and bows. 19 They waged war against the Hagrites, the Jeturites, the Naphishites, and the Nodabites. 20a They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him.
It occurs to me as I read this passage today that in the midst of the battle, because of their trust in God, He answered their prayers. It is not that the people cried out to God in the midst of their battle, it is that they trusted God! We are in the midst of a battle every day…a battle for our eternal existence, a battle for our attention, a battle to live in such a manner as to bring glory and honor to God. We need to trust in God. Then, when we do cry out to Him, we can be assured that He will hear our cries. I feel the battle raging all around me these days, and I want to put all my trust in God through His Son, Jesus. Only then, can I be assured that “everything will work out.” I’m not asking for it to work out my way, but His way!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Hmmmm
Ezekiel 32
18 For again I say, when righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and turn to evil, they will die. 19 But if wicked people turn from their wickedness and do what is just and right, they will live.
Sometimes we long-time Christians act like the older brother in the story of the Prodigal Son. We whine when the prodigal comes home. Why can’t we be more accepting of wicked people who turn from their wickedness and turn towards Jesus? We want to burden them with all of our rules. Not only do we act like the older brother, but we act like the Judaizers of the book of Acts. Hmmm…these thoughts today and kicking me in the teeth (and other body parts as well). Maybe God wants me to rejoice when the wicked repent, and maybe He wants me to start acting truly righteous. Maybe He wants me to behave more like Jesus than a religious zealot. Huh. What do you know?
18 For again I say, when righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and turn to evil, they will die. 19 But if wicked people turn from their wickedness and do what is just and right, they will live.
Sometimes we long-time Christians act like the older brother in the story of the Prodigal Son. We whine when the prodigal comes home. Why can’t we be more accepting of wicked people who turn from their wickedness and turn towards Jesus? We want to burden them with all of our rules. Not only do we act like the older brother, but we act like the Judaizers of the book of Acts. Hmmm…these thoughts today and kicking me in the teeth (and other body parts as well). Maybe God wants me to rejoice when the wicked repent, and maybe He wants me to start acting truly righteous. Maybe He wants me to behave more like Jesus than a religious zealot. Huh. What do you know?
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