In Awe of the Son
Read Hebrews 7 – 9
Heb 9:14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
THE HEBREWS writer is focused on connecting the Old Testament, the Old Promise, with the New Testament, the New Promise, that Jesus gives us. This is a vital demonstration here of God’s sacrificial requirements. With the Old he required the blood from animals. With the new, he required the blood from his very own son.
Pause on that a minute or two minutes…
Welcome back. What do you think? Is there any sense of awe in your heart as you consider the Creator Father God killing his Son for you? Yes. That’s what he did. We don’t say it like that. We use “sacrifice”, “death” and “blood”, but who caused it? God the Father caused it. Why?
He loves you that much, good friend. He loves you beyond your understanding. He was willing to take His Son to the altar and kill him for you.
That’s what he did. Jesus died on a cross. The Living Water bled to death on a cross for you. Yes, he did.
Pause and Consider: what you will do for him.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
November 30, 2011 A King Who Knows Struggles
A King Who Knows Struggles
Read Hebrews 4 – 6
Heb 4:14-15 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet was without sin.
MY GRANDDAUGHTER is learning to play the violin. A teen-aged neighbor who plays for professional symphonies has offered to teach her. My granddaughter can trust her teacher’s instructions because her teacher has gone through the process of learning, practicing, failing and succeeding to perform at a high level.
It’s like that with all of us who truly want to learn, isn’t it? We want to learn from someone who has experienced the reality of dealing with difficulty and the victory that comes with persevering through the tough times.
Jesus is an exceptional King. What King has lived and died and risen again? What other king has even lived in difficulty? Very few. Most who have become an earthly king have grown up far away from difficulties their subjects experienced.
You can trust the King who has overcome the cross and the tomb. No issue is too much for him. All temporary defeats in life are transformed to total victory in Jesus Christ, who was tempted in every way, yet is perfect in every way for you.
Pause and Consider: Jesus knows what human life is like.
Read Hebrews 4 – 6
Heb 4:14-15 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet was without sin.
MY GRANDDAUGHTER is learning to play the violin. A teen-aged neighbor who plays for professional symphonies has offered to teach her. My granddaughter can trust her teacher’s instructions because her teacher has gone through the process of learning, practicing, failing and succeeding to perform at a high level.
It’s like that with all of us who truly want to learn, isn’t it? We want to learn from someone who has experienced the reality of dealing with difficulty and the victory that comes with persevering through the tough times.
Jesus is an exceptional King. What King has lived and died and risen again? What other king has even lived in difficulty? Very few. Most who have become an earthly king have grown up far away from difficulties their subjects experienced.
You can trust the King who has overcome the cross and the tomb. No issue is too much for him. All temporary defeats in life are transformed to total victory in Jesus Christ, who was tempted in every way, yet is perfect in every way for you.
Pause and Consider: Jesus knows what human life is like.
Monday, November 28, 2011
November 29, 2011 Growing Together
Grow Together
Read Hebrews 1 - 3
Heb 3:12-14 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
LIFE is a challenge. Be careful and be alert. Help each other stay true to God.
That in essence is what the writer of Hebrews is saying. These are words that those in the early church needed to hear as they dealt with many physical and verbal assaults on their new belief. These are also words that we in the 21st-century church must know as we deal with assaults on our beliefs.
The assaults on our belief in God are huge today. Threats of many kinds attempt to push us away from seeking and obeying him. Sometimes the threats are from within us—pride, lack of discipline to pray or read the Bible, anger, unforgiveness, or rejecting relationships.
Sometimes the attacks come from without—”the church is irrelevant”, “the church is too boring”, “I’d rather sleep in than worship God.”
Sometimes the attacks come from within the church—”I don’t like the music.” “There’s too much liturgy.” “There’s not enough liturgy.”
To stay strong in our relationship with Jesus, focus on him. It’s about him, not you. Deal honestly with your struggles, doubts and fears, and even your pride. Get your eyes off the mirror and look to the King. Grow in him. And grow together with others in your church.
Pause and Consider: the threats against your beliefs. Pray against them.
Read Hebrews 1 - 3
Heb 3:12-14 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
LIFE is a challenge. Be careful and be alert. Help each other stay true to God.
That in essence is what the writer of Hebrews is saying. These are words that those in the early church needed to hear as they dealt with many physical and verbal assaults on their new belief. These are also words that we in the 21st-century church must know as we deal with assaults on our beliefs.
The assaults on our belief in God are huge today. Threats of many kinds attempt to push us away from seeking and obeying him. Sometimes the threats are from within us—pride, lack of discipline to pray or read the Bible, anger, unforgiveness, or rejecting relationships.
Sometimes the attacks come from without—”the church is irrelevant”, “the church is too boring”, “I’d rather sleep in than worship God.”
Sometimes the attacks come from within the church—”I don’t like the music.” “There’s too much liturgy.” “There’s not enough liturgy.”
To stay strong in our relationship with Jesus, focus on him. It’s about him, not you. Deal honestly with your struggles, doubts and fears, and even your pride. Get your eyes off the mirror and look to the King. Grow in him. And grow together with others in your church.
Pause and Consider: the threats against your beliefs. Pray against them.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
November 28, 2011 Savior's Ways Your Ways
Savior’s Ways, Your Ways?
Read Titus & Philemon
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
WHAT IS salvation? It is God rescuing us from sin, isn’t it? He saves us from our sin. Salvation means we are right with him. And we will enter into Heaven when our time on earth is complete.
AND salvation is so much more! At the moment when we receive God’s gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit lives within us, and we take on an understanding that the ways of the world often oppose God’s ways.
Salvation, Paul says, teaches us to say “No.” to the world and to say “Yes.” to right living.
Do you ever think that because you have prayed to receive Jesus as Lord that it’s okay if you deliberately sin? I hope not. That is not salvation. That is an attitude of sin. “I can do anything I want. God will forgive me.” is a thought that comes from those seeking self, not seeking God. It is a thought of pride in self, not of joy in Jesus.
God’s salvation separates you from the world and unites you with him. Also in Titus, Paul lists several ways you may show your Savior to the world. I pray the Savior’s ways are your ways.
Pause and Consider: how salvation changes what you desire.
Read Titus & Philemon
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
WHAT IS salvation? It is God rescuing us from sin, isn’t it? He saves us from our sin. Salvation means we are right with him. And we will enter into Heaven when our time on earth is complete.
AND salvation is so much more! At the moment when we receive God’s gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit lives within us, and we take on an understanding that the ways of the world often oppose God’s ways.
Salvation, Paul says, teaches us to say “No.” to the world and to say “Yes.” to right living.
Do you ever think that because you have prayed to receive Jesus as Lord that it’s okay if you deliberately sin? I hope not. That is not salvation. That is an attitude of sin. “I can do anything I want. God will forgive me.” is a thought that comes from those seeking self, not seeking God. It is a thought of pride in self, not of joy in Jesus.
God’s salvation separates you from the world and unites you with him. Also in Titus, Paul lists several ways you may show your Savior to the world. I pray the Savior’s ways are your ways.
Pause and Consider: how salvation changes what you desire.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
november 27, 2011 Whatever Age
Whatever Age
Read 1 Timothy 4-6
1 Tim 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
WHAT defines a person’s testimony about Jesus Christ? It certainly isn’t his or her age. Paul’s writing to his young associate, Timothy, who has ministered and cared for new churches. Timothy has been in the “trenches” waging spiritual warfare with Paul and new believers. He’s a young man, still. And Paul is writing to encourage him.
And I want to encourage you—regardless of your age. Personally, I’ve learned much from young people. They often see life in a different way than my “older” eyes. Listening to wise young people has been a learning experience for me.
If you are young and love Jesus, then do not hold back because of your youth. Be a person who sets the trend among your friends. Speak of the Lord from your heart. Respond to Jesus’ love by living a life of example, speaking and living in a way that honors your suffering, resurrected Lord.
Pause and Consider: how we can learn from all around us.
Read 1 Timothy 4-6
1 Tim 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
WHAT defines a person’s testimony about Jesus Christ? It certainly isn’t his or her age. Paul’s writing to his young associate, Timothy, who has ministered and cared for new churches. Timothy has been in the “trenches” waging spiritual warfare with Paul and new believers. He’s a young man, still. And Paul is writing to encourage him.
And I want to encourage you—regardless of your age. Personally, I’ve learned much from young people. They often see life in a different way than my “older” eyes. Listening to wise young people has been a learning experience for me.
If you are young and love Jesus, then do not hold back because of your youth. Be a person who sets the trend among your friends. Speak of the Lord from your heart. Respond to Jesus’ love by living a life of example, speaking and living in a way that honors your suffering, resurrected Lord.
Pause and Consider: how we can learn from all around us.
Friday, November 25, 2011
November 26, 2011 Amazing Love
Amazing Love
Read 1 Timothy 1-3
1 Timothy 3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: (God) appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
“MYSTERY” means difficult to understand, vague. What is the mystery Paul describes? There is a truly wonderful mystery defined by this: God appeared in a body.
I was made aware of this mysterious reality in a new way when I read these words from John Calvin, “How wide is the difference between God and man! And yet in Christ we behold the infinite glory of God united to our polluted flesh in such a manner that they become one.”
Another way to say this is, “Why would God, the holy one, whose glory is too frightful to behold come to earth to be a man surrounded by sin?”
We often ask of God, “Why?” when things don’t go our way. But do we ask him, “Why would you come to save me? Why would you send Jesus to earth to die? Why would you want to become one with me?”
Maybe we know the answer is: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“Amazing love how can it be, that you my King would die for me?” (Chris Tomlin—”I’m Forgiven”)
Pause and Consider: God loves you.
Read 1 Timothy 1-3
1 Timothy 3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: (God) appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
“MYSTERY” means difficult to understand, vague. What is the mystery Paul describes? There is a truly wonderful mystery defined by this: God appeared in a body.
I was made aware of this mysterious reality in a new way when I read these words from John Calvin, “How wide is the difference between God and man! And yet in Christ we behold the infinite glory of God united to our polluted flesh in such a manner that they become one.”
Another way to say this is, “Why would God, the holy one, whose glory is too frightful to behold come to earth to be a man surrounded by sin?”
We often ask of God, “Why?” when things don’t go our way. But do we ask him, “Why would you come to save me? Why would you send Jesus to earth to die? Why would you want to become one with me?”
Maybe we know the answer is: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“Amazing love how can it be, that you my King would die for me?” (Chris Tomlin—”I’m Forgiven”)
Pause and Consider: God loves you.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
November 25, 2011 A Stronger Church
A Stronger Church
Read 2 Thessalonians
2 Thess 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.
THIS THANKSGIVING is very powerful for two reasons. First, the Apostle Paul thanks God for the people in this new church in Thessalonica. It is a good lesson for all of us involved in churches to take a few minutes each week, each day or on some regular basis to thank God for the people in our church. Paul is giving thanks because these people have persevered against persecution and other challenges.
The church today isn’t outwardly persecuted, but there is a sharp cultural movement that goes against mainstream churches. And much criticism comes from within the church. God desires to have churches doing his work well in our neighborhoods, towns, cities and nation. How does that happen?
We in the church must begin by being people of healing and reconciliation. That begins within our own walls with prayer and thanking God for one another.
In Acts we see how Paul is frustrated with the church in Thessalonica. He compliments the church at Berea and criticizes the church at Thessalonica.
But now, the church seems to have changed. The Holy Spirit must have done some powerful work here to cause the church to become stronger and more in tune with God’s work.
Might Paul and others have prayed for this to happen, and God responded?
How’s your church? May your church live in the Spirit of God to bring people into a life with God.
Pause and Consider: how you can pray for your church today.
Read 2 Thessalonians
2 Thess 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.
THIS THANKSGIVING is very powerful for two reasons. First, the Apostle Paul thanks God for the people in this new church in Thessalonica. It is a good lesson for all of us involved in churches to take a few minutes each week, each day or on some regular basis to thank God for the people in our church. Paul is giving thanks because these people have persevered against persecution and other challenges.
The church today isn’t outwardly persecuted, but there is a sharp cultural movement that goes against mainstream churches. And much criticism comes from within the church. God desires to have churches doing his work well in our neighborhoods, towns, cities and nation. How does that happen?
We in the church must begin by being people of healing and reconciliation. That begins within our own walls with prayer and thanking God for one another.
In Acts we see how Paul is frustrated with the church in Thessalonica. He compliments the church at Berea and criticizes the church at Thessalonica.
But now, the church seems to have changed. The Holy Spirit must have done some powerful work here to cause the church to become stronger and more in tune with God’s work.
Might Paul and others have prayed for this to happen, and God responded?
How’s your church? May your church live in the Spirit of God to bring people into a life with God.
Pause and Consider: how you can pray for your church today.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
November 24, 2011 Come, Lord Jesus!
Come, Lord Jesus!
Read 1 Thessalonians 3-4
1 Thess 4:16-18 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.
I CAN’T WAIT. I wish it were right now. End of pain, sorrow, worry, fatigue, dieting, finances—an eternal joy with Jesus forever is mine because I trust him as my Lord and Savior!
Does that get you excited? Do you think of this great promise when everything around you seems to be crumbling? I usually don’t. I focus on the trouble and don’t see the triumph. I desire material comfort and neglect Jesus’ promise of eternal joy.
I know. You want life to be good. You want things to be in order and your future secure.
Well it is! All is in order because God is on his throne, and the victory is his. Your future is secure because Jesus conquered death. He is Lord of Heaven and earth.
What else do you want?
Pause and Consider: how earthly life is in order when your heavenly life is secure.
Read 1 Thessalonians 3-4
1 Thess 4:16-18 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.
I CAN’T WAIT. I wish it were right now. End of pain, sorrow, worry, fatigue, dieting, finances—an eternal joy with Jesus forever is mine because I trust him as my Lord and Savior!
Does that get you excited? Do you think of this great promise when everything around you seems to be crumbling? I usually don’t. I focus on the trouble and don’t see the triumph. I desire material comfort and neglect Jesus’ promise of eternal joy.
I know. You want life to be good. You want things to be in order and your future secure.
Well it is! All is in order because God is on his throne, and the victory is his. Your future is secure because Jesus conquered death. He is Lord of Heaven and earth.
What else do you want?
Pause and Consider: how earthly life is in order when your heavenly life is secure.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
November 23, 2011 Delightful Love to Share
Delightful Love to Share
Read 1 Thessalonians 1-2
1 Thess 2:8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
ONE DAY, I was walking by a building where a lady in my church works. Almost past the building, I heard a voice call my name. I turned to see her come out the door to say hello and to give me a hug.
Wow! Did I ever feel Jesus’ love! In her voice and her attitude she expressed a delight to see me and acknowledge me. She took time and made an effort to bring a moment of joy into my life.
I had over a mile to finish my walk home, and along the way I wondered at God’s magnificent love. And I was also sad that so many people miss his love.
Contemplate for a moment what Jesus has done for you. Just as you were walking by “his place”, he came out the door and called your name. He put his arms around you. You noticed his hands had nail holes in them and scars were on his face. He held you a moment, and said, “I delight in you.”
A smile came on your face. You felt warmth and peace. You just knew you had strength to get through the next day, and your worries melted into the warmth of his embrace.
Yes, God the Son delights in you. Go to someone. Look them in the eye and ask with a delight in your heart how they are doing. Let them know how much you—and he—love them.
Pause and Consider:how you can show delightful love to someone.
Read 1 Thessalonians 1-2
1 Thess 2:8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
ONE DAY, I was walking by a building where a lady in my church works. Almost past the building, I heard a voice call my name. I turned to see her come out the door to say hello and to give me a hug.
Wow! Did I ever feel Jesus’ love! In her voice and her attitude she expressed a delight to see me and acknowledge me. She took time and made an effort to bring a moment of joy into my life.
I had over a mile to finish my walk home, and along the way I wondered at God’s magnificent love. And I was also sad that so many people miss his love.
Contemplate for a moment what Jesus has done for you. Just as you were walking by “his place”, he came out the door and called your name. He put his arms around you. You noticed his hands had nail holes in them and scars were on his face. He held you a moment, and said, “I delight in you.”
A smile came on your face. You felt warmth and peace. You just knew you had strength to get through the next day, and your worries melted into the warmth of his embrace.
Yes, God the Son delights in you. Go to someone. Look them in the eye and ask with a delight in your heart how they are doing. Let them know how much you—and he—love them.
Pause and Consider:how you can show delightful love to someone.
Monday, November 21, 2011
November 22, 2011 Gifts to Bless
Gifts to Bless
Read Colossians
Col 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
GOD has brought to you and your household a huge bag of gifts. As you open the boxes you discover compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. You are surprised and happy for the gifts. But you’re a bit unsure. So you ask the Father, who gave them to you, “Are all of these for me? What am I to do with them?”
And his response would be, “Yes, my child, these are for you. I love you and want to give you the best things in life. Put them on and wear these gifts. They will enrich your life and the lives of those around you.”
As he leaves to deliver his gifts to others, you try on humility. When you do, you realize you have been wrong to be so demanding of others. You put on forgiveness, and you think of someone who hurt you last week with unkind words. Now you pick up the phone to let them know you care for them.
A bit later you try on goodness and compassion, and they fit perfectly. Your thoughts turn to helping your neighbor who is a single parent.
When you put on patience someone at work needs a bit of your time, and you listen to his needs. You kindly offer to pray with him, and he is comforted.
Yes, God has brought gifts to us. Will you clothe yourself in them? They will enrich your life and help people know the Great Giver.
Pause and Consider: what’s in your box today?
Read Colossians
Col 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
GOD has brought to you and your household a huge bag of gifts. As you open the boxes you discover compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. You are surprised and happy for the gifts. But you’re a bit unsure. So you ask the Father, who gave them to you, “Are all of these for me? What am I to do with them?”
And his response would be, “Yes, my child, these are for you. I love you and want to give you the best things in life. Put them on and wear these gifts. They will enrich your life and the lives of those around you.”
As he leaves to deliver his gifts to others, you try on humility. When you do, you realize you have been wrong to be so demanding of others. You put on forgiveness, and you think of someone who hurt you last week with unkind words. Now you pick up the phone to let them know you care for them.
A bit later you try on goodness and compassion, and they fit perfectly. Your thoughts turn to helping your neighbor who is a single parent.
When you put on patience someone at work needs a bit of your time, and you listen to his needs. You kindly offer to pray with him, and he is comforted.
Yes, God has brought gifts to us. Will you clothe yourself in them? They will enrich your life and help people know the Great Giver.
Pause and Consider: what’s in your box today?
Sunday, November 20, 2011
November 21, 2011 Cleaning the Drawer
Cleaning the Drawer
Read Philippians
Phil 3:8 For his sake I have thrown everything away…
&
Phil 3:10 All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death.
I WAS just thinking about a drawer in my desk. You probably have one like mine. It has a “few” papers that I put there to temporarily store. Temporary has extended into several months, almost a year, and I really need to clean it out. But it’s easier to focus on other things—even taking a nap. But I really want to clean and organize the drawer. Why don’t I?
Our spiritual lives are cluttered with temporary things, aren’t they? We come across a doubt here and there because we don’t understand God’s Word. Or we want to get our kids to Sunday school and go to church, but oh, we just can’t seem to get out of bed on Sunday morning. We all know life can be more “with” God. But clutter gets in the way.
How do we clean the clutter and open our spirit more “cleanly” to the Holy Spirit? Paul did so by “throwing everything away”. He’s turned his life to focusing on removing the clutter and totally trusting Christ because he knows that kind of life is the best kind of life.
With the clutter gone, he is able to know the power of Jesus’ resurrection is all that matters. He can grow more like Jesus and more to love Jesus.
Pause and Consider: what clutter needs to go?
Read Philippians
Phil 3:8 For his sake I have thrown everything away…
&
Phil 3:10 All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death.
I WAS just thinking about a drawer in my desk. You probably have one like mine. It has a “few” papers that I put there to temporarily store. Temporary has extended into several months, almost a year, and I really need to clean it out. But it’s easier to focus on other things—even taking a nap. But I really want to clean and organize the drawer. Why don’t I?
Our spiritual lives are cluttered with temporary things, aren’t they? We come across a doubt here and there because we don’t understand God’s Word. Or we want to get our kids to Sunday school and go to church, but oh, we just can’t seem to get out of bed on Sunday morning. We all know life can be more “with” God. But clutter gets in the way.
How do we clean the clutter and open our spirit more “cleanly” to the Holy Spirit? Paul did so by “throwing everything away”. He’s turned his life to focusing on removing the clutter and totally trusting Christ because he knows that kind of life is the best kind of life.
With the clutter gone, he is able to know the power of Jesus’ resurrection is all that matters. He can grow more like Jesus and more to love Jesus.
Pause and Consider: what clutter needs to go?
Saturday, November 19, 2011
november 20, 2011 Pray for Words
Pray for Words
Read Ephesians 6
Eph 6:19-20 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
IN THE book of Acts, Luke, the historical writer, records the Apostle Paul narrowly escaping death from angry mobs as they violently objected to his preaching the Gospel. Luke also records Paul’s bold testimony to the Jews in Jerusalem and his ministry to the Gentiles in an argument with the Apostle Peter, Jesus’ “rock” of faith. One would think Paul lives his faith without fear.
But his words here show his humanity. This powerful preacher and tireless worker for Christ needs something much more powerful to keep him going. He needs prayer to be sure he speaks the Gospel correctly. And he needs prayer to be fearless in his preaching.
Preachers need our prayers. Those who are serious in their love for Jesus have a deep passion to preach his love, his justice and his salvation clearly and always true. They want to stand above ridicule and apathy to raise hearts to love Jesus as they do.
Godly preachers want to get it right. Their hearts yearn for Jesus’ victory in a world ruled by sin’s defeat. Pray for them. Pray for their hearts and their words. Pray for their love in Jesus and their power in the Spirit.
And pray for your own words as you speak of Jesus to those who need to know.
Pause and Consider: Paul needed prayer. So does your pastor. So do you.
Read Ephesians 6
Eph 6:19-20 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
IN THE book of Acts, Luke, the historical writer, records the Apostle Paul narrowly escaping death from angry mobs as they violently objected to his preaching the Gospel. Luke also records Paul’s bold testimony to the Jews in Jerusalem and his ministry to the Gentiles in an argument with the Apostle Peter, Jesus’ “rock” of faith. One would think Paul lives his faith without fear.
But his words here show his humanity. This powerful preacher and tireless worker for Christ needs something much more powerful to keep him going. He needs prayer to be sure he speaks the Gospel correctly. And he needs prayer to be fearless in his preaching.
Preachers need our prayers. Those who are serious in their love for Jesus have a deep passion to preach his love, his justice and his salvation clearly and always true. They want to stand above ridicule and apathy to raise hearts to love Jesus as they do.
Godly preachers want to get it right. Their hearts yearn for Jesus’ victory in a world ruled by sin’s defeat. Pray for them. Pray for their hearts and their words. Pray for their love in Jesus and their power in the Spirit.
And pray for your own words as you speak of Jesus to those who need to know.
Pause and Consider: Paul needed prayer. So does your pastor. So do you.
Friday, November 18, 2011
November 19 Friend or Lord?
Friend or Lord?
Read Ephesians 5
Eph 5:10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
WE MUST stop here. Don’t go anywhere. Sit down. Think about what you want to do today. Think about what your heart is telling you to do today. Is there any conflict?
I have conflict. I think about prayer—the Lord wants me to pray, to connect with him. But my heart’s not in it right now, and I put it off until it never happens.
The Lord turns my heart to give some money to someone in need, but I make excuses and put it off until it never happens. The Lord wants me to call a friend to check in on his challenge with work. But I make excuses and put it off until it never happens.
What’s your Lord telling you? I mean, your LORD. Yes, we call Jesus, “Lord” but say “Later.” or “Not for me, not now, when I get around to it, when I feel like it, when the time’s right, not ever, Lord, Jesus.”
The reality in our response is that Jesus really isn’t our “Lord”, is he? He’s simply an adviser, a confidant, a listening ear, and someone who will forgive our sins. We don’t really have to “find out what pleases the Lord” and really do it, do we?
Pause and Consider: the meaning of the word “Lord” to you.
Read Ephesians 5
Eph 5:10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
WE MUST stop here. Don’t go anywhere. Sit down. Think about what you want to do today. Think about what your heart is telling you to do today. Is there any conflict?
I have conflict. I think about prayer—the Lord wants me to pray, to connect with him. But my heart’s not in it right now, and I put it off until it never happens.
The Lord turns my heart to give some money to someone in need, but I make excuses and put it off until it never happens. The Lord wants me to call a friend to check in on his challenge with work. But I make excuses and put it off until it never happens.
What’s your Lord telling you? I mean, your LORD. Yes, we call Jesus, “Lord” but say “Later.” or “Not for me, not now, when I get around to it, when I feel like it, when the time’s right, not ever, Lord, Jesus.”
The reality in our response is that Jesus really isn’t our “Lord”, is he? He’s simply an adviser, a confidant, a listening ear, and someone who will forgive our sins. We don’t really have to “find out what pleases the Lord” and really do it, do we?
Pause and Consider: the meaning of the word “Lord” to you.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
November 18 A Full Life Process
A Full Life Journey
Read Ephesians 4
Eph 4:11-13 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
ARE YOU looking for change in your life? Take some time today to read all of Ephesians 4. I pray you will see how Jesus offers gifts to people who will help you “to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness” (Eph 4:23-24).
When Jesus returned to Heaven, he continued his ministry through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has gifted some people to evangelize, some to pastor and some to teach. Those who have received those gifts are available to you to help you know Jesus more.
Knowing Jesus more is a life journey. As you “see” and “hear” him in the Gospels, you will see how he changes your life. From the time of Jesus’ disciples beginning their ministry to today, the Gospel has transformed lives from sadness to gladness, from despair to hope, from hate to love, from harmful habits to life-giving labors of love.
Pause for a moment, and it’s likely you’ll think of several people who can help you get to know the transforming Jesus’ more personally. Give one a call. Study the Bible with a gifted teacher.
Be on a life journey to live in the fullness of Jesus.
Pause and Consider: education is a process and so is getting to know Jesus.
Read Ephesians 4
Eph 4:11-13 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
ARE YOU looking for change in your life? Take some time today to read all of Ephesians 4. I pray you will see how Jesus offers gifts to people who will help you “to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness” (Eph 4:23-24).
When Jesus returned to Heaven, he continued his ministry through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has gifted some people to evangelize, some to pastor and some to teach. Those who have received those gifts are available to you to help you know Jesus more.
Knowing Jesus more is a life journey. As you “see” and “hear” him in the Gospels, you will see how he changes your life. From the time of Jesus’ disciples beginning their ministry to today, the Gospel has transformed lives from sadness to gladness, from despair to hope, from hate to love, from harmful habits to life-giving labors of love.
Pause for a moment, and it’s likely you’ll think of several people who can help you get to know the transforming Jesus’ more personally. Give one a call. Study the Bible with a gifted teacher.
Be on a life journey to live in the fullness of Jesus.
Pause and Consider: education is a process and so is getting to know Jesus.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
November 17 His Perfect Plan
His Perfect Plans
Read Ephesians 3
Eph 3:17-19 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
I HEARD a story of someone who had three graduate schools accept her application. Two offered to pay for her education. A third didn’t. Because she trusts God, she prayed about the right school. He guided her to the third school that had no offer of money.
But as she followed her Lord, He blessed her. It turned out the school had a program in a research project specific to her interests and experience. This program offered to pay her tuition, and it also pays her a salary and health benefits, too!
What’s the point? When Paul speaks of being “rooted and established in love” he is writing about Jesus’ love gift of eternal life to mankind. When you know with your heart that Jesus loves you and died for you, this “measure of the fullness of God” will release in you the power of Jesus’ wide, high, long and deep love in you.
The grad student went to that power to guide her way. As she trusted Jesus’ power, she was at peace when the choice seemed a disadvantage. But God had something perfectly planned for her. God will bless you with his perfect plans, and you will rejoice in his blessings.
Pause and Consider: that the power of the cross is for you.
Read Ephesians 3
Eph 3:17-19 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
I HEARD a story of someone who had three graduate schools accept her application. Two offered to pay for her education. A third didn’t. Because she trusts God, she prayed about the right school. He guided her to the third school that had no offer of money.
But as she followed her Lord, He blessed her. It turned out the school had a program in a research project specific to her interests and experience. This program offered to pay her tuition, and it also pays her a salary and health benefits, too!
What’s the point? When Paul speaks of being “rooted and established in love” he is writing about Jesus’ love gift of eternal life to mankind. When you know with your heart that Jesus loves you and died for you, this “measure of the fullness of God” will release in you the power of Jesus’ wide, high, long and deep love in you.
The grad student went to that power to guide her way. As she trusted Jesus’ power, she was at peace when the choice seemed a disadvantage. But God had something perfectly planned for her. God will bless you with his perfect plans, and you will rejoice in his blessings.
Pause and Consider: that the power of the cross is for you.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
November 16 Approved for Entry
Approved for Entry
Read Ephesians 2
Eph 2:19-22 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
HAVE you ever known someone who has become a naturalized citizen of the United States? This is a marvelous transformation for the person. He or she has come to this country seeking a better life. They have found a job, received proper credentials to live here, and gone to classes to learn about the United States.
When the big day comes, the immigrant is approved for entry as a citizen. Big smiles come to the face and heart of the new citizen. He or she is now united with the United States. They can vote and participate in the democracy. They have all the rights of citizenship. And they have the responsibilities of citizenship. In essence they have their new country in their heart. U.S. citizenship is part of their being.
And so it is the same with our citizenship with Christ. Thank God that his Spirit has opened the way for us to come into this “building”, the Kingdom of God, that Christ has “built”. Thank God his Spirit lives in you, and you be at home in God’s dwelling.
Pause and Consider: how good it is to belong to the Kingdom of God.
Read Ephesians 2
Eph 2:19-22 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
HAVE you ever known someone who has become a naturalized citizen of the United States? This is a marvelous transformation for the person. He or she has come to this country seeking a better life. They have found a job, received proper credentials to live here, and gone to classes to learn about the United States.
When the big day comes, the immigrant is approved for entry as a citizen. Big smiles come to the face and heart of the new citizen. He or she is now united with the United States. They can vote and participate in the democracy. They have all the rights of citizenship. And they have the responsibilities of citizenship. In essence they have their new country in their heart. U.S. citizenship is part of their being.
And so it is the same with our citizenship with Christ. Thank God that his Spirit has opened the way for us to come into this “building”, the Kingdom of God, that Christ has “built”. Thank God his Spirit lives in you, and you be at home in God’s dwelling.
Pause and Consider: how good it is to belong to the Kingdom of God.
Monday, November 14, 2011
november 15, 2011 Alive for God
Alive for Your Lord
Read Ephesians 1
Eph 1:1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus.
I WONDER how Paul felt when he wrote those words. I can picture him, quill in hand, sitting at his desk, scratching out these words. He looks at them and thinks, “Wow. Is it really possible God has chosen me? Am I really the same guy who dragged Christians from their homes? Am I the one who urged the crowd to stone Stephen?”
In one way Paul was that man—physically. In another way, he was not that man at all. He was born again, totally changed. Paul became spiritually alive as Jesus’ Spirit dwelled deep within his soul. Paul understood the true meaning of chosen and God’s will to mean his life was new, and his life belonged to his Lord.
How often do you say, “Lord, Jesus”? Do your words express your awe that God would choose you? In “Lord, Jesus.” do you consider God, the Father, has chosen you to belong to His Son?
As you say, “Lord, Jesus.” please understand that this relationship with the Savior of the world begins with God’s choosing, and it changes your life. In that changed life, you are willing to pray, “Your will be done.” to express your preparation to live with a new-born attitude. And that attitude will cause you to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33) to know what to do with and in your life.
Yes, God’s choosing is a remarkable gift. Be in awe of the gift. Be in awe of the One who gives. Seek his will and live in his will.
Pause and Consider: how you will act, knowing you “chosen by the will of God” to live for your Lord.
Read Ephesians 1
Eph 1:1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus.
I WONDER how Paul felt when he wrote those words. I can picture him, quill in hand, sitting at his desk, scratching out these words. He looks at them and thinks, “Wow. Is it really possible God has chosen me? Am I really the same guy who dragged Christians from their homes? Am I the one who urged the crowd to stone Stephen?”
In one way Paul was that man—physically. In another way, he was not that man at all. He was born again, totally changed. Paul became spiritually alive as Jesus’ Spirit dwelled deep within his soul. Paul understood the true meaning of chosen and God’s will to mean his life was new, and his life belonged to his Lord.
How often do you say, “Lord, Jesus”? Do your words express your awe that God would choose you? In “Lord, Jesus.” do you consider God, the Father, has chosen you to belong to His Son?
As you say, “Lord, Jesus.” please understand that this relationship with the Savior of the world begins with God’s choosing, and it changes your life. In that changed life, you are willing to pray, “Your will be done.” to express your preparation to live with a new-born attitude. And that attitude will cause you to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33) to know what to do with and in your life.
Yes, God’s choosing is a remarkable gift. Be in awe of the gift. Be in awe of the One who gives. Seek his will and live in his will.
Pause and Consider: how you will act, knowing you “chosen by the will of God” to live for your Lord.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
November 14, 2011 Life on the UP Side
Life on the Up Side
Read Galatians 3 – 6
Galatians 3:3-4 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?
WHO guides your life? Is it the Holy Spirit? Or is it you? The Holy Spirit is a great communicator, carrying God’s instructions to you. Jesus sent the Spirit to comfort you, direct you and to open your heart to his teachings. He is a great help in time of need.
But what happens when life is less challenging or when things are going well? Do you still rely on the Spirit’s guidance?
Perhaps too often the “good times” can cause you to forget who is in charge of your life. When life is good, we tend to ignore what he has to say, thinking we don’t need him, and we can “do life” on our own. We forget where our blessings come from. We think it is because of our own talents, our own goodness, and our own work that our life is good. Yes, good does come from these things, but who gives you the talent, your good attitude, and the work to do?
As you go about each day whether life is smooth or whether it’s rough, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Ask him to lead you and to give you the desire to follow his leading to be true to God the Father and Son.
Life has its ups and downs. Trusting the voice of the Spirit will keep your life on the up side.
Pause and Consider: the foundation of your activity each day. How do you know what to say and do?
Read Galatians 3 – 6
Galatians 3:3-4 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?
WHO guides your life? Is it the Holy Spirit? Or is it you? The Holy Spirit is a great communicator, carrying God’s instructions to you. Jesus sent the Spirit to comfort you, direct you and to open your heart to his teachings. He is a great help in time of need.
But what happens when life is less challenging or when things are going well? Do you still rely on the Spirit’s guidance?
Perhaps too often the “good times” can cause you to forget who is in charge of your life. When life is good, we tend to ignore what he has to say, thinking we don’t need him, and we can “do life” on our own. We forget where our blessings come from. We think it is because of our own talents, our own goodness, and our own work that our life is good. Yes, good does come from these things, but who gives you the talent, your good attitude, and the work to do?
As you go about each day whether life is smooth or whether it’s rough, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Ask him to lead you and to give you the desire to follow his leading to be true to God the Father and Son.
Life has its ups and downs. Trusting the voice of the Spirit will keep your life on the up side.
Pause and Consider: the foundation of your activity each day. How do you know what to say and do?
Friday, November 11, 2011
november 12, 2011 Be Jesus' Own
Be Jesus’ Own
Read 2 Corinthians 12 – 13
2 Corinthians 13:8-9 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 We are glad whenever we are weak, but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection.
PAUL’S letter to the church in Corinth is a relevant, contemporary letter to us today. The church was experiencing many challenges. Although they had heard the Gospel, had committed their lives to Christ, and had formed a church, they had not completely left their “old” lives behind.
Jealousy, pride, gossiping, and other sins divided the people and kept the church from living in the blessing that was available to them through Jesus Christ.
What makes it so difficult to be at peace with one another? Paul says, “We cannot oppose the truth”.
In the church in Corinth people opposed the truth. And we oppose it in the church today. We have strong desires to live in our own ways. Being a unified, joyful church is only possible when its members truly look to Jesus as Lord. To do that, we have to be “weak”, to let go of “our own” and become “Jesus’ own”.
Giving up our own way for Jesus’ way may seem weak to the world, but it takes strength of trust to faithfully follow Christ into his new way.
Paul urged the church in Corinth to give up their own strength, their old ways of living, for Christ’s strength. Then they would mature in their relationship with Christ and each other.
Give your strength to Jesus. Submit to his love and grow into a deeper, more real relationship with him. When you do, you’ll grow deeper in your love for others. And you will be at peace in your heart and in your church.
Pause and Consider: the “old way” you need to give up.
Read 2 Corinthians 12 – 13
2 Corinthians 13:8-9 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 We are glad whenever we are weak, but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection.
PAUL’S letter to the church in Corinth is a relevant, contemporary letter to us today. The church was experiencing many challenges. Although they had heard the Gospel, had committed their lives to Christ, and had formed a church, they had not completely left their “old” lives behind.
Jealousy, pride, gossiping, and other sins divided the people and kept the church from living in the blessing that was available to them through Jesus Christ.
What makes it so difficult to be at peace with one another? Paul says, “We cannot oppose the truth”.
In the church in Corinth people opposed the truth. And we oppose it in the church today. We have strong desires to live in our own ways. Being a unified, joyful church is only possible when its members truly look to Jesus as Lord. To do that, we have to be “weak”, to let go of “our own” and become “Jesus’ own”.
Giving up our own way for Jesus’ way may seem weak to the world, but it takes strength of trust to faithfully follow Christ into his new way.
Paul urged the church in Corinth to give up their own strength, their old ways of living, for Christ’s strength. Then they would mature in their relationship with Christ and each other.
Give your strength to Jesus. Submit to his love and grow into a deeper, more real relationship with him. When you do, you’ll grow deeper in your love for others. And you will be at peace in your heart and in your church.
Pause and Consider: the “old way” you need to give up.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
november 11, 2101 1 Out of 10
1 Out of 10
Read 2 Corinthians 8 – 11
2 Cor 8:3-5 Of their own free will 4 they begged us and pleaded for the privilege of having a part in helping God's people in Judea. 5 It was more than we could have hoped for! First they gave themselves to the Lord; and then, by God's will they gave themselves to us as well.
MONEY’S A big deal, isn’t it? It must be. I think one of the most often spoken complaints against the church is, “All they do is ask for my money.”
There are two realities in this complaint: First, the church wouldn’t need to “always” ask if people in the church had the heart of giving as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians. And second, it’s not “my” money.
Put 10 one-dollar bills on the counter. Look at them a minute. Where did they come from? They came from the work God gave you to do. They came from God.
Now, how many of those 10 one-dollar bills does God ask for in return? 1. He gives you 10. Put 9 in your pocket. The one left goes back to God. The church merely asks for one out of ten, and yet we complain.
I don’t get it. Do you?
Pause and Consider: how tithing is trusting.
Read 2 Corinthians 8 – 11
2 Cor 8:3-5 Of their own free will 4 they begged us and pleaded for the privilege of having a part in helping God's people in Judea. 5 It was more than we could have hoped for! First they gave themselves to the Lord; and then, by God's will they gave themselves to us as well.
MONEY’S A big deal, isn’t it? It must be. I think one of the most often spoken complaints against the church is, “All they do is ask for my money.”
There are two realities in this complaint: First, the church wouldn’t need to “always” ask if people in the church had the heart of giving as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians. And second, it’s not “my” money.
Put 10 one-dollar bills on the counter. Look at them a minute. Where did they come from? They came from the work God gave you to do. They came from God.
Now, how many of those 10 one-dollar bills does God ask for in return? 1. He gives you 10. Put 9 in your pocket. The one left goes back to God. The church merely asks for one out of ten, and yet we complain.
I don’t get it. Do you?
Pause and Consider: how tithing is trusting.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
November 10, 2011 A Delighful Way to Live
A Delightful Way to Live
Read 2 Corinthians 6-7
2 Cor 6:18-17:1 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.” 17:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
I INVITE you to take a minute or two and dwell on the promise in 6:18: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.”
Have you stopped and considered the power and magnificence of God’s promise? Creator, eternal, almighty God promises to relate to you as a perfect father. He promises to call you his child. He says he is ready and willing to be one who loves you when you’re unlovable, to guide you when you lose direction, to forgive you when you do wrong, to show you the way to a life of joy, to offer you eternal life with him.
Do you feel God, the Father, offering his love to you? Do you have a picture of him offering his hand to you?
Go ahead, take his love and take his hand. Put your hand in his and walk with him to a place that is different from the world.
He wants to bring you to a place where you experience his holiness—his perfection. He wants you to be holy, too, away from the things that harm you. He will show you how to live under his protection.
God has come to you as a loving Father. He wants to be your God. Feel his good pleasure and his protection.
Pause and Consider: how God is totally devoted to you.
Read 2 Corinthians 6-7
2 Cor 6:18-17:1 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.” 17:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
I INVITE you to take a minute or two and dwell on the promise in 6:18: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.”
Have you stopped and considered the power and magnificence of God’s promise? Creator, eternal, almighty God promises to relate to you as a perfect father. He promises to call you his child. He says he is ready and willing to be one who loves you when you’re unlovable, to guide you when you lose direction, to forgive you when you do wrong, to show you the way to a life of joy, to offer you eternal life with him.
Do you feel God, the Father, offering his love to you? Do you have a picture of him offering his hand to you?
Go ahead, take his love and take his hand. Put your hand in his and walk with him to a place that is different from the world.
He wants to bring you to a place where you experience his holiness—his perfection. He wants you to be holy, too, away from the things that harm you. He will show you how to live under his protection.
God has come to you as a loving Father. He wants to be your God. Feel his good pleasure and his protection.
Pause and Consider: how God is totally devoted to you.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
November 9, 2011 New Forever
New Forever
Read 2 Corinthians 3 – 5
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 so from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
WE LIKE new things, don’t we? There’s excitement, almost a sense of accomplishment when we get a new car, buy or build a new home, make a new friend or enjoy a new restaurant. We feel something different. Something new has been added to our life, and we feel a degree of happiness and satisfaction.
Paul says something even more dramatic happens when we understand and accept Jesus Christ as Lord, as the promised Messiah. He says we are a “new creation”.
That’s a pretty amazing statement! “New creation” means an entire makeover, inside and out. What we once were, we are no longer. What we used to be God has made new.
What does that mean? A new car—it’s dent free and mechanically correct. A new shirt—it smells good and is unwrinkled. A new pair of shoes—shiny and attractive. A new house—a dream come true.
Yes, a life in God’s newness is correct, unwrinkled, shiny, attractive and a great place to dwell. It’s not perfect. New car’s need fixing. New shirts need ironing. New shoes need polishing. A new house need care. But when cared for properly everything new lasts a long time.
When you care for your new life with God properly, your newness will last forever.
Pause and Consider: you are new in Christ—every day.
Read 2 Corinthians 3 – 5
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 so from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
WE LIKE new things, don’t we? There’s excitement, almost a sense of accomplishment when we get a new car, buy or build a new home, make a new friend or enjoy a new restaurant. We feel something different. Something new has been added to our life, and we feel a degree of happiness and satisfaction.
Paul says something even more dramatic happens when we understand and accept Jesus Christ as Lord, as the promised Messiah. He says we are a “new creation”.
That’s a pretty amazing statement! “New creation” means an entire makeover, inside and out. What we once were, we are no longer. What we used to be God has made new.
What does that mean? A new car—it’s dent free and mechanically correct. A new shirt—it smells good and is unwrinkled. A new pair of shoes—shiny and attractive. A new house—a dream come true.
Yes, a life in God’s newness is correct, unwrinkled, shiny, attractive and a great place to dwell. It’s not perfect. New car’s need fixing. New shirts need ironing. New shoes need polishing. A new house need care. But when cared for properly everything new lasts a long time.
When you care for your new life with God properly, your newness will last forever.
Pause and Consider: you are new in Christ—every day.
Monday, November 7, 2011
November 8, 2011 Thanks to God
Thanks Be to God
Read 2 Corinthians 1-2
2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
QUESTIONS abound in our culture. And there are always questions about God. Who is he? Where did he come from? Does he really care about me? Why doesn’t he just make everything right, so people don’t have to suffer? Is he real?
The answers have been coming from many places throughout history. Some attack God. Some defend him. So what do we who love God say in response?
These words from Paul are a key to our response. Note how Paul displays a deep trust in God, “who leads us in triumphal procession in Christ”. The essence to understanding God and answering these challenging questions is to go to “the fragrance of the knowledge of him”.
Knowing God and believing on him can hold an incorruptible sweetness in our minds. Knowing that God is love and trusting God to fulfill his promises brings to us quiet above life’s tumult. Going to him in prayer in our deepest needs and greatest joys can fill us with a wondrous peace and exaltation. Knowing God brings sweetness to our soul.
People who keep asking questions have an emptiness only God can fill. They strive to know everything but God, and they are never satisfied.
Let’s help them know that we walk in “triumphal procession in Christ” that when they open their minds to know God, they, too, will savor the fragrance of God’s sweet salvation.
Pause and Consider: how sweet it is to follow the God who saves you.
Read 2 Corinthians 1-2
2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
QUESTIONS abound in our culture. And there are always questions about God. Who is he? Where did he come from? Does he really care about me? Why doesn’t he just make everything right, so people don’t have to suffer? Is he real?
The answers have been coming from many places throughout history. Some attack God. Some defend him. So what do we who love God say in response?
These words from Paul are a key to our response. Note how Paul displays a deep trust in God, “who leads us in triumphal procession in Christ”. The essence to understanding God and answering these challenging questions is to go to “the fragrance of the knowledge of him”.
Knowing God and believing on him can hold an incorruptible sweetness in our minds. Knowing that God is love and trusting God to fulfill his promises brings to us quiet above life’s tumult. Going to him in prayer in our deepest needs and greatest joys can fill us with a wondrous peace and exaltation. Knowing God brings sweetness to our soul.
People who keep asking questions have an emptiness only God can fill. They strive to know everything but God, and they are never satisfied.
Let’s help them know that we walk in “triumphal procession in Christ” that when they open their minds to know God, they, too, will savor the fragrance of God’s sweet salvation.
Pause and Consider: how sweet it is to follow the God who saves you.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
november 7, 2011 Do You Prophesy?
Do You Prophesy?
Read 1 Corinthians 13 – 16
1 Corinthians 14:4 everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
DO you prophesy? Before you answer, “No.” let’s consider what “prophesy” means. You may think it means to foretell the future. That is one part of this gift from the Holy Spirit. But more often prophesying is the Holy Spirit coming to you to give you words and actions that teach people about God.
The Apostle Paul defines prophesying around comfort, encouragement and teaching others about God. Some of you are gifted to teach with your mouth. Some of you teach of God with acts of comfort, and some show God to people with encouraging words and prayer.
So I’ll ask the question again, “Do you prophesy?” If you see someone around you who is hurting, are you inclined to speak comfort to them? Are you ready to stop what you’re doing and listen to someone’s needs? Do you offer to pray for people? This is prophesying.
Prophesy. Tell of and do God’s wonderful Word.
Pause and Consider: what a precious gift this is to help others know their Savior.
Read 1 Corinthians 13 – 16
1 Corinthians 14:4 everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
DO you prophesy? Before you answer, “No.” let’s consider what “prophesy” means. You may think it means to foretell the future. That is one part of this gift from the Holy Spirit. But more often prophesying is the Holy Spirit coming to you to give you words and actions that teach people about God.
The Apostle Paul defines prophesying around comfort, encouragement and teaching others about God. Some of you are gifted to teach with your mouth. Some of you teach of God with acts of comfort, and some show God to people with encouraging words and prayer.
So I’ll ask the question again, “Do you prophesy?” If you see someone around you who is hurting, are you inclined to speak comfort to them? Are you ready to stop what you’re doing and listen to someone’s needs? Do you offer to pray for people? This is prophesying.
Prophesy. Tell of and do God’s wonderful Word.
Pause and Consider: what a precious gift this is to help others know their Savior.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
november 6, 2011 Stay with God
Stay with God
Read 1 Corinthians 10 – 12
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
COMPLACENCY can happen quickly as we walk with God. Life can go well as we diligently try to be obedient to our loving Father and Savior. We receive blessings from our Lord, and consider life to be good.
And because life is good, we might stop spending as much time in prayer. We may not read the Bible as often, or we may skip a few Sundays at church.
Gradually temptation is more appealing. We look at the world less through our Savior’s eyes and more through our own. And the “world” doesn’t look so bad. Suddenly it is easier to step on the path that opposes God. Then issues arise, and we wonder, “Where’s God?”
Guess what? He’s right where you left him. He’s wondering “Where are you? I thought you liked being with me.” Then we look back. And we see what happened. We come to understand that we carelessly fell into a life that does not walk on the path he has planned for us.
Building and keeping a “good friend” relationship with someone else takes time, communication, and mutual understanding. It takes keeping in touch.
Our relationship with God is the same. He’s always there to keep you safe and bless you as you love him and follow him. Stay in touch with your Father, Savior and Spirit. Temptation is strong.
Pause and Consider: You need your God’s strength to resist evil and to enjoy your walk with him.
Read 1 Corinthians 10 – 12
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
COMPLACENCY can happen quickly as we walk with God. Life can go well as we diligently try to be obedient to our loving Father and Savior. We receive blessings from our Lord, and consider life to be good.
And because life is good, we might stop spending as much time in prayer. We may not read the Bible as often, or we may skip a few Sundays at church.
Gradually temptation is more appealing. We look at the world less through our Savior’s eyes and more through our own. And the “world” doesn’t look so bad. Suddenly it is easier to step on the path that opposes God. Then issues arise, and we wonder, “Where’s God?”
Guess what? He’s right where you left him. He’s wondering “Where are you? I thought you liked being with me.” Then we look back. And we see what happened. We come to understand that we carelessly fell into a life that does not walk on the path he has planned for us.
Building and keeping a “good friend” relationship with someone else takes time, communication, and mutual understanding. It takes keeping in touch.
Our relationship with God is the same. He’s always there to keep you safe and bless you as you love him and follow him. Stay in touch with your Father, Savior and Spirit. Temptation is strong.
Pause and Consider: You need your God’s strength to resist evil and to enjoy your walk with him.
november 5, 2011 Show God's Freedom
Show God’s Freedom
Read 1 Corinthians 7 – 9
1 Corinthians 8:9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
OUR God is a wonderful, loving God, isn’t he? He gives you himself, freeing you from sin’s shackles that you may live a full and free life with him. He calls out to you to come and walk with him as you arise each morning to step into life. You have many opportunities each day to feel his good pleasure on your life.
Freedom is a wonderful thing when you choose to use it wisely. But there is a sad reality in the church.
When you look at how many Christians live, sadly you will find very few differences between their thinking and behavior and that of the non-Christian culture. This has to be a great heartache for God. In essence people who say, “I believe in God.” and then live their own way are telling the world, “God’s nothing special.”
Please be careful of what you say and do. It’s not about you. It’s about your Savior, who died for you. It’s about your Father, who created you. It’s about the Holy Spirit, who lives within you.
God loves you so much he unshackled the bonds of sin and gave you freedom. Use your freedom well. Show your friends what freedom from sin truly looks like.
Pause and Consider: how important it is to correctly show your Lord to the world.
Read 1 Corinthians 7 – 9
1 Corinthians 8:9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
OUR God is a wonderful, loving God, isn’t he? He gives you himself, freeing you from sin’s shackles that you may live a full and free life with him. He calls out to you to come and walk with him as you arise each morning to step into life. You have many opportunities each day to feel his good pleasure on your life.
Freedom is a wonderful thing when you choose to use it wisely. But there is a sad reality in the church.
When you look at how many Christians live, sadly you will find very few differences between their thinking and behavior and that of the non-Christian culture. This has to be a great heartache for God. In essence people who say, “I believe in God.” and then live their own way are telling the world, “God’s nothing special.”
Please be careful of what you say and do. It’s not about you. It’s about your Savior, who died for you. It’s about your Father, who created you. It’s about the Holy Spirit, who lives within you.
God loves you so much he unshackled the bonds of sin and gave you freedom. Use your freedom well. Show your friends what freedom from sin truly looks like.
Pause and Consider: how important it is to correctly show your Lord to the world.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
November 4, 2011 Peace for You
Peace for You
Read 1 Corinthians 3 – 6
1 Corinthians 6:7-8 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.
DO YOU live in a world of conflict or a world of peace? At first glance, you may think this is a silly question. After all, are we not surrounded with conflict? Regardless of where we turn, we see a world broken with conflict, from international wars to private disputes. In secular society and in the church, there is no break from conflict.
Or is there?
What would happen if we took to heart these words from Paul? He was very disturbed that there were lawsuits among people in the church. He saw it as a rejection of the Gospel, of the fellowship and peace Jesus’ Good News offers. People were in conflict because they were not willing to submit to and love others.
Yes, when someone wrongs you, perhaps there is a time to stand and fight. But more often, I think, there is a time to let go and forgive. Jesus was “attacked” verbally and spiritually wherever he ministered. But he let go of the accusations, and he let go of the ridicule. He looked to the Father, and he held on to the Gospel.
This is what Paul is talking about here. We can choose conflict, or we can choose peace. Conflict contaminates your life. Peace cleanses your life. Jesus came to clean the conflict away and replace it with his peace. This is for you.
Pause and Consider: how you resolve conflict in your life.
Read 1 Corinthians 3 – 6
1 Corinthians 6:7-8 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.
DO YOU live in a world of conflict or a world of peace? At first glance, you may think this is a silly question. After all, are we not surrounded with conflict? Regardless of where we turn, we see a world broken with conflict, from international wars to private disputes. In secular society and in the church, there is no break from conflict.
Or is there?
What would happen if we took to heart these words from Paul? He was very disturbed that there were lawsuits among people in the church. He saw it as a rejection of the Gospel, of the fellowship and peace Jesus’ Good News offers. People were in conflict because they were not willing to submit to and love others.
Yes, when someone wrongs you, perhaps there is a time to stand and fight. But more often, I think, there is a time to let go and forgive. Jesus was “attacked” verbally and spiritually wherever he ministered. But he let go of the accusations, and he let go of the ridicule. He looked to the Father, and he held on to the Gospel.
This is what Paul is talking about here. We can choose conflict, or we can choose peace. Conflict contaminates your life. Peace cleanses your life. Jesus came to clean the conflict away and replace it with his peace. This is for you.
Pause and Consider: how you resolve conflict in your life.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
november 3, 2011 God's Love Letter
God’s Love Letter
1 Corinthians 1 – 2
1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ — their Lord and ours.
THE Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth. And he wrote it to someone else. He wrote it to you.
What? You weren’t alive then? You’ve never been to Corinth? You didn’t know Paul, and he didn’t know you?
It doesn’t matter. God appointed Paul to tell the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world, and the world is still here. You are part of the world. God gave you life and put you here. He called you to himself, just as he called those believers in Corinth. And this message is for “all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
When you understand this letter to be directly to you, I hope that this letter takes on a deeper and more personal meaning for you.
I also hope that you begin to see the entire Bible as a letter from God to you personally.
God’s Holy Word is a message of love that demonstrates how God personally gave himself through Christ Jesus to the world across cultures and time. He gave himself so that we might know him and be saved through him.
So what should you do with the rest of this letter to the Corinthians? What might happen if you approach God’s Word as his love letter of truth to you?
Pause and Consider: what a special privilege it is to hear from God.
1 Corinthians 1 – 2
1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ — their Lord and ours.
THE Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth. And he wrote it to someone else. He wrote it to you.
What? You weren’t alive then? You’ve never been to Corinth? You didn’t know Paul, and he didn’t know you?
It doesn’t matter. God appointed Paul to tell the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world, and the world is still here. You are part of the world. God gave you life and put you here. He called you to himself, just as he called those believers in Corinth. And this message is for “all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
When you understand this letter to be directly to you, I hope that this letter takes on a deeper and more personal meaning for you.
I also hope that you begin to see the entire Bible as a letter from God to you personally.
God’s Holy Word is a message of love that demonstrates how God personally gave himself through Christ Jesus to the world across cultures and time. He gave himself so that we might know him and be saved through him.
So what should you do with the rest of this letter to the Corinthians? What might happen if you approach God’s Word as his love letter of truth to you?
Pause and Consider: what a special privilege it is to hear from God.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
November 2, 2011 Unsung Hereoes
Unsung Heroes
Read Romans 16
Rom 16:3-4 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
WHEN YOU list the many remarkable people in scripture, do you include Priscilla and Aquila? You should. Look at who they are and what they’ve done.
Paul calls them, “fellow workers in Christ Jesus”. That is quite an honor, isn’t it? This great Apostle who has severely labored, debated, and been humiliated for his teaching of the Lord Jesus calls them his “fellow workers”. They are his equals in ministry as they have labored alongside Paul.
No, we don’t have any of Priscilla’s and Aquila’s written words, and we don’t know what they have precisely done. But we do know they have sacrificed themselves for the Kingdom of God, working with and risking their lives for Paul and Jesus’ church.
“They risked their lives for me.” is a remarkable statement. To risk their lives, Priscilla and Aquila, this wife-husband team, might have stood by Paul when the mobs tried to stone him. They might have traveled with him to new territory and to help plant churches. They might have stood against persecution and mistreatment because they stood for the Gospel.
Priscilla and Aquila left a wonderful legacy of faith and service didn’t they?
Pause and Consider: how faithful service sometimes requires we risk, even give our lives for the Gospel.
Read Romans 16
Rom 16:3-4 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
WHEN YOU list the many remarkable people in scripture, do you include Priscilla and Aquila? You should. Look at who they are and what they’ve done.
Paul calls them, “fellow workers in Christ Jesus”. That is quite an honor, isn’t it? This great Apostle who has severely labored, debated, and been humiliated for his teaching of the Lord Jesus calls them his “fellow workers”. They are his equals in ministry as they have labored alongside Paul.
No, we don’t have any of Priscilla’s and Aquila’s written words, and we don’t know what they have precisely done. But we do know they have sacrificed themselves for the Kingdom of God, working with and risking their lives for Paul and Jesus’ church.
“They risked their lives for me.” is a remarkable statement. To risk their lives, Priscilla and Aquila, this wife-husband team, might have stood by Paul when the mobs tried to stone him. They might have traveled with him to new territory and to help plant churches. They might have stood against persecution and mistreatment because they stood for the Gospel.
Priscilla and Aquila left a wonderful legacy of faith and service didn’t they?
Pause and Consider: how faithful service sometimes requires we risk, even give our lives for the Gospel.
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