Read Genesis 17:1-14
When Abram was 99 years old the Lord appeared to Him and said - I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless.
Imagine this happening to you. Imagine coming face to face and God says who He is and what He expects of you. Just imagine. How would that impact your life? How would you live after this face to face with Almighty God?
God then confirms His covenant with Abraham with the promise we spoke of a few weeks ago. God says I am confirming my covenant with you and you will be the father of many nations. At 99 Abram's hearing this news and if you're anything like me, you're thinking - are you serious? I'm 99, how is that going to happen.
Listen, when God makes a promise, He delivers!
Read Genesis 17:1-14 and just pray about how God makes and keeps His promises. And ask God to help you live blameless just as Abram was called to live in light of who God is and what He expects.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
When Trouble Comes
Read Genesis 12:10-20
After Abraham received God's promise v. 4 tells us he left from Haran and set out for the promised land of Canaan. His response was obedience and yet when we continue reading the story in v. 10 and following we find there's trouble after the promise.
Trouble follows us wherever we go and even after this promise from God it follows Abraham. I don't know to many people who look forward to trouble; most of us want to avoid it and when it comes we wonder where is God in this. So the timing of this trouble for Abraham must have had him wondering what God was up to.
We learn from Abraham's story that he didn't exactly respond the way we'd expect a godly man to respond. But throughout his life he always came back, always realized and remembered the covenant promise God made with him.
No matter what trouble comes our way, what trouble we face, God wants us learning from stories like Abraham's and others in the Old and New Testaments that God is always faithful. Trust in Him, follow Him, believe in Him, rely on Him, listen to Him and love Him all the time because in good times and bad - God always keeps His promises, especially His covenant promises.
After Abraham received God's promise v. 4 tells us he left from Haran and set out for the promised land of Canaan. His response was obedience and yet when we continue reading the story in v. 10 and following we find there's trouble after the promise.
Trouble follows us wherever we go and even after this promise from God it follows Abraham. I don't know to many people who look forward to trouble; most of us want to avoid it and when it comes we wonder where is God in this. So the timing of this trouble for Abraham must have had him wondering what God was up to.
We learn from Abraham's story that he didn't exactly respond the way we'd expect a godly man to respond. But throughout his life he always came back, always realized and remembered the covenant promise God made with him.
No matter what trouble comes our way, what trouble we face, God wants us learning from stories like Abraham's and others in the Old and New Testaments that God is always faithful. Trust in Him, follow Him, believe in Him, rely on Him, listen to Him and love Him all the time because in good times and bad - God always keeps His promises, especially His covenant promises.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
God's Promise to Abraham
Read Genesis 12:1-9
Last week we began a series of devotions in helping us focus on God's revelation. We might think that we should just stay in Revelation - it's a good idea to go back and begin with understanding what God has revealed and ultimately promises.
All of us know what a promise is. We've made promises and promises have been made to us. Some are kept and some are not; that's the nature of earthly promises, they are flawed because we are flawed. However, when God makes a promise He keeps a promise. We see this over and over again in scripture.
Possibly one of the most important promises ever made was God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-9. Take some time and read God's promise to Abraham. His promise has come to be known as the Abrahamic Covenant. This promise is both eternal and unconditional. At it's core we find three basic provisions:
This covenant promise required nothing more from Abraham than faith and trust to follow God. God was offering Abraham blessings and we're told Abraham listened and left his country to a land God would show him. We're told later in scripture that Abraham was a man who believed God and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. God wants us to know His promises, and then believe and follow.
We'll continue unpacking God's revelation to His people as we walk through this Abrahamic and other covenant promises of God. For now, read again the passages in Genesis 12 and cross-references (Gen. 13:14-17; 15:1-21; 17:1-27; 18:17-19; 22:15-18) to get the bigger picture of God's promise to Abraham.
Last week we began a series of devotions in helping us focus on God's revelation. We might think that we should just stay in Revelation - it's a good idea to go back and begin with understanding what God has revealed and ultimately promises.
All of us know what a promise is. We've made promises and promises have been made to us. Some are kept and some are not; that's the nature of earthly promises, they are flawed because we are flawed. However, when God makes a promise He keeps a promise. We see this over and over again in scripture.
Possibly one of the most important promises ever made was God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-9. Take some time and read God's promise to Abraham. His promise has come to be known as the Abrahamic Covenant. This promise is both eternal and unconditional. At it's core we find three basic provisions:
- First, there were personal blessings for Abraham
- There were blessings for Abraham's descendants, or national blessings
- There was a universal blessing, which would include all people
This covenant promise required nothing more from Abraham than faith and trust to follow God. God was offering Abraham blessings and we're told Abraham listened and left his country to a land God would show him. We're told later in scripture that Abraham was a man who believed God and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. God wants us to know His promises, and then believe and follow.
We'll continue unpacking God's revelation to His people as we walk through this Abrahamic and other covenant promises of God. For now, read again the passages in Genesis 12 and cross-references (Gen. 13:14-17; 15:1-21; 17:1-27; 18:17-19; 22:15-18) to get the bigger picture of God's promise to Abraham.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
He's Given a Revelation...
Read Revelation 1:1-3
End times prophecy is probably one of those Biblical subjects many would like to know more about but are not quite sure how to go about learning. Well we're going to engage in a few devotions to help walk through some of the key elements of Revelation. For this week - take a quick look at Revelation 1:1-3.
We're told this revelation comes from Jesus and God gave it to show his servants what events are going to happen in the end times. He presented this revelation to his servant John through an angel and John faithfully reported everything he saw. Now this is just my guess but I'm not so sure John understood everything he saw but he reported everything he saw faithfully.
Verse 3 tells us whoever reads the words of this prophecy to the church will be blessed if they listen and obey the message. So as we approach this message we should pray God will help us to hear clearly and obey what we're told to obey.
Understanding end times prophecy reminds us that:
End times prophecy is probably one of those Biblical subjects many would like to know more about but are not quite sure how to go about learning. Well we're going to engage in a few devotions to help walk through some of the key elements of Revelation. For this week - take a quick look at Revelation 1:1-3.
We're told this revelation comes from Jesus and God gave it to show his servants what events are going to happen in the end times. He presented this revelation to his servant John through an angel and John faithfully reported everything he saw. Now this is just my guess but I'm not so sure John understood everything he saw but he reported everything he saw faithfully.
Verse 3 tells us whoever reads the words of this prophecy to the church will be blessed if they listen and obey the message. So as we approach this message we should pray God will help us to hear clearly and obey what we're told to obey.
Understanding end times prophecy reminds us that:
- God is sovereign
- God is good
- Motivates us to holy living
- Helps us establish proper priorities
- Gives us hope
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Living God's Way
Read Proverbs 3:5-6
We have so many options in life; so many ways we can go with our decisions, our relationships, spending our money and dealing with our health issues. You name it, we have all sorts of ways we can respond to what's happening in our lives. However, God is perfectly clear in how He wants us living. He wants us living God's way not our way.
Often it's easier for us to think of others living one way vs. living God's way. Because we have a different perspective when we're not in the middle of something so we can see things more clearly when it's not us but someone else we're seeing living their way instead of God's. But what about us? Isn't our relationship with God about us and God, and not about others and God? Sure we're supposed to live in relationship with others and encourage Godly living, the Bible is filled with wisdom for all of us to love others in ways that inspire Godly living. But what about us?
It's much more difficult for us to check the way we're living and really see if we're living God's way or our own way. And while it's difficult, it's not impossible. Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of my favorite passages in all of Scripture because in order for us to live God's way, we must follow what this Proverb says.
It all begins with trust. Trusting God in all things with all our heart and not trusting in our way. Proverbs says we're not to lean on our own understanding. You see God's way is filled with wisdom, Godly wisdom that is so much more than just knowledge. It's applied knowledge because it reveals God knows best.
Next, in all our ways we are to acknowledge Him. This shows us that in everything and every area of our lives we're to say to God, "what do you say about this Lord." You see again God knows best; He knows better than you and me because well He's God and we are not.
This proverb ends with a promise that if and when we submit our will to His, God will set our paths straight. Listen our lives won't be perfect but they will be right before Him whom we exist to serve with our lives.
Living God's way is all about trusting and submitting to Him. This isn't about us trying harder or doing more. It's simply about listening and following Him. And the coolest thing about all this is God gives us the power and ability to do this by giving us the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity to come along side us and empower us to listen and follow. So in the end, at the end of the day living God's way is possible because He makes it possible!
We have so many options in life; so many ways we can go with our decisions, our relationships, spending our money and dealing with our health issues. You name it, we have all sorts of ways we can respond to what's happening in our lives. However, God is perfectly clear in how He wants us living. He wants us living God's way not our way.
Often it's easier for us to think of others living one way vs. living God's way. Because we have a different perspective when we're not in the middle of something so we can see things more clearly when it's not us but someone else we're seeing living their way instead of God's. But what about us? Isn't our relationship with God about us and God, and not about others and God? Sure we're supposed to live in relationship with others and encourage Godly living, the Bible is filled with wisdom for all of us to love others in ways that inspire Godly living. But what about us?
It's much more difficult for us to check the way we're living and really see if we're living God's way or our own way. And while it's difficult, it's not impossible. Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of my favorite passages in all of Scripture because in order for us to live God's way, we must follow what this Proverb says.
It all begins with trust. Trusting God in all things with all our heart and not trusting in our way. Proverbs says we're not to lean on our own understanding. You see God's way is filled with wisdom, Godly wisdom that is so much more than just knowledge. It's applied knowledge because it reveals God knows best.
Next, in all our ways we are to acknowledge Him. This shows us that in everything and every area of our lives we're to say to God, "what do you say about this Lord." You see again God knows best; He knows better than you and me because well He's God and we are not.
This proverb ends with a promise that if and when we submit our will to His, God will set our paths straight. Listen our lives won't be perfect but they will be right before Him whom we exist to serve with our lives.
Living God's way is all about trusting and submitting to Him. This isn't about us trying harder or doing more. It's simply about listening and following Him. And the coolest thing about all this is God gives us the power and ability to do this by giving us the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity to come along side us and empower us to listen and follow. So in the end, at the end of the day living God's way is possible because He makes it possible!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Equal...
Read Romans 3:1-20
When we consider society, any society, at it's core people want to know and believe there is equal opportunity that all people are created and valued equally. Yet there's often this question among let's just call them groups of people where there's this competition. Who's better? It happens in sports, in the arts when you think of the Grammy's and Emmy's and it happens among people of different backgrounds - gender, age, interests - you name it there's this question about who is better.
And it's this question that comes when we read Romans 3. Where Paul is writing to the Jewish people and asking them if there's any advantage to being Jewish. And while his initial answer seems to indicate the Jews are better because he answers saying "yes" to the question is there any advantage, we soon find out all are equal in the eyes of God; no difference between the Jew or the Gentile. And here's why.
Paul tells these Jewish believers in Rome that they have this advantage because they have the word of God and He came to them with His word. However, they are asked another question in v. 9 - Are we any better? Paul emphatically answers Not at all! Instead he says ALL are guilty of sin.
His whole point is no one is right before God based on his or her own merit. It's God who makes us right with Himself by sending and giving us Jesus and His sacrifice. So on our own we all fall short of the glory of God - v. 23. But in Christ by faith and believing in who Jesus is and what He did for us - because no matter our background at the foot of the cross we are all equal and can be justified by faith.
When we consider society, any society, at it's core people want to know and believe there is equal opportunity that all people are created and valued equally. Yet there's often this question among let's just call them groups of people where there's this competition. Who's better? It happens in sports, in the arts when you think of the Grammy's and Emmy's and it happens among people of different backgrounds - gender, age, interests - you name it there's this question about who is better.
And it's this question that comes when we read Romans 3. Where Paul is writing to the Jewish people and asking them if there's any advantage to being Jewish. And while his initial answer seems to indicate the Jews are better because he answers saying "yes" to the question is there any advantage, we soon find out all are equal in the eyes of God; no difference between the Jew or the Gentile. And here's why.
Paul tells these Jewish believers in Rome that they have this advantage because they have the word of God and He came to them with His word. However, they are asked another question in v. 9 - Are we any better? Paul emphatically answers Not at all! Instead he says ALL are guilty of sin.
His whole point is no one is right before God based on his or her own merit. It's God who makes us right with Himself by sending and giving us Jesus and His sacrifice. So on our own we all fall short of the glory of God - v. 23. But in Christ by faith and believing in who Jesus is and what He did for us - because no matter our background at the foot of the cross we are all equal and can be justified by faith.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Blessed?
Read Romans 4:1-8
Do you consider yourself blessed? If so, why? What would you say was the basis of thinking and believing you are blessed? Would it be material things? Relationships? Fianancial blessings? Health? All of these?
Take a look at Romans 4:1-8 and see that Paul talks about a different kind of blessing. He's using the examples of Abraham and David and how by faith they were justified, made right with God and in relationship with Him not by anything they had done but by the forgiveness they had received by accepting the work that Jesus had done on the cross by paying for their sins.
Listen, verses 7 and 8 tell us that if your sins are forgiven and covered, if the Lord will never count your sins against you because you've accepted His work on the cross then you are BLESSED.
Blessed beyond comparison because there is nothing that compares with knowing everything we've done wrong, all our sins will never be counted against us because we have a saviour who justifies by faith. So whenever you think of whether or not you are blessed, always remember if you've placed your faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins you are indeed blessed. Praise God for this blessing!
Do you consider yourself blessed? If so, why? What would you say was the basis of thinking and believing you are blessed? Would it be material things? Relationships? Fianancial blessings? Health? All of these?
Take a look at Romans 4:1-8 and see that Paul talks about a different kind of blessing. He's using the examples of Abraham and David and how by faith they were justified, made right with God and in relationship with Him not by anything they had done but by the forgiveness they had received by accepting the work that Jesus had done on the cross by paying for their sins.
Listen, verses 7 and 8 tell us that if your sins are forgiven and covered, if the Lord will never count your sins against you because you've accepted His work on the cross then you are BLESSED.
Blessed beyond comparison because there is nothing that compares with knowing everything we've done wrong, all our sins will never be counted against us because we have a saviour who justifies by faith. So whenever you think of whether or not you are blessed, always remember if you've placed your faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins you are indeed blessed. Praise God for this blessing!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Give Me Jesus
Read John 10:10
Ever get winded? You know what I mean - winded, going up a flight of stairs, trying to catch the elevator, hurrying to get anywhere. Sometimes we're in such a hurry to get where we're going we get winded and realize we're not in the shape we want to be in and so we wonder what it's going to take to turn it around where we're no longer winded, out of breath and stressed because we're not in the shape we'd like to be in.
Transfer this thought to our faith - ever get winded? Tired of trying and doing and relying on what we've got inside us instead of Jesus. All I want is Jesus, Give Me Jesus and I'll be ok; in fact, more than ok I'll be energized with life, passion, energy, purpose, enthusiasm, and the abundant living that I was created to have.
Friends, we can all have this abundant life. The secret is this ask, simply ask for God to give us more Jesus. John 10:10 tells us we have an enemy that will make us winded, zap us of our strength, come against us to steal, kill and destroy what God is doing in our lives and how He's using us to live for Him. But that's not the end of the story. Jesus, the greatest communicator ever, says "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Let's be people who accept this, own this and then live this. Want to make a difference, change this generation, inspire the next? Then take hold of God's truths, this truth that we have Jesus and more Jesus means more life. Pray this prayer this week. Father God, give me Jesus, more Jesus in my life this day, this week, this month and this year. Then and only then will we have influence with this one life we've been given.
Ever get winded? You know what I mean - winded, going up a flight of stairs, trying to catch the elevator, hurrying to get anywhere. Sometimes we're in such a hurry to get where we're going we get winded and realize we're not in the shape we want to be in and so we wonder what it's going to take to turn it around where we're no longer winded, out of breath and stressed because we're not in the shape we'd like to be in.
Transfer this thought to our faith - ever get winded? Tired of trying and doing and relying on what we've got inside us instead of Jesus. All I want is Jesus, Give Me Jesus and I'll be ok; in fact, more than ok I'll be energized with life, passion, energy, purpose, enthusiasm, and the abundant living that I was created to have.
Friends, we can all have this abundant life. The secret is this ask, simply ask for God to give us more Jesus. John 10:10 tells us we have an enemy that will make us winded, zap us of our strength, come against us to steal, kill and destroy what God is doing in our lives and how He's using us to live for Him. But that's not the end of the story. Jesus, the greatest communicator ever, says "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Let's be people who accept this, own this and then live this. Want to make a difference, change this generation, inspire the next? Then take hold of God's truths, this truth that we have Jesus and more Jesus means more life. Pray this prayer this week. Father God, give me Jesus, more Jesus in my life this day, this week, this month and this year. Then and only then will we have influence with this one life we've been given.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Go Outside
Read Acts 2:47
We are so often associated with same - the same people, places and things. Yet as followers of Jesus we're called to go outside ourselves and into this world so that others will have the opportunity to hear and respond to the message of the cross where Jesus sacrificed His life.
The questions is why? Why are we to do this? The simple answer is we are in a battle with the spiritual forces of this world that do not want anyone, let alone any more people coming to faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross where His sacrifice paid once and for all time the penalty for our sins so that all who believe and place their faith and trust in Jesus' forgiveness and leadership in their lives might be now in a right relationship with God the Father.
So who are you in relationship with so that the family of God, that is the church of God may grow like we see in Acts 2:47? We are called to be intentional as we share the grace we have received with those who have yet to receive God's grace. Will people we talk with about faith always receive this good news? No but that's not the point. The point is what are we doing to go outside, even outside our own comfort zones to let this good news be heard among our family and friends.
Pray this week who you can be talking with about your faith so that they might be able to take one step closer to coming to faith in Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.
We are so often associated with same - the same people, places and things. Yet as followers of Jesus we're called to go outside ourselves and into this world so that others will have the opportunity to hear and respond to the message of the cross where Jesus sacrificed His life.
The questions is why? Why are we to do this? The simple answer is we are in a battle with the spiritual forces of this world that do not want anyone, let alone any more people coming to faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross where His sacrifice paid once and for all time the penalty for our sins so that all who believe and place their faith and trust in Jesus' forgiveness and leadership in their lives might be now in a right relationship with God the Father.
So who are you in relationship with so that the family of God, that is the church of God may grow like we see in Acts 2:47? We are called to be intentional as we share the grace we have received with those who have yet to receive God's grace. Will people we talk with about faith always receive this good news? No but that's not the point. The point is what are we doing to go outside, even outside our own comfort zones to let this good news be heard among our family and friends.
Pray this week who you can be talking with about your faith so that they might be able to take one step closer to coming to faith in Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Go on to maturity...
Read Hebrews 6:1-3
Hebrews 6 begins by telling us to leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity. Then God shares what's considered elementary teachings - repentance, faith in God, instruction about baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. When I look at this list I'd think this is not an elementary list. What do you think?
The interesting thing about chapter six is that it's connected with the end of Hebrews 5 where we're told solid food is needed and not milk. Milk is the food for infants while solid food is for the mature. The solid food being talked about is the teaching about righteousness and for the mature who are able to discern and have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Listen the word of God is so important we need both milk and solid food. But using this illustration milk is for babies while solid food is for maturing disciples of Christ. Imagine still eating baby food you can only grow so much until you need food that is right for physical growth. It's the same thing with spiritual growth - we need to chew on the word of God as our food that will assist us and guide us so that we can grow in our faith.
Let's go on to maturity by building on the foundation of our faith that was our first spiritual food and go on to meatier matters. Let's leave the elementary teachings as we relate with God and when we meet with one another in community, learning the importance of spiritual growth as we grow in our love and knowledge of God.
Hebrews 6 begins by telling us to leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity. Then God shares what's considered elementary teachings - repentance, faith in God, instruction about baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. When I look at this list I'd think this is not an elementary list. What do you think?
The interesting thing about chapter six is that it's connected with the end of Hebrews 5 where we're told solid food is needed and not milk. Milk is the food for infants while solid food is for the mature. The solid food being talked about is the teaching about righteousness and for the mature who are able to discern and have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Listen the word of God is so important we need both milk and solid food. But using this illustration milk is for babies while solid food is for maturing disciples of Christ. Imagine still eating baby food you can only grow so much until you need food that is right for physical growth. It's the same thing with spiritual growth - we need to chew on the word of God as our food that will assist us and guide us so that we can grow in our faith.
Let's go on to maturity by building on the foundation of our faith that was our first spiritual food and go on to meatier matters. Let's leave the elementary teachings as we relate with God and when we meet with one another in community, learning the importance of spiritual growth as we grow in our love and knowledge of God.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Tough Times...
Read 2 Timothy 3:1-17
Paul writes his second letter to Timothy and we see some very strong words written to this young pastor and what will be faced as the end times come. He writes there will be times, terrible times in the last days when people will put themselves first, love money, show pride and be abusive, ungrateful and unholy. He says they will be unforgiving, slanderous, not lovers of the good and having a form of godliness but in reality they will be denying its power. Then he says - have nothing to do with them.
How does this work? How can we tell when to say enough or to press on and continue trying to reach this lost world. I believe Paul wants Timothy to understand when facing such opposition to the truth you can tell when you're just wasting your time because there's this on-going denial of God and His truth.
Approach passages like this with caution - be sure we're studying it to make sure we're not operating on what we think is truth but instead on what God says is true. Read passages like this with prayer and ask God to reveal how He wants you to respond. Verse 17 says God wants us to be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Read, study, pray and live the words of God.
Hebrews 4:3 warns the message we hear may be of no value if we do not combine it with faith. Combine the word of God with the life God wants you to live by faith and tough times will be managed with the Holy Spirit's direction. Tough times are a part of life, but God's word will last so lean into His truth to deal with whatever you're facing today.
Paul writes his second letter to Timothy and we see some very strong words written to this young pastor and what will be faced as the end times come. He writes there will be times, terrible times in the last days when people will put themselves first, love money, show pride and be abusive, ungrateful and unholy. He says they will be unforgiving, slanderous, not lovers of the good and having a form of godliness but in reality they will be denying its power. Then he says - have nothing to do with them.
How does this work? How can we tell when to say enough or to press on and continue trying to reach this lost world. I believe Paul wants Timothy to understand when facing such opposition to the truth you can tell when you're just wasting your time because there's this on-going denial of God and His truth.
Approach passages like this with caution - be sure we're studying it to make sure we're not operating on what we think is truth but instead on what God says is true. Read passages like this with prayer and ask God to reveal how He wants you to respond. Verse 17 says God wants us to be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Read, study, pray and live the words of God.
Hebrews 4:3 warns the message we hear may be of no value if we do not combine it with faith. Combine the word of God with the life God wants you to live by faith and tough times will be managed with the Holy Spirit's direction. Tough times are a part of life, but God's word will last so lean into His truth to deal with whatever you're facing today.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
God is...Healer
Read Psalm 91
Ever face such a tough time that you were in real need of a pick me up? Sure we all have right. Well, what does it for you? Is it time spent with an encouraging friend, trip to the local Friendly's for some comfort dessert or is it time alone to reflect on what's going on? Whatever it is - all of us are faced with tough times, when things don't go as we would prefer. So it's in these times I believe God wants us coming to Him and receiving the assurance that He and He alone is all we need.
The other week while serving in ministry we worshiped God together in song and the song Healer was one of those songs that just gave that peace that surpasses all understanding. It hit my heart and reminded me it's all in God's hands. Ever need that kind of reminder?
If you find yourself recently, maybe even today in one of those places we're talking about here, listen to this song HEALER and see if God's peace can encourage and comfort you.
Ever face such a tough time that you were in real need of a pick me up? Sure we all have right. Well, what does it for you? Is it time spent with an encouraging friend, trip to the local Friendly's for some comfort dessert or is it time alone to reflect on what's going on? Whatever it is - all of us are faced with tough times, when things don't go as we would prefer. So it's in these times I believe God wants us coming to Him and receiving the assurance that He and He alone is all we need.
The other week while serving in ministry we worshiped God together in song and the song Healer was one of those songs that just gave that peace that surpasses all understanding. It hit my heart and reminded me it's all in God's hands. Ever need that kind of reminder?
If you find yourself recently, maybe even today in one of those places we're talking about here, listen to this song HEALER and see if God's peace can encourage and comfort you.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
God is...Higher
Read Isaiah 55
We don't like to admit it, but our way isn't always the best way. Some might say they know the way but when you follow their "short-cut", their directions you wind up lost and off-course for awhile. Some might say they have a better way to finish that home improvement project but you know someone who's tried it their way before and wound up running into more problems than anticipate. And some of us might say we have a better way to handle that relationship, our finances, even our life's purpose, but Isaiah tells us God's ways, His thoughts are higher, better than ours.
So we have this battle within us to fight our way versus God's way. And what gets in my way is my way. Think about that for a moment; we are called as Christians to be Christ followers. But so often we think, feel and act as if it's God who should be the one following.
Let's remember Isaiah's words that as far as the heavens are above the earth so are God's ways higher than our ways.
We don't like to admit it, but our way isn't always the best way. Some might say they know the way but when you follow their "short-cut", their directions you wind up lost and off-course for awhile. Some might say they have a better way to finish that home improvement project but you know someone who's tried it their way before and wound up running into more problems than anticipate. And some of us might say we have a better way to handle that relationship, our finances, even our life's purpose, but Isaiah tells us God's ways, His thoughts are higher, better than ours.
So we have this battle within us to fight our way versus God's way. And what gets in my way is my way. Think about that for a moment; we are called as Christians to be Christ followers. But so often we think, feel and act as if it's God who should be the one following.
Let's remember Isaiah's words that as far as the heavens are above the earth so are God's ways higher than our ways.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
God is...Holy
Read 1 Peter 1:13-14
This idea that God is Holy - how do you initiallly resond to this thought? Is it something easy to believe and accept, difficult or kind of a little bit of both?
Sometimes this thought of holiness is tough to take because when we come to understand God's standard we see that God is perfect in every way. And we realize that's impossible for us. Most of us, when we read this can feel defeated thinking the best we can do progress not perfection. But look at 1 Peter again. There's a strong contrast between verse 13 and 14. Peter's saying our cooperation, that's obedience, should no longer conform to the evil desires we had when we lived in ignorance, that is separated and not knowing God. But now that we have come into a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, now live holy lives using His example as our guide and allowing His Spirit to provide the power to live holy lives.
Be holy, because I m holy. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No. It's not impossible because God calls us to live holy lives and empowers us to live holy lives. God never asks what He doesn't provide us with the ability to accomplish. He is a good, loving, and holy God.
This idea that God is Holy - how do you initiallly resond to this thought? Is it something easy to believe and accept, difficult or kind of a little bit of both?
Sometimes this thought of holiness is tough to take because when we come to understand God's standard we see that God is perfect in every way. And we realize that's impossible for us. Most of us, when we read this can feel defeated thinking the best we can do progress not perfection. But look at 1 Peter again. There's a strong contrast between verse 13 and 14. Peter's saying our cooperation, that's obedience, should no longer conform to the evil desires we had when we lived in ignorance, that is separated and not knowing God. But now that we have come into a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, now live holy lives using His example as our guide and allowing His Spirit to provide the power to live holy lives.
Be holy, because I m holy. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No. It's not impossible because God calls us to live holy lives and empowers us to live holy lives. God never asks what He doesn't provide us with the ability to accomplish. He is a good, loving, and holy God.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Got Cush?
Read Psalm 7
While on vacation we visited Coastal Christian church in Ocean City, NJ. A great way to spend time on vacation is not vacationing from God but with God.
So the pastor preaches this message he titled Got Cush? It's based on David's reaction to Cush a Benjamite who was assaulting David's character and reputation. David talks with God about this bad relationship and it's a great first step. Take that Cush relationship in your life to God; trust God can walk you through it. But the interesting thing to consider is how David never said anything like this (that we know of) about the attacks that he experienced in his battle with Goliath.
Isn't that true? How we can take the physical battles but the verbal abuses really are the gut-wrenching, sleep-depriving, and anxiety-driven battles that eat our lunch?!
Read Psalm 7 and notice how David begins and ends this Psalm. He starts by saying the LORD his God is the One he takes refuge in and who saves and delivers him. He ends with giving thanks to the LORD because of His righteousness. So David will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. Friends, never forget this is why we are here to give praise, honor and glory to God. To Him be the glory, honor and praise in our lives as we live in relationship with Him and one another.
While on vacation we visited Coastal Christian church in Ocean City, NJ. A great way to spend time on vacation is not vacationing from God but with God.
So the pastor preaches this message he titled Got Cush? It's based on David's reaction to Cush a Benjamite who was assaulting David's character and reputation. David talks with God about this bad relationship and it's a great first step. Take that Cush relationship in your life to God; trust God can walk you through it. But the interesting thing to consider is how David never said anything like this (that we know of) about the attacks that he experienced in his battle with Goliath.
Isn't that true? How we can take the physical battles but the verbal abuses really are the gut-wrenching, sleep-depriving, and anxiety-driven battles that eat our lunch?!
Read Psalm 7 and notice how David begins and ends this Psalm. He starts by saying the LORD his God is the One he takes refuge in and who saves and delivers him. He ends with giving thanks to the LORD because of His righteousness. So David will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. Friends, never forget this is why we are here to give praise, honor and glory to God. To Him be the glory, honor and praise in our lives as we live in relationship with Him and one another.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Grace Like Rain
Read James 4:1-6
Fights and quarrels - nobody wants them but they often come anyway. James 4 speaks about what causes these fights - it's what's inside us, the natural wants and desires, what we covet but can't have. So we wrestle. We wrestle because what we want, we don't always get. And James tells us it's because of our wrong motives.
What God wants is for us to be humble, not insistent on our way, our wants. Because when we are humble we realize His grace. James 4:6 tells us "he gives us more grace." When we realize the value of grace we recognize something new pouring over us that begins to change us from the inside out because what used to be our ways and our wants changes. It changes to God's ways and God's wants.
What James says next should cause us to pause and take notice. Anytime the Bible says God opposes something we should take notice. He says "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humbe." When God's grace like rain pours over us we realize what a gift it is to receive God's grace. Humbled we respond to begin living with His good and Godly motives and not wrong motives; humbed we respond by investing in our friendship with God instead of friendship with this world. Humbled we respond to His gift of more grace. Allow God's grace to pour over you this week like rain - remembering who we are and who He is so that we might not be among the fights and quarrels, but intead be among the peace makers as ambassadors for Jesus.
Fights and quarrels - nobody wants them but they often come anyway. James 4 speaks about what causes these fights - it's what's inside us, the natural wants and desires, what we covet but can't have. So we wrestle. We wrestle because what we want, we don't always get. And James tells us it's because of our wrong motives.
What God wants is for us to be humble, not insistent on our way, our wants. Because when we are humble we realize His grace. James 4:6 tells us "he gives us more grace." When we realize the value of grace we recognize something new pouring over us that begins to change us from the inside out because what used to be our ways and our wants changes. It changes to God's ways and God's wants.
What James says next should cause us to pause and take notice. Anytime the Bible says God opposes something we should take notice. He says "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humbe." When God's grace like rain pours over us we realize what a gift it is to receive God's grace. Humbled we respond to begin living with His good and Godly motives and not wrong motives; humbed we respond by investing in our friendship with God instead of friendship with this world. Humbled we respond to His gift of more grace. Allow God's grace to pour over you this week like rain - remembering who we are and who He is so that we might not be among the fights and quarrels, but intead be among the peace makers as ambassadors for Jesus.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Any Less?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-26
Spiritual things, specifically spiritual gifts is what Paul's addressing as he writes the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14. He's crystal clear - spiritual gifts are for the common good (meant to glorify God and build up, edify the body of believers). And he makes it abundantly clear no one in the body of Christ is any less important because of the gifts, ministry and service God has assigned every believer.
Does this inspire you? It's meant to. No matter who you are, what you do God has specifically called each and every believer into ministry service for Him and His people. Let that sink in for a moment. There's no believer we will ever lock eyes with who hasn't been assigned an important role in the family of God.
The key is to find out if you don't yet know your role and if you do know your role, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to use your spiritual gifts for the common good. For those who don't know their spiritual gifts, their passion for ministry and how they will be part of this great Christian calling please take Class 301 at Hope (or if you're not part of Hope, that's ok take the spiritual gifts class at the church you do attend). This is so important - don't waste another moment. Get in the game, now! God needs you and so does the church!
Spiritual things, specifically spiritual gifts is what Paul's addressing as he writes the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14. He's crystal clear - spiritual gifts are for the common good (meant to glorify God and build up, edify the body of believers). And he makes it abundantly clear no one in the body of Christ is any less important because of the gifts, ministry and service God has assigned every believer.
Does this inspire you? It's meant to. No matter who you are, what you do God has specifically called each and every believer into ministry service for Him and His people. Let that sink in for a moment. There's no believer we will ever lock eyes with who hasn't been assigned an important role in the family of God.
The key is to find out if you don't yet know your role and if you do know your role, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to use your spiritual gifts for the common good. For those who don't know their spiritual gifts, their passion for ministry and how they will be part of this great Christian calling please take Class 301 at Hope (or if you're not part of Hope, that's ok take the spiritual gifts class at the church you do attend). This is so important - don't waste another moment. Get in the game, now! God needs you and so does the church!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
The Sovereign LORD says
Read Ezekiel 3:22-27
The title in the NIV Bible that begins Ezekiel 3 says "Ezekiel, God's watchman." That, in and of itself, comes across as a very lofty title for Ezekiel as God's messenger. With such a title you would think respect and admiration and listening and following would happen when Ezekiel spoke. But in fact, the end of the chapter tells us another story.
While the Spirit came into him and powered him, God told him what to say to Israel. Go and say, "This is what the Sovereign LORD says." Today, much like back in Ezekiel's day, we know all too well that some will listen and some will refuse. And the reason is the same, rebellion.
I know it sounds harsh, but it's what God tells us over and over again. The point isn't to preach the word of God and care less about what response we get. No, the point is when we preach the word, when we share God's truth we will get mixed responses. And when we do it should break our hearts because it breaks God's heart.
God wants everyone, everywhere to hear the truth because as Jesus said in John 8:32 - "the truth will set you free." Since this is what God wants let's want the same for those we know who are caught in something, anything that is in rebellion to God. And remember all people, believers and unbelievers, act in rebellion against God. Let it be our desire to hear what the Sovereign LORD says and be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2).
God's best for a great week following Him!
The title in the NIV Bible that begins Ezekiel 3 says "Ezekiel, God's watchman." That, in and of itself, comes across as a very lofty title for Ezekiel as God's messenger. With such a title you would think respect and admiration and listening and following would happen when Ezekiel spoke. But in fact, the end of the chapter tells us another story.
While the Spirit came into him and powered him, God told him what to say to Israel. Go and say, "This is what the Sovereign LORD says." Today, much like back in Ezekiel's day, we know all too well that some will listen and some will refuse. And the reason is the same, rebellion.
I know it sounds harsh, but it's what God tells us over and over again. The point isn't to preach the word of God and care less about what response we get. No, the point is when we preach the word, when we share God's truth we will get mixed responses. And when we do it should break our hearts because it breaks God's heart.
God wants everyone, everywhere to hear the truth because as Jesus said in John 8:32 - "the truth will set you free." Since this is what God wants let's want the same for those we know who are caught in something, anything that is in rebellion to God. And remember all people, believers and unbelievers, act in rebellion against God. Let it be our desire to hear what the Sovereign LORD says and be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2).
God's best for a great week following Him!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
A Day's Coming...
Read Isaiah 26:1-4
A day is coming when this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal.
Do we wish for this day? There are many times I do. This is about the promise of God; His salvation offered to the nation made righteous by faith. And He will keep in perfect peace - I love that phrase because peace is one thing, but perfect peace is, well, perfect! The one whose mind is faithful and trusting in God. And I love how the song ends - the LORD is the Rock eternal.
Nothing can shake us outside of God's care and control; nothing can overcome us when we are in His powerful hands; and nothing can disturb us because a day is coming when perfect peace will be ours.
Longing for this day is our hope, it is our joy and it is our faith in Jesus and His finished work that will enable us to rest in this perfect peace. Regardless what we face today, a day's coming when His perfect peace will keep us. Trust today in the Rock eternal.
A day is coming when this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal.
Do we wish for this day? There are many times I do. This is about the promise of God; His salvation offered to the nation made righteous by faith. And He will keep in perfect peace - I love that phrase because peace is one thing, but perfect peace is, well, perfect! The one whose mind is faithful and trusting in God. And I love how the song ends - the LORD is the Rock eternal.
Nothing can shake us outside of God's care and control; nothing can overcome us when we are in His powerful hands; and nothing can disturb us because a day is coming when perfect peace will be ours.
Longing for this day is our hope, it is our joy and it is our faith in Jesus and His finished work that will enable us to rest in this perfect peace. Regardless what we face today, a day's coming when His perfect peace will keep us. Trust today in the Rock eternal.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Walk in the Word
Read John 1:1-5
When we think about Jesus it's difficult not to think about this passage in John 1 because it tells us He was with God in the beginning, through Him all things were made and in Him was life.
That's true today - in Him there is life. When I talk with people about Jesus I'm often reminded that His life and His word are what we need. Very simply it's about looking at Jesus' life and following Him. But so often we take our eyes off Him, we take our eyes off the word and we begin looking at other things that distract us from following Jesus.
The word was given to us, the written word that is, to help us know the way we ought to walk in this life so that we are living for Him. Think about it - in every relationship, in every situation, in every thing we can imagine God wants us following the Word.
Take the time to allow the Word to be part of your daily walk with Jesus. Allow Him to speak to you as much as you speak to Him and see, just see if your walk becomes closer as you allow Him to come closer to you.
When we think about Jesus it's difficult not to think about this passage in John 1 because it tells us He was with God in the beginning, through Him all things were made and in Him was life.
That's true today - in Him there is life. When I talk with people about Jesus I'm often reminded that His life and His word are what we need. Very simply it's about looking at Jesus' life and following Him. But so often we take our eyes off Him, we take our eyes off the word and we begin looking at other things that distract us from following Jesus.
The word was given to us, the written word that is, to help us know the way we ought to walk in this life so that we are living for Him. Think about it - in every relationship, in every situation, in every thing we can imagine God wants us following the Word.
Take the time to allow the Word to be part of your daily walk with Jesus. Allow Him to speak to you as much as you speak to Him and see, just see if your walk becomes closer as you allow Him to come closer to you.
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