Be a “God-Rep”
Read Ezekiel 22 - 23
Ezekiel 22:1-2 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, will you judge her?”
A SALES rep represents his company’s products. He tells the good things of his product and company.
“Son of Man” is a term God uses repeatedly as he speaks to Ezekiel. We see it often in this book and in Daniel. Jesus uses Son of Man most often to refer to himself. What is Son of Man?
One dimension of the term Son of Man is seen here. Ezekiel, as Son of Man, is God’s direct representative on earth to do precisely what God tells him to do. He is the completely obedient son. God calls the prophet Ezekiel Son of Man ninety-three times.
God anointed Ezekiel to be an unofficial high priest in exile. He prophesied Jerusalem’s destruction and the coming of a new city of Jerusalem. And in these two tasks we see a direct parallel to Jesus’ mission as the Son of Man.
God anointed his Son to be a high priest, to go between his people’s sin and the Father’s Holiness. And Jesus prophesied the destruction of the city of Jerusalem and the coming of a new Jerusalem—his church. Ezekiel fully obeyed God. Jesus fully obeyed God.
Calling ourselves “Christians” commits us to that same unwavering obedience to our Savior. If we are united to Jesus, the Son of Man, by his blood, we must be united to him in our faith to live in his commands and to represent him to the world.
What issue of obedience to your Savior are you struggling with today? Pray that you will submit to his leading. Pray that you will trust him in all things to become an unwavering representative on earth for your Father in heaven.
Pause and Consider: how you represent God to those around you.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
July 30, 2011 No Next Time
No Next Time
Read Ezekiel 21
Ezek 21:6-7 “Therefore groan, son of man! Groan before them with broken heart and bitter grief. 7 And when they ask you, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you shall say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt and every hand go limp; every spirit will become faint and every knee become as weak as water.’ It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign LORD.”
I KNOW, you probably didn’t open this reading to hear of God’s promise of doom. There are plenty of predictions and “assurances” of destruction and collapse in the morning’s news. Who needs more?
Actually, I think we all need “more” to pay attention to these absolute truths: God judges. And God saves.
If we don’t believe the judging truth, then we have no reason to seek the saving truth. How many times as a child did you try to avoid your parents’ warnings of “judgment”? You tested them, didn’t you? You thought they really wouldn’t punish you for disobeying.
But when they did act on their warnings and punished you, you knew they were right and you were wrong. Next time you paid attention. And the next time when you obeyed you were saved from punishment.
What the world, and we, must realize is this: there will be a time when there’s no “next time” with God.
He has warned us for centuries that he will come to a final day of judgment. And he has given to us for centuries the opportunity to be saved from that judgment.
We must trust the judging truth and come to the saving truth. One day we will not get another chance.
Pause and Consider: the reality of no more chances to say, “I’m sorry.”
Read Ezekiel 21
Ezek 21:6-7 “Therefore groan, son of man! Groan before them with broken heart and bitter grief. 7 And when they ask you, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you shall say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt and every hand go limp; every spirit will become faint and every knee become as weak as water.’ It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign LORD.”
I KNOW, you probably didn’t open this reading to hear of God’s promise of doom. There are plenty of predictions and “assurances” of destruction and collapse in the morning’s news. Who needs more?
Actually, I think we all need “more” to pay attention to these absolute truths: God judges. And God saves.
If we don’t believe the judging truth, then we have no reason to seek the saving truth. How many times as a child did you try to avoid your parents’ warnings of “judgment”? You tested them, didn’t you? You thought they really wouldn’t punish you for disobeying.
But when they did act on their warnings and punished you, you knew they were right and you were wrong. Next time you paid attention. And the next time when you obeyed you were saved from punishment.
What the world, and we, must realize is this: there will be a time when there’s no “next time” with God.
He has warned us for centuries that he will come to a final day of judgment. And he has given to us for centuries the opportunity to be saved from that judgment.
We must trust the judging truth and come to the saving truth. One day we will not get another chance.
Pause and Consider: the reality of no more chances to say, “I’m sorry.”
July 29, 2011 A Good Name to Know
A Good Name to Know
Read Ezekiel 19 - 21
Ezekiel 20:13b-14 So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and destroy them in the desert. 14 But I did not, since that would have brought dishonor to my name among the nations. (Today’s English Version)
WHAT’S in a name? If you’ve read this scripture, you saw several times when God spoke of protecting his name. One of the reasons he did not destroy his people in their sin was to protect his name before other nations.
What do people think about when they hear your name? Do they consider you in view of your walk with God—”He’s a forgiving person.” “She’s a woman you can trust.” “He is wise.” “She is compassionate.”
Or might people think of you in an unflattering way: “He never does what he says.” “She’s always angry about something.”
Think of people you like to be around. When you hear their name, you have positive thoughts and usually want to grow in your relationship with them.
In a like manner, God desires that when his name is spoken, people desire to come into a deeper relationship with him. He shows himself to the world as one who forgives with patience and love generation upon generation. He shows himself as a God who is perfect and just. He desires that when you say his name, you and the world praise him for his unending love, forgiveness and salvation.
Consider God’s ways. He has patiently through the generations guided the world to his salvation. Speak his name with reverence and awe. Show the world he’s worth getting to know.
Pause and Consider: how patient God has been with you.
Read Ezekiel 19 - 21
Ezekiel 20:13b-14 So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and destroy them in the desert. 14 But I did not, since that would have brought dishonor to my name among the nations. (Today’s English Version)
WHAT’S in a name? If you’ve read this scripture, you saw several times when God spoke of protecting his name. One of the reasons he did not destroy his people in their sin was to protect his name before other nations.
What do people think about when they hear your name? Do they consider you in view of your walk with God—”He’s a forgiving person.” “She’s a woman you can trust.” “He is wise.” “She is compassionate.”
Or might people think of you in an unflattering way: “He never does what he says.” “She’s always angry about something.”
Think of people you like to be around. When you hear their name, you have positive thoughts and usually want to grow in your relationship with them.
In a like manner, God desires that when his name is spoken, people desire to come into a deeper relationship with him. He shows himself to the world as one who forgives with patience and love generation upon generation. He shows himself as a God who is perfect and just. He desires that when you say his name, you and the world praise him for his unending love, forgiveness and salvation.
Consider God’s ways. He has patiently through the generations guided the world to his salvation. Speak his name with reverence and awe. Show the world he’s worth getting to know.
Pause and Consider: how patient God has been with you.
July 28, 2011 Goodbye Shame
Good-bye Shame
Read Ezekiel 16 - 18
Ezekiel 16:62-63 So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the LORD. 63 Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign LORD.’”
YOU SPENT your money foolishly. You are overdrawn at the bank, and the bank president comes to your home. He’s paid this special visit to you for two reasons: He sees you as a very valuable customer, and he wants to be sure you understand how severe your overdraft is.
As he visits with you, he talks to you about his bank helping many people. You’re wondering why he’s doing this. You have often criticized the bank and tried to bend some of its rules before. You’re thinking he’s really going to come down on you and charge you extra fees because of your past relationship with his bank.
But then he says something way off the wall. He is going to pay your overdraft amount to get your account right again. Now, wouldn’t you feel ashamed about your irresponsibility? Wouldn’t you feel ashamed that you had criticized his bank and disobeyed other banking rules?
I think you would. And I think that would be the last time you would speak against the bank. His actions have humbled you, and you are left speechless.
That’s what’s happening here. Israel has a long list of sins. Then God comes and says he will make atonement for them, for all they have done! God will pay for his people’s sin!
They are left humbled and speechless. That’s the way I feel when I consider: Amazing love how can it be That you my King would Die for me?-Chris Tomlin
Pause and Consider: God paid for your sin with his Son.
Read Ezekiel 16 - 18
Ezekiel 16:62-63 So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the LORD. 63 Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign LORD.’”
YOU SPENT your money foolishly. You are overdrawn at the bank, and the bank president comes to your home. He’s paid this special visit to you for two reasons: He sees you as a very valuable customer, and he wants to be sure you understand how severe your overdraft is.
As he visits with you, he talks to you about his bank helping many people. You’re wondering why he’s doing this. You have often criticized the bank and tried to bend some of its rules before. You’re thinking he’s really going to come down on you and charge you extra fees because of your past relationship with his bank.
But then he says something way off the wall. He is going to pay your overdraft amount to get your account right again. Now, wouldn’t you feel ashamed about your irresponsibility? Wouldn’t you feel ashamed that you had criticized his bank and disobeyed other banking rules?
I think you would. And I think that would be the last time you would speak against the bank. His actions have humbled you, and you are left speechless.
That’s what’s happening here. Israel has a long list of sins. Then God comes and says he will make atonement for them, for all they have done! God will pay for his people’s sin!
They are left humbled and speechless. That’s the way I feel when I consider: Amazing love how can it be That you my King would Die for me?-Chris Tomlin
Pause and Consider: God paid for your sin with his Son.
July 27, 2011 Deadly Lies
Deadly Lies
Read Ezekiel 13 – 15
Ezekiel 13:22-23 Because you disheartened the righteous with your lies, when I had brought them no grief, and because you encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways and so save their lives, 23 therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the LORD.’”
GOD CLEARLY says in the verses and chapters of the book of Ezekiel that those of us who have been given his Word are to tell his truths to those who act against his Word. Here God speaks against those who encourage people to do wrong and who teach lies. The LORD will bring an end to these lies and save his people from their deadly influence.
When we hear or think of “salvation”, it is important to note from what we are being saved. Yes, we are saved from eternal Hell to eternal Glory with God. Within God’s wondrous act of saving, God saves us from believing lies.
There are many lies in our culture. They destroy our security—”Buy now. Pay Later.” “Be happy. Do what you want.” “Look out for number 1.” These lies destroy the security of loving relationships and stable economics.
Lies also destroy our security with God. Many people pretend to speak in God’s name, when they are really lieing. We can know the difference when we know the truth. Knowing God’s truth, you will be able to separate truth from lies, good from evil, insecurity from security. You will live in God’s safe place with unbreeachable walls around you.
Be sure you get to know God. His Word teaches you. God’s Word secures you. God’s Word protects you. God’s Word saves you.
Pause and Consider: the life-changing power of God’s Word.
Read Ezekiel 13 – 15
Ezekiel 13:22-23 Because you disheartened the righteous with your lies, when I had brought them no grief, and because you encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways and so save their lives, 23 therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the LORD.’”
GOD CLEARLY says in the verses and chapters of the book of Ezekiel that those of us who have been given his Word are to tell his truths to those who act against his Word. Here God speaks against those who encourage people to do wrong and who teach lies. The LORD will bring an end to these lies and save his people from their deadly influence.
When we hear or think of “salvation”, it is important to note from what we are being saved. Yes, we are saved from eternal Hell to eternal Glory with God. Within God’s wondrous act of saving, God saves us from believing lies.
There are many lies in our culture. They destroy our security—”Buy now. Pay Later.” “Be happy. Do what you want.” “Look out for number 1.” These lies destroy the security of loving relationships and stable economics.
Lies also destroy our security with God. Many people pretend to speak in God’s name, when they are really lieing. We can know the difference when we know the truth. Knowing God’s truth, you will be able to separate truth from lies, good from evil, insecurity from security. You will live in God’s safe place with unbreeachable walls around you.
Be sure you get to know God. His Word teaches you. God’s Word secures you. God’s Word protects you. God’s Word saves you.
Pause and Consider: the life-changing power of God’s Word.
July 26, 2011 God is Still With You
God is Still With You
Read Ezekiel 11-12
Ezek 11:16 “Now tell your fellow exiles what I am saying. I am the one who sent them to live in far-off nations and scattered them in other countries. Yet, for the time being I will be present with them in the lands where they have gone.”
I AM thinking of a family who has lived a life far from God. They were ignorant of him. Every aspect of their life was without him.
Then one day God stirred their hearts to seek him. They had no hope. To find hope they turned to the church. The church taught God’s truth to them, showed them God’s great mercy, and God awakened their hearts to turn to him. They understood that if they lived as he told them to live, their lives would have peace. Hope became part of their lives.
In this scripture God comes to Ezekiel, who is living in exile with his people. And God lovingly, protectively says, “The people have ignored me and are ignorant of me. But get this, Ezekiel. You tell them I AM still with them.
“Yes, I am punishing them, but I am even here in Babylon with them. One day I will invite them to come home. And if they obey me, I will bless them.” God gave his exiled people hope.
If you feel “exiled” from God, guilty for ignoring his ways, there is hope! God has made the way to him plain and true. Turn to the crucified Son of God and give Him your sins. Pray to the Spirit to fill your mind with the knowledge of the Father and your heart with a passion to follow the Son.
In your giving and praying, Jesus’ blood will fill you. Open your soul to receive. Regardless of what you’ve done, God is still offering to come and to make hope alive in you.
Welcome home.
Pause and Consider: how God washes you absolutely clean.
Read Ezekiel 11-12
Ezek 11:16 “Now tell your fellow exiles what I am saying. I am the one who sent them to live in far-off nations and scattered them in other countries. Yet, for the time being I will be present with them in the lands where they have gone.”
I AM thinking of a family who has lived a life far from God. They were ignorant of him. Every aspect of their life was without him.
Then one day God stirred their hearts to seek him. They had no hope. To find hope they turned to the church. The church taught God’s truth to them, showed them God’s great mercy, and God awakened their hearts to turn to him. They understood that if they lived as he told them to live, their lives would have peace. Hope became part of their lives.
In this scripture God comes to Ezekiel, who is living in exile with his people. And God lovingly, protectively says, “The people have ignored me and are ignorant of me. But get this, Ezekiel. You tell them I AM still with them.
“Yes, I am punishing them, but I am even here in Babylon with them. One day I will invite them to come home. And if they obey me, I will bless them.” God gave his exiled people hope.
If you feel “exiled” from God, guilty for ignoring his ways, there is hope! God has made the way to him plain and true. Turn to the crucified Son of God and give Him your sins. Pray to the Spirit to fill your mind with the knowledge of the Father and your heart with a passion to follow the Son.
In your giving and praying, Jesus’ blood will fill you. Open your soul to receive. Regardless of what you’ve done, God is still offering to come and to make hope alive in you.
Welcome home.
Pause and Consider: how God washes you absolutely clean.
July 25, 2011 God's Glory Guides
God’s Glory Guides
Read Ezekiel 9 - 10
Ezek 10:4-5 The cloud filled the temple, and the court was full of the radiance of the glory of the LORD. 5 The sound of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far away as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when he speaks.
HERE’S SOMETHING we haven’t seen since Moses went to meet God. Amid the turmoil and rubble of God’s broken nation, God shows his glory to Ezekiel.
God’s glory is difficult to imagine. The form and features are described. But can you really imagine the purity of the cherubim as they worship? Can you truly see the complexity of creatures with wings, hands, and wheels?
It is strange and marvelous. The glory of the LORD is beyond our comprehension. But get this: God’s Glory awaits all who call him Lord and obey his commands.
God gave to Ezekiel this special vision to strengthen him and to weaken him. Ezekiel was strengthened to know he worshiped such a God. He was weakened to know he was utterly powerless to do anything but obey such a God.
God’s glory has come through his Son Jesus and through his Spirit into you. God’s glory is yours when you trust his power and obey his commands.
What a marvelous, loving gift for you. Rejoice in this today. Be glad the mighty God guides your life.
Pause and Consider: God’s perfection and awesome power. Be amazed he welcomes you into his presence.
Read Ezekiel 9 - 10
Ezek 10:4-5 The cloud filled the temple, and the court was full of the radiance of the glory of the LORD. 5 The sound of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far away as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when he speaks.
HERE’S SOMETHING we haven’t seen since Moses went to meet God. Amid the turmoil and rubble of God’s broken nation, God shows his glory to Ezekiel.
God’s glory is difficult to imagine. The form and features are described. But can you really imagine the purity of the cherubim as they worship? Can you truly see the complexity of creatures with wings, hands, and wheels?
It is strange and marvelous. The glory of the LORD is beyond our comprehension. But get this: God’s Glory awaits all who call him Lord and obey his commands.
God gave to Ezekiel this special vision to strengthen him and to weaken him. Ezekiel was strengthened to know he worshiped such a God. He was weakened to know he was utterly powerless to do anything but obey such a God.
God’s glory has come through his Son Jesus and through his Spirit into you. God’s glory is yours when you trust his power and obey his commands.
What a marvelous, loving gift for you. Rejoice in this today. Be glad the mighty God guides your life.
Pause and Consider: God’s perfection and awesome power. Be amazed he welcomes you into his presence.
July 24, 2011 Pure Devotion
Pure Devotion
Read Ezekiel 4 - 5
Ezek 4:14 Then I said, “Not so, Sovereign LORD! I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have never eaten anything found dead or torn by wild animals. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.”
OKAY. Let me get this straight. God tells Ezekiel he has to lie on his side, all tied up with ropes, for 390 days on his left side and 40 days on his right side. This crazy, weird act is to show the Hebrews that God is bringing judgment against them.
Ezekiel hears this—and what does he say? “Don’t make me eat unclean food!”
Wow, that is crazy. He’s worried about the food—not lying on his side for 390 days! Do you see how God moves people to do really crazy things for him? There’s one author who calls it the “Second Mile”. There’s another who calls it “Crazy Love”. I call it pure, uncompromising devotion.
How does one come to be so devoted to God he’s willing to lie on his side for 390 days, barely eating anything? What’s he do when he wants to watch the baseball game? What’s he do when he wants anything? He puts his wants aside—totally aside. And he crazily goes the second mile to obey God’s commands.
God calls Ezekiel “Son of Man”. Ezekiel is God’s representative on earth to bring judgment to the world. You’ll see this in Daniel 7. And Jesus uses this name for himself more than any other.
Son of Man is a name that defines the truth of judgment and offer of salvation from the throne of heaven. For the Son of Man there is nothing to do but to go the “second mile” in “crazy love” with pure devotion. Can we add your name to describe pure devotion to God?
Pause and Consider: the incredible, painful cost of sin. Only God’s pure devotion to you has removed sin from your life.
Read Ezekiel 4 - 5
Ezek 4:14 Then I said, “Not so, Sovereign LORD! I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have never eaten anything found dead or torn by wild animals. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.”
OKAY. Let me get this straight. God tells Ezekiel he has to lie on his side, all tied up with ropes, for 390 days on his left side and 40 days on his right side. This crazy, weird act is to show the Hebrews that God is bringing judgment against them.
Ezekiel hears this—and what does he say? “Don’t make me eat unclean food!”
Wow, that is crazy. He’s worried about the food—not lying on his side for 390 days! Do you see how God moves people to do really crazy things for him? There’s one author who calls it the “Second Mile”. There’s another who calls it “Crazy Love”. I call it pure, uncompromising devotion.
How does one come to be so devoted to God he’s willing to lie on his side for 390 days, barely eating anything? What’s he do when he wants to watch the baseball game? What’s he do when he wants anything? He puts his wants aside—totally aside. And he crazily goes the second mile to obey God’s commands.
God calls Ezekiel “Son of Man”. Ezekiel is God’s representative on earth to bring judgment to the world. You’ll see this in Daniel 7. And Jesus uses this name for himself more than any other.
Son of Man is a name that defines the truth of judgment and offer of salvation from the throne of heaven. For the Son of Man there is nothing to do but to go the “second mile” in “crazy love” with pure devotion. Can we add your name to describe pure devotion to God?
Pause and Consider: the incredible, painful cost of sin. Only God’s pure devotion to you has removed sin from your life.
Friday, July 22, 2011
July 23, 2011 Strenthened to Go
Strengthened to Go
Read Ezekiel 1 - 3
Ezekiel 2:1-2 He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” 2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.
WOW! The LORD calls Ezekiel to prophecy. Jeremiah prophesied to warn Israel of impending exile. Ezekiel’s prophecies are during Israel’s exile in Babylon. God needs a man of power to continue to speak to his people in captivity.
Ezekiel means “strengthened of God” and note how the Holy Spirit strengthens Ezekiel. Often we think of God’s Spirit among the disciples at Pentecost and through the history of the church (if we ever think of him at all). But the reality is that the Holy Spirit powerfully carried forth the Father’s Word and the Father’s purpose long before Pentecost.
See here, for example, how the Spirit raised Ezekiel to his feet. I see this as literal and symbolic of the way God works among us as he calls us to do his will. He brings us to our knees to worship him. Then he raises us to our feet to go and do the work he has for us. As an army private rises when an officer enters the room and is ready to listen and do his officer’s commands, the Spirit brings us to attention, ready to listen to and do God’s commands.
God commands: “I am sending you…” Ezekiel had no choice, and neither do we. We are ordered through God’s Word to tell the Gospel in the Spirit’s power to a world captured by sin:
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, (Matt 28:19)
Ezekiel had his orders. You have yours. In the Spirit’s power you are strengthened to go. Will you?
Read Ezekiel 1 - 3
Ezekiel 2:1-2 He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” 2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.
WOW! The LORD calls Ezekiel to prophecy. Jeremiah prophesied to warn Israel of impending exile. Ezekiel’s prophecies are during Israel’s exile in Babylon. God needs a man of power to continue to speak to his people in captivity.
Ezekiel means “strengthened of God” and note how the Holy Spirit strengthens Ezekiel. Often we think of God’s Spirit among the disciples at Pentecost and through the history of the church (if we ever think of him at all). But the reality is that the Holy Spirit powerfully carried forth the Father’s Word and the Father’s purpose long before Pentecost.
See here, for example, how the Spirit raised Ezekiel to his feet. I see this as literal and symbolic of the way God works among us as he calls us to do his will. He brings us to our knees to worship him. Then he raises us to our feet to go and do the work he has for us. As an army private rises when an officer enters the room and is ready to listen and do his officer’s commands, the Spirit brings us to attention, ready to listen to and do God’s commands.
God commands: “I am sending you…” Ezekiel had no choice, and neither do we. We are ordered through God’s Word to tell the Gospel in the Spirit’s power to a world captured by sin:
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, (Matt 28:19)
Ezekiel had his orders. You have yours. In the Spirit’s power you are strengthened to go. Will you?
Thursday, July 21, 2011
July 22, 2011 Resting Place
Where’s Your Resting Place?
Jeremiah 50 - 52
Jer 50:6-7 “My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains.
They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place. 7 Whoever found them devoured them; their enemies said, ‘We are not guilty, for they sinned against the LORD, their true pasture, the LORD, the hope of their fathers.’”
GREEN PASTURES is a pivotal image in Psalm 23, and pastures are an image of rest and safety here. Growing up on a farm, I know how green pastures are a welcome sight after the winter snows and spring mud. We could turn the cattle onto the lush grass. They could wander at will in the pasture to drink and eat at their pleasure, to give birth to new life and to rest in comfort. What an image of God! Pastures are a place to be nourished and renewed.
Jeremiah’s words from God here in the time of the Hebrew exile could well be written today. Many in the church have been led astray by “shepherds” who do not teach God’s Truth. Sadly many churches are giving in to the culture and refuse to trust God’s Word. People who come to worship God are being lead into the barren hills and mountains believing there is rest in man’s sinful desires. But instead these lies and empty promises make us restless. We wander and we wonder, “Why am I so weary?”
My friends, even the Hebrews’ enemies knew the LORD was the Hebrews’ true resting place. Why must we always look from our “pastures” for something better, when all we need to do is to lie down in God’s goodness and trust God for our rest?
Pause and Consider: how God supplies the place of rest. Are you taking advantage of it?
Jeremiah 50 - 52
Jer 50:6-7 “My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains.
They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place. 7 Whoever found them devoured them; their enemies said, ‘We are not guilty, for they sinned against the LORD, their true pasture, the LORD, the hope of their fathers.’”
GREEN PASTURES is a pivotal image in Psalm 23, and pastures are an image of rest and safety here. Growing up on a farm, I know how green pastures are a welcome sight after the winter snows and spring mud. We could turn the cattle onto the lush grass. They could wander at will in the pasture to drink and eat at their pleasure, to give birth to new life and to rest in comfort. What an image of God! Pastures are a place to be nourished and renewed.
Jeremiah’s words from God here in the time of the Hebrew exile could well be written today. Many in the church have been led astray by “shepherds” who do not teach God’s Truth. Sadly many churches are giving in to the culture and refuse to trust God’s Word. People who come to worship God are being lead into the barren hills and mountains believing there is rest in man’s sinful desires. But instead these lies and empty promises make us restless. We wander and we wonder, “Why am I so weary?”
My friends, even the Hebrews’ enemies knew the LORD was the Hebrews’ true resting place. Why must we always look from our “pastures” for something better, when all we need to do is to lie down in God’s goodness and trust God for our rest?
Pause and Consider: how God supplies the place of rest. Are you taking advantage of it?
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
July 21, 2011 Rejoice in His Passion
Rejoice in His Passion
Read Jeremiah 47-49
Jer 48:42 Moab will be destroyed as a nation because she defied the LORD.
&
Jer 48:47 “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in days to come,” declares the LORD.
THESE chapters seem to take us away from the Hebrews and focus on their neighbors who are their enemies. Does God care what they do? After all, they are not his people.
Actually, they are his people. He created them in his image just as he created the Hebrews (and you). God called the Hebrews to a special purpose to show him to the world. But that doesn’t mean God’s “other” people are not accountable to him.
They are indeed to respond to their creator. God desires their worship and obedience. He loves them. He has shown himself to them through his prophets and his faithful people and kings in Israel.
These nations, too, have rejected him. And just as he does with the Hebrews, God punishes them for their rejection. Also, as he does with the Hebrews, when they turn to God, he follows his judgment with his grace of blessing.
This pattern is still his way of working in each of our lives. He shows us he is a righteous God. He commands obedience to his righteousness. He judges when we disobey. When we repent and seek God’s righteous ways, in his grace he restores us to a right relationship to receive his blessing.
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.” (John Newton) Isn’t it time we trusted God’s right ways and rejoiced in his grace?
Pause and Consider: how amazing God’s grace is for you and yours.
Read Jeremiah 47-49
Jer 48:42 Moab will be destroyed as a nation because she defied the LORD.
&
Jer 48:47 “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in days to come,” declares the LORD.
THESE chapters seem to take us away from the Hebrews and focus on their neighbors who are their enemies. Does God care what they do? After all, they are not his people.
Actually, they are his people. He created them in his image just as he created the Hebrews (and you). God called the Hebrews to a special purpose to show him to the world. But that doesn’t mean God’s “other” people are not accountable to him.
They are indeed to respond to their creator. God desires their worship and obedience. He loves them. He has shown himself to them through his prophets and his faithful people and kings in Israel.
These nations, too, have rejected him. And just as he does with the Hebrews, God punishes them for their rejection. Also, as he does with the Hebrews, when they turn to God, he follows his judgment with his grace of blessing.
This pattern is still his way of working in each of our lives. He shows us he is a righteous God. He commands obedience to his righteousness. He judges when we disobey. When we repent and seek God’s righteous ways, in his grace he restores us to a right relationship to receive his blessing.
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.” (John Newton) Isn’t it time we trusted God’s right ways and rejoiced in his grace?
Pause and Consider: how amazing God’s grace is for you and yours.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
July 20, 2011 A Fertile Promise
A Fertile Promise
Jeremiah 45 - 47
Jer 46:20 Egypt is a beautiful heifer, but a gadfly is coming against her from the north.
GOD IS sovereign. He controls all things to his good purposes. His good purpose is to save you.
The scripture above is one that clarifies God’s authority on all the earth. He raises up nations, and he tears down nations. He says he will make something happen, and it happens. The world had better fear a God who controls all things all the time.
Egypt was beautiful, successful and powerful. The heifer is the image of newness, of a female cattle before she gives birth to her first calf. A heifer holds promise of fertility and many offspring. Yet, heifers are disturbed when the flies chase them around the pasture. They need to seek shelter to avoid the pests. Running from pests they lose their vitality.
That is what will happen to Egypt. God raises the country into strength, and he sends armies to “chase” it into protective shelter. Egypt will lose its power because that is what God ordains. Again and again and again God moves among the nations. When we truly know he can do such mighty acts, we know he can move personally into our lives to do his will.
Let’s be aware of this truth. As we pray, “your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”, understand that God has the power, the passion and the love to do his will for your good.
Will you trust his power and follow him to goodness? When you do, no “flies” will be chasing you. You can, then, grow in the fertile promise of the power of God.
Pause and Consider: the irritating things that chase you from God. How will you remove them?
Jeremiah 45 - 47
Jer 46:20 Egypt is a beautiful heifer, but a gadfly is coming against her from the north.
GOD IS sovereign. He controls all things to his good purposes. His good purpose is to save you.
The scripture above is one that clarifies God’s authority on all the earth. He raises up nations, and he tears down nations. He says he will make something happen, and it happens. The world had better fear a God who controls all things all the time.
Egypt was beautiful, successful and powerful. The heifer is the image of newness, of a female cattle before she gives birth to her first calf. A heifer holds promise of fertility and many offspring. Yet, heifers are disturbed when the flies chase them around the pasture. They need to seek shelter to avoid the pests. Running from pests they lose their vitality.
That is what will happen to Egypt. God raises the country into strength, and he sends armies to “chase” it into protective shelter. Egypt will lose its power because that is what God ordains. Again and again and again God moves among the nations. When we truly know he can do such mighty acts, we know he can move personally into our lives to do his will.
Let’s be aware of this truth. As we pray, “your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”, understand that God has the power, the passion and the love to do his will for your good.
Will you trust his power and follow him to goodness? When you do, no “flies” will be chasing you. You can, then, grow in the fertile promise of the power of God.
Pause and Consider: the irritating things that chase you from God. How will you remove them?
Monday, July 18, 2011
July 19, 2011 Harmful or Helpful?
Harmful or Helpful Habits?
Jeremiah 43-44
Jer 44:25 “We will certainly carry out the vows we made to burn incense and pour out drink offerings to the Queen of Heaven.”
WHAT ARE your habits? Have you ever really thought about what you do each day?
I know, many people would like to eat a more healthy diet. So why don’t they? Many would like to have a budget, so why don’t they? Many would like their children to obey them, so why don’t they train them to obey? The list goes on.
Most of us in some way could live better if we would listen to people who can help us get past an issue that diminishes us. But we stop short of making the change. We trust the problem and not the solution. Weird, but true.
The Hebrews seem to have similar roadblocks. They had left Jerusalem and gone to Egypt. Through Jeremiah God told them not to go, and God has told them not to worship the “Queen of Heaven”.
God gives his people an alternative, but they trust the lifeless god and not the living God. They think the false god has blessed them when the truth is that God has loved them by holding back his punishment. They have a false picture of truth. They do not listen to and know their God. They have seen God cause destruction in their land, but they still prefer to trust the lies of evil, refusing the truth of justice.
What false gods are you worshiping--laziness, alcohol, busyness, sex, money, food, TV, idleness? As the “Queen of Heaven” worship would destroy these Hebrews, these false gods will destroy you. God has given you an alternative. Will you trust him and take it?
Pause and Consider: the false gods in your life and what you must do to remove them.
Jeremiah 43-44
Jer 44:25 “We will certainly carry out the vows we made to burn incense and pour out drink offerings to the Queen of Heaven.”
WHAT ARE your habits? Have you ever really thought about what you do each day?
I know, many people would like to eat a more healthy diet. So why don’t they? Many would like to have a budget, so why don’t they? Many would like their children to obey them, so why don’t they train them to obey? The list goes on.
Most of us in some way could live better if we would listen to people who can help us get past an issue that diminishes us. But we stop short of making the change. We trust the problem and not the solution. Weird, but true.
The Hebrews seem to have similar roadblocks. They had left Jerusalem and gone to Egypt. Through Jeremiah God told them not to go, and God has told them not to worship the “Queen of Heaven”.
God gives his people an alternative, but they trust the lifeless god and not the living God. They think the false god has blessed them when the truth is that God has loved them by holding back his punishment. They have a false picture of truth. They do not listen to and know their God. They have seen God cause destruction in their land, but they still prefer to trust the lies of evil, refusing the truth of justice.
What false gods are you worshiping--laziness, alcohol, busyness, sex, money, food, TV, idleness? As the “Queen of Heaven” worship would destroy these Hebrews, these false gods will destroy you. God has given you an alternative. Will you trust him and take it?
Pause and Consider: the false gods in your life and what you must do to remove them.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
July 18, 2011 A Shield Around You
Shield Around You
Jeremiah 40 – 42
Jer 40:11-12 When all the Jews in Moab, Ammon, Edom and all the other countries heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant in Judah and had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, as governor over them, 12 they all came back to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah at Mizpah, from all the countries where they had been scattered. And they harvested an abundance of wine and summer fruit.
IN THE midst of death and destruction, God is giving his people hope. He is giving his people the opportunity to be born again! Yes, in his love, God wants to create new birth from Israel’s destruction in the form of Gedaliah, a Jew, appointed governor and in the form of a bountiful harvest as they “harvested an abundance of wine and summer fruit”.
But God would continue this only if they obeyed him. Then something horrible happened. They again turned from God. They left the bounty of their land for Egypt, when God specifically said not to go there.
Then Assyria sent Ishmael to kill Gedaliah, the new leader. Disobedience lead to death in the midst of God’s promises. And the remnant people were scattered again.
This is a picture of our world. Every day a loving God offers new life through Jesus Christ. He sends new leaders into an “exiled” world. And every day Satan sends the evil of doubt, despair and disobedience to destroy that new leader.
We must guard ourselves against the assassins. We must listen to the warnings of faithful people who preach and teach his Word. We must lock out death and invite in the life our King offers.
God gives you life when you trust his Words of faith, hope and love. May it be a shield around you always.
Pause and Consider: how obedience is a life and death matter.
Jeremiah 40 – 42
Jer 40:11-12 When all the Jews in Moab, Ammon, Edom and all the other countries heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant in Judah and had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, as governor over them, 12 they all came back to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah at Mizpah, from all the countries where they had been scattered. And they harvested an abundance of wine and summer fruit.
IN THE midst of death and destruction, God is giving his people hope. He is giving his people the opportunity to be born again! Yes, in his love, God wants to create new birth from Israel’s destruction in the form of Gedaliah, a Jew, appointed governor and in the form of a bountiful harvest as they “harvested an abundance of wine and summer fruit”.
But God would continue this only if they obeyed him. Then something horrible happened. They again turned from God. They left the bounty of their land for Egypt, when God specifically said not to go there.
Then Assyria sent Ishmael to kill Gedaliah, the new leader. Disobedience lead to death in the midst of God’s promises. And the remnant people were scattered again.
This is a picture of our world. Every day a loving God offers new life through Jesus Christ. He sends new leaders into an “exiled” world. And every day Satan sends the evil of doubt, despair and disobedience to destroy that new leader.
We must guard ourselves against the assassins. We must listen to the warnings of faithful people who preach and teach his Word. We must lock out death and invite in the life our King offers.
God gives you life when you trust his Words of faith, hope and love. May it be a shield around you always.
Pause and Consider: how obedience is a life and death matter.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
July 17, 2011 In a Cell?
In a Cell?
Read Jeremiah 37 - 39
Jer 37:16-17 Jeremiah was put into a vaulted cell in a dungeon, where he remained a long time. 17 Then King Zedekiah sent for him and had him brought to the palace, where he asked him privately, “Is there any word from the LORD?”
&
Jer 38:20-22 Obey the LORD by doing what I tell you. Then it will go well with you, and your life will be spared. 21 But if you refuse to surrender, this is what the LORD has revealed to me:
&
Jer 39:18 I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the LORD.
DO YOU hold back the truth? Often we keep the truth a secret because we don’t want to offend someone. Sadly, the Christian mindset is this: Pointing out sin to someone is judging them.
But it’s not. Scripturally spoken, telling someone that they are sinning is an act of love that points them to right living with others and with God. Hopefully, God’s Word points them to eternal life!
Jeremiah obeyed God and told his countrymen they were sinning. Ouch! They had asked for God’s Word, but their guilt caused them to hate the message. They condemned and imprisoned the messenger, Jeremiah, even though they were guilty.
But Jeremiah trusted God’s truth and stood God’s ground to speak the truth. He remained innocent before God because he stood firm in God. The truth is, we must tell the truth. The truth is, only the Truth saves.
Pause and Consider: who needs to know the truth. Pray for them and tell them.
Read Jeremiah 37 - 39
Jer 37:16-17 Jeremiah was put into a vaulted cell in a dungeon, where he remained a long time. 17 Then King Zedekiah sent for him and had him brought to the palace, where he asked him privately, “Is there any word from the LORD?”
&
Jer 38:20-22 Obey the LORD by doing what I tell you. Then it will go well with you, and your life will be spared. 21 But if you refuse to surrender, this is what the LORD has revealed to me:
&
Jer 39:18 I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the LORD.
DO YOU hold back the truth? Often we keep the truth a secret because we don’t want to offend someone. Sadly, the Christian mindset is this: Pointing out sin to someone is judging them.
But it’s not. Scripturally spoken, telling someone that they are sinning is an act of love that points them to right living with others and with God. Hopefully, God’s Word points them to eternal life!
Jeremiah obeyed God and told his countrymen they were sinning. Ouch! They had asked for God’s Word, but their guilt caused them to hate the message. They condemned and imprisoned the messenger, Jeremiah, even though they were guilty.
But Jeremiah trusted God’s truth and stood God’s ground to speak the truth. He remained innocent before God because he stood firm in God. The truth is, we must tell the truth. The truth is, only the Truth saves.
Pause and Consider: who needs to know the truth. Pray for them and tell them.
Friday, July 15, 2011
July 16, 2011 Passing Forever
Passing Forever
Read Jeremiah 33 – 36
Jer 35:17 “Therefore, this is what the LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Listen! I am going to bring on Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem every disaster I pronounced against them. I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them, but they did not answer.’”
“LISTEN.” says God. We’ve all heard that word of determined instruction from a teacher. The teacher had something to say, something necessary for you to know. If you failed to listen, to follow her words, you might fail the class. She wanted your full attention.
Guess what. God has pass or fail things for you to know, too. Pass/fail, life/death. This eternal stuff must be passing stuff. How can we not listen?
Our distractions come from our everyday life, don’t they? As we sat in the school classroom, we were too eager to focus on everything outside the classroom. As we walk through each day, we are too eager to focus on everything outside of God.
We need to be eager to listen to God’s voice. Take time each day to give him your full attention. Hunger for his teaching. It was easy in the classroom to listen to a good teacher who helped you learn something you were passionately interested in, wasn’t it? Be passionately interested in the things of God. Know he has each “distraction” in your life under control for you. Put aside life’s issues and listen to your Lord God Almighty.
It’s about passing forever.
Pause and Consider: what you are hearing may require some precise listening.
Read Jeremiah 33 – 36
Jer 35:17 “Therefore, this is what the LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Listen! I am going to bring on Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem every disaster I pronounced against them. I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them, but they did not answer.’”
“LISTEN.” says God. We’ve all heard that word of determined instruction from a teacher. The teacher had something to say, something necessary for you to know. If you failed to listen, to follow her words, you might fail the class. She wanted your full attention.
Guess what. God has pass or fail things for you to know, too. Pass/fail, life/death. This eternal stuff must be passing stuff. How can we not listen?
Our distractions come from our everyday life, don’t they? As we sat in the school classroom, we were too eager to focus on everything outside the classroom. As we walk through each day, we are too eager to focus on everything outside of God.
We need to be eager to listen to God’s voice. Take time each day to give him your full attention. Hunger for his teaching. It was easy in the classroom to listen to a good teacher who helped you learn something you were passionately interested in, wasn’t it? Be passionately interested in the things of God. Know he has each “distraction” in your life under control for you. Put aside life’s issues and listen to your Lord God Almighty.
It’s about passing forever.
Pause and Consider: what you are hearing may require some precise listening.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
July 15, 2011 Strength and Restoration
Strength and Restoration
Read Jeremiah 31 - 32
Jer 31:23-25 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “When I bring them back from captivity, the people in the land of Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: ‘The LORD bless you, O righteous dwelling, O sacred mountain.’ 24 People will live together in Judah and all its towns — farmers and those who move about with their flocks. 25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
HOW ARE you doing? I received an email the other day from someone who was weary. There were hard things in her life, and she needed some restoration for her soul.
We all need that restoration at times, don’t we? And we are at times called to be the one who offers restoration to those in need.
Please take some time to read Jeremiah 31. When you see God’s heart to restore his people long ago, you will feel his heart to restore you today. I long so desperately for the people I meet to know God saves, and I long for you reading this to know God saves you.
God does make new. God’s Word, the Bible, is God telling us who he is, and the Bible tells us about how he re-forms lives from brokenness to wholeness.
This wholeness is for you right now, and it is you for eternity. God desires you to be with him in his restored, brand-new heaven and earth for eternal harmony and joy with him!
How worthy is God to be praised! May his name be celebrated forever! Trust God with your weariness. He will strengthen and restore you.
Pause and Consider: that God can refresh you and release you from being weary.
Read Jeremiah 31 - 32
Jer 31:23-25 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “When I bring them back from captivity, the people in the land of Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: ‘The LORD bless you, O righteous dwelling, O sacred mountain.’ 24 People will live together in Judah and all its towns — farmers and those who move about with their flocks. 25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
HOW ARE you doing? I received an email the other day from someone who was weary. There were hard things in her life, and she needed some restoration for her soul.
We all need that restoration at times, don’t we? And we are at times called to be the one who offers restoration to those in need.
Please take some time to read Jeremiah 31. When you see God’s heart to restore his people long ago, you will feel his heart to restore you today. I long so desperately for the people I meet to know God saves, and I long for you reading this to know God saves you.
God does make new. God’s Word, the Bible, is God telling us who he is, and the Bible tells us about how he re-forms lives from brokenness to wholeness.
This wholeness is for you right now, and it is you for eternity. God desires you to be with him in his restored, brand-new heaven and earth for eternal harmony and joy with him!
How worthy is God to be praised! May his name be celebrated forever! Trust God with your weariness. He will strengthen and restore you.
Pause and Consider: that God can refresh you and release you from being weary.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
July 14, 2011 Rise Up
Rise Up
Read Jeremiah 27 - 30
Jer 30:21 ‘Their leader will be one of their own; their ruler will arise from among them. I will bring him near and he will come close to me, for who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?’
HEAR the LORD’s words as he proclaims the time for his people at the end of the exile. Note how God will raise up one from within the midst of his people and that this person will be devoted to him.
God invites you to be devoted to him. Yes, the world is in exile, separated from him. God has revealed his law through the prophets, his grace through Jesus, and his knowledge through the Holy Spirit. All of this he has done for you so that you may rise up in devotion to him and bring the lost people home to him.
In response to his passionate grace to save you, grow closer to God. Learn more who he is through the Bible and from others’ experiences with him. In prayer confess your sins and praise him for your blessings. Listen to his teaching. Rise up in the power of God’s Word, and you will find new power and strength in your life. Step in trust into new places in your life to serve others, learn from others and teach others. You will grow into deeper devotion to God.
“Who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?” God asks.
He would like you to answer, “Me, Father, Me! I want to devote my life to you.”
Yes, rise up, you child of God.
Pause and Consider: to whom and what you are devoted. Does God head the list?
Read Jeremiah 27 - 30
Jer 30:21 ‘Their leader will be one of their own; their ruler will arise from among them. I will bring him near and he will come close to me, for who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?’
HEAR the LORD’s words as he proclaims the time for his people at the end of the exile. Note how God will raise up one from within the midst of his people and that this person will be devoted to him.
God invites you to be devoted to him. Yes, the world is in exile, separated from him. God has revealed his law through the prophets, his grace through Jesus, and his knowledge through the Holy Spirit. All of this he has done for you so that you may rise up in devotion to him and bring the lost people home to him.
In response to his passionate grace to save you, grow closer to God. Learn more who he is through the Bible and from others’ experiences with him. In prayer confess your sins and praise him for your blessings. Listen to his teaching. Rise up in the power of God’s Word, and you will find new power and strength in your life. Step in trust into new places in your life to serve others, learn from others and teach others. You will grow into deeper devotion to God.
“Who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?” God asks.
He would like you to answer, “Me, Father, Me! I want to devote my life to you.”
Yes, rise up, you child of God.
Pause and Consider: to whom and what you are devoted. Does God head the list?
Monday, July 11, 2011
July 12, 2011 Lose or Win?
Will You Lose or Win?
Read Jeremiah 20 - 23
Jer 20:11 But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten.
PEOPLE WHO seek to destroy the people of God can be found in every corner of the world and in every walk of life. Sometimes the destruction comes from mockery and ridicule. Sometimes it comes in violent, deadly ways. Sometimes the persecutors of God’s people are silent as they ignore and diminish the LORD’s ways.
Proclaiming God takes courage. It also takes faith that God will cause your persecutors to stumble and fall. You may not see it happen, but it will. Those who oppose God cannot win. Those who stand for him are certain to proclaim victory.
What does that victory look like? It is a victory not from your strength but the profound joy of life in Jesus as you trust his life, death, resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God. He is your living Savior!
Sadly, those who lose the battle are lost forever. Joyfully, those who win are with Jesus forever. Do your friends, colleagues and family know this? In the final results, will they lose or win? How about you?
Pause and Consider: how it is easy to have courage for those you are passionate about.
Read Jeremiah 20 - 23
Jer 20:11 But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten.
PEOPLE WHO seek to destroy the people of God can be found in every corner of the world and in every walk of life. Sometimes the destruction comes from mockery and ridicule. Sometimes it comes in violent, deadly ways. Sometimes the persecutors of God’s people are silent as they ignore and diminish the LORD’s ways.
Proclaiming God takes courage. It also takes faith that God will cause your persecutors to stumble and fall. You may not see it happen, but it will. Those who oppose God cannot win. Those who stand for him are certain to proclaim victory.
What does that victory look like? It is a victory not from your strength but the profound joy of life in Jesus as you trust his life, death, resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God. He is your living Savior!
Sadly, those who lose the battle are lost forever. Joyfully, those who win are with Jesus forever. Do your friends, colleagues and family know this? In the final results, will they lose or win? How about you?
Pause and Consider: how it is easy to have courage for those you are passionate about.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
July 11, 2011 Sweet Scent of Salvation
Sweet Scent of Salvation
Read Jeremiah 17-19
Jer 17:7-8 “But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
WHEN YOU travel through some of the drier climates in the United States, you’ll often see lines of Russian Olive trees along streams and fields. The tree is described to be extremely tolerant of environmental factors. It is the best windbreak tree for high wind areas. Russian Olive trees can be made into a hedge by planting them 10 feet apart in the row. The tree has low water requirements and displays a high tolerance for salt and alkali. Its stems, buds, and leaves have a dense covering of silvery to rusty scales and offer a sweet aroma.
The Russian Olive tree is a picture of what you can be as you trust in the LORD. You will be rooted in the eternal power of your Creator God. You will withstand the winds of wickedness that blow through the world as you are rooted in the power of the Holy Spirit.
As you trust in God, you will offer a sweet aroma to those you know who are longing for the sweetness of faith, hope and love.
Trust in the LORD. Root yourself in his truth. Break the winds of sin and disperse the scent of salvation.
Pause and Consider: where your roots are growing. Will they withstand the wind’s blowing?
Read Jeremiah 17-19
Jer 17:7-8 “But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
WHEN YOU travel through some of the drier climates in the United States, you’ll often see lines of Russian Olive trees along streams and fields. The tree is described to be extremely tolerant of environmental factors. It is the best windbreak tree for high wind areas. Russian Olive trees can be made into a hedge by planting them 10 feet apart in the row. The tree has low water requirements and displays a high tolerance for salt and alkali. Its stems, buds, and leaves have a dense covering of silvery to rusty scales and offer a sweet aroma.
The Russian Olive tree is a picture of what you can be as you trust in the LORD. You will be rooted in the eternal power of your Creator God. You will withstand the winds of wickedness that blow through the world as you are rooted in the power of the Holy Spirit.
As you trust in God, you will offer a sweet aroma to those you know who are longing for the sweetness of faith, hope and love.
Trust in the LORD. Root yourself in his truth. Break the winds of sin and disperse the scent of salvation.
Pause and Consider: where your roots are growing. Will they withstand the wind’s blowing?
Saturday, July 9, 2011
July 10, 2011 Same God
Same God
Read Jeremiah 14-16
Jer 15:2 This is what the LORD says: “‘Those destined for death, to death; those for the sword, to the sword; those for starvation, to starvation; those for captivity, to captivity.’”
&
Jer 16:15 For I will restore them to the land I gave their forefathers.
A GREAT lie exists in the world today. It says that the God of the Old Testament is a God of Judgment, and the God of the New Testament is a God of Grace who forgives.
Not true. God is the same throughout the Bible. Jeremiah’s words clearly show that God judges, and he restores. Amid the judgment over Jerusalem comes grace that delivers Jerusalem from its punishment to rich blessings.
And in the New Testament you will read of Jesus’ judgments against those who oppose him and the Father. Then comes the cross, and Jesus offers a way to restore people to the Father.
My friends, God, as a perfect Father, cannot tolerate sin. And as a perfect Father, he offers a way out of the sin. God uses judgment to stir our hearts out of darkness that we may see his light of restoration.
In “Old Testament” days, your salvation was on the line when Jerusalem disobeyed. If God had punished his people and not restored them, we would have no Savior. But God had a plan before time began to save you. Amid all these horrible happenings God had to keep the plan alive.
In his judgment, God showed his restoration perfected in Jesus Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension. As a good Father, God kept his promise for his people then and restored them. You can trust he will keep his promise for you, too—forever.
Pause and Consider: that God is constant. All he wants to do is to make you his own. Why wouldn’t we want that relationship with him?
Read Jeremiah 14-16
Jer 15:2 This is what the LORD says: “‘Those destined for death, to death; those for the sword, to the sword; those for starvation, to starvation; those for captivity, to captivity.’”
&
Jer 16:15 For I will restore them to the land I gave their forefathers.
A GREAT lie exists in the world today. It says that the God of the Old Testament is a God of Judgment, and the God of the New Testament is a God of Grace who forgives.
Not true. God is the same throughout the Bible. Jeremiah’s words clearly show that God judges, and he restores. Amid the judgment over Jerusalem comes grace that delivers Jerusalem from its punishment to rich blessings.
And in the New Testament you will read of Jesus’ judgments against those who oppose him and the Father. Then comes the cross, and Jesus offers a way to restore people to the Father.
My friends, God, as a perfect Father, cannot tolerate sin. And as a perfect Father, he offers a way out of the sin. God uses judgment to stir our hearts out of darkness that we may see his light of restoration.
In “Old Testament” days, your salvation was on the line when Jerusalem disobeyed. If God had punished his people and not restored them, we would have no Savior. But God had a plan before time began to save you. Amid all these horrible happenings God had to keep the plan alive.
In his judgment, God showed his restoration perfected in Jesus Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension. As a good Father, God kept his promise for his people then and restored them. You can trust he will keep his promise for you, too—forever.
Pause and Consider: that God is constant. All he wants to do is to make you his own. Why wouldn’t we want that relationship with him?
Friday, July 8, 2011
July 9, 2011 Bad People, Good Lives
Do Bad People Have Good Lives?
Jeremiah 11 - 13
Jer 12:1 Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?
JEREMIAH’s wonders: Why do the wicked win? I think we often wonder the same thing: Does it really pay to obey God?
What was the source of Jeremiah’s grieving heart? Jeremiah and God had a very close, loving relationship. When you love God as deeply as Jeremiah did, you take on more of his character. You come to love others as God does. You see them through God’s eyes, and you want to protect them from sin’s destruction.
As a result, you also hate sin as God does because it destroys the people you love. When people are away from God and hurting, you will love people as they need it most. You want them free of sin to receive God’s blessings.
Still you may get frustrated with God as Jeremiah seems to be. Sometimes you wonder: “Why, God, are these people living a good life when they disobey you?”
Jeremiah got his answer when he saw their “good life” as the clean rag that turned to dirt and become useless. The people’s wickedness turned them into useless dirty people.
Pay attention to those who “look good” but disobey God. You’ll see the same thing happen—every time. Their lives look successful, but their sin gradually covers their success and destroys them.
Jeremiah had a heart like God’s. He trusted God’s ways, and he longed for his people to see God’s heart to protect and save them. God wants you to know that his protecting, saving heart is for you.
Pause and Consider: people you know who had good lives but now don’t. What happened? Do they need your prayers?
Jeremiah 11 - 13
Jer 12:1 Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?
JEREMIAH’s wonders: Why do the wicked win? I think we often wonder the same thing: Does it really pay to obey God?
What was the source of Jeremiah’s grieving heart? Jeremiah and God had a very close, loving relationship. When you love God as deeply as Jeremiah did, you take on more of his character. You come to love others as God does. You see them through God’s eyes, and you want to protect them from sin’s destruction.
As a result, you also hate sin as God does because it destroys the people you love. When people are away from God and hurting, you will love people as they need it most. You want them free of sin to receive God’s blessings.
Still you may get frustrated with God as Jeremiah seems to be. Sometimes you wonder: “Why, God, are these people living a good life when they disobey you?”
Jeremiah got his answer when he saw their “good life” as the clean rag that turned to dirt and become useless. The people’s wickedness turned them into useless dirty people.
Pay attention to those who “look good” but disobey God. You’ll see the same thing happen—every time. Their lives look successful, but their sin gradually covers their success and destroys them.
Jeremiah had a heart like God’s. He trusted God’s ways, and he longed for his people to see God’s heart to protect and save them. God wants you to know that his protecting, saving heart is for you.
Pause and Consider: people you know who had good lives but now don’t. What happened? Do they need your prayers?
July 8, 2011 The Balm of the Son
The Balm of the Son
Jeremiah 8 – 10
Jer 8:21-22 Since my people are crushed, I am crushed; I mourn, and horror grips me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?
HAVE YOU experienced grief when someone you loved was broken by illness, temptation or addiction? Their broken life made you very, very sad. Your heart ached for them. You despaired of their condition. You longed for them to be well, but nothing changed.
Such was the heart of Jeremiah as he lamented (cried out in grief) the hardships the people of Jerusalem were experiencing and would experience for many years. The balm of Gilead was a healing salve made from certain trees in an area known as Gilead. It was a precious commodity to trade to foreign nations. The balm eased the physical discomfort of many.
But there is no balm in Gilead or in any place to ease the pain of Jerusalem. Their disease has shut their hearts to their LORD. Their addiction has been to sexual perversion and false gods. Their temptation was to seek the false salve of wealth and power.
Jeremiah cries out for his people. He shows God’s heart. God did not want to punish his people. He made them to be his for a life of health. Instead they chose a life of sickness. And now they receive the Father’s justice.
Their balm would come one day when they would trust God again, and he brought them back home to Jerusalem. That balm came for you, too, in the blood of Jesus Christ.
Yes, there is a balm to soothe all illness, temptation and addiction. Trust the Father for the balm of the Son.
Pause and Consider: who needs soothing touch today.
Jeremiah 8 – 10
Jer 8:21-22 Since my people are crushed, I am crushed; I mourn, and horror grips me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?
HAVE YOU experienced grief when someone you loved was broken by illness, temptation or addiction? Their broken life made you very, very sad. Your heart ached for them. You despaired of their condition. You longed for them to be well, but nothing changed.
Such was the heart of Jeremiah as he lamented (cried out in grief) the hardships the people of Jerusalem were experiencing and would experience for many years. The balm of Gilead was a healing salve made from certain trees in an area known as Gilead. It was a precious commodity to trade to foreign nations. The balm eased the physical discomfort of many.
But there is no balm in Gilead or in any place to ease the pain of Jerusalem. Their disease has shut their hearts to their LORD. Their addiction has been to sexual perversion and false gods. Their temptation was to seek the false salve of wealth and power.
Jeremiah cries out for his people. He shows God’s heart. God did not want to punish his people. He made them to be his for a life of health. Instead they chose a life of sickness. And now they receive the Father’s justice.
Their balm would come one day when they would trust God again, and he brought them back home to Jerusalem. That balm came for you, too, in the blood of Jesus Christ.
Yes, there is a balm to soothe all illness, temptation and addiction. Trust the Father for the balm of the Son.
Pause and Consider: who needs soothing touch today.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
July 7, 2011 Truly Free
Truly Free
Read Jeremiah 6 - 7
Jeremiah 7:25-26 From the day your ancestors left Egypt until now, I have continued to send my prophets — day in and day out. 26 But my people have not listened to me or even tried to hear. They have been stubborn and sinful — even worse than their ancestors.
AT THIS time to celebrate our nation’s freedom, it is sad to note most of humanity is chained to misery.
Look around, and you will see friends, family and neighbors who revel in ignorance of God. They tell of the trouble and strife in life. But when you offer God’s love and mercy, they reject it out of hand, saying, “Oh, I believe in God.”
But they don’t. They have no idea who he is. If they did believe in God, they’d be on their knees seeking forgiveness and asking, “What should we do to satisfy God?” (John 6:28) If they believed in God, they’d be hungry to know what he says and to do what he says. If they believed in God, they would know he loves them deeply because he has created them in his image.
Satisfying God begins when one believes in the sin penalty of eternal Hell and God’s loving freedom call to save you. That freedom call is Jesus saying, “Come, follow me.” The freedom call is Jesus saying in Matt 6:31-33 “Your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well what you need, 33 and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to.”
Yes, freedom comes in faith that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior. Freedom is the truth of eternal life in Heaven.
Just as in the days of Jeremiah, God comes to the world, offering his freedom. Are you ready to say, “Show me your way, Lord. I want to be free in you.”
Pause and Consider: that only Jesus offers true freedom.
Read Jeremiah 6 - 7
Jeremiah 7:25-26 From the day your ancestors left Egypt until now, I have continued to send my prophets — day in and day out. 26 But my people have not listened to me or even tried to hear. They have been stubborn and sinful — even worse than their ancestors.
AT THIS time to celebrate our nation’s freedom, it is sad to note most of humanity is chained to misery.
Look around, and you will see friends, family and neighbors who revel in ignorance of God. They tell of the trouble and strife in life. But when you offer God’s love and mercy, they reject it out of hand, saying, “Oh, I believe in God.”
But they don’t. They have no idea who he is. If they did believe in God, they’d be on their knees seeking forgiveness and asking, “What should we do to satisfy God?” (John 6:28) If they believed in God, they’d be hungry to know what he says and to do what he says. If they believed in God, they would know he loves them deeply because he has created them in his image.
Satisfying God begins when one believes in the sin penalty of eternal Hell and God’s loving freedom call to save you. That freedom call is Jesus saying, “Come, follow me.” The freedom call is Jesus saying in Matt 6:31-33 “Your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well what you need, 33 and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to.”
Yes, freedom comes in faith that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior. Freedom is the truth of eternal life in Heaven.
Just as in the days of Jeremiah, God comes to the world, offering his freedom. Are you ready to say, “Show me your way, Lord. I want to be free in you.”
Pause and Consider: that only Jesus offers true freedom.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
July 6, 2011 Free In Truth
Free in Truth
Read Jeremiah 3 - 5
Jer 5:18-19 “Yet even in those days,” declares the LORD, “I will not destroy you completely. 19 And when the people ask, ‘Why has the LORD our God done all this to us?’ you will tell them, ‘As you have forsaken me and served foreign gods in your own land, so now you will serve foreigners in a land not your own.’”
JEREMIAH is prophesying—clearly looking into the future through God’s eyes. God is sending a message that he will send his people away from him. But he will not desert them.
Why did God disperse his people to a foreign nation? After all, he had gone to great lengths to free them from slavery and to give them a Promised Land of plenty.
God took this radical action to punish his people because “you have forsaken me and served foreign gods in your land”.
In other words, God’s people did not want to act like his people. They dishonored his name as they worshiped stone and wooden idols. They worshiped on the hills instead of in the temple. They treated God’s truths as lies and evil ways as truth.
God has long shown them the truth. “Ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls” (Jer 6:16) is God’s remedy for the sin-saturated life his people are living. Guess what! It’s his remedy for your life, today.
When you’re lost on a highway, you seek good directions (I hope!) to a good way home, don’t you? To be on that good way, you listen to good instructions. Then you go on the good route. God has a good route to peace, faith, hope and love.
Life with God is a good way. Trust his way. Go home to the Father and find rest for your soul.
Pause and Consider: are you acting as one of God’s people?
Read Jeremiah 3 - 5
Jer 5:18-19 “Yet even in those days,” declares the LORD, “I will not destroy you completely. 19 And when the people ask, ‘Why has the LORD our God done all this to us?’ you will tell them, ‘As you have forsaken me and served foreign gods in your own land, so now you will serve foreigners in a land not your own.’”
JEREMIAH is prophesying—clearly looking into the future through God’s eyes. God is sending a message that he will send his people away from him. But he will not desert them.
Why did God disperse his people to a foreign nation? After all, he had gone to great lengths to free them from slavery and to give them a Promised Land of plenty.
God took this radical action to punish his people because “you have forsaken me and served foreign gods in your land”.
In other words, God’s people did not want to act like his people. They dishonored his name as they worshiped stone and wooden idols. They worshiped on the hills instead of in the temple. They treated God’s truths as lies and evil ways as truth.
God has long shown them the truth. “Ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls” (Jer 6:16) is God’s remedy for the sin-saturated life his people are living. Guess what! It’s his remedy for your life, today.
When you’re lost on a highway, you seek good directions (I hope!) to a good way home, don’t you? To be on that good way, you listen to good instructions. Then you go on the good route. God has a good route to peace, faith, hope and love.
Life with God is a good way. Trust his way. Go home to the Father and find rest for your soul.
Pause and Consider: are you acting as one of God’s people?
Monday, July 4, 2011
July 5, 2011 A Lifelong Call
A Lifelong Call
Read Jeremiah 1-2
Jer 1:4-8 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” 6 “Ah, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” 7 But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.
LET’S SET the stage. A great tragedy is about to unfold. Jeremiah is most difficult to read. God causes horrible destruction on his people and sends many of the nation into exile in Babylon. But before he does, he gives his people the opportunity to turn from their evil religious practices that even murder children.
Jeremiah is a person God uses to warn, condemn and save his people. And Jeremiah is a mere youth.
But he was a young man with a purpose from God. As you read through this story, please remember Jeremiah’s call to prophesy was a lifelong call. You will be amazed at his faithfulness to God’s difficult instructions.
Jeremiah will go before kings. He will be persecuted, threatened with death, saved by God’s hand, and separated from the people he loves. Jeremiah lives in mourning because he knows God’s word is true. He fears for his people’s lives.
In our “Jeremiah Journey” focus on this two questions: “Can I trust God—even with the big things?” and “Am I properly living my life in God’s truth?”
Jeremiah would face the first question. The Hebrews would be confronted with the second question. See how God responds to those who obey and those who do not.
Pause and Consider: how God judges those who disobey him and how he honors those who obey.
Read Jeremiah 1-2
Jer 1:4-8 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” 6 “Ah, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” 7 But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.
LET’S SET the stage. A great tragedy is about to unfold. Jeremiah is most difficult to read. God causes horrible destruction on his people and sends many of the nation into exile in Babylon. But before he does, he gives his people the opportunity to turn from their evil religious practices that even murder children.
Jeremiah is a person God uses to warn, condemn and save his people. And Jeremiah is a mere youth.
But he was a young man with a purpose from God. As you read through this story, please remember Jeremiah’s call to prophesy was a lifelong call. You will be amazed at his faithfulness to God’s difficult instructions.
Jeremiah will go before kings. He will be persecuted, threatened with death, saved by God’s hand, and separated from the people he loves. Jeremiah lives in mourning because he knows God’s word is true. He fears for his people’s lives.
In our “Jeremiah Journey” focus on this two questions: “Can I trust God—even with the big things?” and “Am I properly living my life in God’s truth?”
Jeremiah would face the first question. The Hebrews would be confronted with the second question. See how God responds to those who obey and those who do not.
Pause and Consider: how God judges those who disobey him and how he honors those who obey.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
July 4, 2011 Even In One Day
Even in One Day
Read Isaiah 65 – 66
Isa 66:7-8 “Before the birth pains even begin, Jerusalem gives birth to a son. 8 Who has ever seen anything as strange as this? Who ever heard of such a thing? Has a nation ever been born in a single day?
GOD is a glorious creator! Read Genesis 1 and 2. See the glory of God shaping and creating a wondrous universe. See him create our parents. And watch as the animals come forth for Adam to name. A universe in a week! That’s our God. No one like him!
Isaiah’s prophecy tells us he will again do something magnificent and beyond our understanding. He will cause “Jerusalem to give birth to a son”. What does that mean?
Here is a prophecy that God will bring forth his church in a single day. Here is the prophecy of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon 125 disciples in an upper room. Here is Peter preaching the first sermon. Here are 3,000 being saved that day!
Yes, Isaiah looks ahead, and he sees God magnificently creating once again.
If you feel at the end of your rope, or even if you’re simply wondering, “How’s this issue going to get better?” Then look to your Creator. The one who makes marvelous changes, even in one day.
Your creator is one you can go to. He is one you can trust. He will bring change when you call on his name.
Pause and Consider: that God is always creating and he will create new circumstances for you.
Read Isaiah 65 – 66
Isa 66:7-8 “Before the birth pains even begin, Jerusalem gives birth to a son. 8 Who has ever seen anything as strange as this? Who ever heard of such a thing? Has a nation ever been born in a single day?
GOD is a glorious creator! Read Genesis 1 and 2. See the glory of God shaping and creating a wondrous universe. See him create our parents. And watch as the animals come forth for Adam to name. A universe in a week! That’s our God. No one like him!
Isaiah’s prophecy tells us he will again do something magnificent and beyond our understanding. He will cause “Jerusalem to give birth to a son”. What does that mean?
Here is a prophecy that God will bring forth his church in a single day. Here is the prophecy of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon 125 disciples in an upper room. Here is Peter preaching the first sermon. Here are 3,000 being saved that day!
Yes, Isaiah looks ahead, and he sees God magnificently creating once again.
If you feel at the end of your rope, or even if you’re simply wondering, “How’s this issue going to get better?” Then look to your Creator. The one who makes marvelous changes, even in one day.
Your creator is one you can go to. He is one you can trust. He will bring change when you call on his name.
Pause and Consider: that God is always creating and he will create new circumstances for you.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
July 3, 2011 Be Really Happy
Be Really Happy
Read Isaiah 60 - 64
Isa 61:10: Let me tell you how happy God has made me! For he has clothed made with garments of salvation and draped about me the robe of righteousness.
ARE YOU happy today? Your immediate response to the question is to likely stop a minute and think about what is happening in your life. You might measure the good things in your life against the things that aren’t so good and then make a decision on how to answer. Hopefully, the good outweighs the bad, and you answer, “Yes, I’m happy.” Or you might answer, “Mostly.” Or “A little.” Or even, “No. How could I be happy? Nothing is ever good for me.”
Look, then, and see the Scripture. What is happiness? It is being clothed in salvation. Happiness is being draped with the robe of righteousness. In other words, Isaiah expresses his happiness from a deep-down knowing that God has saved him and guided him to the right ways of living. Isaiah’s happiness is founded in the true happiness that comes from recognizing that God’s ways are true ways given to care for you now and for eternity.
Isaiah 61 is a great chapter of celebration. God is bringing salvation, freeing people from their bondage of despair. Take on that freedom in your heart. Celebrate God’s gift of life for you. Be really happy!
Pause and Consider: how fleeting happiness is when you rely on worldly possessions and relationships. Focus your happiness on God’s gifts to you.
Read Isaiah 60 - 64
Isa 61:10: Let me tell you how happy God has made me! For he has clothed made with garments of salvation and draped about me the robe of righteousness.
ARE YOU happy today? Your immediate response to the question is to likely stop a minute and think about what is happening in your life. You might measure the good things in your life against the things that aren’t so good and then make a decision on how to answer. Hopefully, the good outweighs the bad, and you answer, “Yes, I’m happy.” Or you might answer, “Mostly.” Or “A little.” Or even, “No. How could I be happy? Nothing is ever good for me.”
Look, then, and see the Scripture. What is happiness? It is being clothed in salvation. Happiness is being draped with the robe of righteousness. In other words, Isaiah expresses his happiness from a deep-down knowing that God has saved him and guided him to the right ways of living. Isaiah’s happiness is founded in the true happiness that comes from recognizing that God’s ways are true ways given to care for you now and for eternity.
Isaiah 61 is a great chapter of celebration. God is bringing salvation, freeing people from their bondage of despair. Take on that freedom in your heart. Celebrate God’s gift of life for you. Be really happy!
Pause and Consider: how fleeting happiness is when you rely on worldly possessions and relationships. Focus your happiness on God’s gifts to you.
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