September 5
Share and See
Read Mark 4 - 5
Mark 4:30-32 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”
JESUS teaches how little things become huge. Nothing is smaller than a mustard seed. Yet it grows to care for many animals. In a like manner, Jesus love starts with a word, and nurtured in tenderness and care, it covers the world.
In all places we go each day and in many ways, Jesus Christ wants us to share his love with the world. Trust that when you share Jesus’ forgiving love, the seeds of your compassion will grow.
Yes, as you tell of Jesus, his wonderful love will grow in hearts to spread spiritual shelter and nourishment over those who are ill. His love you share will comfort pain and ease loneliness. His love you share will grow your own love bigger and bigger to spread his tenderness into new places. His love you share will enrich lives forever.
Be alert and prepared for the opportunities that God brings to you to let others know of Jesus’ love. Go ahead. Try it out. Tell someone today that Jesus loves them. Tell them from your heart, and they will feel their Lord’s heart. Oh, what a precious gift to give!
Pause and Consider: how you feel when you are certain someone loves you. Feel the certainty of that love from Jesus.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
September 4, 2011 Change the World
September 4
Change the World
Read Mark 1 - 3
Mark 1:19-20 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
I AM always amazed at this moment. When I see a portrait of Jesus calling these men who are standing at their boats, with nets around them, I think: What a profound crazy moment in their lives. Did they have any idea what they were getting into?
I’m sure they didn’t know what lay ahead of them. They had no idea this man beckoning them was the Son of God. They could not conceive he would die a horrible death. Even worse, they could not possibly see that they would die horrible deaths for this man saying, “Follow me.”
So without any concept of the radical change their lives were to undergo, they did something enormously radical. They dropped what they were doing. They left a good family business. They took an unbelievable economic risk to go with an unemployed, unsupported, wandering rabbi who said, “Follow me.”
The disciples had much to learn. But one thing they had at that moment was a quickening, an enlivening fire from the Holy Spirit. The Son of God beckoned. The Spirit of God enlivened. These young men took the first steps that would change the world.
Pause and Consider: You know a good deal more about Jesus than they did. Are you ready to trust him to take new steps to change the world with him?
Change the World
Read Mark 1 - 3
Mark 1:19-20 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
I AM always amazed at this moment. When I see a portrait of Jesus calling these men who are standing at their boats, with nets around them, I think: What a profound crazy moment in their lives. Did they have any idea what they were getting into?
I’m sure they didn’t know what lay ahead of them. They had no idea this man beckoning them was the Son of God. They could not conceive he would die a horrible death. Even worse, they could not possibly see that they would die horrible deaths for this man saying, “Follow me.”
So without any concept of the radical change their lives were to undergo, they did something enormously radical. They dropped what they were doing. They left a good family business. They took an unbelievable economic risk to go with an unemployed, unsupported, wandering rabbi who said, “Follow me.”
The disciples had much to learn. But one thing they had at that moment was a quickening, an enlivening fire from the Holy Spirit. The Son of God beckoned. The Spirit of God enlivened. These young men took the first steps that would change the world.
Pause and Consider: You know a good deal more about Jesus than they did. Are you ready to trust him to take new steps to change the world with him?
September 3, 2011 Broken and Bleeding Body
September 3
Broken and Bleeding Body
Read Matthew 26 - 28
Matt 26:27-28 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
HERE ARE the precious words of Jesus just before his own people crucified him. He knows he is about to go to an excruciating death. Yet, he gives us this profound communion with him—he gives himself.
“This is my body.” “This is my blood.” What more can our Savior give us to symbolize his complete devotion to the Father’s will to be our Savior? He gives us symbols that are before us each time we eat and drink. The bread at our table, the wine or juice or any other drink—these are constant reminders that Jesus died for us.
Jesus did give himself. He did give up his body and blood on the cross. And even more fully he has sent his Spirit to empower us with the truth of his saving sacrifice.
When you eat today, stop and give thanks to Jesus. Be in communion with him—be together with him. Remember that your food and drink are for your physical life, and these items symbolize your spiritual life in him.
You can trust your Lord who allowed his body to be broken and his blood to be shed for you.
Pause and Consider: how Jesus’ brokenness opens the way to your completeness.
Broken and Bleeding Body
Read Matthew 26 - 28
Matt 26:27-28 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
HERE ARE the precious words of Jesus just before his own people crucified him. He knows he is about to go to an excruciating death. Yet, he gives us this profound communion with him—he gives himself.
“This is my body.” “This is my blood.” What more can our Savior give us to symbolize his complete devotion to the Father’s will to be our Savior? He gives us symbols that are before us each time we eat and drink. The bread at our table, the wine or juice or any other drink—these are constant reminders that Jesus died for us.
Jesus did give himself. He did give up his body and blood on the cross. And even more fully he has sent his Spirit to empower us with the truth of his saving sacrifice.
When you eat today, stop and give thanks to Jesus. Be in communion with him—be together with him. Remember that your food and drink are for your physical life, and these items symbolize your spiritual life in him.
You can trust your Lord who allowed his body to be broken and his blood to be shed for you.
Pause and Consider: how Jesus’ brokenness opens the way to your completeness.
September 2, 2011 Love and Faith
September 2
Love and Faith
Read Matthew 24 - 25
Matt 24:44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
&
Matt 24:45-46 Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.
&
Mt 25:34-36 Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
HOW DO we prepare for our meeting with the Lord Jesus? Whether we see him come in the air, or we die and meet him in heaven, we will meet him, and we must be prepared.
We are fully prepared when we express our faith in him. And this is more than words, saying a prayer, “Lord be my Savior.”
When you have “Jesus in your heart” your faith is a faith in action, obeying his words, showing his love to those around you. Scripture is clear your faith is to be a love response to your Lord’s saving love. Love Jesus and faithfully serve him as he leads you.
Pause and Consider: do you know for sure that you are going to be with God in Heaven?
Love and Faith
Read Matthew 24 - 25
Matt 24:44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
&
Matt 24:45-46 Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.
&
Mt 25:34-36 Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
HOW DO we prepare for our meeting with the Lord Jesus? Whether we see him come in the air, or we die and meet him in heaven, we will meet him, and we must be prepared.
We are fully prepared when we express our faith in him. And this is more than words, saying a prayer, “Lord be my Savior.”
When you have “Jesus in your heart” your faith is a faith in action, obeying his words, showing his love to those around you. Scripture is clear your faith is to be a love response to your Lord’s saving love. Love Jesus and faithfully serve him as he leads you.
Pause and Consider: do you know for sure that you are going to be with God in Heaven?
September 1, 2011 Is the Dorr Open?
September 1
Is the Door Open?
Matthew 22 - 23
Matthew 23:13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.”
JESUS lays it out very directly to the Pharisees. He doesn’t like the way they act. He doesn’t like what they say. They do not show God truly to the people they lead. They delight in their appearance and importance. They are men of “themselves”, not men of God. Their actions, in effect, shut the door to the Kingdom of Heaven.
We easily condemn the Pharisees, too. But let’s consider, “How might I shut the Kingdom door?” Perhaps I don’t love people as God does. Or perhaps I’m too willing to let people stay in their sin. Or perhaps I flaunt my salvation, proudly saying, “I’m saved!” and do not offer the Gospel to people who haven’t heard it.
God will have his way, and he will bring into his kingdom whomever he chooses. Make no mistake.
But be joyful that your Lord Jesus invites you to join him in that work. It is a joy to work with God, to introduce people to his love, to see lives change, to open the Kingdom door and to watch people come through the Kingdom door.
What might you be doing to open the Kingdom door? Seek the Lord’s counsel in his Word. Listen to his teachings. Step forward in faith. Swing wide open the door of life!
Pause and Consider: how good it feels when someone opens a door for you.
Is the Door Open?
Matthew 22 - 23
Matthew 23:13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.”
JESUS lays it out very directly to the Pharisees. He doesn’t like the way they act. He doesn’t like what they say. They do not show God truly to the people they lead. They delight in their appearance and importance. They are men of “themselves”, not men of God. Their actions, in effect, shut the door to the Kingdom of Heaven.
We easily condemn the Pharisees, too. But let’s consider, “How might I shut the Kingdom door?” Perhaps I don’t love people as God does. Or perhaps I’m too willing to let people stay in their sin. Or perhaps I flaunt my salvation, proudly saying, “I’m saved!” and do not offer the Gospel to people who haven’t heard it.
God will have his way, and he will bring into his kingdom whomever he chooses. Make no mistake.
But be joyful that your Lord Jesus invites you to join him in that work. It is a joy to work with God, to introduce people to his love, to see lives change, to open the Kingdom door and to watch people come through the Kingdom door.
What might you be doing to open the Kingdom door? Seek the Lord’s counsel in his Word. Listen to his teachings. Step forward in faith. Swing wide open the door of life!
Pause and Consider: how good it feels when someone opens a door for you.
August 31, 2011 A Disciplined Life
August 31
A Disciplined Life
Read Matthew 20 – 21
Matthew 21:6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.
THE TASK described here is a very simple one—Jesus had instructed his disciples to get a donkey to prepare for his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The task is small, but it defines the life of a disciple: working with Jesus to bring glory to his name.
Can we be like the disciples—to do as Jesus instructs us? We can. But we must do something very dramatic. We must turn our lives over to Jesus’ discipline.
The 12 gave up their way of life, their past thoughts and past activities to come under their Master’s discipline.
Yes, they struggled and often missed what he wanted from them. They argued about what he was teaching. One betrayed him, one denied him, and others hid during Jesus’ trial. No one spoke for him to give evidence he is the Son of God.
It wasn’t until Jesus’ resurrection that they truly understood who he is. In this understanding they were truly ready to live as disciples, disciplined in the truth, the way and the life of the Master.
When you fully recognize the power of Jesus’ resurrection, understand that he lived, suffered and died and rose again for your own salvation and eternal life, you will be prepared to be his disciple. Live in joy, disciplined to the Master’s way.
Pause and Consider: how important discipline is to guide you on your walk with Jesus.
A Disciplined Life
Read Matthew 20 – 21
Matthew 21:6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.
THE TASK described here is a very simple one—Jesus had instructed his disciples to get a donkey to prepare for his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The task is small, but it defines the life of a disciple: working with Jesus to bring glory to his name.
Can we be like the disciples—to do as Jesus instructs us? We can. But we must do something very dramatic. We must turn our lives over to Jesus’ discipline.
The 12 gave up their way of life, their past thoughts and past activities to come under their Master’s discipline.
Yes, they struggled and often missed what he wanted from them. They argued about what he was teaching. One betrayed him, one denied him, and others hid during Jesus’ trial. No one spoke for him to give evidence he is the Son of God.
It wasn’t until Jesus’ resurrection that they truly understood who he is. In this understanding they were truly ready to live as disciples, disciplined in the truth, the way and the life of the Master.
When you fully recognize the power of Jesus’ resurrection, understand that he lived, suffered and died and rose again for your own salvation and eternal life, you will be prepared to be his disciple. Live in joy, disciplined to the Master’s way.
Pause and Consider: how important discipline is to guide you on your walk with Jesus.
August 30, 2011 God Bless Your Marriage
God Bless Your Marriage
Read Matthew 17 - 19
Matthew 19:4-6 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”
MARRIAGE in our society is being assaulted from all directions. Couples move in and out of the marital relationship as if they are buying and trading cars. Same-sex “marriages” are being legalized or permitted. And many choose to “live together” preferring to keep their options open in the event troubles arise.
Here, Jesus quotes the very institution of marriage from Genesis when God joined Adam and Eve. Marriage is a sacred promise from God to join man and woman. Marriage is no trivial matter. There is honor and glory for God in a successful marriage relationship. Two becoming as one is a profound and spiritual event.
Jesus wants the best for us. God has given the human race a remarkable relationship—two becoming one through him. It is a relationship worth holding on to.
Do you want your marriage to be better? I pray you and your spouse work at getting closer to God.
Be in union with God. The closer each of you is to God, the closer you will unite with each other.
Pause and Consider: that praying for and with your spouse draws you closer to Jesus and closer to your spouse.
Read Matthew 17 - 19
Matthew 19:4-6 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”
MARRIAGE in our society is being assaulted from all directions. Couples move in and out of the marital relationship as if they are buying and trading cars. Same-sex “marriages” are being legalized or permitted. And many choose to “live together” preferring to keep their options open in the event troubles arise.
Here, Jesus quotes the very institution of marriage from Genesis when God joined Adam and Eve. Marriage is a sacred promise from God to join man and woman. Marriage is no trivial matter. There is honor and glory for God in a successful marriage relationship. Two becoming as one is a profound and spiritual event.
Jesus wants the best for us. God has given the human race a remarkable relationship—two becoming one through him. It is a relationship worth holding on to.
Do you want your marriage to be better? I pray you and your spouse work at getting closer to God.
Be in union with God. The closer each of you is to God, the closer you will unite with each other.
Pause and Consider: that praying for and with your spouse draws you closer to Jesus and closer to your spouse.
August 29, 2011 Offensive Truth
August 29
Offensive Truth
Read Matthew 15 - 16
Matt 15:12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”
WHEN you told someone, “Jesus loves you.” Or you said, “Have faith in Jesus, and you will be saved.” and they were offended, don’t feel badly. Jesus offended someone everytime he opened his mouth. In fact, people tried to kill him more than once as he preached and taught the Good News.
How could the Son of God, the Good Shepherd, the Way, the Truth, and the Light of the World offend anyone?
The sinner is offended when his sin is exposed. You know the feeling. Your brother pointed at you and said, “You took the extra cookie.” And you were mad at him for telling the truth. You wanted your sin to stay hidden. You were wrong. Yet your anger was directed at the truth teller.
That’s what happened to Jesus. The truth became such a hateful burden to the authorities, they killed him. They preferred to hide in their sin than to repent and be saved.
If you tell someone the Gospel truth, and he is offended, please don’t feel badly. Feel good you are modeling your Savior—and you are loving that person. It’s not about you saving anyone. It’s about you telling the truth to those who need to know. Yes, tell the Gospel truth and trust the Holy Spirit to change that person’s life.
Pause and Consider: that telling, “Jesus saves.” Is the greatest act of love you will do.
Offensive Truth
Read Matthew 15 - 16
Matt 15:12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”
WHEN you told someone, “Jesus loves you.” Or you said, “Have faith in Jesus, and you will be saved.” and they were offended, don’t feel badly. Jesus offended someone everytime he opened his mouth. In fact, people tried to kill him more than once as he preached and taught the Good News.
How could the Son of God, the Good Shepherd, the Way, the Truth, and the Light of the World offend anyone?
The sinner is offended when his sin is exposed. You know the feeling. Your brother pointed at you and said, “You took the extra cookie.” And you were mad at him for telling the truth. You wanted your sin to stay hidden. You were wrong. Yet your anger was directed at the truth teller.
That’s what happened to Jesus. The truth became such a hateful burden to the authorities, they killed him. They preferred to hide in their sin than to repent and be saved.
If you tell someone the Gospel truth, and he is offended, please don’t feel badly. Feel good you are modeling your Savior—and you are loving that person. It’s not about you saving anyone. It’s about you telling the truth to those who need to know. Yes, tell the Gospel truth and trust the Holy Spirit to change that person’s life.
Pause and Consider: that telling, “Jesus saves.” Is the greatest act of love you will do.
August 28, 2011 Judgment is Real
August 28
Judgment is Real
Matthew 13 - 14
Matthew 13:40-43 As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
IS THERE any doubt Jesus will judge at the end of time? Look to these verses and be confident that indeed he will. Is this a harsh thing to know?
The truth is often hard to take. To absorb into our minds the knowledge that there is a day of God’s ultimate judgment is difficult for us. We deny finality. We always want one more chance.
Many also deny the judgment, thinking God is so loving he’ll just open the door and let everyone in, regardless of their lack of faith or lifestyle. Others think there is no judgment at all because there is no life beyond here.
These denials will only lead to the eternal horror of hell. Jesus clearly talks about evil and the devil in Chapter 13. He knows their realities. He knows the reality of judgment. He knows the promise of salvation.
He has come to earth to warn and to promise. We must trust his truths of judgment and salvation to the point it is a message we carry to the world in everything we say and do.
Show Jesus’ salvation to those in your lives. Prepare people for the judgment.
Pause and Consider: how you would respond today standing before Jesus, the Judge.
Judgment is Real
Matthew 13 - 14
Matthew 13:40-43 As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
IS THERE any doubt Jesus will judge at the end of time? Look to these verses and be confident that indeed he will. Is this a harsh thing to know?
The truth is often hard to take. To absorb into our minds the knowledge that there is a day of God’s ultimate judgment is difficult for us. We deny finality. We always want one more chance.
Many also deny the judgment, thinking God is so loving he’ll just open the door and let everyone in, regardless of their lack of faith or lifestyle. Others think there is no judgment at all because there is no life beyond here.
These denials will only lead to the eternal horror of hell. Jesus clearly talks about evil and the devil in Chapter 13. He knows their realities. He knows the reality of judgment. He knows the promise of salvation.
He has come to earth to warn and to promise. We must trust his truths of judgment and salvation to the point it is a message we carry to the world in everything we say and do.
Show Jesus’ salvation to those in your lives. Prepare people for the judgment.
Pause and Consider: how you would respond today standing before Jesus, the Judge.
Friday, August 26, 2011
August 27, 2011 A Good Rest
A Good Rest
Read Matthew 11 - 12
Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.”
REST is a difficult thing for many to find. Besieged by demands from children, spouses, bosses, neighbors, and yes, even the church, we live and react to a world that is often demanding and unrelenting. We even strive to be busy, so we can proclaim with pride, “I’m so busy. So much to do.”
To what end are we “busy”? Is it to satisfy our own desires? Or is it even to avoid Jesus? Too busy to pray, too busy to care, too busy to love, too busy to go to church, to busy to…
Jesus wants us to slow down, focus on him and receive his rest. Rest in him. Take time to be with him in his Word. Listen to some music that praises his name. Enjoy reading a good positive book. Spend time with your family doing fun stuff.
Rest this way, and you’ll be amazed at the peace that comes to your heart. When you rest in Jesus, you will receive strength to deal with strife.
Rest in Jesus. Trust him for his sufficient grace and his abundant life. As a good night’s sleep without interruption, experiencing Jesus’ rest is invigorating and renewing.
Thank you, Jesus for being our source of rest.
Pause and Consider: God gave us a day to rest.
Read Matthew 11 - 12
Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.”
REST is a difficult thing for many to find. Besieged by demands from children, spouses, bosses, neighbors, and yes, even the church, we live and react to a world that is often demanding and unrelenting. We even strive to be busy, so we can proclaim with pride, “I’m so busy. So much to do.”
To what end are we “busy”? Is it to satisfy our own desires? Or is it even to avoid Jesus? Too busy to pray, too busy to care, too busy to love, too busy to go to church, to busy to…
Jesus wants us to slow down, focus on him and receive his rest. Rest in him. Take time to be with him in his Word. Listen to some music that praises his name. Enjoy reading a good positive book. Spend time with your family doing fun stuff.
Rest this way, and you’ll be amazed at the peace that comes to your heart. When you rest in Jesus, you will receive strength to deal with strife.
Rest in Jesus. Trust him for his sufficient grace and his abundant life. As a good night’s sleep without interruption, experiencing Jesus’ rest is invigorating and renewing.
Thank you, Jesus for being our source of rest.
Pause and Consider: God gave us a day to rest.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
August 26, 2011 Lord, Healer, Savior
Lord, Healer, Savior
Read Matthew 8 – 10
Matthew 9:2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
MANY TIMES I have read this verse, and many times I have equated the man’s paralysis with sin, thinking that his disease was the result of sin in his life. On this reading, I see it differently.
The part I’ve missed before is “When Jesus saw their faith.” That’s what God wants to see when he looks at you and me. Our faith is his primary concern, his main desire, his ultimate possibility for us. He wants us to have faith in him as LORD over all things—over sickness and despair, over poverty and depression, over our enemies and especially over death.
You see, that’s why Jesus could forgive the man’s sin. He saw the paralytic’s faith. He knew the man was sick physically, and he also knew the man was imperfect spiritually. Jesus knew the man as a sinner.
He also knew him as his child. The man was his creation. So Jesus brought salvation to this broken man. There are at least 3 miracles here: God came to earth; God forgives sins; and God made a broken body whole again.
Where is your faith today? Do you trust Jesus as Lord, as healer, as Savior? Is your spirit broken? He’ll heal you. Is your body ill? His healing is available to you. Is sin holding you hostage? He will forgive and free you.
Go in faith to your Lord, healer and Savior.
Pause and Consider: how completely Jesus offers himself to you.
Read Matthew 8 – 10
Matthew 9:2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
MANY TIMES I have read this verse, and many times I have equated the man’s paralysis with sin, thinking that his disease was the result of sin in his life. On this reading, I see it differently.
The part I’ve missed before is “When Jesus saw their faith.” That’s what God wants to see when he looks at you and me. Our faith is his primary concern, his main desire, his ultimate possibility for us. He wants us to have faith in him as LORD over all things—over sickness and despair, over poverty and depression, over our enemies and especially over death.
You see, that’s why Jesus could forgive the man’s sin. He saw the paralytic’s faith. He knew the man was sick physically, and he also knew the man was imperfect spiritually. Jesus knew the man as a sinner.
He also knew him as his child. The man was his creation. So Jesus brought salvation to this broken man. There are at least 3 miracles here: God came to earth; God forgives sins; and God made a broken body whole again.
Where is your faith today? Do you trust Jesus as Lord, as healer, as Savior? Is your spirit broken? He’ll heal you. Is your body ill? His healing is available to you. Is sin holding you hostage? He will forgive and free you.
Go in faith to your Lord, healer and Savior.
Pause and Consider: how completely Jesus offers himself to you.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
August 25, 2011 Do His Love
Do His Love
Read Matthew 7
Matt 7:24-27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
PUT JESUS’ words into practice. What “words of mine” is Jesus talking about?
He has just given us a sermon—the Sermon on the Mount we call it. His message is about trusting God and his Kingdom with totally new thinking for that day. Jesus talks about devoted marital relationships, being generous, not judging but loving, trusting God, worshiping God in quiet time and “much more”.
Now he has one more point to make: Do these words. I always like to say, “Do his Love.” Jesus coming to earth is God doing his love over us.
Now he wants us to respond to his love action and put his love teachings into practice. Doing God’s love brings bounty to our lives. Responding to God’s love casts deep roots into our relationship with him. We receive life-giving nourishment from God’s eternal love to love others for him. When you do his love, you change forever. When you do his love, you will change others’ lives forever.
Pause and Consider: how you will do God’s love today.
Read Matthew 7
Matt 7:24-27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
PUT JESUS’ words into practice. What “words of mine” is Jesus talking about?
He has just given us a sermon—the Sermon on the Mount we call it. His message is about trusting God and his Kingdom with totally new thinking for that day. Jesus talks about devoted marital relationships, being generous, not judging but loving, trusting God, worshiping God in quiet time and “much more”.
Now he has one more point to make: Do these words. I always like to say, “Do his Love.” Jesus coming to earth is God doing his love over us.
Now he wants us to respond to his love action and put his love teachings into practice. Doing God’s love brings bounty to our lives. Responding to God’s love casts deep roots into our relationship with him. We receive life-giving nourishment from God’s eternal love to love others for him. When you do his love, you change forever. When you do his love, you will change others’ lives forever.
Pause and Consider: how you will do God’s love today.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
August 24, 2011 Kingdom Gift
Kingdom Gift
Read Matthew 5-6
Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.”
GOD IS ready to give you access to the Kingdom of Heaven. Are you ready to receive it? You don’t have to wait for heaven. It’s for you right now. How do we receive this eternal gift into our temporary life?
What does it take to receive any gift? We must be ready to receive it. Isn’t it fun to get up on your birthday and know your loved ones have a surprise prepared for you? Isn’t it fun to receive it and be blessed in the love it brings to you?
In this short statement, Jesus offers you everything because he knows that without him we really have nothing. Jesus knows your life has its “troubles each day” (6:34). So Jesus lovingly offers you his blessing to help you know how to avoid trouble and how to deal with life.
See, for example, in today’s scripture how Jesus teaches you Kingdom ways to pray, fast, think, speak and act. Then see the reward for being open to these ways as you pray: your will be done on earth as it is in heaven as it is in heaven Matt. 6:10.
Living in the Father’s will, you receive the favor of his spiritual wealth over you now. That wealth gives you the richness to be delivered from the evil One (6:10), safe in the Kingdom ways, trusting God’s will each day.
Open yourself to Jesus’ life-giving ways. Jesus is eager to give to you a touch of heaven on earth each day of your life. Oh, what a King!
Pause and Consider: ways Jesus offers to you a touch of heaven today.
Read Matthew 5-6
Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.”
GOD IS ready to give you access to the Kingdom of Heaven. Are you ready to receive it? You don’t have to wait for heaven. It’s for you right now. How do we receive this eternal gift into our temporary life?
What does it take to receive any gift? We must be ready to receive it. Isn’t it fun to get up on your birthday and know your loved ones have a surprise prepared for you? Isn’t it fun to receive it and be blessed in the love it brings to you?
In this short statement, Jesus offers you everything because he knows that without him we really have nothing. Jesus knows your life has its “troubles each day” (6:34). So Jesus lovingly offers you his blessing to help you know how to avoid trouble and how to deal with life.
See, for example, in today’s scripture how Jesus teaches you Kingdom ways to pray, fast, think, speak and act. Then see the reward for being open to these ways as you pray: your will be done on earth as it is in heaven as it is in heaven Matt. 6:10.
Living in the Father’s will, you receive the favor of his spiritual wealth over you now. That wealth gives you the richness to be delivered from the evil One (6:10), safe in the Kingdom ways, trusting God’s will each day.
Open yourself to Jesus’ life-giving ways. Jesus is eager to give to you a touch of heaven on earth each day of your life. Oh, what a King!
Pause and Consider: ways Jesus offers to you a touch of heaven today.
Monday, August 22, 2011
August 23, 2011 Delicious Fruit
Delicious Fruit
Read Matthew 3 – 4
Matthew 3:8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
YOU purchased a really good piece of fruit at the store this morning. You took it home, ate it and said, “I need to tell my friends how good this is!”
So you got on the phone, Facebook and email to tell your favorite people, “Get to the store. The fruit is wonderful!”
One of Scripture’s consistent images shows us the work in God’s kingdom is a fruit-producing enterprise. Jesus’ parables regarding workers in vineyards, the fruits of the Spirit, and first-fruits of the ground offered to God are some of the ways God helps us understand fruitful kingdom work.
This teaching and preaching in our verse today comes from John the Baptist to the Pharisees and Sadducees around him. Here is the “unlearned”, locust-eating, camel hair coat-wearing, desert-dwelling kingdom worker preaching to the educated teachers of the day.
He tells them to respond to the coming Kingdom. He commands them to get busy and produce fruit for the Kingdom. He knows they will be held accountable because they have been given much knowledge. They must make use of their fruit—the knowledge of God—to help people come to repentance.
What are you doing with your knowledge of God? One of the things about fruit—it spoils if you let it sit. Eat of the wonderful Spiritual fruit God has given to you. And wouldn’t it be good to tell everyone you know, “God is wonderful!”
Pause and Consider: how God has “grown you” to be fruit for him.
Read Matthew 3 – 4
Matthew 3:8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
YOU purchased a really good piece of fruit at the store this morning. You took it home, ate it and said, “I need to tell my friends how good this is!”
So you got on the phone, Facebook and email to tell your favorite people, “Get to the store. The fruit is wonderful!”
One of Scripture’s consistent images shows us the work in God’s kingdom is a fruit-producing enterprise. Jesus’ parables regarding workers in vineyards, the fruits of the Spirit, and first-fruits of the ground offered to God are some of the ways God helps us understand fruitful kingdom work.
This teaching and preaching in our verse today comes from John the Baptist to the Pharisees and Sadducees around him. Here is the “unlearned”, locust-eating, camel hair coat-wearing, desert-dwelling kingdom worker preaching to the educated teachers of the day.
He tells them to respond to the coming Kingdom. He commands them to get busy and produce fruit for the Kingdom. He knows they will be held accountable because they have been given much knowledge. They must make use of their fruit—the knowledge of God—to help people come to repentance.
What are you doing with your knowledge of God? One of the things about fruit—it spoils if you let it sit. Eat of the wonderful Spiritual fruit God has given to you. And wouldn’t it be good to tell everyone you know, “God is wonderful!”
Pause and Consider: how God has “grown you” to be fruit for him.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
August 21, 2011 Treasured Possession
August 21
Treasured Possession
Malachi 3-4
Mal 3:17-18 “They will be mine,” says the LORD Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. 18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”
AT THE END of the Old Testament readings, you could call this Scripture a good summary of the history of mankind to this point.
From the Garden of Eden through the Great Flood, God’s calling of Abraham, the Egypt Exodus, the establishing of God’s people in the Promised Land, the developing power of Israel, Israel’s exile into Babylon, and God’s restoration of his people to their homeland, it is clear. There is a
“distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”
Those who have been wicked, living lives in disobedience to God have been cast aside. God has judged them and turned his face from them.
Those who have been righteous, living lives in obedience to God have been welcomed into his presence. He has honored them with his blessing of his presence.
As you continue to read and enter into the New Testament, you will see God come to earth and in his Son, Jesus Christ, he will call his people to righteous living.
That call continues today. God’s Word is his call to you to turn from wickedness to righteousness. You might say, “I’m not wicked. I’m a good person.” But God’s Word tells you that any sin of any size is wickedness and “There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Rom 3:10)
The only way you become righteous is by God’s grace of salvation poured out to you. Give thanks to God he offers this to you. Turn to him in faith. Confess your sins. Accept Jesus as Lord. Live a righteous life. You will be his treasured possession.
Pause and Consider: What’s stopping you?
Treasured Possession
Malachi 3-4
Mal 3:17-18 “They will be mine,” says the LORD Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. 18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”
AT THE END of the Old Testament readings, you could call this Scripture a good summary of the history of mankind to this point.
From the Garden of Eden through the Great Flood, God’s calling of Abraham, the Egypt Exodus, the establishing of God’s people in the Promised Land, the developing power of Israel, Israel’s exile into Babylon, and God’s restoration of his people to their homeland, it is clear. There is a
“distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”
Those who have been wicked, living lives in disobedience to God have been cast aside. God has judged them and turned his face from them.
Those who have been righteous, living lives in obedience to God have been welcomed into his presence. He has honored them with his blessing of his presence.
As you continue to read and enter into the New Testament, you will see God come to earth and in his Son, Jesus Christ, he will call his people to righteous living.
That call continues today. God’s Word is his call to you to turn from wickedness to righteousness. You might say, “I’m not wicked. I’m a good person.” But God’s Word tells you that any sin of any size is wickedness and “There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Rom 3:10)
The only way you become righteous is by God’s grace of salvation poured out to you. Give thanks to God he offers this to you. Turn to him in faith. Confess your sins. Accept Jesus as Lord. Live a righteous life. You will be his treasured possession.
Pause and Consider: What’s stopping you?
Friday, August 19, 2011
August 20, 2011 Get Real
Get Real
Read Malachi 1- 2
Mal 2:17 You have wearied the LORD with your words. “How have we wearied him?” you ask.
I LEFT off the last half of this verse because I want you to stop and consider the answer.
In what way might you have wearied the LORD with your words? Have you vainly spoken his name? “Oh, my _____!” is a common, vain phrase today. Have you prayed for forgiveness with empty words, knowing you’ll sin in the same way again? Have you promised him you’d be more faithful to him but not changed your ways?
Have you promised someone you’d care for them but left them waiting? Perhaps a shut-in or aged parent awaits your visit, but you call and say, “I’m too busy right now.”
Perhaps you sing, “I love you, Lord.” and you go to the bar and stare at the women. Perhaps you judge another for a sin you often commit.
The Hebrews needed to put God’s words on their heart and live in the fullness of his words. They needed to stop justifying their sin.
So do we.
Pause and Consider: why you may feel so weary today. Does something need to change in your life?
Read Malachi 1- 2
Mal 2:17 You have wearied the LORD with your words. “How have we wearied him?” you ask.
I LEFT off the last half of this verse because I want you to stop and consider the answer.
In what way might you have wearied the LORD with your words? Have you vainly spoken his name? “Oh, my _____!” is a common, vain phrase today. Have you prayed for forgiveness with empty words, knowing you’ll sin in the same way again? Have you promised him you’d be more faithful to him but not changed your ways?
Have you promised someone you’d care for them but left them waiting? Perhaps a shut-in or aged parent awaits your visit, but you call and say, “I’m too busy right now.”
Perhaps you sing, “I love you, Lord.” and you go to the bar and stare at the women. Perhaps you judge another for a sin you often commit.
The Hebrews needed to put God’s words on their heart and live in the fullness of his words. They needed to stop justifying their sin.
So do we.
Pause and Consider: why you may feel so weary today. Does something need to change in your life?
August 19, 2011 Thirsty No More
Thirsty No More
Read Zechariah 13-14
Zech 14:8 On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea, in summer and in winter.
ONE of the many reasons to read the “Old Testament” (besides the fact it is the Word of God) is to more deeply understand the imagery Jesus uses to identify himself to his people.
We have touched on his use of “Son of Man” in Ezekiel and Daniel. Now notice the phrase “living water”. This is a picture of the eternal peace and joy that will come to the new Jerusalem, which is the Church (Rev 21). The image of living water here is one of eternal peace and life in the power of the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus said in John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” The people knew he was speaking of this imagery of the eternal life and peace prophesied here and elsewhere in the prophets (see Ezekiel 47 & Jeremiah 17).
Jesus does not speak in mere words. He speaks in the eternal truths of the eternal God, author of Scripture and of our lives.
Who is the source of the Living Water? The Father, the Son and the Spirit flow into your life when you trust your God. Is your soul dry? Are you thirsty for peace and joy? Would you like to rest in the hope and love of a Savior whose living water is ever-flowing?
Drink of the Living Water of your Living God from the Living Word, and be eternally satisfied.
Pause and Consider: how Jesus promises to continually fill you with him.
Read Zechariah 13-14
Zech 14:8 On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea, in summer and in winter.
ONE of the many reasons to read the “Old Testament” (besides the fact it is the Word of God) is to more deeply understand the imagery Jesus uses to identify himself to his people.
We have touched on his use of “Son of Man” in Ezekiel and Daniel. Now notice the phrase “living water”. This is a picture of the eternal peace and joy that will come to the new Jerusalem, which is the Church (Rev 21). The image of living water here is one of eternal peace and life in the power of the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus said in John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” The people knew he was speaking of this imagery of the eternal life and peace prophesied here and elsewhere in the prophets (see Ezekiel 47 & Jeremiah 17).
Jesus does not speak in mere words. He speaks in the eternal truths of the eternal God, author of Scripture and of our lives.
Who is the source of the Living Water? The Father, the Son and the Spirit flow into your life when you trust your God. Is your soul dry? Are you thirsty for peace and joy? Would you like to rest in the hope and love of a Savior whose living water is ever-flowing?
Drink of the Living Water of your Living God from the Living Word, and be eternally satisfied.
Pause and Consider: how Jesus promises to continually fill you with him.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
August 18, 2011 Follow and Lead
Follow and Lead
Read Zechariah 10 – 12
Zech 10:3 Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
BE A LEADER for Jesus. The world desperately needs you. God calls you to lead people to him. We must take the leadership mantle to be a shepherd to a lost world.
I implore and encourage you to stand up, to take the staff of salvation and lead. I think one of the reasons the church is shrinking in many places in America is that its people leave the leadership mantle to “someone else”. We have been given the Gift of Salvation and eternal life. But we wander in our salvation because we negate our shepherding responsibility.
Regardless of who you are in the church or in the culture, if Jesus is your Lord, you are appointed as a shepherd to some. It may be your household, your workplace, or your friendships.
You are saved today because men and women through the centuries took the mantle of leadership because it is a life and death matter.
People need to know Jesus. They need to come out of their wintering desert into the green pastures of life in Christ.
Follow your Great Shepherd and lead people to him.
Pause and Consider: where God is inviting you to be a leader.
Read Zechariah 10 – 12
Zech 10:3 Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
BE A LEADER for Jesus. The world desperately needs you. God calls you to lead people to him. We must take the leadership mantle to be a shepherd to a lost world.
I implore and encourage you to stand up, to take the staff of salvation and lead. I think one of the reasons the church is shrinking in many places in America is that its people leave the leadership mantle to “someone else”. We have been given the Gift of Salvation and eternal life. But we wander in our salvation because we negate our shepherding responsibility.
Regardless of who you are in the church or in the culture, if Jesus is your Lord, you are appointed as a shepherd to some. It may be your household, your workplace, or your friendships.
You are saved today because men and women through the centuries took the mantle of leadership because it is a life and death matter.
People need to know Jesus. They need to come out of their wintering desert into the green pastures of life in Christ.
Follow your Great Shepherd and lead people to him.
Pause and Consider: where God is inviting you to be a leader.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
August 17, 2011 Jesus' Instrument of Love
Jesus’ Instrument of Love
Read Zechariah 4 - 9
Zechariah 8:20-23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, 21 and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going.’ 22 And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him.” 23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’”
THE REASON I love the book of Zechariah so much is the ways God demonstrates his compassion and shows how he will restore his people. And not only will he restore them, he will bring many more to join his people. God will cause those who do not know him to seek after his people and to follow them as they go to the LORD.
Today, those who have faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior (I hope you are one!) are the “Jews”. This is a literal and figurative term for God’s people.
Those who are saved are of God’s Kingdom. We are his people, and Zechariah’s prophecy is an assurance that God will cause many to follow us. His Holy Spirit will move through the land, and people will seek the LORD.
When they seek God, will you be there to help them? Will you be one who is ready to lead them to Jesus? Will you be one who will demonstrate to them God’s grace and salvation? Will you be one who is ready to be Jesus’ instrument of love in his eternal saving purpose?
Pause and Consider: will you?
Read Zechariah 4 - 9
Zechariah 8:20-23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, 21 and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going.’ 22 And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him.” 23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’”
THE REASON I love the book of Zechariah so much is the ways God demonstrates his compassion and shows how he will restore his people. And not only will he restore them, he will bring many more to join his people. God will cause those who do not know him to seek after his people and to follow them as they go to the LORD.
Today, those who have faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior (I hope you are one!) are the “Jews”. This is a literal and figurative term for God’s people.
Those who are saved are of God’s Kingdom. We are his people, and Zechariah’s prophecy is an assurance that God will cause many to follow us. His Holy Spirit will move through the land, and people will seek the LORD.
When they seek God, will you be there to help them? Will you be one who is ready to lead them to Jesus? Will you be one who will demonstrate to them God’s grace and salvation? Will you be one who is ready to be Jesus’ instrument of love in his eternal saving purpose?
Pause and Consider: will you?
Monday, August 15, 2011
August 16, 2011 God's Cleansing Agent
August 16
God’s Cleansing Agent--Grace
Read Zechariah 1 – 3
Zechariah 3:1-7 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. 2 The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.” 5 Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by. 6 The angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua: 7 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.’”
THIS IS one of my favorite passages in Scripture. It is the time of restoration for Jerusalem. God is calling his people home from exile in Babylon! But in this vision Satan is trying to display their grievous sins, to show them they are dirty. And God is restoring, forgiving and cleansing his people!
Imagine that. No. Understand that truth. Trust that truth. Receive that truth. God forgives!
Oh, how Satan wants to accuse you. He wants to point his finger and tell you how bad you are. He wants to laugh at you, pile the dirt on and cover up your hope. He wants to fill you with despair and send you away from God to the pills, the booze, the pornography, the depression, the filth.
But know this. God cleanses a heart that says, “I have sinned. Forgive me, Lord God.” God is so amazing! Trust his forgiveness. Be clean!
Pause and Consider: the truth that God forgives you.
God’s Cleansing Agent--Grace
Read Zechariah 1 – 3
Zechariah 3:1-7 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. 2 The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.” 5 Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by. 6 The angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua: 7 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.’”
THIS IS one of my favorite passages in Scripture. It is the time of restoration for Jerusalem. God is calling his people home from exile in Babylon! But in this vision Satan is trying to display their grievous sins, to show them they are dirty. And God is restoring, forgiving and cleansing his people!
Imagine that. No. Understand that truth. Trust that truth. Receive that truth. God forgives!
Oh, how Satan wants to accuse you. He wants to point his finger and tell you how bad you are. He wants to laugh at you, pile the dirt on and cover up your hope. He wants to fill you with despair and send you away from God to the pills, the booze, the pornography, the depression, the filth.
But know this. God cleanses a heart that says, “I have sinned. Forgive me, Lord God.” God is so amazing! Trust his forgiveness. Be clean!
Pause and Consider: the truth that God forgives you.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
August 15, 2011 Jonah's Ticked Off
August 15
Jonah’s Ticked Off
Read Jonah 3-4
Jonah 4:1-3 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, “O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
JONAH was grieved to the point of death that God has saved Nineveh. Nineveh had been evil to Israel, and Jonah had no place in his heart to love his enemy.
Sometimes I have counseled people to pray for their enemies, and they give me a strange look. They are probably thinking, “I can’t stand that person. Why would I want to pray for him?”
Could it be we know that in praying for our enemies God might show them his compassion? Could it be God would save them from their wrongdoing, even to eternal Life?
Jonah obeyed God to go to Nineveh, but his heart was still in deep conflict with his mind. He did not want Ninevah to repent and be saved.
Do you obey God by studying his Word, yet disobey him in the ways you think and act? God loves even your enemies, and he calls you to do the same.
Open your heart. Pray for your enemies. Remove hatred and resentment. Receive God’s love and give it to others. Trust God’s commands and free yourself to receive all he has for you.
Pause and Consider: how removing antagonism from your heart makes more room for God’s love in your heart.
Jonah’s Ticked Off
Read Jonah 3-4
Jonah 4:1-3 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, “O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
JONAH was grieved to the point of death that God has saved Nineveh. Nineveh had been evil to Israel, and Jonah had no place in his heart to love his enemy.
Sometimes I have counseled people to pray for their enemies, and they give me a strange look. They are probably thinking, “I can’t stand that person. Why would I want to pray for him?”
Could it be we know that in praying for our enemies God might show them his compassion? Could it be God would save them from their wrongdoing, even to eternal Life?
Jonah obeyed God to go to Nineveh, but his heart was still in deep conflict with his mind. He did not want Ninevah to repent and be saved.
Do you obey God by studying his Word, yet disobey him in the ways you think and act? God loves even your enemies, and he calls you to do the same.
Open your heart. Pray for your enemies. Remove hatred and resentment. Receive God’s love and give it to others. Trust God’s commands and free yourself to receive all he has for you.
Pause and Consider: how removing antagonism from your heart makes more room for God’s love in your heart.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
August 14, 2011 But God, You'll Save Them
But God, You’ll Save Them!
Read Jonah 1 – 2
Jonah 1:1-3 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
WHAT do you think? Isn’t it folly to “flee from the LORD”? How could anyone think that is possible, especially a prophet. Jonah has been around. He prophesied God would restore Israel’s boundaries, and it happened. Jonah has seen the LORD work. And he runs away.
As odd as it seems, that is exactly why he is running from God’s assignment. He knows full well that God is merciful and offers forgiveness when people repent and turn to him. Jonah hates Ninevah, which has done great harm to Israel. He wants no part of “saving” Ninevah.
So he goes the opposite way—literally. Tarshish is in modern day Spain. He wants to really get away!
That’s often what we do when God says, “Come here.” We go “there” instead, so we don’t have to listen to him. We pray for answers, but we don’t like it when God says, “Wait.” or “No.” or “You need to change, too.” Jonah wanted his own answers, his own way at his own time. But God would show Jonah how much he loved him, and even how much he loved Israel’s enemies.
God is always about showing his love. We just need to let go of our own timetable, our own desires and trust him.
Pause and Consider: how God may be showing you to care for someone you don’t like.
Read Jonah 1 – 2
Jonah 1:1-3 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
WHAT do you think? Isn’t it folly to “flee from the LORD”? How could anyone think that is possible, especially a prophet. Jonah has been around. He prophesied God would restore Israel’s boundaries, and it happened. Jonah has seen the LORD work. And he runs away.
As odd as it seems, that is exactly why he is running from God’s assignment. He knows full well that God is merciful and offers forgiveness when people repent and turn to him. Jonah hates Ninevah, which has done great harm to Israel. He wants no part of “saving” Ninevah.
So he goes the opposite way—literally. Tarshish is in modern day Spain. He wants to really get away!
That’s often what we do when God says, “Come here.” We go “there” instead, so we don’t have to listen to him. We pray for answers, but we don’t like it when God says, “Wait.” or “No.” or “You need to change, too.” Jonah wanted his own answers, his own way at his own time. But God would show Jonah how much he loved him, and even how much he loved Israel’s enemies.
God is always about showing his love. We just need to let go of our own timetable, our own desires and trust him.
Pause and Consider: how God may be showing you to care for someone you don’t like.
Friday, August 12, 2011
August 13, 2011 The Power of Love
The Power of Love
Read Daniel 10 - 12
Dan 10:11 He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.”
THE THINGS I treasure about Daniel and his story is the great love Daniel has for God and the powerful and wonderful ways God shows his great love for Daniel.
Daniel’s amazing love for God is evident from beginning to end. But here in Chapter 10 I think this love is stretched to extremes. God sends a glorious Angel to Daniel. He is perfect and stunning. Some say this could be Jesus in his glory come to speak to Daniel.
But how does this stretch Daniel’s love for God? Daniel is terrified at the sight because God’s holiness is before his eyes. The human eye cannot behold the Holy God without deep fear and a desire to flee as Daniel’s friends did when they heard his voice.
Daniel, though, knew the power of God was approaching him, and he, although terrified, wanted to experience God’s power. His love for God was stronger than his terror for God.
Why such a powerful love? Well, consider how Daniel had seen God rescue his friends from the furnace and he from the lion’s den, how God had prospered him amid the heathen Babylon culture. Daniel knew what it was to love God with all his heart, mind and soul. And he knew how God’s love had protected him.
When God clearly shows himself to us, we tremble because we truly know he wants us to do something we can’t handle. How will you respond? Will you turn from him in fear or go to him in trusting, powerful, life-transforming love?
Pause and Consider: are you willing to experience God’s power in your life?
Read Daniel 10 - 12
Dan 10:11 He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.”
THE THINGS I treasure about Daniel and his story is the great love Daniel has for God and the powerful and wonderful ways God shows his great love for Daniel.
Daniel’s amazing love for God is evident from beginning to end. But here in Chapter 10 I think this love is stretched to extremes. God sends a glorious Angel to Daniel. He is perfect and stunning. Some say this could be Jesus in his glory come to speak to Daniel.
But how does this stretch Daniel’s love for God? Daniel is terrified at the sight because God’s holiness is before his eyes. The human eye cannot behold the Holy God without deep fear and a desire to flee as Daniel’s friends did when they heard his voice.
Daniel, though, knew the power of God was approaching him, and he, although terrified, wanted to experience God’s power. His love for God was stronger than his terror for God.
Why such a powerful love? Well, consider how Daniel had seen God rescue his friends from the furnace and he from the lion’s den, how God had prospered him amid the heathen Babylon culture. Daniel knew what it was to love God with all his heart, mind and soul. And he knew how God’s love had protected him.
When God clearly shows himself to us, we tremble because we truly know he wants us to do something we can’t handle. How will you respond? Will you turn from him in fear or go to him in trusting, powerful, life-transforming love?
Pause and Consider: are you willing to experience God’s power in your life?
Thursday, August 11, 2011
August 12, 2011 Warning Signs, Promise Signs
August 12
Warning Signs, Promise Signs
Read Daniel 7 - 9
Dan 7:13-14 In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
WARNING SIGNS are good, aren’t they? You slow for the curve. You throw out expired food. You wait for the train.
Promise signs are good too! You are excited for the new baby, the birthday and wedding celebrations. In these chapters are God’s warning signs and God’s promise signs to the world.
These signs come to Daniel to warn of impending destruction and to promise salvation. Understand that Jesus Christ is the Son of Man, who will come on the clouds in final judgment and salvation.
This is Jesus, who promised his disciples one day he would return as the Son of Man. And they knew exactly what he meant. They knew he would come in glory, in the brilliant, powerful and fearful light Jehovah God showed on Mt. Sinai (See Exodus 24). They knew he would come to all nations and people of every language. And they knew that when the world sees Jesus come, every knee will bow and every tongue will tell that Jesus Christ is Lord.
And the disciples knew when Jesus called himself Son of Man that he would resign over the new heaven and earth forever. (Matt 24:44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.) That will be the final judgment. God so loves the world he has put up warning signs and promise signs to point you to him forever.
Pause and Consider: who in your life needs to know God’s warning signs and God’s promise signs.
Warning Signs, Promise Signs
Read Daniel 7 - 9
Dan 7:13-14 In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
WARNING SIGNS are good, aren’t they? You slow for the curve. You throw out expired food. You wait for the train.
Promise signs are good too! You are excited for the new baby, the birthday and wedding celebrations. In these chapters are God’s warning signs and God’s promise signs to the world.
These signs come to Daniel to warn of impending destruction and to promise salvation. Understand that Jesus Christ is the Son of Man, who will come on the clouds in final judgment and salvation.
This is Jesus, who promised his disciples one day he would return as the Son of Man. And they knew exactly what he meant. They knew he would come in glory, in the brilliant, powerful and fearful light Jehovah God showed on Mt. Sinai (See Exodus 24). They knew he would come to all nations and people of every language. And they knew that when the world sees Jesus come, every knee will bow and every tongue will tell that Jesus Christ is Lord.
And the disciples knew when Jesus called himself Son of Man that he would resign over the new heaven and earth forever. (Matt 24:44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.) That will be the final judgment. God so loves the world he has put up warning signs and promise signs to point you to him forever.
Pause and Consider: who in your life needs to know God’s warning signs and God’s promise signs.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
August 11, 2011 Humble & Secure
August 11
Humble and Secure
Read Daniel 4 - 6
Daniel 4:36-37 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
KING Nebuchadnezzar had survived 7 years living as a wild beast. God humbled the king to recognize God’s sovereign authority and to turn the king’s heart to worship the Living God. King Nebuchadnezzar had been proud. He gave credit to himself for all his accomplishments. He honored himself above God. Does this sound familiar?
It does to me. I believe we all have our tendencies to look to ourselves for purpose and glory. We strive to make things happen our way and are frustrated when we find roadblocks and detours to “my idea”. Sometimes the road is closed completely, and we wonder why.
Perhaps an answer will come when we look to God’s purposes in our life instead of our own. Many times I have had a plan. Then God has changed it, and when I see the difference, I say, “That’s good, God.”
Do you need to let go of your way to find God’s ways for you? Be honest with your answers. Then humble yourself to truly consider what God is guiding you to do. This is what Daniel did in his daily life in even the most terrifying circumstances. Daniel found his purpose in God’s sovereignty, and it gave him assurance:
“Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard.” (Dan 10:12)
Pause and Consider: your humility level.
Humble and Secure
Read Daniel 4 - 6
Daniel 4:36-37 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
KING Nebuchadnezzar had survived 7 years living as a wild beast. God humbled the king to recognize God’s sovereign authority and to turn the king’s heart to worship the Living God. King Nebuchadnezzar had been proud. He gave credit to himself for all his accomplishments. He honored himself above God. Does this sound familiar?
It does to me. I believe we all have our tendencies to look to ourselves for purpose and glory. We strive to make things happen our way and are frustrated when we find roadblocks and detours to “my idea”. Sometimes the road is closed completely, and we wonder why.
Perhaps an answer will come when we look to God’s purposes in our life instead of our own. Many times I have had a plan. Then God has changed it, and when I see the difference, I say, “That’s good, God.”
Do you need to let go of your way to find God’s ways for you? Be honest with your answers. Then humble yourself to truly consider what God is guiding you to do. This is what Daniel did in his daily life in even the most terrifying circumstances. Daniel found his purpose in God’s sovereignty, and it gave him assurance:
“Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard.” (Dan 10:12)
Pause and Consider: your humility level.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
August 10, 2011 A Perfect Pattern
A Perfect Pattern
Read Daniel 1 - 3
Daniel 1:17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
&
Daniel 2:27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.”
HOW CAN you not warmly embrace Daniel and his friends who warmly embraced God? God gave them knowledge of him and faith in him to bring glory to him.
God began using these men for his glory when he caused King Nebuchadnezzar to have a very disturbing dream. Then God put in the King’s mind to issue harsh punishment to the false prophets. Here is an opportunity for Daniel and his friends to show the true God to the unbelieving world.
And Daniel did it! With his life on the line, Daniel turned to God. Daniel gave credit to God. And Nebuchadnezzar praised God.
Think of this: an unbeliever praises God when God’s people had so long rejected him. God brings glory to his name and his purposes. He uses whomever he chooses to do so.
Are you ready to respond as Daniel? Do you see how Daniel first prayed for help, waited for the answer, then acted on it? This is a good pattern to use. The LORD is greater than all that opposes him—even your doubts. Seek him, listen to him and respond to him—a perfect pattern to living.
Pause and Consider: how can you let go of your doubts and trust God’s answers?
Read Daniel 1 - 3
Daniel 1:17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
&
Daniel 2:27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.”
HOW CAN you not warmly embrace Daniel and his friends who warmly embraced God? God gave them knowledge of him and faith in him to bring glory to him.
God began using these men for his glory when he caused King Nebuchadnezzar to have a very disturbing dream. Then God put in the King’s mind to issue harsh punishment to the false prophets. Here is an opportunity for Daniel and his friends to show the true God to the unbelieving world.
And Daniel did it! With his life on the line, Daniel turned to God. Daniel gave credit to God. And Nebuchadnezzar praised God.
Think of this: an unbeliever praises God when God’s people had so long rejected him. God brings glory to his name and his purposes. He uses whomever he chooses to do so.
Are you ready to respond as Daniel? Do you see how Daniel first prayed for help, waited for the answer, then acted on it? This is a good pattern to use. The LORD is greater than all that opposes him—even your doubts. Seek him, listen to him and respond to him—a perfect pattern to living.
Pause and Consider: how can you let go of your doubts and trust God’s answers?
Monday, August 8, 2011
August 9, 2011 Committed to You
Committed to You
Read Ezekiel 46 – 48
Ezekiel 48:11-12 This will be for the consecrated priests, the Zadokites, who were faithful in serving me and did not go astray as the Levites did when the Israelites went astray. 12 It will be a special gift to them from the sacred portion of the land, a most holy portion, bordering the territory of the Levites.
GOD rewards obedience. Notice how the Zadokites received a sacred portion of the land for their faithfulness.
As we conclude our journey through Ezekiel, it is worthy to note God desires to reward your faith and to welcome you into a sacred portion of his “land” forever. The visions of judgment and destruction are difficult words to read, and we can easily become discouraged, thinking that’s all God does.
He does so much more. Blessing you is God’s greatest desire. Blessing you is God’s promise for your faithful walk with him.
Yes, we will sin. Yet, God clearly shows his passion here and in many “Old Testament” accounts to forgive and to forget in response to your faith—to bless you.
God wants you to see his commands for living and for worship not what you have to do, but as what you get to do, as his invitation to you into his holy place. And your response to him should be, “Thank you, Father for teaching me your ways! Thank you for showing me your love.”
Yes, the holy place of heaven awaits you. A blessed life is for you right now. As Jesus says, it all comes down to this: To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. (Mark 12:33)
Pause and Consider: God, your Creator, Father and Savior has committed himself to you.
Read Ezekiel 46 – 48
Ezekiel 48:11-12 This will be for the consecrated priests, the Zadokites, who were faithful in serving me and did not go astray as the Levites did when the Israelites went astray. 12 It will be a special gift to them from the sacred portion of the land, a most holy portion, bordering the territory of the Levites.
GOD rewards obedience. Notice how the Zadokites received a sacred portion of the land for their faithfulness.
As we conclude our journey through Ezekiel, it is worthy to note God desires to reward your faith and to welcome you into a sacred portion of his “land” forever. The visions of judgment and destruction are difficult words to read, and we can easily become discouraged, thinking that’s all God does.
He does so much more. Blessing you is God’s greatest desire. Blessing you is God’s promise for your faithful walk with him.
Yes, we will sin. Yet, God clearly shows his passion here and in many “Old Testament” accounts to forgive and to forget in response to your faith—to bless you.
God wants you to see his commands for living and for worship not what you have to do, but as what you get to do, as his invitation to you into his holy place. And your response to him should be, “Thank you, Father for teaching me your ways! Thank you for showing me your love.”
Yes, the holy place of heaven awaits you. A blessed life is for you right now. As Jesus says, it all comes down to this: To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. (Mark 12:33)
Pause and Consider: God, your Creator, Father and Savior has committed himself to you.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
August 8, 2011 Perfect for You
Perfect for You
Read Ezekiel 43 - 45
Ezekiel 43:10-11 Son of man, describe the temple to the people of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their sins. Let them consider the plan, 11 and if they are ashamed of all they have done, make known to them the design of the temple-its arrangement, its exits and entrances-its whole design and all its regulations and laws. Write these down before them so that they may be faithful to its design and follow all its regulations.
GOD gives Ezekiel an incredible vision of a restored Jerusalem and temple within the city. The measurements and descriptions of the walls, gates, temple courts, and more are detailed. These details are similar to the instructions God gave to Solomon to build the original temple.
The perfection and beauty of what is to be rebuilt in Jerusalem is a manifestation of God’s glory, power, forgiveness and salvation. God is restoring a physical city. He is going to restore the spiritual center of the city. And he will give his people a place to approach him to worship him as their God.
The perfection of the temple is also a picture of the perfection that comes in our Lord Jesus. He was born into the world, and he demonstrated God’s perfection in the life he lived.
By his death, resurrection and ascension to Heaven’s throne, Jesus has become the perfect Temple. He makes you perfect when you go before him as your Lord and worship him. And God’s plan to bring you out of sin’s exile is complete when his Spirit lives in you!
God’s plan to welcome you out of sin’s exile to be at home with him is very precise. You can trust in a perfect Father, Savior and Spirit to show you how to live in perfection with your perfect God now and forever.
Pause and Consider: how perfectly God loves you.
Read Ezekiel 43 - 45
Ezekiel 43:10-11 Son of man, describe the temple to the people of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their sins. Let them consider the plan, 11 and if they are ashamed of all they have done, make known to them the design of the temple-its arrangement, its exits and entrances-its whole design and all its regulations and laws. Write these down before them so that they may be faithful to its design and follow all its regulations.
GOD gives Ezekiel an incredible vision of a restored Jerusalem and temple within the city. The measurements and descriptions of the walls, gates, temple courts, and more are detailed. These details are similar to the instructions God gave to Solomon to build the original temple.
The perfection and beauty of what is to be rebuilt in Jerusalem is a manifestation of God’s glory, power, forgiveness and salvation. God is restoring a physical city. He is going to restore the spiritual center of the city. And he will give his people a place to approach him to worship him as their God.
The perfection of the temple is also a picture of the perfection that comes in our Lord Jesus. He was born into the world, and he demonstrated God’s perfection in the life he lived.
By his death, resurrection and ascension to Heaven’s throne, Jesus has become the perfect Temple. He makes you perfect when you go before him as your Lord and worship him. And God’s plan to bring you out of sin’s exile is complete when his Spirit lives in you!
God’s plan to welcome you out of sin’s exile to be at home with him is very precise. You can trust in a perfect Father, Savior and Spirit to show you how to live in perfection with your perfect God now and forever.
Pause and Consider: how perfectly God loves you.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
August 7, 2011 Seeing God
Seeing God
Read Ezekiel 40 – 42
Ezek 40:4 He said to me, “Watch, mortal man. Listen carefully and pay close attention to everything I show you, because this is why you were brought here. You are to tell the people of Israel everything you see.”
WHAT DO you see of God? I used to say, “Very little.” I didn’t see because I didn’t really know God.
Ezekiel is in a place where many think they want to be. Often I hear, “If God would just show me clearly who he is and what he wants, then I would know what to do.” Truth is we really don’t want to see him, do we?
If we do, we know we’d have to make some big adjustments in our lives. You can “get by” at the job. But if the boss calls you to his office and says, “I need you to do this for me.” you have to take some decisive action.
God will nudge you, and he will call you into his place, “Come and get to know me,” he invites.
Years ago I accepted his invitation with a devotion to the study and the teaching of his Word. In that, I grew to understand that God called me to go into new and uncertain places. Some of those places were: 1) more responsibility in his church, 2) a mission trip to the Amazon jungle, 3) a daily time of prayer, 4) preaching, 5) caring for the homeless, 6) writing, 7) waiting.
As I stepped into these new and uncertain places, I saw God more clearly. I didn’t’ have to guess what he wanted. I knew. And what I knew was that he wanted me to tell you as precisely as possible who he is.
Are you unsure about what God looks like? What he has invited you to do with him? Step forward into his invitation. You will see him clearly, and you will tell the world what you have seen.
Pause and Consider: it takes an effort on your part to see God.
Read Ezekiel 40 – 42
Ezek 40:4 He said to me, “Watch, mortal man. Listen carefully and pay close attention to everything I show you, because this is why you were brought here. You are to tell the people of Israel everything you see.”
WHAT DO you see of God? I used to say, “Very little.” I didn’t see because I didn’t really know God.
Ezekiel is in a place where many think they want to be. Often I hear, “If God would just show me clearly who he is and what he wants, then I would know what to do.” Truth is we really don’t want to see him, do we?
If we do, we know we’d have to make some big adjustments in our lives. You can “get by” at the job. But if the boss calls you to his office and says, “I need you to do this for me.” you have to take some decisive action.
God will nudge you, and he will call you into his place, “Come and get to know me,” he invites.
Years ago I accepted his invitation with a devotion to the study and the teaching of his Word. In that, I grew to understand that God called me to go into new and uncertain places. Some of those places were: 1) more responsibility in his church, 2) a mission trip to the Amazon jungle, 3) a daily time of prayer, 4) preaching, 5) caring for the homeless, 6) writing, 7) waiting.
As I stepped into these new and uncertain places, I saw God more clearly. I didn’t’ have to guess what he wanted. I knew. And what I knew was that he wanted me to tell you as precisely as possible who he is.
Are you unsure about what God looks like? What he has invited you to do with him? Step forward into his invitation. You will see him clearly, and you will tell the world what you have seen.
Pause and Consider: it takes an effort on your part to see God.
Friday, August 5, 2011
August 6, 2011 A Great Conversation
August 6
A Great Conversation
Read Ezekiel 37 – 39
Ezekiel 39:28-29 Then they will know that I am the LORD their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. 29 I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD.
ARE YOU feeling exiled from God? Does he seem far away and uninvolved with your life? Do you need him in a special way today, but you’re not sure he would welcome you?
God wants you to know he desires to meet with you. Meeting with a person face-to-face—that’s the best way to get to know and to develop a relationship with someone. God is willing and desires to look at you face-to-face so you get to know him.
You see, he knows you. He knows what you need and knows what you have done and not done. I know, that can be scary—and you might think, “I’m not going near God. He’ll just judge me.”
Well, he will judge your sins because he’s holy. BUT GET THIS--he’s willing to turn that aside, to forgive your sins and to forget them. He wants you to get past your past and move on with your life. As he did with the nation Israel, he wants to conquer the evil that attacks you and welcome you home to him. He wants to restore you and have you delight in him.
AND GET THIS: In all of who you are, he loves you. All the crazy, weird imagery of chapters 37, 38 & 39 are about God’s ultimate, life-giving power to his people. At the end of time he will bring his own “home” out of the exile of sin and into his glorious eternal home.
Go ahead, trust his love. Tell him your fears and your needs. Tell him your hopes and desires. I’m sure you’ll have a great conversation!
Pause and Consider: God wants to hear your needs.
A Great Conversation
Read Ezekiel 37 – 39
Ezekiel 39:28-29 Then they will know that I am the LORD their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. 29 I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD.
ARE YOU feeling exiled from God? Does he seem far away and uninvolved with your life? Do you need him in a special way today, but you’re not sure he would welcome you?
God wants you to know he desires to meet with you. Meeting with a person face-to-face—that’s the best way to get to know and to develop a relationship with someone. God is willing and desires to look at you face-to-face so you get to know him.
You see, he knows you. He knows what you need and knows what you have done and not done. I know, that can be scary—and you might think, “I’m not going near God. He’ll just judge me.”
Well, he will judge your sins because he’s holy. BUT GET THIS--he’s willing to turn that aside, to forgive your sins and to forget them. He wants you to get past your past and move on with your life. As he did with the nation Israel, he wants to conquer the evil that attacks you and welcome you home to him. He wants to restore you and have you delight in him.
AND GET THIS: In all of who you are, he loves you. All the crazy, weird imagery of chapters 37, 38 & 39 are about God’s ultimate, life-giving power to his people. At the end of time he will bring his own “home” out of the exile of sin and into his glorious eternal home.
Go ahead, trust his love. Tell him your fears and your needs. Tell him your hopes and desires. I’m sure you’ll have a great conversation!
Pause and Consider: God wants to hear your needs.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
August 5, 2011 Rejoice in the Shepherd
Rejoice in the Shepherd
Read Ezekiel 34 - 36
Ezekiel 34:11-12 For this is what the Sovereign LORD says:” I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.”
&
Ezekiel 34:31 “You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God,” declares the Sovereign LORD.
WHY DO people meet as a church or in small groups? Reading these words from a prophet who generally proclaims destruction for an unrepentant people, we are reminded of God’s great desire to gather his people as a good shepherd gathers his sheep.
In this pastoral picture, we see God the Father calling his people into a place where they can hear his soothing voice and feel his comfort. We see the Son, the Great Shepherd, personally tending to each sheep as it has needs. And we “feel” the gentle wind of the Spirit of God bringing cool, refreshing air to the flock.
The concluding words of Chapter 34 give to us that wonderful, eternal promise that we are his, and he is our Shepherd.
God has invited us to gather as a church, a small group or even with one other person, to know the good pleasure of God’s leading us to be in a place of peace, promise and trust with others and with him. To be gathered together with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is a life-changing, life-giving gift he has for us, even if we’ve been far away.
Oh, yes, we can trust such a Shepherd to gather and to lead us. Faithfully, we can obey his Word, respond to his call, and rejoice in his Shepherding love each day.
Pause and Consider: how good it is to have One you can trust to follow.
Read Ezekiel 34 - 36
Ezekiel 34:11-12 For this is what the Sovereign LORD says:” I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.”
&
Ezekiel 34:31 “You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God,” declares the Sovereign LORD.
WHY DO people meet as a church or in small groups? Reading these words from a prophet who generally proclaims destruction for an unrepentant people, we are reminded of God’s great desire to gather his people as a good shepherd gathers his sheep.
In this pastoral picture, we see God the Father calling his people into a place where they can hear his soothing voice and feel his comfort. We see the Son, the Great Shepherd, personally tending to each sheep as it has needs. And we “feel” the gentle wind of the Spirit of God bringing cool, refreshing air to the flock.
The concluding words of Chapter 34 give to us that wonderful, eternal promise that we are his, and he is our Shepherd.
God has invited us to gather as a church, a small group or even with one other person, to know the good pleasure of God’s leading us to be in a place of peace, promise and trust with others and with him. To be gathered together with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is a life-changing, life-giving gift he has for us, even if we’ve been far away.
Oh, yes, we can trust such a Shepherd to gather and to lead us. Faithfully, we can obey his Word, respond to his call, and rejoice in his Shepherding love each day.
Pause and Consider: how good it is to have One you can trust to follow.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
August 4, 2011 Speak
Speak
Read Ezekiel 31 – 33
Ezekiel 33:8-9 When I say to the wicked, “O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.”
WHAT DOES speaking in love to someone sound like? It could be, “I love you.” “Nice work.” Or “You need to stop your wasteful living.” How is that last one “speaking in love”?
God is straightforward. He tells us that we who know his truth are held accountable for his command to tell the “wicked” of their sinful activity.
Does this make you uncomfortable? It does me. I don’t like to talk to people about the wrong I see them do. I’d rather encourage them in the good and positive things they do. But included in “loving our neighbors” are words to guide people to a right life in Jesus Christ.
Knowing and trusting God gives us a responsibility. We are God’s messengers. The Bible clearly shows there is a right way and a wrong way with God. The world needs to know. Carry the message of love and salvation to those around you. It is God’s way to warn the world, so he can save the world. We have been given the knowledge. We must speak it.
Pause and Consider: how you know what is dangerous. Someone loved you enough to tell you.
Read Ezekiel 31 – 33
Ezekiel 33:8-9 When I say to the wicked, “O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.”
WHAT DOES speaking in love to someone sound like? It could be, “I love you.” “Nice work.” Or “You need to stop your wasteful living.” How is that last one “speaking in love”?
God is straightforward. He tells us that we who know his truth are held accountable for his command to tell the “wicked” of their sinful activity.
Does this make you uncomfortable? It does me. I don’t like to talk to people about the wrong I see them do. I’d rather encourage them in the good and positive things they do. But included in “loving our neighbors” are words to guide people to a right life in Jesus Christ.
Knowing and trusting God gives us a responsibility. We are God’s messengers. The Bible clearly shows there is a right way and a wrong way with God. The world needs to know. Carry the message of love and salvation to those around you. It is God’s way to warn the world, so he can save the world. We have been given the knowledge. We must speak it.
Pause and Consider: how you know what is dangerous. Someone loved you enough to tell you.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
August 3, 2011 Safe in Jesus
Safe in Jesus
Read Ezekiel 28 - 30
Ezekiel 28:25 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “ When I gather the people of Israel from the nations where they have been scattered, I will show myself holy among them in the sight of the nations. Then they will live in their own land, which I gave to my servant Jacob. 26 They will live there in safety and will build houses and plant vineyards; they will live in safety when I inflict punishment on all their neighbors who maligned them. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God.”
SAFETY is important, isn’t it? We want to feel safe in our work, that it will go well and pay for a safe place to live. We want to feel safe in our relationships, knowing other people love us and respond to our love for them. We want to feel safe from physical harm in our neighborhoods and in our schools. We want to feel safe from judgment and criticism.
God wants you to feel safe in him. To do so, we must open ourselves to accept his perfect ways. As God speaks to his people through Ezekiel, they are in the early years of their exile to Babylon. They are wondering about their future. They don’t feel safe in a foreign land. And I’m sure they are wondering if they are safe under their holy God. They have offended him!
God, though, assures his people he has a safe place for them to come home to again. And when they do, they will see their perfect (holy) God love them perfectly. He will keep them safe from other nations.
Are you wondering if it’s safe to trust God with your life? Get this from 1 John 5:18 “We know that no child of God keeps on sinning, for the Son of God keeps him safe, and the Evil One cannot harm him.” Be assured your perfect Father in Heaven offers you his Savior to guide you to a life safe in him forever.
Pause and Consider: that people will feel safe around you when you live in God’s perfection.
Read Ezekiel 28 - 30
Ezekiel 28:25 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “ When I gather the people of Israel from the nations where they have been scattered, I will show myself holy among them in the sight of the nations. Then they will live in their own land, which I gave to my servant Jacob. 26 They will live there in safety and will build houses and plant vineyards; they will live in safety when I inflict punishment on all their neighbors who maligned them. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God.”
SAFETY is important, isn’t it? We want to feel safe in our work, that it will go well and pay for a safe place to live. We want to feel safe in our relationships, knowing other people love us and respond to our love for them. We want to feel safe from physical harm in our neighborhoods and in our schools. We want to feel safe from judgment and criticism.
God wants you to feel safe in him. To do so, we must open ourselves to accept his perfect ways. As God speaks to his people through Ezekiel, they are in the early years of their exile to Babylon. They are wondering about their future. They don’t feel safe in a foreign land. And I’m sure they are wondering if they are safe under their holy God. They have offended him!
God, though, assures his people he has a safe place for them to come home to again. And when they do, they will see their perfect (holy) God love them perfectly. He will keep them safe from other nations.
Are you wondering if it’s safe to trust God with your life? Get this from 1 John 5:18 “We know that no child of God keeps on sinning, for the Son of God keeps him safe, and the Evil One cannot harm him.” Be assured your perfect Father in Heaven offers you his Savior to guide you to a life safe in him forever.
Pause and Consider: that people will feel safe around you when you live in God’s perfection.
Monday, August 1, 2011
August 2, 2011 God Protects His City
God Protects His City
Read Ezekiel 26 – 27
Ezek 26:3-6 therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring many nations against you, like the sea casting up its waves. 4 They will destroy the walls of Tyre and pull down her towers; I will scrape away her rubble and make her a bare rock. 5 Out in the sea she will become a place to spread fishnets, for I have spoken, declares the Sovereign LORD. She will become plunder for the nations, 6 and her settlements on the mainland will be ravaged by the sword. Then they will know that I am the LORD.
TYRE was a powerful trading city on the Mediterranean Sea coast. It still exists on the coast of Lebanon and is mainly a fishing and tourist village.
What happened to its power? God changed the city by the hand of Babylon. Even as he punished his people in Jerusalem, he would allow only Babylon to be their conqueror. He would not make Jerusalem an economic slave of other nations. He put a shield around his people to protect them for their future restoration.
To protect Jerusalem, God destroyed Tyre’s mainland city during Israel’s exile, and its island section remained until 322 B.C. when Alexander the Great reduced the city to bare rock. God is about his business to show how he protects his people from evil.
Yes the prophesies of the future are about God protecting those who trust his grace, his love and his promises. Trust God’s prophecies. And prepare for his eternal power and peace to reign. It’s forever.
Pause and Consider: God’s loving protection is always available to you.
Read Ezekiel 26 – 27
Ezek 26:3-6 therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring many nations against you, like the sea casting up its waves. 4 They will destroy the walls of Tyre and pull down her towers; I will scrape away her rubble and make her a bare rock. 5 Out in the sea she will become a place to spread fishnets, for I have spoken, declares the Sovereign LORD. She will become plunder for the nations, 6 and her settlements on the mainland will be ravaged by the sword. Then they will know that I am the LORD.
TYRE was a powerful trading city on the Mediterranean Sea coast. It still exists on the coast of Lebanon and is mainly a fishing and tourist village.
What happened to its power? God changed the city by the hand of Babylon. Even as he punished his people in Jerusalem, he would allow only Babylon to be their conqueror. He would not make Jerusalem an economic slave of other nations. He put a shield around his people to protect them for their future restoration.
To protect Jerusalem, God destroyed Tyre’s mainland city during Israel’s exile, and its island section remained until 322 B.C. when Alexander the Great reduced the city to bare rock. God is about his business to show how he protects his people from evil.
Yes the prophesies of the future are about God protecting those who trust his grace, his love and his promises. Trust God’s prophecies. And prepare for his eternal power and peace to reign. It’s forever.
Pause and Consider: God’s loving protection is always available to you.
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