A Giving Dad
Read Isaiah 49 – 53
Isa 49:6 he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
I CAN see a 10-year-old son approaching his father. Earlier, the son had disobeyed his father. The father acted as a loving and just father should. He loved his son enough to teach him right from wrong and to punish him when he did wrong. Now his son comes from his room and says, “I’m sorry.”
The father says, “Welcome back. I forgive you. I love you, and I have something special for you.”
“What’s that, dad?” the son asks.
“I think it’s time for you to have that bike you’ve been wanting. It is my gift to you because you have shown today and other days that when you make mistakes, you are sorry. You show you want to live a life honoring your mother and me. The bike is a way I want to reward your heart that honors and obeys us.”
Isaiah prophesies God would welcome his people home from their punishment in Babylon. The people would repent and long for their Father.
God ultimately restored them to their land. And he gave them an unimaginable gift of honor and love. The Father gave Israel His Son, your Savior.
The Father’s gift comes to us today when we repent and honor his just law. He offers his love and honor through a Savior for all eternity.
Trust the Father’s gift.
Pause and Consider: how God gives so completely to you forever.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
June 30, 2011 God's Eternal Purpose
God’s Eternal Purpose
Read Isaiah 45 - 48
Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
LOOK at that last sentence a minute. If your pastor, boss, spouse, child, friend or anyone on earth said that, what would you think? Pompous? Uncaring? Belligerent? Forceful?
Does it irritate you God is so seemingly aloof? Our nature, especially in the United States, is to honor self-determination with such statements as, “You can do anything you desire.” “Nothing’s going to stop me now.” We want to be in control. Why should we trust God with this “arrogant” statement, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please”?
In truth, God is warning you, and he is promising you here. This isn’t arrogance when it is the ultimate reality.
What is his purpose? It is to bless your life to be with him in relationship now and forever. In this purpose God must do as he pleases. He must punish wrong. And he must bless right. That is the only way you will see his complete authority over your life.
You might feel uneasy that God has this power. After all, you’re afraid he will punish you if you live any way you please. If you feel that way, that’s good. You are beginning to fear God. Keep feeling this fear that you are accountable to God. When you truly have this fear feeling in your soul, you will want to remove it. The only way you can remove it, is to go to God and say, “Forgive me, Father. I want to turn my purpose to your purpose.” When you do, it will please God to save you. Now, aren’t you glad God’s purpose will stand, and he will do all he pleases?
Pause and Consider: how grateful you are God’s purpose is bigger than yours.
Read Isaiah 45 - 48
Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
LOOK at that last sentence a minute. If your pastor, boss, spouse, child, friend or anyone on earth said that, what would you think? Pompous? Uncaring? Belligerent? Forceful?
Does it irritate you God is so seemingly aloof? Our nature, especially in the United States, is to honor self-determination with such statements as, “You can do anything you desire.” “Nothing’s going to stop me now.” We want to be in control. Why should we trust God with this “arrogant” statement, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please”?
In truth, God is warning you, and he is promising you here. This isn’t arrogance when it is the ultimate reality.
What is his purpose? It is to bless your life to be with him in relationship now and forever. In this purpose God must do as he pleases. He must punish wrong. And he must bless right. That is the only way you will see his complete authority over your life.
You might feel uneasy that God has this power. After all, you’re afraid he will punish you if you live any way you please. If you feel that way, that’s good. You are beginning to fear God. Keep feeling this fear that you are accountable to God. When you truly have this fear feeling in your soul, you will want to remove it. The only way you can remove it, is to go to God and say, “Forgive me, Father. I want to turn my purpose to your purpose.” When you do, it will please God to save you. Now, aren’t you glad God’s purpose will stand, and he will do all he pleases?
Pause and Consider: how grateful you are God’s purpose is bigger than yours.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
June 29, 2011 God Forgives for His Sake
God Forgives for His Sake
Read Isaiah 42 - 44
Isa 43:25 “I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.”
GOD SAYS something very special here. Do you see it? “I will blot out your sins for my own sake.”
I believe every time we think of God’s forgiveness, we think of it from our point of view. “God has forgiven me, and I am free from that sin.” Yes, it is a wonderful gift!
But something even more amazing occurs when God forgives. He forgives you and me for his sake. What does that mean?
First it means that God’s forgiveness shows you his extreme love, ready to give himself to you. Witness Jesus to the cross. Think of that deep love and desire to forgive, and you will indeed see God’s extreme love.
Second, God forgives to draw people to him. News gets around. God’s forgiveness will be known in his nation during Isaiah’s time, and it will eventually become known throughout the world. Christians are everywhere! When we forgive, God is exalted, lifted high in the minds of those who see his great work. “God makes himself famous,” one commentator said. And people want to know him, to answer, “Can I trust his forgiveness?”
God’s love says, “Yes, you can!” You are forgiven. You and others see God’s love and forgiveness. God is worshiped. God’s forgiveness is indeed for you—and for Him.
Pause and Consider: how your forgiveness of someone is what God has done for you. When you forgive, it’s about God, too.
Read Isaiah 42 - 44
Isa 43:25 “I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.”
GOD SAYS something very special here. Do you see it? “I will blot out your sins for my own sake.”
I believe every time we think of God’s forgiveness, we think of it from our point of view. “God has forgiven me, and I am free from that sin.” Yes, it is a wonderful gift!
But something even more amazing occurs when God forgives. He forgives you and me for his sake. What does that mean?
First it means that God’s forgiveness shows you his extreme love, ready to give himself to you. Witness Jesus to the cross. Think of that deep love and desire to forgive, and you will indeed see God’s extreme love.
Second, God forgives to draw people to him. News gets around. God’s forgiveness will be known in his nation during Isaiah’s time, and it will eventually become known throughout the world. Christians are everywhere! When we forgive, God is exalted, lifted high in the minds of those who see his great work. “God makes himself famous,” one commentator said. And people want to know him, to answer, “Can I trust his forgiveness?”
God’s love says, “Yes, you can!” You are forgiven. You and others see God’s love and forgiveness. God is worshiped. God’s forgiveness is indeed for you—and for Him.
Pause and Consider: how your forgiveness of someone is what God has done for you. When you forgive, it’s about God, too.
Monday, June 27, 2011
June 28, 2011 He Is Coming
He Is Coming
Isaiah 38 – 41
Isa 40:5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it.
A PROMISE reigns throughout the Bible. The Glory of the Lord will be revealed.
What is the Glory of the Lord? God’s glory is visible in many ways, but the greatest evidence of his glory over you is Jesus Christ crucified, risen, and ascended and the Holy Spirit come. The Old Testament points to Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension. Everything in the New Testament shows that reality.
In his life Jesus glorifies the Father through his teaching, his healing and his forgiveness. In his death Jesus glorifies the Father by being obedient to this sacrifice for us. In Jesus’ resurrection God’s glory bursts forth from the tomb. In Jesus’ ascension, God’s glory shows the believers’ ultimate destination.
Then the Holy Spirit comes to turn hard hearts soft and dark lives to light. In this spiritual light, we anticipate Jesus’ coming again. On that day God’s Glory will be revealed in bright light, great sound and incomparable majesty. All humanity will see him as he comes on the clouds.
Oh, yes, my friends. Live your life in the confidence that the Glory of God has come to earth, ascended to heaven, and is coming again.
From Rev 1:5-7 To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father — to him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen. 7 Look, he is coming with the clouds , and every eye will see him.
Pause and Consider: Look, he is coming in all his glory. Are you ready to welcome him?
Isaiah 38 – 41
Isa 40:5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it.
A PROMISE reigns throughout the Bible. The Glory of the Lord will be revealed.
What is the Glory of the Lord? God’s glory is visible in many ways, but the greatest evidence of his glory over you is Jesus Christ crucified, risen, and ascended and the Holy Spirit come. The Old Testament points to Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension. Everything in the New Testament shows that reality.
In his life Jesus glorifies the Father through his teaching, his healing and his forgiveness. In his death Jesus glorifies the Father by being obedient to this sacrifice for us. In Jesus’ resurrection God’s glory bursts forth from the tomb. In Jesus’ ascension, God’s glory shows the believers’ ultimate destination.
Then the Holy Spirit comes to turn hard hearts soft and dark lives to light. In this spiritual light, we anticipate Jesus’ coming again. On that day God’s Glory will be revealed in bright light, great sound and incomparable majesty. All humanity will see him as he comes on the clouds.
Oh, yes, my friends. Live your life in the confidence that the Glory of God has come to earth, ascended to heaven, and is coming again.
From Rev 1:5-7 To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father — to him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen. 7 Look, he is coming with the clouds , and every eye will see him.
Pause and Consider: Look, he is coming in all his glory. Are you ready to welcome him?
Sunday, June 26, 2011
June 27, 2011 Dramatic Change
Dramatic Change for You
Read Isaiah 34 – 37
Isaiah 35:5-6 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
&
Isa 35:10 Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
DRAMATIC CHANGE. That’s what God is about. He makes the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear and the mute laugh. He floods the desert. What’s more. God gives life to you!
Yes, you are the result of dramatic change. You once were not, and now you are. You once were dead to sin. If you call on Jesus as Lord, you are now alive in your Lord Jesus Christ.
Dust to rain, death to life, that’s our God. But there’s more. When the rain changes dry dust to fertile soil, something else needs to happen for the soil to bear fruit. Seeds need to be planted, nurtured and harvested.
When God changes you from death to life, you have a responsibility. You are to plant the seeds of knowing God in your mind. Your mind is prepared to know him. Your heart is prepared to harvest a love for him. How will you plant that knowledge and harvest that love?
Seek his Word. Fill your life with him—God in the morning, God at midday, God in the evening—rain God down on your life. Trusting God brings dramatic change to you. Thank you, God.
Pause and Consider: how you are the result of dramatic change. You are loved and valued. You are a person of great purpose in God’s Kingdom.
Read Isaiah 34 – 37
Isaiah 35:5-6 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
&
Isa 35:10 Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
DRAMATIC CHANGE. That’s what God is about. He makes the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear and the mute laugh. He floods the desert. What’s more. God gives life to you!
Yes, you are the result of dramatic change. You once were not, and now you are. You once were dead to sin. If you call on Jesus as Lord, you are now alive in your Lord Jesus Christ.
Dust to rain, death to life, that’s our God. But there’s more. When the rain changes dry dust to fertile soil, something else needs to happen for the soil to bear fruit. Seeds need to be planted, nurtured and harvested.
When God changes you from death to life, you have a responsibility. You are to plant the seeds of knowing God in your mind. Your mind is prepared to know him. Your heart is prepared to harvest a love for him. How will you plant that knowledge and harvest that love?
Seek his Word. Fill your life with him—God in the morning, God at midday, God in the evening—rain God down on your life. Trusting God brings dramatic change to you. Thank you, God.
Pause and Consider: how you are the result of dramatic change. You are loved and valued. You are a person of great purpose in God’s Kingdom.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
June 26, 2011 Where's the Peace?
Where’s the Peace?
Isaiah 30 - 33
Isa 32:18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
LOOK AT the word “my”. “My people” implies a very special truth: those who obey God belong to God. And when you belong to God, something wonderful happens. You live in his peace.
Oh, I know, believing that Jesus is y our Lord and Savior doesn’t guarantee worldly peace. Things happen. Illnesses, job loss, and other trials come along in life through no fault of yours. What’s more believing in Jesus and telling the world about him may cause conflict with other people.
Where, then, is the peace and rest God promises? One place to find God’s peace is in moral standards. Moral standards are the rules you live by because you follow God’s truth. Moral standards give you the means to choose right from wrong.
For example, a person who lives with moral standards is willing to forgive people when they insult him. This forgiveness leads to reconciliation and peace. His life is peaceful.
Moral standards are the life acts of “Loving God.” and “Loving your neighbors as yourself”. When you live this way, you will live in “peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”
Jesus as your Lord doesn’t guarantee peace outside of you. But trusting Jesus as Lord guarantees peace inside you. That’s what happens when you belong to and trust God.
Pause and Consider: that Jesus is your forever peace. Praise him for this gift!
Isaiah 30 - 33
Isa 32:18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
LOOK AT the word “my”. “My people” implies a very special truth: those who obey God belong to God. And when you belong to God, something wonderful happens. You live in his peace.
Oh, I know, believing that Jesus is y our Lord and Savior doesn’t guarantee worldly peace. Things happen. Illnesses, job loss, and other trials come along in life through no fault of yours. What’s more believing in Jesus and telling the world about him may cause conflict with other people.
Where, then, is the peace and rest God promises? One place to find God’s peace is in moral standards. Moral standards are the rules you live by because you follow God’s truth. Moral standards give you the means to choose right from wrong.
For example, a person who lives with moral standards is willing to forgive people when they insult him. This forgiveness leads to reconciliation and peace. His life is peaceful.
Moral standards are the life acts of “Loving God.” and “Loving your neighbors as yourself”. When you live this way, you will live in “peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”
Jesus as your Lord doesn’t guarantee peace outside of you. But trusting Jesus as Lord guarantees peace inside you. That’s what happens when you belong to and trust God.
Pause and Consider: that Jesus is your forever peace. Praise him for this gift!
Friday, June 24, 2011
June 25, 2011 Serious Worship
Serious Worship
Read Isaiah 25 - 29
Isa 29:13-14 And so the Lord says, “Since these people say they are mine but they do not obey me, and since their worship amounts to mere words learned by rote, 14 therefore I will take awesome vengeance on these hypocrites and make their wisest counselors as fools.”
“WORSHIP”. We use the term loosely don’t we? Worship service, worship music, worship time, etc. God’s Word has caused me here to pause and consider carefully what it is to worship. God takes worship very seriously.
From the time of Cain and Abel in Genesis, God has required his people to approach him with a sense of awe, a commitment to sacrifice, and a heart to honor him. Worship begins in the deep recesses of the heart and leads to an explosion of joy, praise and emotion – sometimes tears – in gratitude and love for God.
That’s the way I picture it. Worship is about trusting God, preparing your heart to experience him. Worship is about coming into a place and being silent to open your mind to receive God’s Word. Worship is preparing your tongue to praise him. Worship is about listening to the Word of God, so you can obey his precious teachings and his vital commands. His teachings and commands will bring you into his love.
Yes, worship is your heart’s trust approach to God. Take worship seriously. God does.
Pause and Consider: that worship is a daily experience of loving God.
Read Isaiah 25 - 29
Isa 29:13-14 And so the Lord says, “Since these people say they are mine but they do not obey me, and since their worship amounts to mere words learned by rote, 14 therefore I will take awesome vengeance on these hypocrites and make their wisest counselors as fools.”
“WORSHIP”. We use the term loosely don’t we? Worship service, worship music, worship time, etc. God’s Word has caused me here to pause and consider carefully what it is to worship. God takes worship very seriously.
From the time of Cain and Abel in Genesis, God has required his people to approach him with a sense of awe, a commitment to sacrifice, and a heart to honor him. Worship begins in the deep recesses of the heart and leads to an explosion of joy, praise and emotion – sometimes tears – in gratitude and love for God.
That’s the way I picture it. Worship is about trusting God, preparing your heart to experience him. Worship is about coming into a place and being silent to open your mind to receive God’s Word. Worship is preparing your tongue to praise him. Worship is about listening to the Word of God, so you can obey his precious teachings and his vital commands. His teachings and commands will bring you into his love.
Yes, worship is your heart’s trust approach to God. Take worship seriously. God does.
Pause and Consider: that worship is a daily experience of loving God.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
June 25, 2011 You Know
You Know
Read Isaiah 20 - 24
Isa 24:23 The moon will be embarrassed, the sun ashamed; for the LORD Almighty will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before its elders, gloriously.
AS YOU read these chapters, you probably shuddered at the severity of God’s judgment. I want you to think about this as you consider people you know who do not know Jesus as Lord.
The devastation described here is nothing compared to the eternal destruction of Hell. In Hell there is no release from agony—forever. Think of the worst pain you’ve experienced. Magnify it a great deal. Then think of living in this torment forever. Go ahead. Shudder.
Why do I focus on torment? I think we ignore judgment and Hell too much, even deny its existence for the unsaved soul. We rationalize not telling people of Jesus’ love by saying of Hell, “It’s not so bad.” But it is bad. It’s horrible torment beyond understanding.
Souls will be separated from the Glory of God forever. The glory described above is brighter than the moon and sun. God’s Glory stretches throughout creation. And his mighty power is made known.
A mighty God, who is judge and savior, has created you. Are you saved from judgment? Are your friends and family? Neighbors? Co-workers?
If you answered, “No.” or “I don’t know.” to those questions, be the light of God’s glory in their lives.
Pause and Consider: hell is beyond horrible—pray to God that you love people enough to tell them of Jesus’ judgment and Jesus’ salvation.
Read Isaiah 20 - 24
Isa 24:23 The moon will be embarrassed, the sun ashamed; for the LORD Almighty will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before its elders, gloriously.
AS YOU read these chapters, you probably shuddered at the severity of God’s judgment. I want you to think about this as you consider people you know who do not know Jesus as Lord.
The devastation described here is nothing compared to the eternal destruction of Hell. In Hell there is no release from agony—forever. Think of the worst pain you’ve experienced. Magnify it a great deal. Then think of living in this torment forever. Go ahead. Shudder.
Why do I focus on torment? I think we ignore judgment and Hell too much, even deny its existence for the unsaved soul. We rationalize not telling people of Jesus’ love by saying of Hell, “It’s not so bad.” But it is bad. It’s horrible torment beyond understanding.
Souls will be separated from the Glory of God forever. The glory described above is brighter than the moon and sun. God’s Glory stretches throughout creation. And his mighty power is made known.
A mighty God, who is judge and savior, has created you. Are you saved from judgment? Are your friends and family? Neighbors? Co-workers?
If you answered, “No.” or “I don’t know.” to those questions, be the light of God’s glory in their lives.
Pause and Consider: hell is beyond horrible—pray to God that you love people enough to tell them of Jesus’ judgment and Jesus’ salvation.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
June 23, 2011 Protect the Weak
Protect the Weak
Isaiah 15 – 19
Isaiah 16:4-6 Let the Moabite fugitives stay with you; be their shelter from the destroyer. The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land. 5 In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it — one from the house of David — one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness. 6 We have heard of Moab’s pride — her overweening pride and conceit, her pride and her insolence — but her boasts are empty.
WHEN you were going to school—perhaps you still are—and you saw a bully pick on someone, what did you do? Perhaps you walked away, feeling sorry for the victim and wondering, “What should I do?”
God wants you to know his desire is to protect those who are weak. Someone may have been displaced because of war, natural disasters, economic breakdowns or relationship problems. Whatever the reason someone is a fugitive, we must find a way to shelter them from life’s “bullies”.
As Isaiah wrote this, war between Israel (the northern Kingdom) and Judah (the southern Kingdom) had caused people from Moab to the east of Israel/Judah, to become fugitives. They were victims of their neighbors’ war.
God steps in and says through Isaiah that he will establish a king to protect the fugitives. He will send the aggressor Israel away, and peace will come to Judah. His people in Judah are to shelter the war’s victims.
Are you feeling as a fugitive, bullied by circumstances out of your control? Are you wondering where you’ll find shelter? Then begin with the “shelter-provider”, the Lord God Almighty. In love, he established an eternal King to shelter you no matter what “bullies” you.
Pause and Consider: who needs your protection today?
Isaiah 15 – 19
Isaiah 16:4-6 Let the Moabite fugitives stay with you; be their shelter from the destroyer. The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land. 5 In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it — one from the house of David — one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness. 6 We have heard of Moab’s pride — her overweening pride and conceit, her pride and her insolence — but her boasts are empty.
WHEN you were going to school—perhaps you still are—and you saw a bully pick on someone, what did you do? Perhaps you walked away, feeling sorry for the victim and wondering, “What should I do?”
God wants you to know his desire is to protect those who are weak. Someone may have been displaced because of war, natural disasters, economic breakdowns or relationship problems. Whatever the reason someone is a fugitive, we must find a way to shelter them from life’s “bullies”.
As Isaiah wrote this, war between Israel (the northern Kingdom) and Judah (the southern Kingdom) had caused people from Moab to the east of Israel/Judah, to become fugitives. They were victims of their neighbors’ war.
God steps in and says through Isaiah that he will establish a king to protect the fugitives. He will send the aggressor Israel away, and peace will come to Judah. His people in Judah are to shelter the war’s victims.
Are you feeling as a fugitive, bullied by circumstances out of your control? Are you wondering where you’ll find shelter? Then begin with the “shelter-provider”, the Lord God Almighty. In love, he established an eternal King to shelter you no matter what “bullies” you.
Pause and Consider: who needs your protection today?
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
June 22, 2011 New Growth for You
New Growth for You
Read Isaiah 10 – 14
Isa 10:34-11:5 He will cut down the forest thickets with an ax; Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One. 11:1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him — the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD — 3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
IN THE late 1980’s Yellowstone National Park suffered a devastating series of fires. It seemed nothing would ever grow in those burned acres again.
In the 1990’s, I often traveled to Yellowstone. Through the decade, I saw that, incredibly, the fire gave new trees the opportunity to grow. Seeds lay dormant in the ground until the fire. They needed the heat of a fire to activate them. God’s marvelous creation provided the natural world with a way of “salvation” in the midst of destruction. By 2000 new life had triumphed over the death. New young trees were filling the burned areas.
Isaiah’s imagery is similar. The nation is pictured as a forest, and God cuts it down because the forest is overgrown with sin. Then out of the nearly empty forest comes God’s new life. Isaiah 11 is about new growth, new life, and salvation. Out of God’s purifying judgment will come God’s own Son to bear the fruit of life from the ashes of destruction.
Thank God today for his Son. His judgment teaches you his truth. His salvation saves you for life with him forever.
Pause and Consider: God’s eternal restoring actions.
Read Isaiah 10 – 14
Isa 10:34-11:5 He will cut down the forest thickets with an ax; Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One. 11:1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him — the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD — 3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
IN THE late 1980’s Yellowstone National Park suffered a devastating series of fires. It seemed nothing would ever grow in those burned acres again.
In the 1990’s, I often traveled to Yellowstone. Through the decade, I saw that, incredibly, the fire gave new trees the opportunity to grow. Seeds lay dormant in the ground until the fire. They needed the heat of a fire to activate them. God’s marvelous creation provided the natural world with a way of “salvation” in the midst of destruction. By 2000 new life had triumphed over the death. New young trees were filling the burned areas.
Isaiah’s imagery is similar. The nation is pictured as a forest, and God cuts it down because the forest is overgrown with sin. Then out of the nearly empty forest comes God’s new life. Isaiah 11 is about new growth, new life, and salvation. Out of God’s purifying judgment will come God’s own Son to bear the fruit of life from the ashes of destruction.
Thank God today for his Son. His judgment teaches you his truth. His salvation saves you for life with him forever.
Pause and Consider: God’s eternal restoring actions.
Monday, June 20, 2011
June 21, 2011 What Kind of Grape Are You?
What Kind of Grape Are You?
Read Isaiah 5 – 9
Isaiah 5:1-2 I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. 2 He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit.
THE BIBLE is written in many forms. One of the forms is poetry as shown in these verses. Poetry says “the usual in unusual ways”. Here we have the image of Israel in Isaiah’s day.
Isaiah speaks of God as the “loved one” and Israel as a vineyard. Do you see what the “loved one” did? He made a vineyard on the fertile hillside (Israel is dominated by mountains.), and planted good grapes (God’s people).
But something went wrong. The good grapes produced bad grapes. In other words, God’s people had the opportunity to use his gifts to enjoy his blessing. But the people rejected the blessing and “soured” when they left God’s vineyard. All went wrong. God’s vineyard was devastated. It yielded no good grapes.
As a good vintner does, God cleaned his vineyard of useless grapes to begin again.
Now I ask you this. Has God planted a vineyard into your life? In other words, has he given you his love and his truth so you can be a “good grape”? I believe he has. Trust his gifts to you. Use them to grow and be a “good grape” for God.
Pause and Consider: how precious God’s blessings are and use them to grow well in him.
Read Isaiah 5 – 9
Isaiah 5:1-2 I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. 2 He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit.
THE BIBLE is written in many forms. One of the forms is poetry as shown in these verses. Poetry says “the usual in unusual ways”. Here we have the image of Israel in Isaiah’s day.
Isaiah speaks of God as the “loved one” and Israel as a vineyard. Do you see what the “loved one” did? He made a vineyard on the fertile hillside (Israel is dominated by mountains.), and planted good grapes (God’s people).
But something went wrong. The good grapes produced bad grapes. In other words, God’s people had the opportunity to use his gifts to enjoy his blessing. But the people rejected the blessing and “soured” when they left God’s vineyard. All went wrong. God’s vineyard was devastated. It yielded no good grapes.
As a good vintner does, God cleaned his vineyard of useless grapes to begin again.
Now I ask you this. Has God planted a vineyard into your life? In other words, has he given you his love and his truth so you can be a “good grape”? I believe he has. Trust his gifts to you. Use them to grow and be a “good grape” for God.
Pause and Consider: how precious God’s blessings are and use them to grow well in him.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
June 20, 2011 Go On Up
June 20
Go On Up
Read Isaiah 2 – 4
Isa 2:3 Many people will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.”
ONE of the reoccurring images in Scripture is that of going to God on the mountain. This image comes from the book of Exodus as it describes Moses going to God on the mountain to meet him, to develop a deeper relationship with him and to receive the Ten Commandments.
This image of going to God usually occurs in times of very severe trouble. Here, Isaiah calls on his people to go to God because they have been very disobedient. They are worshiping idols. They are at war with other nations. They are separated from God, and God uses Isaiah to say to his people, “Come on up. I want you here with me!”
Yes, Isaiah invites his nation to spiritually go up to God to learn of God’s wonderful ways. When they do, “He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.” (Isa 2:4) Isaiah’s message is that God will bring peace to their lives forever if they go to him.
Are you seeking rest from life’s distress? Go on “up” to God. Find out where he is—in a church, in a quiet time with the Bible, in a time of prayer alone or with a friend, or in a conversation with your pastor.
Trust your God, who is on his mountain. Go where he is and enjoy a life-giving relationship with the Lord God Almighty.
Pause and Consider: a picture of God with his arms wide open waiting for you to come to him and to be strengthened in his love.
Go On Up
Read Isaiah 2 – 4
Isa 2:3 Many people will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.”
ONE of the reoccurring images in Scripture is that of going to God on the mountain. This image comes from the book of Exodus as it describes Moses going to God on the mountain to meet him, to develop a deeper relationship with him and to receive the Ten Commandments.
This image of going to God usually occurs in times of very severe trouble. Here, Isaiah calls on his people to go to God because they have been very disobedient. They are worshiping idols. They are at war with other nations. They are separated from God, and God uses Isaiah to say to his people, “Come on up. I want you here with me!”
Yes, Isaiah invites his nation to spiritually go up to God to learn of God’s wonderful ways. When they do, “He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.” (Isa 2:4) Isaiah’s message is that God will bring peace to their lives forever if they go to him.
Are you seeking rest from life’s distress? Go on “up” to God. Find out where he is—in a church, in a quiet time with the Bible, in a time of prayer alone or with a friend, or in a conversation with your pastor.
Trust your God, who is on his mountain. Go where he is and enjoy a life-giving relationship with the Lord God Almighty.
Pause and Consider: a picture of God with his arms wide open waiting for you to come to him and to be strengthened in his love.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
June 19, 2011 A Clear Message
A Clear Message
Read Isaiah 1
Isaiah 1: 1-2 The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. 2 Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the LORD has spoken.
WHAT DO you need to know when you sign up to go to a conference? You check out the speakers. You learn their credentials. After all, you are trusting someone with your money and your time. You want to know that what they have to say is true and an advantage to you.
Many books of the bible begin this way. The writer tells who he is and what qualifies him to write. Isaiah’s qualification is this:
God has given him a picture of what will happen in Judah, the Southern Kingdom of Israel (the Northern Kingdom is Samaria) and in the city of Jerusalem. It’s as if Isaiah received a DVD in his mailbox, played it and saw the future.
Isaiah’s authority comes from God’s “movie” to him. He has seen it. Now he is going to tell his people what he sees. He has a message from God. He trusts that it is true, and he trusts its authority. He knows that if people listen to the truth of what God has told him, it will be an advantage to them.
What God told them then is still of value. God’s message is still a message that is an advantage to us. Let’s trust the message.
Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the LORD has spoken.
Pause and Consider: God’s message as you make a decision today.
Read Isaiah 1
Isaiah 1: 1-2 The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. 2 Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the LORD has spoken.
WHAT DO you need to know when you sign up to go to a conference? You check out the speakers. You learn their credentials. After all, you are trusting someone with your money and your time. You want to know that what they have to say is true and an advantage to you.
Many books of the bible begin this way. The writer tells who he is and what qualifies him to write. Isaiah’s qualification is this:
God has given him a picture of what will happen in Judah, the Southern Kingdom of Israel (the Northern Kingdom is Samaria) and in the city of Jerusalem. It’s as if Isaiah received a DVD in his mailbox, played it and saw the future.
Isaiah’s authority comes from God’s “movie” to him. He has seen it. Now he is going to tell his people what he sees. He has a message from God. He trusts that it is true, and he trusts its authority. He knows that if people listen to the truth of what God has told him, it will be an advantage to them.
What God told them then is still of value. God’s message is still a message that is an advantage to us. Let’s trust the message.
Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the LORD has spoken.
Pause and Consider: God’s message as you make a decision today.
Friday, June 17, 2011
June 18, 2011 What Will You Say?
What Will You Say?
Read Ecclesiastes 9 – 12
Eccl 12:13-14 That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.
THAT’S IT. Do you want to know the secret of life, of happiness, of peace, of hope, of joy, of trusting God?
It is right here for you. Solomon had wisdom. But he disregarded his wisdom for the world, and he didn’t finish life well. God honored him with great wisdom, wealth, fame, and power. But Solomon ended life in great despair and depression.
He turned away from God. He ignored God’s commands to not marry an Egyptian wife. He ignored God’s commands to not have many wives—he had hundreds of wives and concubines!
Many worshiped false gods. Solomon got too close to the false gods, too far away from the real God.
So he knows what he’s talking about. He’s a man sitting by a car wreck saying, “Don’t drive too fast.” He’s the lung cancer patient saying, “Don’t smoke.” He’s the adulterer with AIDS saying, “Be faithful to your spouse.”
What will you say at the end of life? Will you share your regrets? Or will you tell your family, “I trusted God’s commands. And he blessed me.”
Pause and Consider: what you want to say about your life.
Read Ecclesiastes 9 – 12
Eccl 12:13-14 That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.
THAT’S IT. Do you want to know the secret of life, of happiness, of peace, of hope, of joy, of trusting God?
It is right here for you. Solomon had wisdom. But he disregarded his wisdom for the world, and he didn’t finish life well. God honored him with great wisdom, wealth, fame, and power. But Solomon ended life in great despair and depression.
He turned away from God. He ignored God’s commands to not marry an Egyptian wife. He ignored God’s commands to not have many wives—he had hundreds of wives and concubines!
Many worshiped false gods. Solomon got too close to the false gods, too far away from the real God.
So he knows what he’s talking about. He’s a man sitting by a car wreck saying, “Don’t drive too fast.” He’s the lung cancer patient saying, “Don’t smoke.” He’s the adulterer with AIDS saying, “Be faithful to your spouse.”
What will you say at the end of life? Will you share your regrets? Or will you tell your family, “I trusted God’s commands. And he blessed me.”
Pause and Consider: what you want to say about your life.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
June 17, 2011 Weird Advice, But True!
Weird Advice—But True!
Ecclesiastes 5 - 8
Eccl 7:2 Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies.
WOW. Solomon is really down! A funeral is better than a party? Is that any way to look at life and the life of salvation God offers to us in Jesus Christ?
Actually, it is one way to look at life. People really do need to know that one day they will die—unless Jesus comes back first. In either case, life as we know it on earth ends. And when life on earth ends, there are two options for the next part of life—Hell or Heaven.
We don’t like to think about that. We’d rather think about it when it’s “time”. But who knows when that time is? Who wants to get to the time of death too quickly or unprepared?
To be prepared, we must seriously consider that we will die and our souls will live a state of eternal punishment or eternal joy.
What’s more, it is proper to consider, “What legacy will I leave? Why does it matter that I live?” To answer that we must know to what purpose God has called us.
Yes, funerals are more profitable than parties. Not because we are depressed, but it is because we must consider how we can live life to our purpose and in our greatest joy in our life of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Trusting Christ to guide your life will give you that purpose and that joy.
Pause and Consider: the purpose you feel God calling you to. What will it take to live in that purpose?
Ecclesiastes 5 - 8
Eccl 7:2 Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies.
WOW. Solomon is really down! A funeral is better than a party? Is that any way to look at life and the life of salvation God offers to us in Jesus Christ?
Actually, it is one way to look at life. People really do need to know that one day they will die—unless Jesus comes back first. In either case, life as we know it on earth ends. And when life on earth ends, there are two options for the next part of life—Hell or Heaven.
We don’t like to think about that. We’d rather think about it when it’s “time”. But who knows when that time is? Who wants to get to the time of death too quickly or unprepared?
To be prepared, we must seriously consider that we will die and our souls will live a state of eternal punishment or eternal joy.
What’s more, it is proper to consider, “What legacy will I leave? Why does it matter that I live?” To answer that we must know to what purpose God has called us.
Yes, funerals are more profitable than parties. Not because we are depressed, but it is because we must consider how we can live life to our purpose and in our greatest joy in our life of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Trusting Christ to guide your life will give you that purpose and that joy.
Pause and Consider: the purpose you feel God calling you to. What will it take to live in that purpose?
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
June 16, 2011 Are You Listening?
Are You Listening?
Read Ecclesiastes 3-5
Eccl 5:2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.
ARE YOU listening? Most of us aren’t because we’re too busy talking, or we’re too eager to start talking when the other person stops. (“When will he be quiet so I can say what’s important?”)
Do you have that same kind of attitude when you are “listening” to God’s Word? Don’t you just want to get through the reading, so you can get to prayer and start telling God what you need? (“Oh, God, why do your words go on and on? I have so much to say to you. I need you to know what I want!”)
The thing is, God is listening. The question is: Are you?
Pause and Consider: that prayer is about listening, too.
Read Ecclesiastes 3-5
Eccl 5:2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.
ARE YOU listening? Most of us aren’t because we’re too busy talking, or we’re too eager to start talking when the other person stops. (“When will he be quiet so I can say what’s important?”)
Do you have that same kind of attitude when you are “listening” to God’s Word? Don’t you just want to get through the reading, so you can get to prayer and start telling God what you need? (“Oh, God, why do your words go on and on? I have so much to say to you. I need you to know what I want!”)
The thing is, God is listening. The question is: Are you?
Pause and Consider: that prayer is about listening, too.
Monday, June 13, 2011
June 14, 2011 A Virtuous Woman
A Virtuous Woman
Proverbs 31
Prov 31:10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
HEY GUYS, do you want to give your wife a great gift? Write out Prov 31:10-31 and tell her, “This is you, Sweetheart.”
Hey, ladies. Want to feel good about yourself? Read these verses and consider the blessings of virtue. Apply them to your life.
I know women of virtue. I’m married to one. My mother is one. My daughter is one. (I’m not bragging. I’m thankful and rejoicing.) I know women of virtue in our church. I see women of virtue in the community.
They’re easy to spot. They have joy in their lives. They confess Christ in their lives. They praise the Holy Spirit in their thoughts. They love God, and that love extends to their family, their church, their friends, their work and their neighbors.
Yes, virtue is easy to spot. Virtue shines. Virtue glows. Virtue gives a woman a reputation of love and peace in her life.
Pause and Consider: how you can shine the light of virtue into the world.
Proverbs 31
Prov 31:10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
HEY GUYS, do you want to give your wife a great gift? Write out Prov 31:10-31 and tell her, “This is you, Sweetheart.”
Hey, ladies. Want to feel good about yourself? Read these verses and consider the blessings of virtue. Apply them to your life.
I know women of virtue. I’m married to one. My mother is one. My daughter is one. (I’m not bragging. I’m thankful and rejoicing.) I know women of virtue in our church. I see women of virtue in the community.
They’re easy to spot. They have joy in their lives. They confess Christ in their lives. They praise the Holy Spirit in their thoughts. They love God, and that love extends to their family, their church, their friends, their work and their neighbors.
Yes, virtue is easy to spot. Virtue shines. Virtue glows. Virtue gives a woman a reputation of love and peace in her life.
Pause and Consider: how you can shine the light of virtue into the world.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
June 13, 2011 Just Right
Just Right
Proverbs 29 - 30
Prov 30:7-8 O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. 8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.
MOM’S perplexed at the dinner table. Larry, the little one, picks at his food. Mom knows he’ll be hungry later, and she’ll have to help him find a snack. Tom, her oldest, eats too much. He’s overweight. Mom wonders how she’ll get him to eat less. He’s always after more. And Millie, in the middle, eats what she needs, no more, no less. Mom has no concerns about Millie.
This is life, isn’t it? Too little for some, too much for others, just right for many. The Wisdom Writer offers to us a great prayer to live “just right”.
Some people think it’s fine to pick at life—never having the right job or right relationships, they are often poor. They rely on others to help them and are a burden on family, friends and society.
And being rich is fine, but sometimes it makes us “fat”. We consume too much and focus our efforts on getting more, losing time for joy in our lives while we do.
Others live a satisfied life. They do what they must to earn a good living. They have time for friends and family. They appreciate all they have.
This is a healthy prayer for all of us. Pray it often and trust God to bless you with a “just right” life.
Pause and Consider: your attitude. Are you satisfied?
Proverbs 29 - 30
Prov 30:7-8 O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. 8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.
MOM’S perplexed at the dinner table. Larry, the little one, picks at his food. Mom knows he’ll be hungry later, and she’ll have to help him find a snack. Tom, her oldest, eats too much. He’s overweight. Mom wonders how she’ll get him to eat less. He’s always after more. And Millie, in the middle, eats what she needs, no more, no less. Mom has no concerns about Millie.
This is life, isn’t it? Too little for some, too much for others, just right for many. The Wisdom Writer offers to us a great prayer to live “just right”.
Some people think it’s fine to pick at life—never having the right job or right relationships, they are often poor. They rely on others to help them and are a burden on family, friends and society.
And being rich is fine, but sometimes it makes us “fat”. We consume too much and focus our efforts on getting more, losing time for joy in our lives while we do.
Others live a satisfied life. They do what they must to earn a good living. They have time for friends and family. They appreciate all they have.
This is a healthy prayer for all of us. Pray it often and trust God to bless you with a “just right” life.
Pause and Consider: your attitude. Are you satisfied?
Saturday, June 11, 2011
June 12, 2011 Wise? Foolish? What?
Wise? Foolish? What?
Proverbs 26 - 28
Prov 26:4-5 Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. 5 Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.
THIS ONE stopped me in my tracks. Is God talking out of both sides of his mouth? No, of course not. Only a fool would say that!
What God is conveying through the wisdom writer is this: When someone speaks to you foolishly, do not engage in the same kind of foolish talk. Instead respond to the foolish talk in a “non-foolish” (wise) way.
For example, someone might tell you how ridiculous your clothes look. Do not respond to that person with your opinion of her “ridiculous clothes” (even if it’s true). It is foolish to respond with foolish talk.
Instead, you would respond wisely to her with words of kindness about her clothes. Tell her how nice she looks. In other words, you would elevate the conversation out of criticism into praise. When you do so, the “foolish talker” may come to an understanding that her words are harmful. And hopefully she will change her foolish speech to wisdom.
If she doesn’t, there’s nothing you can do about her words. But you can always be wise and control your own speech, your own thoughts and your own actions toward others.
Know God’s wisdom. And speak God’s wisdom. People will come to trust you. In you they will see a Godly person. When they see a Godly person act Godly, they will see how good God is, and perhaps they, too, will come to trust God’s wisdom.
Pause and Consider: words of praise to lift up people.
Proverbs 26 - 28
Prov 26:4-5 Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. 5 Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.
THIS ONE stopped me in my tracks. Is God talking out of both sides of his mouth? No, of course not. Only a fool would say that!
What God is conveying through the wisdom writer is this: When someone speaks to you foolishly, do not engage in the same kind of foolish talk. Instead respond to the foolish talk in a “non-foolish” (wise) way.
For example, someone might tell you how ridiculous your clothes look. Do not respond to that person with your opinion of her “ridiculous clothes” (even if it’s true). It is foolish to respond with foolish talk.
Instead, you would respond wisely to her with words of kindness about her clothes. Tell her how nice she looks. In other words, you would elevate the conversation out of criticism into praise. When you do so, the “foolish talker” may come to an understanding that her words are harmful. And hopefully she will change her foolish speech to wisdom.
If she doesn’t, there’s nothing you can do about her words. But you can always be wise and control your own speech, your own thoughts and your own actions toward others.
Know God’s wisdom. And speak God’s wisdom. People will come to trust you. In you they will see a Godly person. When they see a Godly person act Godly, they will see how good God is, and perhaps they, too, will come to trust God’s wisdom.
Pause and Consider: words of praise to lift up people.
Friday, June 10, 2011
June 11, 2011 Want an Ice Cream?
Want an Ice Cream?
Read Proverbs 23 – 25
Prov 25:14 People who promise things that they never give are like clouds and wind that bring no rain. (TEV)
I HAD invited someone over to help me with a project. I planned on getting the work done, then having some time for a little recreation and maybe an ice cream treat. I wanted to reward the one who came to help.
But he never came. I talked to him later, and he had said it hadn’t worked out as he thought. He wondered if he could come later. I said I’d completed the work and no longer needed him.
It was easy to judge and even condemn the person. But then I thought, “Have I ever done that to God?” What do I do when God asks me to perhaps go on a mission trip, or I get a call to help a neighbor in need? Too often it’s been, “Not now. Something’s come up. Maybe next time.”
I think we all do that, don’t we? We want God to adjust his work to our schedule. When you have thoughts to work with God, it’s God’s Spirit inviting you to join him. He wants you to work with him, and he wants to bless you, reward you—to “give you an ice cream”—for your work.
When he invites, go. Don’t disappoint him. Or he’ll find someone else. And you’ll miss out on his treats.
Pause and Consider: how much you appreciate someone’s help. God loves it when you work with him.
Read Proverbs 23 – 25
Prov 25:14 People who promise things that they never give are like clouds and wind that bring no rain. (TEV)
I HAD invited someone over to help me with a project. I planned on getting the work done, then having some time for a little recreation and maybe an ice cream treat. I wanted to reward the one who came to help.
But he never came. I talked to him later, and he had said it hadn’t worked out as he thought. He wondered if he could come later. I said I’d completed the work and no longer needed him.
It was easy to judge and even condemn the person. But then I thought, “Have I ever done that to God?” What do I do when God asks me to perhaps go on a mission trip, or I get a call to help a neighbor in need? Too often it’s been, “Not now. Something’s come up. Maybe next time.”
I think we all do that, don’t we? We want God to adjust his work to our schedule. When you have thoughts to work with God, it’s God’s Spirit inviting you to join him. He wants you to work with him, and he wants to bless you, reward you—to “give you an ice cream”—for your work.
When he invites, go. Don’t disappoint him. Or he’ll find someone else. And you’ll miss out on his treats.
Pause and Consider: how much you appreciate someone’s help. God loves it when you work with him.
June 10, 2011 A Right, Honest Dad
A Right and Honest Dad
Read Proverbs 20 - 22
Prov 20:7 Children are fortunate if they have a father who is honest and does what is right.
FOR ALL you dads out there, for all who want to be a dad, here is the key to family security. Here’s the simple rule of fatherhood. Here’s the simple rule of being a good man and guiding your children to a secure and good life.
How do you know what it is to be honest and to do what is right? There are many influences on a dad’s thoughts and actions. Unfortunately, too many of those take dad down the wrong path.
Dads have spent too much time on the job. Dads have ignored their wife’s needs. Dads have been reluctant to lead their families to church (Why is it most church activities are run by women?). Dads have let their children do as they please. Dads have abandoned their families.
Dads, you have a mission from God: Be honest, and do what is right.
How do you do that? For one, get to know your children as people. See how much they love you and learn to love them more. Two, keep reading Proverbs. There is much wisdom here about family life. Three, read the rest if the bible and trust what you read. See who God your Father is, and follow his “dad” example. Four, get with other dads to compare notes, pray for each other and strengthen each other. Five, love your wife. Show your children how you love her and honor her. It will make them happy. They will respect you for that.
The great thing is, being honest and doing what is right will open the door to a great life for you, your family and generations to come.
Pause and Consider: what makes good men “good”?
Read Proverbs 20 - 22
Prov 20:7 Children are fortunate if they have a father who is honest and does what is right.
FOR ALL you dads out there, for all who want to be a dad, here is the key to family security. Here’s the simple rule of fatherhood. Here’s the simple rule of being a good man and guiding your children to a secure and good life.
How do you know what it is to be honest and to do what is right? There are many influences on a dad’s thoughts and actions. Unfortunately, too many of those take dad down the wrong path.
Dads have spent too much time on the job. Dads have ignored their wife’s needs. Dads have been reluctant to lead their families to church (Why is it most church activities are run by women?). Dads have let their children do as they please. Dads have abandoned their families.
Dads, you have a mission from God: Be honest, and do what is right.
How do you do that? For one, get to know your children as people. See how much they love you and learn to love them more. Two, keep reading Proverbs. There is much wisdom here about family life. Three, read the rest if the bible and trust what you read. See who God your Father is, and follow his “dad” example. Four, get with other dads to compare notes, pray for each other and strengthen each other. Five, love your wife. Show your children how you love her and honor her. It will make them happy. They will respect you for that.
The great thing is, being honest and doing what is right will open the door to a great life for you, your family and generations to come.
Pause and Consider: what makes good men “good”?
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
June 9, 2011 Not Me!
Not Me!
Read Proverbs 17 – 19
Prov 19:3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.
YOU’VE probably noticed that our culture is good with the “blame game”. You know, it’s that game we play when we make a mistake. Something bad happens, and we blame someone or something else for our circumstance. Sometimes people blame credit card companies for charging too much interest on their balance. They forget they have chosen to borrow the money from the company to use as they desire.
“Blame” thinking carries into our relationship with God. Time and again I see people struggling with some type of sin in their life. They wonder, “Where’s God? Why doesn’t he care for me?” They have taken his freedom and abused it for their own pleasure. Now they wonder why they have to pay for their errors.
Let’s stop the “blame God game” and let’s become accountable for our actions. If we’re feeling out of touch with God, let’s ask, “What must I do?”
If you’re feeling he doesn’t love you, open your bible to John 1-3 and see how Jesus came to earth to teach and save you. If you’re feeling alone, read Scripture and see the ways God makes himself known through his creation, his people, his Son and his Spirit.
God’s on his throne for you. The bible says he wants to bless you, and he will do so when you say to him, “I’m wrong, Father. Forgive me for my sin. I trust you. I want to hear your voice, feel your touch and know you are my king.”
Pause and Consider: what you need to accept responsibility for today.
Read Proverbs 17 – 19
Prov 19:3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.
YOU’VE probably noticed that our culture is good with the “blame game”. You know, it’s that game we play when we make a mistake. Something bad happens, and we blame someone or something else for our circumstance. Sometimes people blame credit card companies for charging too much interest on their balance. They forget they have chosen to borrow the money from the company to use as they desire.
“Blame” thinking carries into our relationship with God. Time and again I see people struggling with some type of sin in their life. They wonder, “Where’s God? Why doesn’t he care for me?” They have taken his freedom and abused it for their own pleasure. Now they wonder why they have to pay for their errors.
Let’s stop the “blame God game” and let’s become accountable for our actions. If we’re feeling out of touch with God, let’s ask, “What must I do?”
If you’re feeling he doesn’t love you, open your bible to John 1-3 and see how Jesus came to earth to teach and save you. If you’re feeling alone, read Scripture and see the ways God makes himself known through his creation, his people, his Son and his Spirit.
God’s on his throne for you. The bible says he wants to bless you, and he will do so when you say to him, “I’m wrong, Father. Forgive me for my sin. I trust you. I want to hear your voice, feel your touch and know you are my king.”
Pause and Consider: what you need to accept responsibility for today.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
June 8, 2011 have to or Get To:
Have to or Get to?
Read Proverbs 14 - 16
Prov 15:15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
THE HOSTESS has prepared a great meal of fresh vegetables, a nice steak, fresh fruit and delicious dessert. One of her two guests shows little regard for the meal. He complains about not enough carrots and too many peaches. He wants his steak cooked longer. He wonders aloud why the hostess had pie instead of cake for dessert.
The other guest praises the food. He doesn’t particularly like steak as well as other meat, but he tells his hostess how wonderful it tastes. He compliments her on the other aspects of the meal.
To whom do you think the hostess will offer a second helping first? Who do you think will rise from the table happy? Who do you think the hostess will invite for another meal?
Do you see life as what you have to do or what you get to do? Do you grumble about what God offers you? Or do you thankfully receive his offerings, even if it might not be exactly what you want?
The despondent heart views life as “I have to.” The grateful heart views life as “I get to.” When we see life as what we get to do each day, we will be happy. Putting on an attitude of happiness will give you the strength and power of your heavenly Father to live well and enjoy the feast of life he offers to you.
I was talking the other day with someone who is moving soon from her lifelong family home. Her attitude is happy. She’s looking forward to the next serving God has for her and her husband. She’s ready for a new feast with her Father.
That’s a good way, that’s God’s way, to live.
Pause and Consider: your attitude about what you have.
Read Proverbs 14 - 16
Prov 15:15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
THE HOSTESS has prepared a great meal of fresh vegetables, a nice steak, fresh fruit and delicious dessert. One of her two guests shows little regard for the meal. He complains about not enough carrots and too many peaches. He wants his steak cooked longer. He wonders aloud why the hostess had pie instead of cake for dessert.
The other guest praises the food. He doesn’t particularly like steak as well as other meat, but he tells his hostess how wonderful it tastes. He compliments her on the other aspects of the meal.
To whom do you think the hostess will offer a second helping first? Who do you think will rise from the table happy? Who do you think the hostess will invite for another meal?
Do you see life as what you have to do or what you get to do? Do you grumble about what God offers you? Or do you thankfully receive his offerings, even if it might not be exactly what you want?
The despondent heart views life as “I have to.” The grateful heart views life as “I get to.” When we see life as what we get to do each day, we will be happy. Putting on an attitude of happiness will give you the strength and power of your heavenly Father to live well and enjoy the feast of life he offers to you.
I was talking the other day with someone who is moving soon from her lifelong family home. Her attitude is happy. She’s looking forward to the next serving God has for her and her husband. She’s ready for a new feast with her Father.
That’s a good way, that’s God’s way, to live.
Pause and Consider: your attitude about what you have.
Monday, June 6, 2011
June 7, 2011 Fountain of Wisdom
Fountain of Wisdom
Read Proverbs 11 - 13
Prov 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
FOUNTAINS are beautiful aren’t they? I saw on television the other night a beautiful, tall fountain lifting water 90 feet into the air. Perhaps you’ve seen it or heard of it.
It’s called the “Jet d’Eau” fountain and is an inescapable symbol of Geneva, Switzerland. It’s image is on every piece of tourist literature and every book about the city. It’s the logo of the tourist office, and the fountain attracts people to the city.
But it is turned off in winter. If you visit Geneva in winter, without pictures, you wouldn’t know it exists.
Scripture calls you to be a fountain of wisdom rising high to show God’s truth to a confused world. His wisdom should be clearly seen in all you say and do. This means taking a stand when people speak against God and his ways. Wisdom is knowing the Gospel truth—Jesus Saves—and being willing to live in that truth.
Unfortunately, we often don’t trust our Father’s wisdom. So we shut it down. When our wisdom is “off”, those who do not know will still not know God’s fountain of wisdom is available to them.
Trust God’s fountain of wisdom. Turn it on with the power of God’s Word and his Holy Spirit. Live in God’s wisdom, and you will be an attraction to draw people to their God.
Pause and Consider: that all you do is showing God to people who don’t know him.
Read Proverbs 11 - 13
Prov 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
FOUNTAINS are beautiful aren’t they? I saw on television the other night a beautiful, tall fountain lifting water 90 feet into the air. Perhaps you’ve seen it or heard of it.
It’s called the “Jet d’Eau” fountain and is an inescapable symbol of Geneva, Switzerland. It’s image is on every piece of tourist literature and every book about the city. It’s the logo of the tourist office, and the fountain attracts people to the city.
But it is turned off in winter. If you visit Geneva in winter, without pictures, you wouldn’t know it exists.
Scripture calls you to be a fountain of wisdom rising high to show God’s truth to a confused world. His wisdom should be clearly seen in all you say and do. This means taking a stand when people speak against God and his ways. Wisdom is knowing the Gospel truth—Jesus Saves—and being willing to live in that truth.
Unfortunately, we often don’t trust our Father’s wisdom. So we shut it down. When our wisdom is “off”, those who do not know will still not know God’s fountain of wisdom is available to them.
Trust God’s fountain of wisdom. Turn it on with the power of God’s Word and his Holy Spirit. Live in God’s wisdom, and you will be an attraction to draw people to their God.
Pause and Consider: that all you do is showing God to people who don’t know him.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
June 6, 2011 Trust, Tell Live Wisdom
Trust, Tell, Live Wisdom
Read Proverbs 8 - 10
Prov 8:11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
WISDOM. Who can say that we on earth have wisdom? Compare your wisdom to the One who has created all with his spoken Word and has proclaimed Truth of salvation.
Who can say what wisdom is without God’s Wisdom? There is no such thing. No wisdom exists separate from God’s wisdom.
What does wisdom do? Wisdom opens the door to understanding God’s great gift: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
When we have the wisdom to receive God’s gift, we have eternal life.
Wisdom gives our life eternal purpose: Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The infinite God’s wisdom gives us purpose to tell his story.
Wisdom shows us how to respond to that purpose: Matt 22:37-39 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Wisdom illuminates life’s purpose. Trust God’s wisdom gift, tell of his wisdom gift and live the wisdom gift—forever.
Pause and Consider: who needs a touch of God’s wisdom today?
Read Proverbs 8 - 10
Prov 8:11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
WISDOM. Who can say that we on earth have wisdom? Compare your wisdom to the One who has created all with his spoken Word and has proclaimed Truth of salvation.
Who can say what wisdom is without God’s Wisdom? There is no such thing. No wisdom exists separate from God’s wisdom.
What does wisdom do? Wisdom opens the door to understanding God’s great gift: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
When we have the wisdom to receive God’s gift, we have eternal life.
Wisdom gives our life eternal purpose: Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The infinite God’s wisdom gives us purpose to tell his story.
Wisdom shows us how to respond to that purpose: Matt 22:37-39 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Wisdom illuminates life’s purpose. Trust God’s wisdom gift, tell of his wisdom gift and live the wisdom gift—forever.
Pause and Consider: who needs a touch of God’s wisdom today?
Saturday, June 4, 2011
June 5, 2011 Resist with God's Love
Resist with God’s Love
Read Proverbs 5-7
Proverbs 7:4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; 5 they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words.
DO YOU ever think about the “stupid” things you’ve done in life? Occasionally a moment, a word, a person or a circumstance will remind me of a mistake I’ve made, and I’ll say to myself, “I should have known better.” In those thoughts, I am embarrassed with myself and regret how I may have hurt someone.
The Wisdom Writer knows (through his own experiences, I’m sure) what happens when we put wisdom aside and rely on our feelings. We submit to temptations. In this case he refers to adultery. But let’s expand his caution to consider all sin as “an adultery of unfaithfulness to God”.
Sin comes when we don’t know any better. Sin comes when we let feelings override our knowledge. Sin comes when we put our wants before God’s commands.
To resist sin, we must first know God’s Word. Yes, read his word each day—not just these verses—and you will have more knowledge to resist “adultery”. Read God’s Word and your feelings will be stronger for him. Feelings closer to God are feelings farther from sin.
Second, understand that God’s commands are his words of love to guide you to a full life with him. His commands lead you to have a right heart that bows before Jesus and says to him, “You are my Lord and Savior.”
Knowing and understanding God’s Word, you can trust God’s pathway of wisdom to guide you to a full and joyful life.
Pause and Consider: how God’s commands keep you from sin.
Read Proverbs 5-7
Proverbs 7:4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; 5 they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words.
DO YOU ever think about the “stupid” things you’ve done in life? Occasionally a moment, a word, a person or a circumstance will remind me of a mistake I’ve made, and I’ll say to myself, “I should have known better.” In those thoughts, I am embarrassed with myself and regret how I may have hurt someone.
The Wisdom Writer knows (through his own experiences, I’m sure) what happens when we put wisdom aside and rely on our feelings. We submit to temptations. In this case he refers to adultery. But let’s expand his caution to consider all sin as “an adultery of unfaithfulness to God”.
Sin comes when we don’t know any better. Sin comes when we let feelings override our knowledge. Sin comes when we put our wants before God’s commands.
To resist sin, we must first know God’s Word. Yes, read his word each day—not just these verses—and you will have more knowledge to resist “adultery”. Read God’s Word and your feelings will be stronger for him. Feelings closer to God are feelings farther from sin.
Second, understand that God’s commands are his words of love to guide you to a full life with him. His commands lead you to have a right heart that bows before Jesus and says to him, “You are my Lord and Savior.”
Knowing and understanding God’s Word, you can trust God’s pathway of wisdom to guide you to a full and joyful life.
Pause and Consider: how God’s commands keep you from sin.
June 4, 2011 Give Me, Lord!
Give Me, Lord!
Read Proverbs 1 - 4
Proverbs 2:3-5 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
LIKELY, you have been to a sporting event that gives you the opportunity to receive a free T-shirt. At half-time, the cheerleaders walk up and down the sidelines and shoot the shirts with some apparatus to various parts in the crowd. Do you see how people (maybe you’re one of them) stand and wave for the shirts to come their way? They cry out, “Up here! Up here! Me! Me! I want it. I want it.” And they run after the shirts as the shirts fly through the air. Wow, it’s a big deal to get a shirt!
What if we did that on Sunday morning or in a Bible study? What if we stood up and shouted “Here! Here! Me! Me! Give me God’s Word, pastor. Teach me God’s Truth, leader! I want it. I want it!”
Oh, how God would delight in you. How you would delight in God. The more you know him the more you love him. The more you love him, the more you receive him. The more you receive him, the more you trust him.
Shout it. At least shout to God, “Me! Me! Give me your truth!” And see how he will fill you with the eternal knowledge of him.
Pause and Consider: how excited you get for God. Is he of more value than a T-Shirt?
Read Proverbs 1 - 4
Proverbs 2:3-5 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
LIKELY, you have been to a sporting event that gives you the opportunity to receive a free T-shirt. At half-time, the cheerleaders walk up and down the sidelines and shoot the shirts with some apparatus to various parts in the crowd. Do you see how people (maybe you’re one of them) stand and wave for the shirts to come their way? They cry out, “Up here! Up here! Me! Me! I want it. I want it.” And they run after the shirts as the shirts fly through the air. Wow, it’s a big deal to get a shirt!
What if we did that on Sunday morning or in a Bible study? What if we stood up and shouted “Here! Here! Me! Me! Give me God’s Word, pastor. Teach me God’s Truth, leader! I want it. I want it!”
Oh, how God would delight in you. How you would delight in God. The more you know him the more you love him. The more you love him, the more you receive him. The more you receive him, the more you trust him.
Shout it. At least shout to God, “Me! Me! Give me your truth!” And see how he will fill you with the eternal knowledge of him.
Pause and Consider: how excited you get for God. Is he of more value than a T-Shirt?
Thursday, June 2, 2011
June 3, 2011 Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Read Psalms 147 – 150
Ps 150:6 Praise the Lord!
THIS IS an appropriate ending to Psalms. When all the talk is talked, all the questions are questioned, when all the wonder is wondered, praise the LORD!
It is so good to praise the LORD. Think about the ways God has blessed you. The Psalms speak of God’s salvation, his creation, his strength, his power and his love. These are yours! Praise the Lord!
The Psalms praise God for his great mercy, of how he defeats his enemies and protects his people. In the Psalms, we see God’s people in anguish when they don’t feel his presence. And we see God’s people in joy when he is near.
In the Psalms we see God’s people passionately love him. And we see God passionately love his people.
Yes, Praise the Lord!
Pause and Consider: God’s passion sent his Son to a cross; God’s passion welcomes you into his home.
Read Psalms 147 – 150
Ps 150:6 Praise the Lord!
THIS IS an appropriate ending to Psalms. When all the talk is talked, all the questions are questioned, when all the wonder is wondered, praise the LORD!
It is so good to praise the LORD. Think about the ways God has blessed you. The Psalms speak of God’s salvation, his creation, his strength, his power and his love. These are yours! Praise the Lord!
The Psalms praise God for his great mercy, of how he defeats his enemies and protects his people. In the Psalms, we see God’s people in anguish when they don’t feel his presence. And we see God’s people in joy when he is near.
In the Psalms we see God’s people passionately love him. And we see God passionately love his people.
Yes, Praise the Lord!
Pause and Consider: God’s passion sent his Son to a cross; God’s passion welcomes you into his home.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
June 2, 2011 In the Truth
In the Truth
Read Psalms 140 – 146
Ps 141:5 Let a righteous man strike me — it is a kindness; let him rebuke me — it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it.
&
Ps 142:7 Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.
I JUST got off the phone with a friend. We were talking about speaking the truth of the gospel to people. The discussion centered around how we teach and preach to the newcomer in the church. Do we “go easy” on them, or do we tell the complete truth—believe in Jesus or spend eternity in Hell.
We voted for the latter, and there are two reasons. First, it’s the Truth. How else will people know the truth unless they hear it? And second, it is the greatest act of love you can ever do for anyone.
I know, if you said to someone, “You must believe in Jesus to go to Heaven. If you don’t you’ll go to Hell.” Many people would call you judgmental, narrow-minded, or dumb. Maybe they would just look at you and then run away. But so what? The truth is all that matters. And when you tell God’s Truth, you are a righteous person.
The psalmist expresses a great joy in hearing God’s truth. Even if it hurts (And it often does). He celebrates when a righteous person comes to him and corrects him. He rejoices in the Truth entering into his mind. Why?
Because the truth corrects him from the wrong way, the psalmist will walk more closely with God. He knows that to be with God, he needs to know the Truth. He also knows the truth will put him in the company of other righteous people who will help him continue to find the Truth. This is a picture of a great church: People rejoice in the Truth. People come to fellowship in the Truth. People worship God in the Truth.
Pause and Consider: how you enjoy being with someone you can always trust.
Read Psalms 140 – 146
Ps 141:5 Let a righteous man strike me — it is a kindness; let him rebuke me — it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it.
&
Ps 142:7 Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.
I JUST got off the phone with a friend. We were talking about speaking the truth of the gospel to people. The discussion centered around how we teach and preach to the newcomer in the church. Do we “go easy” on them, or do we tell the complete truth—believe in Jesus or spend eternity in Hell.
We voted for the latter, and there are two reasons. First, it’s the Truth. How else will people know the truth unless they hear it? And second, it is the greatest act of love you can ever do for anyone.
I know, if you said to someone, “You must believe in Jesus to go to Heaven. If you don’t you’ll go to Hell.” Many people would call you judgmental, narrow-minded, or dumb. Maybe they would just look at you and then run away. But so what? The truth is all that matters. And when you tell God’s Truth, you are a righteous person.
The psalmist expresses a great joy in hearing God’s truth. Even if it hurts (And it often does). He celebrates when a righteous person comes to him and corrects him. He rejoices in the Truth entering into his mind. Why?
Because the truth corrects him from the wrong way, the psalmist will walk more closely with God. He knows that to be with God, he needs to know the Truth. He also knows the truth will put him in the company of other righteous people who will help him continue to find the Truth. This is a picture of a great church: People rejoice in the Truth. People come to fellowship in the Truth. People worship God in the Truth.
Pause and Consider: how you enjoy being with someone you can always trust.
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