September 1
Is the Door Open?
Matthew 22 - 23
Matthew 23:13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.”
JESUS lays it out very directly to the Pharisees. He doesn’t like the way they act. He doesn’t like what they say. They do not show God truly to the people they lead. They delight in their appearance and importance. They are men of “themselves”, not men of God. Their actions, in effect, shut the door to the Kingdom of Heaven.
We easily condemn the Pharisees, too. But let’s consider, “How might I shut the Kingdom door?” Perhaps I don’t love people as God does. Or perhaps I’m too willing to let people stay in their sin. Or perhaps I flaunt my salvation, proudly saying, “I’m saved!” and do not offer the Gospel to the lost.
God will have his way, and he will bring into his kingdom whomever he chooses. Make no mistake.
Be joyful that your Lord Jesus invites you to join him in that work. It is a joy to work with God, to introduce people to his love, to see lives change and to watch people come through the Kingdom door.
What might you be doing to open the Kingdom door? Seek the Lord’s counsel in his Word. Listen to his teachings, step forward in faith, and swing wide open the door of life!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
August 31, 2010 A Disciplined Life
August 31
A Disciplined Life
Read Matthew 20 – 21
Matthew 21:6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.
THE TASK described here is a very simple one—Jesus had instructed his disciples to get a donkey to prepare for his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The task is small, but it defines the life of a disciple: working with Jesus to bring glory to his name.
Can we be like the disciples—to do as Jesus instructs us? We can. But we must do something very dramatic. We must turn our lives over to Jesus’ discipline.
The 12 (after Judas’ betrayal they chose another) gave up their way of life, their past thoughts and past activities to come under their Master’s discipline.
Yes, they struggled and often missed what he watned from them. They argued about what he was teaching. One betrayed him, one denied him, and others hid during Jesus’ trial. No one spoke for him to give evidence he is the Son of God.
It wasn’t until Jesus’ resurrection that they truly understood who he was. In this understanding they were truly ready to live as disciples, disciplined in the truth, the way and the life of the Master.
When you fully recognize the power of Jesus’ resurrection, understand that he lived, suffered and died and rose again for your own salvation and eternal life, you will be prepared to be his disciple. Live in joy, disciplined to the Master’s way.
A Disciplined Life
Read Matthew 20 – 21
Matthew 21:6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.
THE TASK described here is a very simple one—Jesus had instructed his disciples to get a donkey to prepare for his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The task is small, but it defines the life of a disciple: working with Jesus to bring glory to his name.
Can we be like the disciples—to do as Jesus instructs us? We can. But we must do something very dramatic. We must turn our lives over to Jesus’ discipline.
The 12 (after Judas’ betrayal they chose another) gave up their way of life, their past thoughts and past activities to come under their Master’s discipline.
Yes, they struggled and often missed what he watned from them. They argued about what he was teaching. One betrayed him, one denied him, and others hid during Jesus’ trial. No one spoke for him to give evidence he is the Son of God.
It wasn’t until Jesus’ resurrection that they truly understood who he was. In this understanding they were truly ready to live as disciples, disciplined in the truth, the way and the life of the Master.
When you fully recognize the power of Jesus’ resurrection, understand that he lived, suffered and died and rose again for your own salvation and eternal life, you will be prepared to be his disciple. Live in joy, disciplined to the Master’s way.
August 30, 2010 God Bless Your Marriage
August 29
Offensive Truth
Read Matthew 15 - 16
Matt 15:12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”
WHEN you told someone, “Jesus loves you.” Or you said, “Have faith in Jesus, and you will be saved.” and they were offended, don’t feel badly. Jesus offended someone everytime he opened his mouth. In fact, people tried to kill him more than once as he preached and taught the Good News.
How could the Son of God, the Good Shepherd, the Way, the Truth, and the Light of the World offend anyone?
The sinner is offended when his sin is exposed. You know the feeling. Your brother pointed at you and said, “You took the extra cookie.” And you were mad at him for telling the truth. You wanted your sin to stay hidden. You were wrong. Yet your anger was directed at the truth teller.
That’s what happened to Jesus. The truth became such a hateful burden to the authorities, they killed him. They preferred to hide in their sin than to repent and be saved.
If you tell someone the Gospel truth, and he is offended, please don’t feel badly. Feel good you are modeling your Savior—and you are loving that person. It’s not about you saving anyone. It’s about you telling the truth to those who need to know. Yes, tell the Gospel truth and trust the Holy Spirit to change that person’s life.
Offensive Truth
Read Matthew 15 - 16
Matt 15:12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”
WHEN you told someone, “Jesus loves you.” Or you said, “Have faith in Jesus, and you will be saved.” and they were offended, don’t feel badly. Jesus offended someone everytime he opened his mouth. In fact, people tried to kill him more than once as he preached and taught the Good News.
How could the Son of God, the Good Shepherd, the Way, the Truth, and the Light of the World offend anyone?
The sinner is offended when his sin is exposed. You know the feeling. Your brother pointed at you and said, “You took the extra cookie.” And you were mad at him for telling the truth. You wanted your sin to stay hidden. You were wrong. Yet your anger was directed at the truth teller.
That’s what happened to Jesus. The truth became such a hateful burden to the authorities, they killed him. They preferred to hide in their sin than to repent and be saved.
If you tell someone the Gospel truth, and he is offended, please don’t feel badly. Feel good you are modeling your Savior—and you are loving that person. It’s not about you saving anyone. It’s about you telling the truth to those who need to know. Yes, tell the Gospel truth and trust the Holy Spirit to change that person’s life.
August 29, 2010 Offensive Truth
August 29
Offensive Truth
Read Matthew 15 - 16
Matt 15:12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”
WHEN you told someone, “Jesus loves you.” Or you said, “Have faith in Jesus, and you will be saved.” and they were offended, don’t feel badly. Jesus offended someone everytime he opened his mouth. In fact, people tried to kill him more than once as he preached and taught the Good News.
How could the Son of God, the Good Shepherd, the Way, the Truth, and the Light of the World offend anyone?
The sinner is offended when his sin is exposed. You know the feeling. Your brother pointed at you and said, “You took the extra cookie.” And you were mad at him for telling the truth. You wanted your sin to stay hidden. You were wrong. Yet your anger was directed at the truth teller.
That’s what happened to Jesus. The truth became such a hateful burden to the authorities, they killed him. They preferred to hide in their sin than to repent and be saved.
If you tell someone the Gospel truth, and he is offended, please don’t feel badly. Feel good you are modeling your Savior—and you are loving that person. It’s not about you saving anyone. It’s about you telling the truth to those who need to know. Yes, tell the Gospel truth and trust the Holy Spirit to change that person’s life.
Offensive Truth
Read Matthew 15 - 16
Matt 15:12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”
WHEN you told someone, “Jesus loves you.” Or you said, “Have faith in Jesus, and you will be saved.” and they were offended, don’t feel badly. Jesus offended someone everytime he opened his mouth. In fact, people tried to kill him more than once as he preached and taught the Good News.
How could the Son of God, the Good Shepherd, the Way, the Truth, and the Light of the World offend anyone?
The sinner is offended when his sin is exposed. You know the feeling. Your brother pointed at you and said, “You took the extra cookie.” And you were mad at him for telling the truth. You wanted your sin to stay hidden. You were wrong. Yet your anger was directed at the truth teller.
That’s what happened to Jesus. The truth became such a hateful burden to the authorities, they killed him. They preferred to hide in their sin than to repent and be saved.
If you tell someone the Gospel truth, and he is offended, please don’t feel badly. Feel good you are modeling your Savior—and you are loving that person. It’s not about you saving anyone. It’s about you telling the truth to those who need to know. Yes, tell the Gospel truth and trust the Holy Spirit to change that person’s life.
August 28, 2010 Judgment is Real
August 28
Judgment is Real
Matthew 13 - 14
Matthew 13:40-43 As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
IS THERE any doubt Jesus will judge at the end of time? Look to these verses and be confident that indeed he will. Is this a harsh thing to know?
The truth is often hard to take. To absorb into our minds the knowledge that there is a day of God’s ultimate judgment is difficult for us. We deny finality. We always want one more chance.
Many also deny the judgment, thinking God is so loving he’ll just open the door and let everyone in, regardless of their lack of faith or lifestyle. Others think there is no judgment at all because there is no life beyond here.
These denials will only lead to the eternal horror of hell. Jesus clearly talks about evil and the devil in Chapter 13. He knows their realities. He knows the reality of judgment. He knows the promise of salvation.
He has come to earth to warn and to promise. We must trust his truths of judgment and salvation to the point it is a message we carry to the world in everything we say and do.
Show Jesus’ salvation to those in your lives. Prepare people for the judgment.
Judgment is Real
Matthew 13 - 14
Matthew 13:40-43 As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
IS THERE any doubt Jesus will judge at the end of time? Look to these verses and be confident that indeed he will. Is this a harsh thing to know?
The truth is often hard to take. To absorb into our minds the knowledge that there is a day of God’s ultimate judgment is difficult for us. We deny finality. We always want one more chance.
Many also deny the judgment, thinking God is so loving he’ll just open the door and let everyone in, regardless of their lack of faith or lifestyle. Others think there is no judgment at all because there is no life beyond here.
These denials will only lead to the eternal horror of hell. Jesus clearly talks about evil and the devil in Chapter 13. He knows their realities. He knows the reality of judgment. He knows the promise of salvation.
He has come to earth to warn and to promise. We must trust his truths of judgment and salvation to the point it is a message we carry to the world in everything we say and do.
Show Jesus’ salvation to those in your lives. Prepare people for the judgment.
August 27, 2010 A Good Rest
August 27
A Good Rest
Read Matthew 11 - 12
Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.”
REST is a difficult thing for many to find. Besieged by demands from children, spouses, bosses, neighbors, and yes, even the church, we live and react to a world that is often demanding and unrelenting. We even strive to be busy, so we can proclaim with pride, “I’m so busy. So much to do.”
To what end are we “busy”? Is it to satisfy our own desires? Or is it even to avoid Jesus? Too busy to pray, too busy to care, too busy to love, too busy to go to church, to busy to…
Jesus wants us to slow down, focus on him and receive his rest. Rest in him. Take time to be with him in his Word. Listen to some music that praises his name. Enjoy reading a good positive book. Spend time with your family doing fun stuff.
Rest this way, and you’ll be amazed at the peace that comes to your heart. When you rest in Jesus, you will receive strength to deal with strife.
Rest in Jesus. Trust him for his sufficient grace and his abundant life. As a good night’s sleep without interruption, experiencing Jesus’ rest is invigorating and renewing.
Thank you, Jesus for being our source of rest.
A Good Rest
Read Matthew 11 - 12
Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.”
REST is a difficult thing for many to find. Besieged by demands from children, spouses, bosses, neighbors, and yes, even the church, we live and react to a world that is often demanding and unrelenting. We even strive to be busy, so we can proclaim with pride, “I’m so busy. So much to do.”
To what end are we “busy”? Is it to satisfy our own desires? Or is it even to avoid Jesus? Too busy to pray, too busy to care, too busy to love, too busy to go to church, to busy to…
Jesus wants us to slow down, focus on him and receive his rest. Rest in him. Take time to be with him in his Word. Listen to some music that praises his name. Enjoy reading a good positive book. Spend time with your family doing fun stuff.
Rest this way, and you’ll be amazed at the peace that comes to your heart. When you rest in Jesus, you will receive strength to deal with strife.
Rest in Jesus. Trust him for his sufficient grace and his abundant life. As a good night’s sleep without interruption, experiencing Jesus’ rest is invigorating and renewing.
Thank you, Jesus for being our source of rest.
August 26, 2010 Lord, Healer, Savior
August 26
Lord, Healer, Savior
Read Matthew 8 – 10
Matthew 9:2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
MANY TIMES I have read this verse, and many times I have equated the man’s paralysis with sin, thinking that his disease was the result of sin in his life. On this reading, I see it differently.
The part I’ve missed before is “When Jesus saw their faith.” That’s what God wants to see when he looks at you and me. Our faith is his primary concern, his main desire, his ultimate possibility for us. He wants us to have faith in him as LORD over all things—over sickness and despair, over poverty and depression, over your enemies and especially over death.
You see, that’s why Jesus could forgive the man’s sin. He saw the paralytic’s faith. He knew the man was sick physically, and he also knew the man was imperfect spiritually. Jesus knew the man as a sinner.
He also knew him as his child. The man was his creation. So Jesus brought salvation to this broken man. There are at least 3 miracles here: God came to earth; God forgives sins; and God made a broken body whole again.
Where is your faith today? Do you trust Jesus as Lord, as healer, as Savior? Is your spirit broken? He’ll heal you. Is your body ill? His healing is available to you. Is sin holding you hostage? He will forgive and free you.
Go in faith to your Lord, healer and Savior.
Lord, Healer, Savior
Read Matthew 8 – 10
Matthew 9:2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
MANY TIMES I have read this verse, and many times I have equated the man’s paralysis with sin, thinking that his disease was the result of sin in his life. On this reading, I see it differently.
The part I’ve missed before is “When Jesus saw their faith.” That’s what God wants to see when he looks at you and me. Our faith is his primary concern, his main desire, his ultimate possibility for us. He wants us to have faith in him as LORD over all things—over sickness and despair, over poverty and depression, over your enemies and especially over death.
You see, that’s why Jesus could forgive the man’s sin. He saw the paralytic’s faith. He knew the man was sick physically, and he also knew the man was imperfect spiritually. Jesus knew the man as a sinner.
He also knew him as his child. The man was his creation. So Jesus brought salvation to this broken man. There are at least 3 miracles here: God came to earth; God forgives sins; and God made a broken body whole again.
Where is your faith today? Do you trust Jesus as Lord, as healer, as Savior? Is your spirit broken? He’ll heal you. Is your body ill? His healing is available to you. Is sin holding you hostage? He will forgive and free you.
Go in faith to your Lord, healer and Savior.
August 25, 2010 Do His Love
August 25
Do His Love
Read Matthew 7-9
Matt 7:24-27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
PUT JESUS’ words into practice. What “words of mine” is Jesus talking about?
He has just given us a sermon—the Sermon on the Mount we call it. His message about trusting God and his Kingdom with totally new thinking. Jesus talks about devoted marital relationships, being generous, not judging but loving, trusting God, worshiping God in quiet time and “much more”.
Now he has one more point to make: Do these words. I always like to say, “Do his Love.” Jesus coming to earth is God doing his love over us.
Now he wants us to respond to love action and put his teachings into practice. Doing God’s love brings bounty to our lives. Responding to God’s love casts deep roots into our relationship with him. We receive life-giving nourishment from God’s eternal love to love others for him. When you do his love, you change forever. When you do his love, you will change others’ lives forever.
How will you do God’s love today?
Do His Love
Read Matthew 7-9
Matt 7:24-27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
PUT JESUS’ words into practice. What “words of mine” is Jesus talking about?
He has just given us a sermon—the Sermon on the Mount we call it. His message about trusting God and his Kingdom with totally new thinking. Jesus talks about devoted marital relationships, being generous, not judging but loving, trusting God, worshiping God in quiet time and “much more”.
Now he has one more point to make: Do these words. I always like to say, “Do his Love.” Jesus coming to earth is God doing his love over us.
Now he wants us to respond to love action and put his teachings into practice. Doing God’s love brings bounty to our lives. Responding to God’s love casts deep roots into our relationship with him. We receive life-giving nourishment from God’s eternal love to love others for him. When you do his love, you change forever. When you do his love, you will change others’ lives forever.
How will you do God’s love today?
August 24, 2010 Kingdom Access
August 24
Kingdom Access
Read Matthew 5-6
Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.”
HOW do we gain access to the Kingdom of Heaven? First we must realize we need God. God is King. There is no way into his Kingdom until we understand our need for the King.
It is common and easy in our culture to say, “I can do it.” We often refuse help, and we tend to want to be in control of the affairs of our lives. Looking to God for help is perceived as a weakness. For many, God is where we turn when something seriously wrong happens.
But God’s true kingship means he is a benevolent, loving, merciful, bountiful and ruling king who wants to be involved in our everyday existence. In our coming in and going out, he invites us to honor him and listen to his ways.
When we do so, the Kingdom of Heaven will be given to us. Note the word “given”. God, the King, gives to you his Kingdom. As you obey him, you receive the joys of faith, hope now and eternal life forever,. You receive the favor of his spiritual wealth over you. You receive joy.
Open yourself to the will of the Living King. He has much to give you as he blesses your life.
Kingdom Access
Read Matthew 5-6
Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.”
HOW do we gain access to the Kingdom of Heaven? First we must realize we need God. God is King. There is no way into his Kingdom until we understand our need for the King.
It is common and easy in our culture to say, “I can do it.” We often refuse help, and we tend to want to be in control of the affairs of our lives. Looking to God for help is perceived as a weakness. For many, God is where we turn when something seriously wrong happens.
But God’s true kingship means he is a benevolent, loving, merciful, bountiful and ruling king who wants to be involved in our everyday existence. In our coming in and going out, he invites us to honor him and listen to his ways.
When we do so, the Kingdom of Heaven will be given to us. Note the word “given”. God, the King, gives to you his Kingdom. As you obey him, you receive the joys of faith, hope now and eternal life forever,. You receive the favor of his spiritual wealth over you. You receive joy.
Open yourself to the will of the Living King. He has much to give you as he blesses your life.
August 23, 2010 Delicious Fruit
August 23
Delicious Fruit
Read Matthew 3 – 4
Matthew 3:8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
YOU purchased a really good piece of fruit at the store this morning. You took it home, ate it and said, “I need to tell my friends how good this is!”
So you got on the phone, Facebook and email to tell your favorite people, “Get to the store. The fruit is wonderful!”
One of Scripture’s consistent images shows us the work in God’s kingdom is a fruit-producing enterprise. Jesus’ parables regarding workers in vineyards, the fruits of the Spirit, and first-fruits of the ground offered to God are some of the ways God helps us understand fruitful kingdom work.
This teaching and preaching in our verse today comes from John the Baptist to the Pharisees and Sadducees around him. Here is the “unlearned”, locust-eating, camel hair coat-wearing, desert-dwelling kingdom worker preaching to the educated teachers of the day.
He tells them to respond to the coming Kingdom. He commands them to get busy and produce fruit for the Kingdom. He knows they will be held accountable because they have been given much knowledge. They must make use of their fruit—the knowledge of God—to help people come to repentance.
What are you doing with your knowledge of God? One of the things about fruit—it spoils if you let it sit. Eat of the wonderful Spiritual fruit God has given to you. And wouldn’t it be good to tell others, “God is wonderful!”
Delicious Fruit
Read Matthew 3 – 4
Matthew 3:8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
YOU purchased a really good piece of fruit at the store this morning. You took it home, ate it and said, “I need to tell my friends how good this is!”
So you got on the phone, Facebook and email to tell your favorite people, “Get to the store. The fruit is wonderful!”
One of Scripture’s consistent images shows us the work in God’s kingdom is a fruit-producing enterprise. Jesus’ parables regarding workers in vineyards, the fruits of the Spirit, and first-fruits of the ground offered to God are some of the ways God helps us understand fruitful kingdom work.
This teaching and preaching in our verse today comes from John the Baptist to the Pharisees and Sadducees around him. Here is the “unlearned”, locust-eating, camel hair coat-wearing, desert-dwelling kingdom worker preaching to the educated teachers of the day.
He tells them to respond to the coming Kingdom. He commands them to get busy and produce fruit for the Kingdom. He knows they will be held accountable because they have been given much knowledge. They must make use of their fruit—the knowledge of God—to help people come to repentance.
What are you doing with your knowledge of God? One of the things about fruit—it spoils if you let it sit. Eat of the wonderful Spiritual fruit God has given to you. And wouldn’t it be good to tell others, “God is wonderful!”
Saturday, August 21, 2010
August 22, 2010 Promises To Trust
August 22
Promises to Trust
Read Matthew 1 - 2
Matt 2:22-23 Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
I CONCLUDE this reading with these verses because they summarize what Matthew is doing in these two chapters. His purpose is to be clear about God’s sovereign purpose to bring the Christ—the Messiah—from the Jews to the Jews.
He is writing to the Jews. He is a Jew, a former tax collector, and he wants his own people to know the truth. A major piece of evidence for the Christ is his genealogy—what is his family line? The Jews know the prophets say the Christ will come from the line of Abraham to Judah and David. Matthew clearly shows that truth.
He also clearly shows God’s involvement in the birth of Jesus. God is moving the government and world events to bring his Son into a place he prepared in eternity past for our eternity future.
Matthew is showing that God’s plan to send the Christ came true in Jesus’ lineage, birth and place of residence. This is foundational to Jewish thinking and helps prove the truth of the prophecies.
Because these prophecies have come true, we can use this to build our trust that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Messiah. And when we trust that truth, we are prepared to see God’s future prophecies of power and deliverance come true in our lives.
Promises to Trust
Read Matthew 1 - 2
Matt 2:22-23 Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
I CONCLUDE this reading with these verses because they summarize what Matthew is doing in these two chapters. His purpose is to be clear about God’s sovereign purpose to bring the Christ—the Messiah—from the Jews to the Jews.
He is writing to the Jews. He is a Jew, a former tax collector, and he wants his own people to know the truth. A major piece of evidence for the Christ is his genealogy—what is his family line? The Jews know the prophets say the Christ will come from the line of Abraham to Judah and David. Matthew clearly shows that truth.
He also clearly shows God’s involvement in the birth of Jesus. God is moving the government and world events to bring his Son into a place he prepared in eternity past for our eternity future.
Matthew is showing that God’s plan to send the Christ came true in Jesus’ lineage, birth and place of residence. This is foundational to Jewish thinking and helps prove the truth of the prophecies.
Because these prophecies have come true, we can use this to build our trust that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Messiah. And when we trust that truth, we are prepared to see God’s future prophecies of power and deliverance come true in our lives.
Friday, August 20, 2010
August 21, 2010 Special Delivery
August 21, 2010
Special Delivery
Read Malachi 3-4
Malachi 3:1 See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.
DON’T YOU love good news? When I have something really wonderful to tell someone, I’m bursting to get it out. And I’ll give the message to anyone whom I see. It’s fun to tell people wonderful news, isn’t it?
“Malachi” means “messenger”. It is appropriate he prophecies about two more messengers who are to come. “My messenger who will prepare the way before me” is a prophecy regarding John the Baptist. And “the Lord who you are seeking, the messenger of the covenant” is Jesus Christ. Jesus will deliver God’s wonderful message of salvation in person! (I’ll bet Jesus was bursting to tell the Good News for years before his ministry began.)
Now, whose turn is it? It’s yours and mine isn’t it? Because we know the Good, Wonderful News, the responsibility, the great privilege, and the joy of delivering the message is ours. We get to be messenger of the Gospel of salvation! Think about that amazing opportunity. God has given us the Holy Scripture to know the message. God has given to us the Holy Spirit to give us joy to tell his message. We have been given the opportunity to go and make disciples with the Good News!
Are you bursting with the wonderful news?
Special Delivery
Read Malachi 3-4
Malachi 3:1 See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.
DON’T YOU love good news? When I have something really wonderful to tell someone, I’m bursting to get it out. And I’ll give the message to anyone whom I see. It’s fun to tell people wonderful news, isn’t it?
“Malachi” means “messenger”. It is appropriate he prophecies about two more messengers who are to come. “My messenger who will prepare the way before me” is a prophecy regarding John the Baptist. And “the Lord who you are seeking, the messenger of the covenant” is Jesus Christ. Jesus will deliver God’s wonderful message of salvation in person! (I’ll bet Jesus was bursting to tell the Good News for years before his ministry began.)
Now, whose turn is it? It’s yours and mine isn’t it? Because we know the Good, Wonderful News, the responsibility, the great privilege, and the joy of delivering the message is ours. We get to be messenger of the Gospel of salvation! Think about that amazing opportunity. God has given us the Holy Scripture to know the message. God has given to us the Holy Spirit to give us joy to tell his message. We have been given the opportunity to go and make disciples with the Good News!
Are you bursting with the wonderful news?
Thursday, August 19, 2010
August 20, 2010 Get Real
August 20
Get Real
Read Malachi 1- 2
Mal 2:17 You have wearied the LORD with your words. “How have we wearied him?” you ask.
I LEFT off the last half of this verse because I want you to stop and consider the answer.
In what way might you have wearied the LORD with your words? Have you vainly spoken his name? “Oh, my _____!” is a common, vain phrase today. Have you prayed for forgiveness with empty words, knowing you’ll sin in the same way again? Have you promised him you’d be more faithful to him but not changed your ways?
Have you promised someone you’d care for them but left them waiting? Perhaps a shut-in or aged parent awaits your visit, but you call and say, “I’m too busy right now.”
Perhaps you sing, “I love you, Lord.” and you go to the bar and stare at the women. Perhaps you judge another for a sin you often commit.
The Hebrews needed to put God’s words on their heart and live in the fullness of his words. They needed to stop justifying their sin.
So do we.
Get Real
Read Malachi 1- 2
Mal 2:17 You have wearied the LORD with your words. “How have we wearied him?” you ask.
I LEFT off the last half of this verse because I want you to stop and consider the answer.
In what way might you have wearied the LORD with your words? Have you vainly spoken his name? “Oh, my _____!” is a common, vain phrase today. Have you prayed for forgiveness with empty words, knowing you’ll sin in the same way again? Have you promised him you’d be more faithful to him but not changed your ways?
Have you promised someone you’d care for them but left them waiting? Perhaps a shut-in or aged parent awaits your visit, but you call and say, “I’m too busy right now.”
Perhaps you sing, “I love you, Lord.” and you go to the bar and stare at the women. Perhaps you judge another for a sin you often commit.
The Hebrews needed to put God’s words on their heart and live in the fullness of his words. They needed to stop justifying their sin.
So do we.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
August 18, 2010 Follow and Lead
August 18
Follow and Lead
Read Zechariah 10 – 12
Zech 10:3 Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
BE A LEADER for Jesus. The world desperately needs you. God calls you to lead people to him. We must take the leadership mantle to be a shepherd to a lost world.
I implore and encourage you to stand up, to take the staff of salvation and lead. I think one of the reasons the church is shrinking in many places in America is that its people leave the leadership mantle to “someone else”. We have been given the Gift of Salvation and eternal life. But we wander in our salvation because we negate our shepherding responsibility.
Regardless of who you are in the church or in the culture, if Jesus is your Lord, you are appointed as a shepherd to some. It may be your household, your workplace, or your friendships.
You are saved today because men and women through the centuries took the mantle of leadership because it is a life and death matter.
People need to know Jesus. They need to come out of their wintering desert into the green pastures of life in Christ.
Follow your Great Shepherd and lead people to him.
Follow and Lead
Read Zechariah 10 – 12
Zech 10:3 Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
BE A LEADER for Jesus. The world desperately needs you. God calls you to lead people to him. We must take the leadership mantle to be a shepherd to a lost world.
I implore and encourage you to stand up, to take the staff of salvation and lead. I think one of the reasons the church is shrinking in many places in America is that its people leave the leadership mantle to “someone else”. We have been given the Gift of Salvation and eternal life. But we wander in our salvation because we negate our shepherding responsibility.
Regardless of who you are in the church or in the culture, if Jesus is your Lord, you are appointed as a shepherd to some. It may be your household, your workplace, or your friendships.
You are saved today because men and women through the centuries took the mantle of leadership because it is a life and death matter.
People need to know Jesus. They need to come out of their wintering desert into the green pastures of life in Christ.
Follow your Great Shepherd and lead people to him.
Monday, August 16, 2010
August 17, 2010 Jesus' Instrument of Love
August 17
Jesus’ Instrument of Love
Read Zechariah 4 - 9
Zechariah 8:20-23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, 21 and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going.’ 22 And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him.” 23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’”
THE REASON I love the book of Zechariah so much is the ways God demonstrates his compassion and shows how he will restore his people. And not only will he restore them, he will bring many more to join his people. God will cause those who do not know him to seek after his people and to follow them as they go to the LORD.
Today, those who have faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior (I hope you are one!) are the “Jews”. This is a literal and figurative term for God’s people.
Those who are saved are of God’s Kingdom. We are his people, and Zechariah’s prophecy is an assurance that God will cause many to follow us. His Holy Spirit will move through the land, and people will seek out the LORD.
When they seek God, will you be there to help them? Will you be one who is ready to lead them to Jesus? Will you be one who will demonstrate to them God’s grace and salvation? Will you be one who is ready to be Jesus’ instrument of love in his eternal saving purpose?
Jesus’ Instrument of Love
Read Zechariah 4 - 9
Zechariah 8:20-23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, 21 and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going.’ 22 And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him.” 23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’”
THE REASON I love the book of Zechariah so much is the ways God demonstrates his compassion and shows how he will restore his people. And not only will he restore them, he will bring many more to join his people. God will cause those who do not know him to seek after his people and to follow them as they go to the LORD.
Today, those who have faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior (I hope you are one!) are the “Jews”. This is a literal and figurative term for God’s people.
Those who are saved are of God’s Kingdom. We are his people, and Zechariah’s prophecy is an assurance that God will cause many to follow us. His Holy Spirit will move through the land, and people will seek out the LORD.
When they seek God, will you be there to help them? Will you be one who is ready to lead them to Jesus? Will you be one who will demonstrate to them God’s grace and salvation? Will you be one who is ready to be Jesus’ instrument of love in his eternal saving purpose?
Sunday, August 15, 2010
August 16, 2010 God Forgives
August16
God’s Cleansing Agent--Grace
Read Zechariah 1 – 3
Zechariah 3:1-7 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. 2 The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.” 5 Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by. 6 The angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua: 7 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.
THIS IS one of my favorite passages in Scripture. It is the time of restoration for Jerusalem. God is calling his people home!
But in this vision Satan is trying to display their grievous sins, to show them they are dirty. And God is restoring, forgiving and cleansing his people!
Imagine that. No. Understand that truth. Trust that truth. Receive that truth. God forgives!
Oh, how Satan wants to accuse you. He wants to point his finger and tell you how bad you are. He wants to laugh at you, pile the dirt on and cover up your hope. He wants to fill you with despair and send you away from God to the pills, the booze, the pornography, the depression, the filth.
But know this. God cleanses a heart that says, “I have sinned. Forgive me, Lord God.” God is so amazing! Trust his forgiveness. Be clean!
God’s Cleansing Agent--Grace
Read Zechariah 1 – 3
Zechariah 3:1-7 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. 2 The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.” 5 Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by. 6 The angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua: 7 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.
THIS IS one of my favorite passages in Scripture. It is the time of restoration for Jerusalem. God is calling his people home!
But in this vision Satan is trying to display their grievous sins, to show them they are dirty. And God is restoring, forgiving and cleansing his people!
Imagine that. No. Understand that truth. Trust that truth. Receive that truth. God forgives!
Oh, how Satan wants to accuse you. He wants to point his finger and tell you how bad you are. He wants to laugh at you, pile the dirt on and cover up your hope. He wants to fill you with despair and send you away from God to the pills, the booze, the pornography, the depression, the filth.
But know this. God cleanses a heart that says, “I have sinned. Forgive me, Lord God.” God is so amazing! Trust his forgiveness. Be clean!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
August 15, 2010 Jonah's Ticked Off
August 15
Jonah’s Ticked Off
Read Jonah 3-4
Jonah 4:1-3 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, “O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
JONAH was grieved to the point of death that God has saved Nineveh. Nineveh had been evil to Israel, and Jonah had no place in his heart to love his enemy.
Sometimes I have counseled people to pray for their enemies, and they give me a strange look. They are probably thinking, “I can’t stand that person. Why would I want to pray for him?”
Could it be we know that in praying for our enemies God might show them his compassion? Could it be God would save them from their wrongdoing, even to eternal Life?
Jonah obeyed God to go to Nineveh, but his heart was still in deep conflict with his mind. He did not want Ninevah to repent and be saved.
Do you obey God by studying his Word, yet disobey him in the ways you think and act? God loves even your enemies, and he calls you to do the same.
Open your heart. Pray for your enemies. Remove hatred and resentment. Receive God’s love and give it to others. Trust God’s commands and free yourself to receive all he has for you.
Jonah’s Ticked Off
Read Jonah 3-4
Jonah 4:1-3 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, “O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
JONAH was grieved to the point of death that God has saved Nineveh. Nineveh had been evil to Israel, and Jonah had no place in his heart to love his enemy.
Sometimes I have counseled people to pray for their enemies, and they give me a strange look. They are probably thinking, “I can’t stand that person. Why would I want to pray for him?”
Could it be we know that in praying for our enemies God might show them his compassion? Could it be God would save them from their wrongdoing, even to eternal Life?
Jonah obeyed God to go to Nineveh, but his heart was still in deep conflict with his mind. He did not want Ninevah to repent and be saved.
Do you obey God by studying his Word, yet disobey him in the ways you think and act? God loves even your enemies, and he calls you to do the same.
Open your heart. Pray for your enemies. Remove hatred and resentment. Receive God’s love and give it to others. Trust God’s commands and free yourself to receive all he has for you.
Monday, August 9, 2010
August 14, 2010 But God, You'll Save Them!
August 14, 2010
But God, You’ll Save Them!
Read Jonah 1 – 2
Jonah 1:1-3 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
WHAT do you think? Isn’t it folly to “flee from the LORD”? How could anyone think that is possible, especially a prophet. Jonah has been around. He prophesied God would restore Israel’s boundaries, and it happened. Jonah has seen the LORD work. And he runs away.
As odd as it seems, that is exactly why he is running from God’s assignment. He knows full well that God is merciful and offers forgiveness when people repent and turn to him. Jonah does not like Ninevah, which has done great harm to Israel. He wants no part of “saving” Ninevah.
So he goes the opposite way—literally. Tarshish is in modern day Spain. He wants to really get away!
That’s often what we do when God says, “Come here.” We go “there” instead, so we don’t have to listen to him. We pray for answers, but we don’t like it when God says, “Wait.” or “No.” or “You need to change, too.” Jonah wanted his own answers, his own way at his own time. But God would show Jonah how much he loved him, and even how much he loved Israel’s enemies.
God is always about showing his love. We just need to let go of our own timetable, our own desires and trust him.
But God, You’ll Save Them!
Read Jonah 1 – 2
Jonah 1:1-3 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
WHAT do you think? Isn’t it folly to “flee from the LORD”? How could anyone think that is possible, especially a prophet. Jonah has been around. He prophesied God would restore Israel’s boundaries, and it happened. Jonah has seen the LORD work. And he runs away.
As odd as it seems, that is exactly why he is running from God’s assignment. He knows full well that God is merciful and offers forgiveness when people repent and turn to him. Jonah does not like Ninevah, which has done great harm to Israel. He wants no part of “saving” Ninevah.
So he goes the opposite way—literally. Tarshish is in modern day Spain. He wants to really get away!
That’s often what we do when God says, “Come here.” We go “there” instead, so we don’t have to listen to him. We pray for answers, but we don’t like it when God says, “Wait.” or “No.” or “You need to change, too.” Jonah wanted his own answers, his own way at his own time. But God would show Jonah how much he loved him, and even how much he loved Israel’s enemies.
God is always about showing his love. We just need to let go of our own timetable, our own desires and trust him.
August 11, 2010 The Power of Love
August 11, 2010
The Power of Love
Read Daniel 10 - 12
Dan 10:11 He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.”
ONE of the things I treasure about Daniel and his story is the great love Daniel has for God and the powerful and wonderful ways God shows his great love for Daniel.
Daniel’s amazing love for God is evident from beginning to end. But here in Chapter 10 I think this love is stretched to extremes. God sends a glorious Angel to Daniel. He is perfect and stunning. Some say this could be Jesus in his glory come to speak to Daniel.
But how does this stretch Daniel’s love for God? Daniel is terrified at the sight because God’s holiness is before his eyes. The human eye cannot behold the Holy God without deep fear and a desire to flee as Daniel’s friends did.
Daniel, though, knew the power of God was approaching him, and he, although terrified, wanted to experience it. His love for God was stronger than his terror for God.
Why? Well, consider how Daniel had seen God rescue his friends from the furnace and he from the lion’s den, how God had prospered him amid the heathen Babylon culture. Daniel knew what it was to love God with his all his heart, mind and soul. And he knew how God’s love had protected him.
When God shows himself to us clearly, we tremble because we truly know he wants us to do something we can’t handle. How will you respond? Will you turn from him in fear or go to him in trusting, powerful, life-transforming love?
The Power of Love
Read Daniel 10 - 12
Dan 10:11 He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.”
ONE of the things I treasure about Daniel and his story is the great love Daniel has for God and the powerful and wonderful ways God shows his great love for Daniel.
Daniel’s amazing love for God is evident from beginning to end. But here in Chapter 10 I think this love is stretched to extremes. God sends a glorious Angel to Daniel. He is perfect and stunning. Some say this could be Jesus in his glory come to speak to Daniel.
But how does this stretch Daniel’s love for God? Daniel is terrified at the sight because God’s holiness is before his eyes. The human eye cannot behold the Holy God without deep fear and a desire to flee as Daniel’s friends did.
Daniel, though, knew the power of God was approaching him, and he, although terrified, wanted to experience it. His love for God was stronger than his terror for God.
Why? Well, consider how Daniel had seen God rescue his friends from the furnace and he from the lion’s den, how God had prospered him amid the heathen Babylon culture. Daniel knew what it was to love God with his all his heart, mind and soul. And he knew how God’s love had protected him.
When God shows himself to us clearly, we tremble because we truly know he wants us to do something we can’t handle. How will you respond? Will you turn from him in fear or go to him in trusting, powerful, life-transforming love?
August 10, 2010 Warnings, Promise Signs
August 10, 2010
Read Daniel 7 - 9
Dan 7:13-14 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
WARNING SIGNS are good, aren’t they? You slow for the curve. You throw out expired food. You wait for the train.
Promise signs are good too! You are excited for the new baby, the birthday and wedding celebrations. In these chapters are God’s warning signs and God’s promise signs to the world.
These signs come to Daniel to warn of impending destruction and to promise salvation. Understand that Jesus Christ is the Son of Man, who will come on the clouds in final judgment and salvation.
This is Jesus, who promised his disciples one day he would return as the Son of Man. And they knew exactly what he meant. They knew he would come in glory, in the brilliant, powerful and fearful light Jehovah God showed on Mt. Sinai (See Exodus 24). They knew he would come to all nations and people of every language. And they knew that when the world sees Jesus come, every knee will bow and every tongue will tell that Jesus Christ is Lord.
And the disciples knew when Jesus called himself Son of Man that he would resign over the new heaven and earth forever. (Matt 24:44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.) That will be the final judgment.
God so loves the world he has put up warning signs and promise signs through the journey of history. Take note. Tell your loved ones to listen to the warnings and the promises. Your and their eternal life is in the balance.
Read Daniel 7 - 9
Dan 7:13-14 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
WARNING SIGNS are good, aren’t they? You slow for the curve. You throw out expired food. You wait for the train.
Promise signs are good too! You are excited for the new baby, the birthday and wedding celebrations. In these chapters are God’s warning signs and God’s promise signs to the world.
These signs come to Daniel to warn of impending destruction and to promise salvation. Understand that Jesus Christ is the Son of Man, who will come on the clouds in final judgment and salvation.
This is Jesus, who promised his disciples one day he would return as the Son of Man. And they knew exactly what he meant. They knew he would come in glory, in the brilliant, powerful and fearful light Jehovah God showed on Mt. Sinai (See Exodus 24). They knew he would come to all nations and people of every language. And they knew that when the world sees Jesus come, every knee will bow and every tongue will tell that Jesus Christ is Lord.
And the disciples knew when Jesus called himself Son of Man that he would resign over the new heaven and earth forever. (Matt 24:44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.) That will be the final judgment.
God so loves the world he has put up warning signs and promise signs through the journey of history. Take note. Tell your loved ones to listen to the warnings and the promises. Your and their eternal life is in the balance.
Prayer Power from Daniel
Does Prayer Make a Difference?
9:4–19 Prayer, a covenant work
Daniel’s praying was dominated by a sense of the character of God especially as that is revealed in his righteousness. The righteousness of God is his absolute integrity, his conformity to his own perfect glory. In his relationships with his people this takes the form of his faithfulness to his covenants with them. In that covenant relationship he has promised to be their God and to take them as his people; he has promised that they will enjoy blessing as they themselves respond to his covenant love in faithfulness, but judgment should they respond to him in unbelief, ingratitude and disobedience (cf. Dt. 27; 28). It is significant that the covenant name of God, Yahweh, used in the book only in this chapter, appears frequently printed in the niv as Lord (v 2, 4, 10, 13, 14, 20; cf. Ex. 3:13–15).
These principles underlie all of God’s dealings with his people in the OT and come to the surface in Daniel’s prayer. In his longsuffering with his disobedient people God had sent prophets to summon them back to covenant faithfulness (5–6). Their exile was the result of their indifference to his warning and a fulfilment of the covenant curse (7; cf. Dt. 28:58, 63–64; Je. 18:15–17). In a true spirit of repentance, Daniel, the most faithful of all God’s people, took to himself their guilt as though it were his own (we is repeated eight times in vs 5–10). In this respect his heart reflected the heart of God (cf. Is. 63:8a, 9a); they are his people (cf. v 20). The ultimate remedy awaited the time when God’s Son would take his people’s guilt as though it were his own (cf. Is. 53:4–6, 10–12; 2 Cor. 5:21). But the hope of forgiveness does not minimize the seriousness of their condition. Indeed Daniel ransacked the OT vocabulary as he described and confessed Judah’s failure (sin, wrong, wickedness, rebellion, turning away, not listening, unfaithfulness, transgression, disobedience; 5–11) and its consequences (shame and scattering; v 7). Such judgment is the expression of God’s covenant righteousness in response to the sin of his people. He has kept his promise (7, 11–14).
As he prayed over the plight of his people, Daniel did not ask God to abandon his righteousness. Paradoxically, it is the people’s only hope. As in the first exodus, for his own glory God revealed his covenant righteousness in mercy to the oppressed as well as judgment on the wicked (cf. Ex. 3:7–10, 20; 6:6). Encouraged by the divine promises through Jeremiah, Daniel appealed to God to defend his glorious Name which he had bound to the people and the city of Jerusalem (16). The goal of his intercession is the glory of God’s Name; its foundation is God’s covenanted word of promise concerning the restoration; its motivation is the knowledge of the righteous mercy revealed in God’s saving deeds in the past (15–19).
Carson, D. A. (1994). New Bible commentary : 21st century edition. Rev. ed. of: The new Bible commentary. 3rd ed. / edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer. 1970. (4th ed.) (Da 9:4-20). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press.
9:4–19 Prayer, a covenant work
Daniel’s praying was dominated by a sense of the character of God especially as that is revealed in his righteousness. The righteousness of God is his absolute integrity, his conformity to his own perfect glory. In his relationships with his people this takes the form of his faithfulness to his covenants with them. In that covenant relationship he has promised to be their God and to take them as his people; he has promised that they will enjoy blessing as they themselves respond to his covenant love in faithfulness, but judgment should they respond to him in unbelief, ingratitude and disobedience (cf. Dt. 27; 28). It is significant that the covenant name of God, Yahweh, used in the book only in this chapter, appears frequently printed in the niv as Lord (v 2, 4, 10, 13, 14, 20; cf. Ex. 3:13–15).
These principles underlie all of God’s dealings with his people in the OT and come to the surface in Daniel’s prayer. In his longsuffering with his disobedient people God had sent prophets to summon them back to covenant faithfulness (5–6). Their exile was the result of their indifference to his warning and a fulfilment of the covenant curse (7; cf. Dt. 28:58, 63–64; Je. 18:15–17). In a true spirit of repentance, Daniel, the most faithful of all God’s people, took to himself their guilt as though it were his own (we is repeated eight times in vs 5–10). In this respect his heart reflected the heart of God (cf. Is. 63:8a, 9a); they are his people (cf. v 20). The ultimate remedy awaited the time when God’s Son would take his people’s guilt as though it were his own (cf. Is. 53:4–6, 10–12; 2 Cor. 5:21). But the hope of forgiveness does not minimize the seriousness of their condition. Indeed Daniel ransacked the OT vocabulary as he described and confessed Judah’s failure (sin, wrong, wickedness, rebellion, turning away, not listening, unfaithfulness, transgression, disobedience; 5–11) and its consequences (shame and scattering; v 7). Such judgment is the expression of God’s covenant righteousness in response to the sin of his people. He has kept his promise (7, 11–14).
As he prayed over the plight of his people, Daniel did not ask God to abandon his righteousness. Paradoxically, it is the people’s only hope. As in the first exodus, for his own glory God revealed his covenant righteousness in mercy to the oppressed as well as judgment on the wicked (cf. Ex. 3:7–10, 20; 6:6). Encouraged by the divine promises through Jeremiah, Daniel appealed to God to defend his glorious Name which he had bound to the people and the city of Jerusalem (16). The goal of his intercession is the glory of God’s Name; its foundation is God’s covenanted word of promise concerning the restoration; its motivation is the knowledge of the righteous mercy revealed in God’s saving deeds in the past (15–19).
Carson, D. A. (1994). New Bible commentary : 21st century edition. Rev. ed. of: The new Bible commentary. 3rd ed. / edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer. 1970. (4th ed.) (Da 9:4-20). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
August 9, 2010 Humble Heart
August 9, 2010
Read Daniel 4 - 6
Daniel 4:36-37 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
KING Nebuchadnezzar had survived 7 years living as a wild beast. God humbled the king to recognize God’s sovereign authority and to worship the Living God. King Nebuchadnezzar had been proud. He gave credit to himself for all his accomplishments. He honored himself above God. Does this sound familiar?
It does to me. I believe we all have our tendencies to look to ourselves for purpose and glory. We strive to make things happen our way and are frustrated when we find roadblocks and detours to “my idea”. Sometimes the road is closed completely, and we wonder why.
Perhaps an answer will come when we look to God’s purposes in our life instead of our own. Many times I have had a plan. Then God has changed it, and when I see the difference, I say, “That’s good, God.”
Do you need to let go of your way to find God’s ways for you? Be honest with your answers. Then humble yourself to truly consider what God is guiding you to do. This is what Daniel did in his daily life and in the most terrifying circumstances. Daniel found his purpose in God’s sovereignty, and it gave him assurance:
“Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. (Dan 10:12)
Humble your heart and be secure in him.
Read Daniel 4 - 6
Daniel 4:36-37 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
KING Nebuchadnezzar had survived 7 years living as a wild beast. God humbled the king to recognize God’s sovereign authority and to worship the Living God. King Nebuchadnezzar had been proud. He gave credit to himself for all his accomplishments. He honored himself above God. Does this sound familiar?
It does to me. I believe we all have our tendencies to look to ourselves for purpose and glory. We strive to make things happen our way and are frustrated when we find roadblocks and detours to “my idea”. Sometimes the road is closed completely, and we wonder why.
Perhaps an answer will come when we look to God’s purposes in our life instead of our own. Many times I have had a plan. Then God has changed it, and when I see the difference, I say, “That’s good, God.”
Do you need to let go of your way to find God’s ways for you? Be honest with your answers. Then humble yourself to truly consider what God is guiding you to do. This is what Daniel did in his daily life and in the most terrifying circumstances. Daniel found his purpose in God’s sovereignty, and it gave him assurance:
“Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. (Dan 10:12)
Humble your heart and be secure in him.
August 8, 2010 Daniel the Trusting One
August 8, 2010
Read Daniel 1 - 3
Daniel 1:17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
&
Daniel 2:27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.
Welcome to this joyful book of faith. In Jeremiah we saw prophecies of Israel’s upcoming exile. In Ezekiel we saw the prophecies during the exile. And now we hear the story of one Daniel and his friends during the exile. Enjoy your time with Daniel. Read this amazing story that reaches from ancient times to the end of time.
HOW CAN you not warmly embrace Daniel and his friends who warmly embraced God? God gave them knowledge of him and faith in him to bring glory to his name.
God began this by causing King Nebuchadnezzar to have a very disturbing dream. Then God put in King Nebuchadnezzar’s mind to issue harsh punishment to the liars and false prophets. Here is an opportunity for Daniel and his friends to show God to the pagan world.
And Daniel did it! With his life on the line, Daniel turned to God. Daniel gave credit to God. And Nebuchadnezzar praised God.
That’s how it works. Think of this: a pagan praises God when God’s people had so long rejected him. God does bring glory to his name and his purposes. He uses whomever he chooses to do so.
How is God calling you today to show him to a pagan world? Are you ready to respond as Daniel? Do you see how Daniel first prayed for help, waited for the answer, then acted on it? This is a good pattern to use. The LORD is greater than all that opposes him—even your doubts. Trust that truth and tell the world who he is.
Read Daniel 1 - 3
Daniel 1:17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
&
Daniel 2:27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.
Welcome to this joyful book of faith. In Jeremiah we saw prophecies of Israel’s upcoming exile. In Ezekiel we saw the prophecies during the exile. And now we hear the story of one Daniel and his friends during the exile. Enjoy your time with Daniel. Read this amazing story that reaches from ancient times to the end of time.
HOW CAN you not warmly embrace Daniel and his friends who warmly embraced God? God gave them knowledge of him and faith in him to bring glory to his name.
God began this by causing King Nebuchadnezzar to have a very disturbing dream. Then God put in King Nebuchadnezzar’s mind to issue harsh punishment to the liars and false prophets. Here is an opportunity for Daniel and his friends to show God to the pagan world.
And Daniel did it! With his life on the line, Daniel turned to God. Daniel gave credit to God. And Nebuchadnezzar praised God.
That’s how it works. Think of this: a pagan praises God when God’s people had so long rejected him. God does bring glory to his name and his purposes. He uses whomever he chooses to do so.
How is God calling you today to show him to a pagan world? Are you ready to respond as Daniel? Do you see how Daniel first prayed for help, waited for the answer, then acted on it? This is a good pattern to use. The LORD is greater than all that opposes him—even your doubts. Trust that truth and tell the world who he is.
Friday, August 6, 2010
August 7 Faith Walk with God
August 7, 2010
Read Ezekiel 46 – 48
Ezekiel 48:11-12 This will be for the consecrated priests, the Zadokites, who were faithful in serving me and did not go astray as the Levites did when the Israelites went astray. 12 It will be a special gift to them from the sacred portion of the land, a most holy portion, bordering the territory of the Levites.
GOD rewards obedience. Notice how the Zadokites received a sacred portion of the land for their faithfulness.
As we conclude our journey through Ezekiel, it is worthy to note God desires to reward your faith and to welcome you into a sacred portion of his “land” forever. The visions of judgment and destruction are difficult words to read, and we can easily become discouraged, thinking that’s all God does.
But blessing you is God’s greatest desire. Blessing you is God’s promise for your faithful walk with him.
Yes, we will sin. Yet, God clearly shows his passion here and in many “Old Testament” accounts to forgive and to forget in response to faith.
God wants you to see his commands for living and for worship as his invitation to you into his holy place. And your response to him should be, “Thank you, Father for teaching me your ways!”
Yes, the holy place of heaven awaits you. And a blessed life is for you right now. As Jesus says, it all comes down to this: To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. (Mark 12:33)
God, your creator, Father and Savior wants you to be with him in this great, committed love.
Will you trust his love for you? Let go of anything that keeps you from him. And faithfully walk with him into his holy place.
Read Ezekiel 46 – 48
Ezekiel 48:11-12 This will be for the consecrated priests, the Zadokites, who were faithful in serving me and did not go astray as the Levites did when the Israelites went astray. 12 It will be a special gift to them from the sacred portion of the land, a most holy portion, bordering the territory of the Levites.
GOD rewards obedience. Notice how the Zadokites received a sacred portion of the land for their faithfulness.
As we conclude our journey through Ezekiel, it is worthy to note God desires to reward your faith and to welcome you into a sacred portion of his “land” forever. The visions of judgment and destruction are difficult words to read, and we can easily become discouraged, thinking that’s all God does.
But blessing you is God’s greatest desire. Blessing you is God’s promise for your faithful walk with him.
Yes, we will sin. Yet, God clearly shows his passion here and in many “Old Testament” accounts to forgive and to forget in response to faith.
God wants you to see his commands for living and for worship as his invitation to you into his holy place. And your response to him should be, “Thank you, Father for teaching me your ways!”
Yes, the holy place of heaven awaits you. And a blessed life is for you right now. As Jesus says, it all comes down to this: To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. (Mark 12:33)
God, your creator, Father and Savior wants you to be with him in this great, committed love.
Will you trust his love for you? Let go of anything that keeps you from him. And faithfully walk with him into his holy place.
August 6, 2010 You're Perfect
August 6, 2010
Read Ezekiel 43 - 45
Ezekiel 43:10-11 “Son of man, describe the temple to the people of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their sins. Let them consider the plan, 11 and if they are ashamed of all they have done, make known to them the design of the temple-its arrangement, its exits and entrances-its whole design and all its regulations and laws. Write these down before them so that they may be faithful to its design and follow all its regulations.
GOD gives Ezekiel an incredible vision of a restored Jerusalem and temple within the city. The measurements and descriptions of the walls, gates, temple courts, and more are detailed. These details are similar to the instructions God gave to Solomon to build the original temple.
The perfection and beauty of what is to be rebuilt in Jerusalem is a manifestation of God’s glory, power, forgiveness and salvation. God is restoring a physical city. He is going to restore the spiritual center of the city. And he will give his people a place to approach him to worship him as their God.
The perfection of the temple is also a picture of the perfection that comes in our Lord Jesus. He was born into the world, and he demonstrated God’s perfection in the life he lived.
By his death, resurrection and ascension to Heaven’s throne, Jesus has become the perfect Temple. He makes you perfect when you go before him as your Lord and worship him. And when you do this, God’s plan to bring you out of sin’s exile is complete when his Spirit lives in you!
God’s plan to welcome you out of sin’s exile to be at home with him was very precise. And he has completed his plan perfectly.
You can trust in a perfect Father, Savior and Spirit to show you how to live in perfection with your perfect God now and forever.
Read Ezekiel 43 - 45
Ezekiel 43:10-11 “Son of man, describe the temple to the people of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their sins. Let them consider the plan, 11 and if they are ashamed of all they have done, make known to them the design of the temple-its arrangement, its exits and entrances-its whole design and all its regulations and laws. Write these down before them so that they may be faithful to its design and follow all its regulations.
GOD gives Ezekiel an incredible vision of a restored Jerusalem and temple within the city. The measurements and descriptions of the walls, gates, temple courts, and more are detailed. These details are similar to the instructions God gave to Solomon to build the original temple.
The perfection and beauty of what is to be rebuilt in Jerusalem is a manifestation of God’s glory, power, forgiveness and salvation. God is restoring a physical city. He is going to restore the spiritual center of the city. And he will give his people a place to approach him to worship him as their God.
The perfection of the temple is also a picture of the perfection that comes in our Lord Jesus. He was born into the world, and he demonstrated God’s perfection in the life he lived.
By his death, resurrection and ascension to Heaven’s throne, Jesus has become the perfect Temple. He makes you perfect when you go before him as your Lord and worship him. And when you do this, God’s plan to bring you out of sin’s exile is complete when his Spirit lives in you!
God’s plan to welcome you out of sin’s exile to be at home with him was very precise. And he has completed his plan perfectly.
You can trust in a perfect Father, Savior and Spirit to show you how to live in perfection with your perfect God now and forever.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
August 5, 2010 Getting to Know God
August 5, 2010
Read Ezekiel 40 – 42
Ezek 40:4 He said to me, “Watch, mortal man. Listen carefully and pay close attention to everything I show you, because this is why you were brought here. You are to tell the people of Israel everything you see.”
WHAT DO you see of God? I used to say, “Very little. I didn’t know because I didn’t really know God.”
Ezekiel is in a place where many think they want to be. Often I hear, “If God would just show me clearly who he is and what he wants, then I would know what to do.” Truth is we really don’t want to see him, do we? If we do, we know we must give our lives over to him.
But he will nudge you, “Come and get to know you.” And years ago I responded with a devotion to the study and the teaching of his Word. I grew to understand that God would call me to go into new and uncertain places. Some of those places were: 1) more responsibility in his church, 2) a mission trip to the Amazon jungle, 3) a daily time of prayer, 4) preaching, 5) caring for the homeless, 6) writing, 7) waiting.
As I stepped into these new and uncertain places, I began to see how God was using these to get to know him more personally. And this knowledge allows me to tell people precisely about God.
God gave to Ezekiel clear visions of who he is and what he wanted Ezekiel to tell his people. Ezekiel certainly was uncertain about why God had chosen him. But Ezekiel saw God. And Ezekiel gave his life over to his LORD.
Are you unsure about what God looks like? What he has invited you to do with him? Then pray for an open heart and open eyes to get to know him. Receive your invitation. And be ready to go with him. You will see him clearly, and you will tell the world what you have seen.
Read Ezekiel 40 – 42
Ezek 40:4 He said to me, “Watch, mortal man. Listen carefully and pay close attention to everything I show you, because this is why you were brought here. You are to tell the people of Israel everything you see.”
WHAT DO you see of God? I used to say, “Very little. I didn’t know because I didn’t really know God.”
Ezekiel is in a place where many think they want to be. Often I hear, “If God would just show me clearly who he is and what he wants, then I would know what to do.” Truth is we really don’t want to see him, do we? If we do, we know we must give our lives over to him.
But he will nudge you, “Come and get to know you.” And years ago I responded with a devotion to the study and the teaching of his Word. I grew to understand that God would call me to go into new and uncertain places. Some of those places were: 1) more responsibility in his church, 2) a mission trip to the Amazon jungle, 3) a daily time of prayer, 4) preaching, 5) caring for the homeless, 6) writing, 7) waiting.
As I stepped into these new and uncertain places, I began to see how God was using these to get to know him more personally. And this knowledge allows me to tell people precisely about God.
God gave to Ezekiel clear visions of who he is and what he wanted Ezekiel to tell his people. Ezekiel certainly was uncertain about why God had chosen him. But Ezekiel saw God. And Ezekiel gave his life over to his LORD.
Are you unsure about what God looks like? What he has invited you to do with him? Then pray for an open heart and open eyes to get to know him. Receive your invitation. And be ready to go with him. You will see him clearly, and you will tell the world what you have seen.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
August 4, 2010 Out of Exile
August 4, 2010
Read Ezekiel 37 – 39
Ezekiel 39:28-29 Then they will know that I am the LORD their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. 29 I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD.”
ARE YOU feeling exiled from God? Does he seem far away and uninvolved with your life? Do you need him in a special way today, but you’re not sure he would welcome you?
God wants you to know he desires to meet with you. Meeting with a person face-to-face—that’s the best way to get to know and to develop a relationship with someone. God is willing and desires to look at you face-to-face so you get to know him.
You see, he knows you. He knows what you need and knows what you have done and not done. I know, that can be scary—and you might think, “I’m not going near God. He’ll just judge me.”
Well, he will judge your sins because he’s holy. BUT GET THIS--he’s willing to turn that aside, to forgive your sings and to forget them. He wants you to get past your past and move on with your life. As he did with the nation Israel, he wants to conquer the evil that attacks you and welcome you home to him. He wants to restore you and have you delight in him.
AND GET THIS: In all of who you are, he loves you.
All the crazy, weird imagery of chapters 37, 38 & 39 are about God’s ultimate, life-giving power to his people. At the end of time he will bring his own “home” out of the exile of sin and into his glorious eternal home. (see December meditations on Revelation)
Go ahead, trust his love. Meet him face-to-face. Tell him your fears and your needs. Tell him your hopes and desires. I’m sure you’ll have a great conversation!
Read Ezekiel 37 – 39
Ezekiel 39:28-29 Then they will know that I am the LORD their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. 29 I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD.”
ARE YOU feeling exiled from God? Does he seem far away and uninvolved with your life? Do you need him in a special way today, but you’re not sure he would welcome you?
God wants you to know he desires to meet with you. Meeting with a person face-to-face—that’s the best way to get to know and to develop a relationship with someone. God is willing and desires to look at you face-to-face so you get to know him.
You see, he knows you. He knows what you need and knows what you have done and not done. I know, that can be scary—and you might think, “I’m not going near God. He’ll just judge me.”
Well, he will judge your sins because he’s holy. BUT GET THIS--he’s willing to turn that aside, to forgive your sings and to forget them. He wants you to get past your past and move on with your life. As he did with the nation Israel, he wants to conquer the evil that attacks you and welcome you home to him. He wants to restore you and have you delight in him.
AND GET THIS: In all of who you are, he loves you.
All the crazy, weird imagery of chapters 37, 38 & 39 are about God’s ultimate, life-giving power to his people. At the end of time he will bring his own “home” out of the exile of sin and into his glorious eternal home. (see December meditations on Revelation)
Go ahead, trust his love. Meet him face-to-face. Tell him your fears and your needs. Tell him your hopes and desires. I’m sure you’ll have a great conversation!
Monday, August 2, 2010
August 3, 2010 A Shepherd's Love
August 3, 2010
Read Ezekiel 34 - 36
Ezekiel 34:11-12 “‘For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.
&
Ezekiel 34:31 You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD.’”
WHY DO people meet as a church or in small groups? Reading these words from a prophet who generally proclaims destruction for an unrepentant people, we are reminded of God’s great desire to gather his people as a good shepherd gathers his sheep.
In this pastoral picture, we see God the Father calling his people into a place where they can hear his soothing voice and feel his comfort. We see the Son, the Great Shepherd, personally tending to each sheep as it has needs. And we “feel” the gentle wind of the Spirit of God bringing cool, refreshing air to the flock.
And the concluding words of Chapter 34 give to us that wonderful, eternal promise that we are his, and he is our Shepherd.
God has invited us to gather as a church, a small group or even with one other person, to know the good pleasure of God’s leading us to be in a place of peace, promise and trust with others and with him. To be gathered together with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is a life-chaning, life-givng gift he has for us, even if we’ve been far away.
Oh, yes, we can trust such a Shepherd to gather and to lead us. Faithfully, we can obey his Word, respond to his call, and rejoice in his Shepherding love each day.
Read Ezekiel 34 - 36
Ezekiel 34:11-12 “‘For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.
&
Ezekiel 34:31 You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD.’”
WHY DO people meet as a church or in small groups? Reading these words from a prophet who generally proclaims destruction for an unrepentant people, we are reminded of God’s great desire to gather his people as a good shepherd gathers his sheep.
In this pastoral picture, we see God the Father calling his people into a place where they can hear his soothing voice and feel his comfort. We see the Son, the Great Shepherd, personally tending to each sheep as it has needs. And we “feel” the gentle wind of the Spirit of God bringing cool, refreshing air to the flock.
And the concluding words of Chapter 34 give to us that wonderful, eternal promise that we are his, and he is our Shepherd.
God has invited us to gather as a church, a small group or even with one other person, to know the good pleasure of God’s leading us to be in a place of peace, promise and trust with others and with him. To be gathered together with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is a life-chaning, life-givng gift he has for us, even if we’ve been far away.
Oh, yes, we can trust such a Shepherd to gather and to lead us. Faithfully, we can obey his Word, respond to his call, and rejoice in his Shepherding love each day.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
August 2, 2010 God Warns, God Saves
August 2, 2010
Read Ezekiel 31 – 33
Ezekiel 33:8-9 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.
WHAT DOES speaking in love to someone sound like? It could be, “I love you.” “Nice work.” Or “You need to stop your wasteful living.” How is that last one “speaking in love”?
God is straightforward. He tells us that we who know his truth are held accountable for his command to tell the “wicked” of their sinful activity.
Does this make you uncomfortable? It does me. I don’t like to talk to people about the wrong I see them do. I’d rather encourage them in the good and positive things they do. But include in “loving our neighbors” are words to guide people to a right life in Jesus Christ.
Knowing and trusting God gives us a responsibility. We are God’s messengers. The bible clearly shows there is a right way and a wrong way with God. The world needs to know. Carry the message of love and salvation to those around you. It is God’s way to warn the world, so he can save the world. We have been given the knowledge. We must speak it.
Read Ezekiel 31 – 33
Ezekiel 33:8-9 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.
WHAT DOES speaking in love to someone sound like? It could be, “I love you.” “Nice work.” Or “You need to stop your wasteful living.” How is that last one “speaking in love”?
God is straightforward. He tells us that we who know his truth are held accountable for his command to tell the “wicked” of their sinful activity.
Does this make you uncomfortable? It does me. I don’t like to talk to people about the wrong I see them do. I’d rather encourage them in the good and positive things they do. But include in “loving our neighbors” are words to guide people to a right life in Jesus Christ.
Knowing and trusting God gives us a responsibility. We are God’s messengers. The bible clearly shows there is a right way and a wrong way with God. The world needs to know. Carry the message of love and salvation to those around you. It is God’s way to warn the world, so he can save the world. We have been given the knowledge. We must speak it.
Count On It!
Rev 21:3-4
"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
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