August 7, 2012

Tuesday: August 7, 2012

READ: Isaiah 38-40

BACKGROUND: This is a really cool section of Isaiah. Chapter 38 shows how amazing God is and how he answers prayers…even big ones! Chapter 39 is only 8 verses long, but it closes off the beginning section of the book that deals with God’s judgment. Chapter 40 kicks off the 2nd section of the book of Isaiah (chapters 40-66) that shift away from God’s impending judgment of his faithless people and move towards the hope that God wants to give his people for their ultimate hope and redemption.
By Verse:
38:8 – This was a westward facing stairway so the setting sun should have caused the shadow to move up the stairs. God confirmed his promise to Hezekiah by having the shadow move down the stairs.
18 – Sheol is a word that refers to death or the land of the dead.
39:6 – These prophecies were fulfilled during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar.
40:12 – The entire universe is tiny in scale compared to the mightiness of its Creator.

THINK: Isaiah 40:3 is a really cool verse that foretells the arrival of John the Baptist on the scene to prepare hearts and make the way ready for Jesus to come and bring the gospel – and ultimately salvation – to the world (see Matthew 3:3). John had a specific call and purpose, and his life was dedicated to pursuing it. His job, in short, was to shine in the midst of a dark culture, to call the people in that culture to repent and return to God, and to point those people towards Jesus.

I think that God has a similar call upon every single one of us. He wants to use us to shine as lights in the midst of a dark culture. He wants us to be salt in a decaying culture. He wants us to go out and be his hands and feet in our world in such a way that people are drawn to him. Above all else, he wants us to live lives that point everyone around us towards Jesus. And I don’t know about you, but I think this is a pretty awesome purpose to have! I’m so humbled and thankful that the God of the universe invites us in to his plan to redeem and restore the world.

The task before is large. There are a huge number of people – people all around us every single day of our lives – who don’t know God. Many of them are hurting, broken, longing, searching, & lost. We are God’s plan to reach out to them, love them, and bring them to himself. It may not be easy, but it could not possibly be more important. And when we get tired, weary, and frustrated as we try to bring God to an unbelieving world we can always remember the words of Isaiah 40:29-31, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

ASK: What are some specific ways that I can be salt and light in my world this week? How can I point those around me towards Jesus?

PRAY: Ask God to give you the courage to be a light in the darkness of your world. Ask him to show you opportunities to point people towards him. Ask him to give you the strength to persevere when you feel weak and beaten down. Thank him for his great love and provision!

Posted by on August 7, 2012 in Prophecy.

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August 6, 2012

Monday: August 6, 2012

READ: Isaiah 36-37

THINK: Reread Isaiah 37:9-20. Read it slowly and try to picture the events that are being described. Try to put yourself in the position of King Hezekiah of Judah and imagine what he is feeling in this situation.

Notice the Assyrian king’s reaction to the news that he’s about to be attacked by an enemy: He tries to puff himself up by scoffing at Judah. What might have motivated him to do this at this specific time? In contrast, how does Hezekiah react to the message his enemy sends him? What stands out to you about these different attitudes? How do they relate to you?

PRAY: Think about an area in which you hold responsibility, such as being a group leader at school or a manager at work or having responsibility to uphold your end of a friendship. What are some recent problems that you are responsible to help resolve? In what ways are you dealing (or not dealing) with them? Have a conversation with God about what it’s like for you to have responsibility in this area; share your heart and mind with him.

LIVE: Try to bring your problems to God the way Hezekiah did. If you need help, try writing out your dilemma on a piece of paper and copying Hezekiah’s method – spreading the paper out before God and asking for his help. Ask him to guide you in how to resolve your problems. Be aware that God is your leader, even as you are a leader to others.

Adapted from Eugene Peterson in Solo

Posted by on August 6, 2012 in Prophecy.

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August 5, 2012

Sunday: August 5, 2012

READ: 1 Corinthians 6

BACKGROUND: Today we continue reading Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church. Made up primarily of formerly pagan Gentiles, these believers needed lots of instruction. Paul needed to start with the basics….and then just keep on reminding this early church of the basics! Here, Paul repeats the good news that  Christ followers are not the same anymore! We’ve been changed, transformed, and given a new life following Jesus. It is for HIS glory that we live and breathe! Paul brings up some issues that are particularly confusing and challenging for us today. I like the clarity and simplicity of the following translation by Eugene Petersen in The Message:

1 Corinthians 6: 11 – 20

11Don’t you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don’t care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it, don’t qualify as citizens in God’s kingdom. A number of you know from experience what I’m talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list. Since then, you’ve been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit.

12Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean that it’s spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I’d be a slave to my whims.

13You know the old saying, “First you eat to live, and then you live to eat”? Well, it may be true that the body is only a temporary thing, but that’s no excuse for stuffing your body with food, or indulging it with sex. Since the Master honors you with a body, honor him with your body!

14-15God honored the Master’s body by raising it from the grave. He’ll treat yours with the same resurrection power. Until that time, remember that your bodies are created with the same dignity as the Master’s body. You wouldn’t take the Master’s body off to a whorehouse, would you? I should hope not.

16-20There’s more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, “The two become one.” Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever—the kind of sex that can never “become one.” There is a sense in which sexual sins are different from all others. In sexual sin we violate the sacredness of our own bodies, these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love, for “becoming one” with another. Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.

THINK: These are tough words for the Corinthians. These are tough words for us. In a world that tells us to do whatever we want, whenever we want, with whomever we want, it’s a bit of a shock to be told “NO!” When I read Paul’s words, an old-fashioned word comes to mind: SCOLDING!  Have you ever gotten a good scolding….or given one? Scolding is different than nagging or yelling or berating. It’s telling someone something they already know in a tone that says, “You know better!” But the thing about scolding is that it will only work on a person who is willing to be convicted, who is willing to change, who is willing to feel remorse, and who has a contrite heart (one that acknowledges wrong doing and wants to do better.) I think when we read this passage we are sometimes in a hurry to draw a conclusion about someone else, or some group of people rather than let these words penetrate our own hearts. We want to use these words to make judgments about others, when the message of 1 Corinthians all along has been to examine ourselves! As we read these words, let’s concentrate on how we can give GOD complete honor and glory!

ASK: Have I made a commitment to purity? Consider what we listen to, view, and think about as well as our physical actions. Why does GOD consider sexual purity so important? If GOD makes such a big deal out of this, we can be certain he will abundantly bless us when we turn from our own way and follow him!

Posted by on August 5, 2012 in Epistles.

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August 4, 2012

Saturday: August 4, 2012

READ: Proverbs 19

BACKGROUND:

By Verse:

2- We live in a world that loves to debate. As Christian people we want to represent CHRIST well so this verse is urging us to have the information correct before engaging in debate or jumping onto one side of an argument immediately.

8- Cherish wisdom and understanding. This could also be stated as, cherish education. A main mantra in Proverbs!

11- A great way to deal with conflict: patience and overlooking offenses

15- Laziness is reprimanded here, that brings some conviction to me on these hot summer days when I lack motivation.

17- Encouragement to give to the poor. What does this look like for you to do? Today?

THINK: What a man desires is unfailing or steadfast love. If you don’t believe me, reread verse 22. Proverbs says that unfailing love is what a man desires to posses, and I think it means that for both men and women. When I first read that sentence I had to stop and think for a while. When I look at pinterest, I feel like I am looking into the souls of women and their deepest desires. There is a website called gentlemint, more aimed at men, which will show me what men desire. (Note: my husband may or may not pinterest with me once in a while- no shame men!) Anyway, when I look at these blogs I see dream houses, dream mustaches, dream weddings, dream workout plans and dream cars. Are these the images of things that bring us steadfast love?

Since I know the Bible is true I trust that this statement is true: “What man desires is unfailing love.” How then is this deep desire in us for steadfast love being revealed by us posting pictures of Lamborghinis and cupcakes made to look like an Easter basket? Are those the things that make us feel whole and secure? Are those the things we put our deep trust in? Let’s take this a little further- we all know that simply pinning something or posting something on facebook does not reveal our deepest desires, but perhaps it reveals something.

Think about it this way. What if we really really desire steadfast and unfailing love (which we all do) but we can’t seem to find it as quickly as we’d like to or in the place we want to, so we fill ourselves with something else. Maybe you have tried to search for a love that never ends, but your parents have not always been there for you, or your best friend drops you. Ouch! What was supposed to be unfailing love has turned into conditional love that leaves you hurt. Instead of continuing to look for this kind of love, many people give up after being hurt and fill their lives with temporary “love.” Maybe this is a relationship, a sport or even a fun hobby. You go after that thing wanting it to fill your deep need, and you will all find out it won’t do the trick.

I just got married 3 weeks ago today and I can tell you that not even a husband who loves and adores you can completely fill the need for unfailing and steadfast love. I can tell you this though- God can and will fill that need. It might take some cleaning in your life to realize how much you still desire this God kind of love. His love is greater than any earthly love. It will leave you feeling more satisfied than any relationship, any diversion or any dream. God’s unfailing love is waiting for you. I believe there is a space in our souls that only God can truly fill- and this space starts with our great desire for steadfast, unending, unfailing love.

ASK: Am I able to see my deep desire for unfailing love? What have I tried filling my life up with in place of this love. Do I need to confess that I have bargained for cheap love instead of filling myself up with God’s love?

Written By: KVH

Posted by on August 4, 2012 in Poetry.

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August 3, 2012

Friday: August 3, 2012

READ: Job 15, 16, and 17

BACKGROUND: If you’ve read the previous chapters in Job, you’ll be familiar with the basic format of these three chapters. Job’s comfortable life has been turned upside down by tragedy and suffering. His well-meaning friends try to give Job advice (usually bad), and admonish him to repent of his sins even though GOD himself describes Job in Chapter 1 as “blameless and upright, a man who fears GOD and shuns evil.”

By Verse:

15: 1 – 13 – Eliphaz accuses Job of complaining against God and of  lacking a proper fear of God.

14 – 16: Eliphaz is right: we are all sinners; however he is wrong that only sin causes suffering. If you have time, look up John 9:3. The disciples ask Jesus about a man born blind. “Was it his sin or his parents that caused him to be blind?” “Neither,” answered Jesus, this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”

16: 2 – 5: Job is certain he would provide much more empathy and comfort for his friends if the situations were reversed.

6 – 14: Job has suffered physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In his pain, he sees God as his adversary. We might say Job is the poster child for Post-Traumatic Stress…..

19: Job calls for an advocate. In the legal sense, this advocate would intercede on behalf of an accused person in court. Remember this is the oldest book in the bible -yet even here we see an incredible picture of JESUS who is our advocate before God’s throne (Romans 8:23).

17:2 – Job’s friends are now more like enemies.

6: One of the most disrespectful acts of all – to have someone spit in your face.

9: Despite everything, Job steadfastly holds to righteousness.

13: Job’s only hope is in GOD.

THINK: Understanding suffering and pain in our world is tough. We can’t help but ask “Why me?” or “Why to someone I love?” That’s a completely normal first reaction when we find ourselves in “the worst of times.” The difference between a mature, growing believer in Jesus Christ and an immature Christian or unbeliever is what happens after that first reaction. If we have placed a growing trust in JESUS, we are able to regain our balance. We can consider our sure hope in JESUS. We are LOVED. We are headed for an eternity in heaven. As Paul reminds us in Roman 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”  Cling to this truth with all your might when trouble comes! JESUS is holding you in the palm of his hand! Never make the mistake of turning to bitterness. Instead, no matter how hard it might be, run to Jesus! Hide in His mighty word!

“Blessed be the God and Father our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

ASK: Am I good listener when others need my comfort? Will I commit to PRAY for them and really follow through? Can I listen to and validate their feelings? Pray to have compassion and understanding for others! Few words are necessary!

 

Posted by on August 3, 2012 in History.

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August 2, 2012

Thursday: August 2, 2012

READ: Matthew 21

BACKGROUND: This chapter describes Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, which is the beginning of what we often call Passion Week – the week leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection. The chapter goes on to detail the authority Jesus exercised by cleansing the temple, His conversations with His disciples, His justifying of His authority to the chief priests and elders and two parables to show the religious leaders that they were rejecting the Son of God.

By Verse:

2 – A donkey symbolized humility and peace. Many who were awaiting the Messiah expected a triumphal entry in the sense of a decorated King riding on a horse. Jesus showed that His Kingdom was not of this world.

8 – Spreading cloaks on the ground was a way of showing respect and honor.

12-17 – Jesus was indignant that the temple was being used as a place to get rich by ripping people off. He demonstrated his anger and showed his authority by forcing the dishonest business transactions to end.

18-22 – Jesus may have used this incident as a parable of judgment, with the fig tree representing Israel. Jesus also used it to remind his disciples of the power of believing prayer.

28-32 – Jesus is teaching that what we do is more important than what we say we will do. Following Him requires action and not just lip service.

35-37 – The tenants in this parable are the Jews. The servants represent the Old Testament prophets, many of whom were killed. The son represents Christ, who was condemned to death by religious leaders.

41 – “Other tenants” refers to Gentiles, to whom Paul turned when the Jews (God’s chosen people), for the most part, rejected the gospel. By the second century the church was composed almost entirely of Gentiles.

THINK: Jesus does not mince words with the religious leaders in Matthew 21. He makes it clear through His action in the temple, his words to the fig tree and his message through two parables that knowing God is not just about knowing religious lingo. The Pharisees in Matthew 21 considered themselves holy, God-fearing men. And yet when they are face to face with the Son of God, they didn’t even recognize him. That sure makes me think… Would I recognize Jesus were He to enter my city?

I know a lot about His Word. I’ve even memorized many verses. But would I know Jesus? Have I walked in His steps enough to see His footprints and know without a doubt that those are the feet of my Jesus? It’s easy to read these passages and think of the Pharisees as idiots. Until I realize how quickly I can fall into their same routines – talking the talk without walking the walk.

When Jesus condemned the fig tree in verse 19, he condemned a fruitless life. In verse 43, Jesus tells the Pharisees, “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” I want to be fruitful and I’m sure you do too, so we must daily choose to actively allow Christ to live through us.

 It’s easy to say, “yes I will love others,” or “no I will not slander others” but bearing fruit requires action – demonstrating that love to others by giving up what I have to meet their needs and actually biting our tongues! So often we say yes, but our actions say no. This is exactly the behavior that Jesus condemns.

We need to ask Jesus to take the blinders off our eyes so we can see the way he sees. Then we will be able to truly understand and imitate his character without being blind to our own sinfulness and lack of action. Ask God to open your eyes, to show you where you need to act instead of just talk.

Posted by on August 2, 2012 in Gospels.

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August 1, 2012

Wednesday: August 1, 2012

READ: 1Corinthians 4 & 5

BACKGROUND: Paul wrote this letter to the church at Corinth. At this time, Corinth was a thriving Greek city known for its sea trade, its interest in philosophy and wisdom, its religion (the city had at least 12 temples served by over 1000 prostitutes), and its extreme immorality. Imagine the enormous task of teaching these new believers what it meant to be devoted to Jesus. The Corinthians, unlike the new Jewish converts, had no training whatsoever in God’s laws.  Paul gives instruction on important Biblical principles which transcend culture and give us practical applications for our lives today.

By Verse:

1 Corinthians 4: 3 – We aren’t qualified to judge! Even when we are pretty sure we are innocent, we could be mistaken.

5 – God will judge believers.

8 – Paul is an expert at using irony and sarcasm to point out the ridiculousness of the Corinthians mind set and boasting….”You are kings….you are rich….you’ve got it all!”

14 – “Shame on you!”  Now, Paul lets them have it! Ouch!

5:1 – Incest is so detestable that even pagans refuse to engage in such behavior.

2 – This sort of sin was absolutely not to be tolerated in the body of Christ. Paul says this man must not continue to fellowship with other believers in church.

6 – Yeast represents sin. If sin goes unchecked, it spreads like yeast in bread.

9 – We cannot expect unbelievers to live according to God’s word. On the other hand, as believers in Jesus Christ, we must hold each other accountable to live holy lives.

THINK:                                                                                                                                               1 Corinthians 4:3 – 4 are two of my favorite verses. Too often, I find myself being way, way too concerned about what others think of me. The risk of having someone dislike me causes me to become a people pleaser. It doesn’t sound so bad, really. What’s the problem with doing things other people want me to do? Or saying things other people want me to say? The problem is, people pleasing can become bondage. Read verse three carefully. Paul doesn’t say, “I couldn’t care less what anybody thinks of me. I do things my way.” Rather he says, “I care very little how I am judged by mere humans…The one who examines is the LORD.” We are in the process of learning how to be pleasing and acceptable to the LORD…not to others and not to ourselves! Read what James McDonald, pastor of Harvest Bible Church in Chicago, has to say about people pleasing:

  1. Minimize my focus on what people think of me.
  2. People pleasing is NOT from GOD.
  3. People pleasing is impossible! Everyone wants something different!
  4. People pleasing is destructive.
  5. People pleasing disqualifies us as servants of Christ! We cannot serve two masters.

ASK: Get alone with God and ask him if he is pleased with your life! Ask him to show you what pleases him (Ephesians 5:10). Let’s get our focus on JESUS and live a life pleasing to HIM!

Posted by on August 1, 2012 in Uncategorized.

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July 31, 2012

Tuesday: July 31, 2012

READ:  Job 12, 13, and 14

BACKGROUND:

12:1 – Job replies to the advice of his friends with a good deal of sarcasm (Yeah, right, you wrote the book on wisdom) and contempt (Duh!)

12:13 – 25: God is Sovereign! He does whatever he pleases!

13:15 – Job steadfastly keeps his faith in GOD no matter what happens!

13:18 – Despite his circumstances, Job trusts GOD will vindicate him.

14:5 – God determines the length of our lives.

14:13 – 17 – Job has a glimmer of hope: GOD can bring even a dead man back to life and GOD can cover over sin.

THINK: Last week I had the privilege to attend a Beth Moore leadership conference. One of the sessions was titled “7 x 70: Forgiveness Not Optional.” The speaker shared a bit of her life story and the hard stuff she has faced over the last several years. For starters, she lost her husband in a horrifying accident and both she and her son have gone through cancer. I was completely captivated by her story – as was the rest of the audience. We sat in almost stunned disbelief as she described her journey. It seemed as though it was almost more than one person could bear and yet, so many of us could relate. We’d been there too – in circumstances that were heartbreaking and gut wrenching with no easy answers in sight.  Despite all she’d been through, this speaker was full of joy and peace, content and confident of a bright future. Why? Not because she is certain she and her son are never going to be sick again – they are still in treatment. Not because she thinks she will never face loss again. Not because of anything here in this world. But because she’s placed her complete trust and faith in the promise of JESUS! He gives us a hope and a future!

Like Job, we may have some extremely tough times. And, like Job, we may find little comfort in many of our friends. But we have an amazing Savior. We can turn to him with every thought, every fear, every doubt. And, he will never let us go! In John 6:67 – 68, Jesus asks Peter, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” I love Peter’s reply in verse 68, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life!”

ASK: Do you know you can tell Jesus anything, anytime? Keep turning to HIM! He has the words of life!

Posted by on July 31, 2012 in Uncategorized.

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July 30, 2012

Monday: July 30, 2012

READ: Proverbs 18

THINK: Dr. Deb Roy, a researcher and cognitive scientist with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, recorded the first 3 years of his child’s life to learn how humans acquire language. He and his wife rigged their home with recording devices, which they used to collect over 200,000 hours of audio and video footage. Amassing, condensing, and editing the recordings enabled them to hear baby sounds like “gaga” evolve into words like “water.”

If someone wanted to conduct a research project at your home, would you participate if you knew that your every syllable would be recorded and analyzed? What would the study reveal? Proverbs 18 offers insight about some unwise speech patterns. The writer notes that foolish people express their own opinions instead of trying to understand what others have to say (v.2). Does this characterize us? Do we sometimes provoke fights with our words (v.7), or speak impulsively and “answer a matter before [hearing] it”? (v.13).

We need to become students of our speech. With God’s help we can identify and transform destructive dialogue into words of encouragement that are “good for necessary edification” and that “impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29).

Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages for Thee. —Havergal
Our words have the power to build up or tear down.
By: Jennifer Benson Schuldt on July 16, 2012

Posted by on July 30, 2012 in Poetry.

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July 29, 2012

Sunday: July 29, 2012

READ: Genesis 35, 36, and 37

BACKGROUND: Although Joseph’s birth is recorded in Chapter 30, his story really begins here. So important is Joseph that 25% of the book of Genesis is devoted to his life. GOD uses Joseph to preserve the nation of Israel.

By Verse:

35:18  – Rachel gives birth to her second son – but the birth is incredibly difficult. Knowing she is dying, Rachel names her son Ben-Oni, meaning “son of my pain.” Jacob, who certainly knows the power of a name (his name meant deceiver but GOD graciously re-named him Israel – or “I Rule” ) graciously changes the baby boy’s name to Benjamin – or “son of my right hand”….a term of honor.

22 – Although Reuben may think he gets away with this grievous sin, he does not! His sin will find him out!

37:2 – Is Joseph just tattling or telling about something dangerous? Jacob knew very well that his older sons could not be trusted.

3 – Jacob treats Joseph with preferential favoritism and this is a generational flaw: Jacob’s own father, Isaac, favored his twin brother, Esau.

5 – The first of many dreams….no interpretation needed; the brothers could get this!

10 – “Your mother” – refers to Leah.

12 – Say what? Why are these brothers headed back toward Shechem? They are idiots!

17 – Joseph exhibits complete obedience and travels at least another 50 miles; a three day hike through brutally hot, dry, rough land to complete the task Jacob assigned him.

21 – Reuben takes a half-hearted stand apparently not wanting to offend his brother. Why doesn’t he just say “NO!” His weak attempt backfires and Jacob is sold.

33 – Irony: Jacob used a goat skin to deceive his father, Isaac. Now, Jacob’s sons use a goat’s blood to deceive him – a cruel scheme.

THINK: The background on these chapters is a bit long, so we will keep this short. Two important principles can be learned from these chapters:

1. GOD works all things together for the good for those who love HIM!

2. Sin causes pain and suffering!                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Have you, like so many of us, felt the sting of #2? Sometimes we suffer unjustly because of the sin of others. Sometimes we are responsible for the mess we end up in. Sometimes, like Reuben, we may think no one notices our sin – or that we got away with something. But it’s never true. Sin costs – every time, all the time. Irwin Lutzer, pastor of Chicago’s Moody Church, says this about sin: “Sin always takes us farther than we wanted to go, lasts longer than we wanted to stay, and costs more than we wanted to pay.”

If you’re feeling the weight of #2 (and we all do!) it’s time to remember #1: GOD is at work to bring GOOD out of every circumstance! He loves us and he is in the business of making all things new! He makes all things beautiful in His time!

Posted by on July 29, 2012 in Law.

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