Read Acts 4:23-31
Peter and John had been arrested because of their faith and upon their release some interesting things happened. First, they were not deterred from praising God. They opened in prayer, praising God and then recalling David's words and how the nations plot against the King of Kings. They remember Herod and Pontius Pilate conspiring against God's holy servant Jesus. What a great description of Jesus - holy servant! It's who we are called to imitate by the power of the Holy Spirit.
And then as they continued praying, after asking God to perform miraculous signs and wonders, the place where they were meeting was filled with the Holy Spirit and the word of God was spoken boldly.
Friends, let's be ambassadors for the release and power of the Holy Spirit in our world today! We have God's power living in us, so let's not waiver or cowher to the plots and plans of man. But instead let's be men and women committed to abiding in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit so that the truth of God may be made known everywhere.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Sheep Listen
Read John 10:22-30
You may or may not think so, but sheep are interesting. Think about it - they become so familiar with their shepherds voice that when they hear it they listen. And Jesus uses this truth to explain to a gathering of Jewish people that they in fact are not His sheep. How does He know this? Well of course because He's God, but also because He already told them He was the Christ and they didn't recognize His voice. See if they were His sheep they would have known He was their shepherd, their Messiah.
Now for many of us we have already identified Jesus as our Shepherd so we know His voice and we follow Him. But at times for all of us we confuse His voice for someone elses. And it's at these times we have to learn to block out the noise and really focus on the voice of God. Because if we don't we are following another shepherd and that shepherd doesn't have our best interest in mind.
Take time and consider areas of your life where you are hearing and following Jesus' voice. Isn't it wonderful to know God is with you, guiding and navigating you through the turns of life? But then take some additional time, and this really requires focused attention, and consider areas of your life where you aren't hearing and following Jesus' voice. Question - how's that working out for you? All of us need this reminder that we can only hear God's voice if He is our shepherd. Let's listen to His voice and follow Him.
You may or may not think so, but sheep are interesting. Think about it - they become so familiar with their shepherds voice that when they hear it they listen. And Jesus uses this truth to explain to a gathering of Jewish people that they in fact are not His sheep. How does He know this? Well of course because He's God, but also because He already told them He was the Christ and they didn't recognize His voice. See if they were His sheep they would have known He was their shepherd, their Messiah.
Now for many of us we have already identified Jesus as our Shepherd so we know His voice and we follow Him. But at times for all of us we confuse His voice for someone elses. And it's at these times we have to learn to block out the noise and really focus on the voice of God. Because if we don't we are following another shepherd and that shepherd doesn't have our best interest in mind.
Take time and consider areas of your life where you are hearing and following Jesus' voice. Isn't it wonderful to know God is with you, guiding and navigating you through the turns of life? But then take some additional time, and this really requires focused attention, and consider areas of your life where you aren't hearing and following Jesus' voice. Question - how's that working out for you? All of us need this reminder that we can only hear God's voice if He is our shepherd. Let's listen to His voice and follow Him.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Example of Ezra
Read Ezra 7:10
This one short verse says a lot about this man Ezra. It tells us he was a man devoted to the study of the Law of the Lord. But it tells us more. It tells us he was a man who was devoted to the observance of the Law of the Lord. And then it tells us one more thing, he was devoted to teaching the decrees of the Law of the Lord in Israel.
Imagine for a moment your name was going to be included in the Holy Scriptures. Think about that for a minute. What would you want it to say about you? Would it say the kind of things that were written about Ezra? Now take another moment and consider not what you would want it to say, but what would it actually say based on how and what you have devoted your life to? Would you be thankful for what was written about your devotion or would you prefer your name be left out because your devotion was placed in the wrong places.
Ezra's life with this one little verse gives us a great example of what and how we should devote our lives. Let's commit ourselves to full devotion. Full devotion to studying the word of God; full devotion to obeying the word and then full devotion to sharing the truth of God.
This one short verse says a lot about this man Ezra. It tells us he was a man devoted to the study of the Law of the Lord. But it tells us more. It tells us he was a man who was devoted to the observance of the Law of the Lord. And then it tells us one more thing, he was devoted to teaching the decrees of the Law of the Lord in Israel.
Imagine for a moment your name was going to be included in the Holy Scriptures. Think about that for a minute. What would you want it to say about you? Would it say the kind of things that were written about Ezra? Now take another moment and consider not what you would want it to say, but what would it actually say based on how and what you have devoted your life to? Would you be thankful for what was written about your devotion or would you prefer your name be left out because your devotion was placed in the wrong places.
Ezra's life with this one little verse gives us a great example of what and how we should devote our lives. Let's commit ourselves to full devotion. Full devotion to studying the word of God; full devotion to obeying the word and then full devotion to sharing the truth of God.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Who's Your Daddy
Read John 8:31-44
So often we have this image of Jesus and it's not exactly in line with what the Bible actually says. Sometimes we see Him as this soft spoken, kind, cordial and even tolerant teacher. Other times we see Him as this amazing miracle man from times past who simply came to preach and teach a message of forgiveness and acceptance. Yet in reading the gospels we see some things we often forget about His interactions with people who didn't think much about Him, who didn't care much about His teaching and preaching and miracles and everything else He brought to the table because He was challenging their belief. And if you've ever engaged in conversation with someone about whether or not their faith was right, you know what we're talking about.
Jesus had this conversation recorded in John 8:31-44 where He tells the religious leaders of His day God is not their father. Think about that. Today we hear people say things like we're all God's children. But that's not what Jesus says. In fact, He says not only isn't God their father but their father is the devil. Admittedly this seems extreme at first glance. But Jesus and the rest of scripture doesn't shy away from truth. We are either for Him or against Him.
None of us likes to hear we are enemies of God. But the truth is left to ourselves, without the atoning sacrifice of Christ's death on the cross, that's what we are. Because all sinners outside of Christ are enslaved, held captive by sin, and therefore, by definition, hostile to God.
That is why we should celebrate what Jesus did for us. By His sacrifice, sins are forgiven for everyone who believes. And by His sacrifice, our relationship with God the Father has changed from enemies of God to friends of God. Take time this week to praise God for this redeemed relationship offered to everyone who by faith believes Jesus is the Messiah.
So often we have this image of Jesus and it's not exactly in line with what the Bible actually says. Sometimes we see Him as this soft spoken, kind, cordial and even tolerant teacher. Other times we see Him as this amazing miracle man from times past who simply came to preach and teach a message of forgiveness and acceptance. Yet in reading the gospels we see some things we often forget about His interactions with people who didn't think much about Him, who didn't care much about His teaching and preaching and miracles and everything else He brought to the table because He was challenging their belief. And if you've ever engaged in conversation with someone about whether or not their faith was right, you know what we're talking about.
Jesus had this conversation recorded in John 8:31-44 where He tells the religious leaders of His day God is not their father. Think about that. Today we hear people say things like we're all God's children. But that's not what Jesus says. In fact, He says not only isn't God their father but their father is the devil. Admittedly this seems extreme at first glance. But Jesus and the rest of scripture doesn't shy away from truth. We are either for Him or against Him.
None of us likes to hear we are enemies of God. But the truth is left to ourselves, without the atoning sacrifice of Christ's death on the cross, that's what we are. Because all sinners outside of Christ are enslaved, held captive by sin, and therefore, by definition, hostile to God.
That is why we should celebrate what Jesus did for us. By His sacrifice, sins are forgiven for everyone who believes. And by His sacrifice, our relationship with God the Father has changed from enemies of God to friends of God. Take time this week to praise God for this redeemed relationship offered to everyone who by faith believes Jesus is the Messiah.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
In Christ
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
So often we think we can do whatever we set our minds to. And while it's true we can do some pretty amazing things once our minds our set, there's one thing no one can do no matter how determined we are. Yet many insist we have to be able to do this one thing. Some think this way because of pride, while others think this way because that's just the way they've always thought. If I can put my mind to anything I can do it.
This one thing the Bible makes perfectly clear repeatedly is about how we are reconciled with God. Take a few minutes and read 2 Corinthians 5:17-19. Paul makes one thing clear - only in Christ is it possible for the world to be reconciled to himself and our sins not counted against us. This isn't something we can do; it's just not possible. But God, in Christ chose to do the work because it was something ONLY he could do.
Listen, God's love is available to everyone. Yet this passage tells us only those who are in Christ are reconciled with God and only those who are in Christ will not have their sins counted against us. This reveals that if anyone is not in Christ then they are not reconciled or in a right relationship with God and their sins will be counted against them. This is why it is so important to first understand what it means to be in Christ and then accept our responsibility for being people who share this good news. In Christ simply means we have accepted God's transfer of His sons righteousness into our lives, not based on our works but based on Jesus'. And because Jesus' righteousness is transferred to all who accept this gift our sins will not be counted against us. This is good news because everyone has the opportunity to receive this gift. Take time this week and pray about God's design that we can be in Christ simply by accepting what we celebrate this week. Jesus' life, death, burial and resurrection.
So often we think we can do whatever we set our minds to. And while it's true we can do some pretty amazing things once our minds our set, there's one thing no one can do no matter how determined we are. Yet many insist we have to be able to do this one thing. Some think this way because of pride, while others think this way because that's just the way they've always thought. If I can put my mind to anything I can do it.
This one thing the Bible makes perfectly clear repeatedly is about how we are reconciled with God. Take a few minutes and read 2 Corinthians 5:17-19. Paul makes one thing clear - only in Christ is it possible for the world to be reconciled to himself and our sins not counted against us. This isn't something we can do; it's just not possible. But God, in Christ chose to do the work because it was something ONLY he could do.
Listen, God's love is available to everyone. Yet this passage tells us only those who are in Christ are reconciled with God and only those who are in Christ will not have their sins counted against us. This reveals that if anyone is not in Christ then they are not reconciled or in a right relationship with God and their sins will be counted against them. This is why it is so important to first understand what it means to be in Christ and then accept our responsibility for being people who share this good news. In Christ simply means we have accepted God's transfer of His sons righteousness into our lives, not based on our works but based on Jesus'. And because Jesus' righteousness is transferred to all who accept this gift our sins will not be counted against us. This is good news because everyone has the opportunity to receive this gift. Take time this week and pray about God's design that we can be in Christ simply by accepting what we celebrate this week. Jesus' life, death, burial and resurrection.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Grace Gospel
Read Galatians 1:6-9
The grace gospel is all about God's grace. Yet here in Galatians 1 Paul warns about turning away from God's grace to another gospel. The question begs to be asked - how can we tell if what's being preached is contrary to what this grace gospel is all about?
It comes down simply to this - know the word of God. You see the gospel is clearly communicated in Scripture. And while it is clear, something else is also very clear. There will be some who teach and preach a false gospel. Jesus warns about it in Matthew 7 and here in Galatians 1 Paul warns about it. One of the problems we face though is this ideology that we don't want to be people who stand up and speak up when what's being taught is not in line with the clear and sound teaching of God's holy word.
Paul proclaims in our passage a curse on anyone who would be so bold as to distort or change the true gospel. What's the true gospel? It's the gospel of grace where God gives us what we don't deserve. Christ made atonement for our sins by suffering in our place as our substitute. This atonement is the price paid to reconcile us to God because left to ourselves we'd always remain as enemies of God. Jesus took care of that when He paid the penalty for our sins. Bottom line is this - "we need this gospel to remind ourselves that our day-to-day standing with God is based on Christ's righteousness, not our performance. We need the gospel to motivate us to strive in our daily experience to be what we are in our standing before God. We need it to produce joy in our lives when we encounter the inevitable trials of living in a fallen and sin-cursed world." The Great Exchange
The grace gospel is all about God's grace. Yet here in Galatians 1 Paul warns about turning away from God's grace to another gospel. The question begs to be asked - how can we tell if what's being preached is contrary to what this grace gospel is all about?
It comes down simply to this - know the word of God. You see the gospel is clearly communicated in Scripture. And while it is clear, something else is also very clear. There will be some who teach and preach a false gospel. Jesus warns about it in Matthew 7 and here in Galatians 1 Paul warns about it. One of the problems we face though is this ideology that we don't want to be people who stand up and speak up when what's being taught is not in line with the clear and sound teaching of God's holy word.
Paul proclaims in our passage a curse on anyone who would be so bold as to distort or change the true gospel. What's the true gospel? It's the gospel of grace where God gives us what we don't deserve. Christ made atonement for our sins by suffering in our place as our substitute. This atonement is the price paid to reconcile us to God because left to ourselves we'd always remain as enemies of God. Jesus took care of that when He paid the penalty for our sins. Bottom line is this - "we need this gospel to remind ourselves that our day-to-day standing with God is based on Christ's righteousness, not our performance. We need the gospel to motivate us to strive in our daily experience to be what we are in our standing before God. We need it to produce joy in our lives when we encounter the inevitable trials of living in a fallen and sin-cursed world." The Great Exchange
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Jesus' Warning
Read Matthew 7:15-20
So much has been written, spoken and sung about in our lifetime that at times we can't separate the ordinary from the extraordinary. God's word has been said to be a lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path; God's word has been said to be God-breathed, inspired by the living God; and God's word has been under attack from the beginning of time. Starting with Genesis 3 when the serpent says to Eve, did God really say, there's been this calling into question God's word.
Jesus cautioned his earliest disciples with these words from Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Today we are still in need of taking seriously Jesus' warning. In Acts 17:11 the Bereans and Thessalonians were acknowledged as the people of God who correctly handled the word of God by comparing if what was being taught was correct. On what basis was this comparison made? The teaching was compared with Scripture, God's word.
Friends no matter what is taught, no matter who is teaching it we are called (2 Timothy 2:15) to correctly handle the word of truth. You see God is the author and perfector of our faith and that includes accepting Him as the author and perfector of truth.
One last thought for this weeks Living Hope Devotional - we are to do more than just hear truth, we are to be doers of the word of truth. Seek truth, then live truth. Amen.
So much has been written, spoken and sung about in our lifetime that at times we can't separate the ordinary from the extraordinary. God's word has been said to be a lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path; God's word has been said to be God-breathed, inspired by the living God; and God's word has been under attack from the beginning of time. Starting with Genesis 3 when the serpent says to Eve, did God really say, there's been this calling into question God's word.
Jesus cautioned his earliest disciples with these words from Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Today we are still in need of taking seriously Jesus' warning. In Acts 17:11 the Bereans and Thessalonians were acknowledged as the people of God who correctly handled the word of God by comparing if what was being taught was correct. On what basis was this comparison made? The teaching was compared with Scripture, God's word.
Friends no matter what is taught, no matter who is teaching it we are called (2 Timothy 2:15) to correctly handle the word of truth. You see God is the author and perfector of our faith and that includes accepting Him as the author and perfector of truth.
One last thought for this weeks Living Hope Devotional - we are to do more than just hear truth, we are to be doers of the word of truth. Seek truth, then live truth. Amen.
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