October 1, 2013 A Return to Worship

Read 1 Samuel 1

A Return to Worship

1 Samuel 1:2 He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.

SAMUEL, Saul and David are about to enter into Israel’s history. The people of Israel reject God’s leadership to instead desire an earthly king—they want to be like everyone else. How do you think that will work?

     Samuel, the first person of biblical fame we meet, comes from Hannah, a woman who is barren. What’s the deal with God? Why does he sometimes choose women who are barren to become the mothers of some of his most famous leaders?

     One reason is to clearly demonstrate he is the Lord of life. He turns dark to light, empty space to lush gardens and dust to mankind. He forms people and appoints them to his specific purpose. Out of Hannah’s empty womb he formed Samuel to reform Israel from a nation that rejected God to become a nation that would worship God.

     Samuel’s purpose begins with Hannah. She has no hope of a child until she worships God and dedicates her life and the child’s life to God.

     God uses Hannah’s barrenness to grab Hannah’s heart. Faithfully she prays for a son. Lovingly, she gives him to God. That’s what he wanted—a godly mother to produce a godly son to lead a nation into godliness.

     Faith to faith, generation to generation God calls moms and dads to trust him and to give their children to his purposes for them. Teach your children to know God’s ways then see how your child will make a difference in the world. Show your child true worship, and you will see what great purposes God has prepared for him or her.  

A Moment’s Thought: What is your child’s purpose?

September 30, 2013 God Protects His Own

2 Peter 2

God Protects His Own

2 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them — bringing swift destruction on themselves…4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men…9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. 

PETER’S writings repeatedly encourage the church to stand firm amid their persecution. One way the church was persecuted then and is now is through false teachers. Peter reminds them of God’s faithfulness to protect God’s own from lies before time began as he punished angels who rebelled against him and then how he protected Noah and Lot.

     Consider the great work of God to protect heaven against rebellion, 8 people against the sin of the whole world and a family against the sin of two cities. Then see that God will protect you today as you live righteously for him.

     Be steadfast to tell Jesus’ truth to all. If people oppose you, let God deal with them in his own good way. He has always done so, and he always will.

A Moment’s Thought: God’s got your righteous back.

September 29, 2013 Good Things to Have

Read 2 Peter 1

Good Things to Have

2 Peter 1:3-7 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

EVERYONE wants harmony, peace, love and joy in their lives, don’t we? Peter offers us God’s way to that kind of life if we are willing to go through a God-centered process.

     As you begin a life of faith in Jesus, the process includes adding goodness, knowledge, self-control; perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love to your character.

     Maturing in God is taking on the nature of God to clearly reflect his character in the way you live. For example, you are exhibiting godly maturity when you do such good things as read Scripture, worship, tithe, and serve with your Spiritual gifts. Even more you reflect God to the world as you exhibit the character of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

     God the Father has given you a plan to become more like him. Jesus has shown you and the Spirit empowers you.

A Moment’s Thought: You want that, right?

September 28, 2013 Firm Faith

Read 1 Peter 5

Firm Faith

8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

IT is always essential to encourage people in their faith. And it is always necessary to warn people in their faith. Peter shows us how to do both in this chapter.

     In verse 8, Peter’s warning is that you can never be complacent. The devil is constantly after you. He prowls, looking for your weakness—a moment of despair, a moment of temptation, a moment of jealousy, a moment of anger or a moment of frustration can turn your self-control into sin. What is your weapon against your prowling enemy?

     See Peter’s encouragement. He says you have the weapon of faith to give you the power to be self-controlled and to stand firm. Peter’s encouragement is that faith turns your heart from looking at the moments of harm and suffering to look, instead, at your eternal hope in the Lord. Faith also turns your heart to know suffering is a preparation for God’s glorious eternity. Faith strengthens you to see how you can support others who stand firm for Jesus. And faith points your heart to focus on the Lord, who makes you firm and steadfast.

     Be encouraged! Your Lord’s power is greater than the devil’s.

A Moment’s Thought: You are firm against the devil when you are firm in Jesus.

September 27, 2013 Loving Care

Read 1 Peter 4

Loving Care

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

HERE’S a great way to get along with others—spouse, family, friends, and even your “enemies”. Take to heart these words from Peter. They are words of reconciliation. They are words of making and keeping peace. They are words to help you deal with harsh words others may say to you. These are words that help you live in the way Jesus loves you.

     1 Peter has many words to help you know how to get along. The letter speaks to the heart of the church—a heart filled with God’s love. Chapter 3 helps you with your marriage. Chapter 4 speaks of responding to those who oppose your Christian way of life. Chapter 5 talks of elders caring for others. Peter encourages Christians to love others as themselves as they care for each other, withstand suffering, and live in harmony.

     Of course, at the center of Peter’s encouragement is Jesus, the Prince of Peace. He is the Good Shepherd to lead you, the Gate to protect you, the Living Water to refresh you, the Suffering Savior to save you, the Son of Man to judge you. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Son of God. He is the one who loves you.
     Pray for Jesus’ loving touch on yourself today. Pray you can show that love to others as you experience his love in you. Jesus’ love will make a profound difference in your life and those you touch each day.

    

A Moment’s Thought: You can enjoy the peace of the Prince of Peace.