July 7, 2012

Saturday: July 7, 2012

READ: Romans 16

BACKGROUND: This final chapter in Romans concludes what has been called the most influential letter ever written. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul brilliantly explains the human problem: our sin has enslaved us, bound us to death, but God has provided a solution in his son, Jesus. Think back over some of the most amazing things we’ve read in this book:
Chapter 1: Never be ashamed of the gospel! It is the power of salvation for all who believe!
Chapter 3: All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Chapter 5: God loves us so much that even though we are sinners, Jesus died for us.
Chapter 6: Because of our sin, we will all die, but we can have eternal life in Jesus!
Chapter 10 :  If we confess our sin and believe that Jesus died and rose again to pay the penalty for our sin, we will be given eternal life through the blood of Jesus!
Chapter 16: Paul writes a long list of people he especially wants to thank, and to commend, and to greet. He finishes the letter by urgently reminding and warning us to stay true to Jesus! The world is extremely attractive and, so often, extremely dangerous.

THINK: What an awesome assortment of believers made up this church in the city of Rome. Believers included Jews, Greeks, nobility, slaves, men, women, African, Asian, Roman, military, civilian…and all worshipped and learned together! In fact, Paul’s letter would have been read aloud in front of this audience. Imagine how exciting it must have been to suddenly hear your own name. Just yesterday my daughter and I were reminiscing about her high school days. She is getting married in just one week and many of her friends will be there. During homecoming week of her senior year, as she sat in calculus class, an announcement came on calling several girls to the office. Everyone knew what this meant: the Homecoming Queen Candidates had been selected. Kelsey quietly got up from her seat and walked out the door – but once clear of the classroom, she shrieked with excitement! She’d been chosen! I think maybe a few of those named in Paul’s letter may have felt that rush. He remembered me! He thanked me! He thought of me! He appreciated me! If you’ve stuck with Throughin2 for a while now, you may remember lots of lists of names in lots of bible chapters and, while they seem to go on and on, always remember the significance of these lists of names: By God’s grace, we are not just nameless, faceless blobs of humanity. God knows us. God remembers us. God is keeping a list of our good works.  And someday God will call out our names.

ASK: What if a leader from your church were writing a letter. Would they mention your name as a faithful servant, as a volunteer, as a prayer warrior, as an encourager? Would they mention your willingness to invite others, to share the good news, to open your home?

By: Deb Howard

Posted by on July 7, 2012 in Epistles.

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July 6, 2012

Friday: July 6, 2012

READ: Genesis 31 and 32

BACKGROUND: 31:1 – Jacob continued to stay in Haran, possibly because of his great success. Laban’s sons are increasingly jealous and conclude Jacob’s wealth actually belongs to their Daddy. A totally false conclusion since Laban undermined Jacob at every opportunity and Jacob prospered anyway.
13 – GOD again comes to Jacob’s rescue reminding Jacob, “I am the GOD of Bethel” – the place Jacob first placed his trust and faith in GOD – promising protection on Jacob’s journey back home.
14 – A journey of 600 miles, by camel, to Canaan means Leah and Rachel will never see their father or family again.  Both women assure Jacob that they know GOD is with him – and, given a choice, they willingly leave their home, country, and family.
19 – Jacob stole a birthright and a blessing; now his wife steals her father’s household gods. Apparently possession of these gods indicated some sort of legal claim to her father’s estate. Here we go again – lying and scheming to get what GOD has already promised to give – prosperity.
54 – The pillar Jacob and Laban build at Mizpah represents a final separation between the two families. Jacob, through God’s blessing, will build a nation in Canaan.
32:24 – If there is one thing Jacob understands, it is the importance of blessings! Here Jacob encounters the living God. He has anticipated another conflict with Esau and even fears a violent confrontation. But God proves he is the one who must be “wrestled” with.
28 – A new name means a new beginning in Jacob’s walk of faith and Jacob will carry a reminder of this event the rest of his life – a visible limp.

THINK:Does Jacob remind you at all of yourself? How about Rachel or Leah? Maybe even Laban? The details provided in the book of Genesis give us an opportunity to really get to know the characters of these ancient stories. While everyday life today is completely different than life in the Ancient Near-East, the human heart – our dreams and desires, our fears and our failures – haven’t changed at all. Who knows how sincere Laban is when he begs to kiss his grandchildren good-bye? Perhaps he has another scheme up his sleeve, but this about breaks my heart. I’d hop on a camel and travel 600 miles just to get to my beloved grandbabies!

But the real story in today’s reading isn’t about grandbabies and tearful good-byes. It’s about Jacob who gets a lot of things wrong, but one thing right: He VALUES the blessing and the things of GOD over everything else. Jacob has lied about many things, but when GOD (appearing as a man) asks “What is your name?” he tells the truth. “I am Jacob – a deceiver, a liar.” GOD in his great mercy and grace accepts his confession, and begins Jacob’s conversion. “You are now ISRAEL! You belong to me. You are a Prince of GOD!”

ASK: What if you were named for your greatest character flaw? We cannot change until we admit to ourselves and to GOD what we really are. GOD loves us enough to change us! If we confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive. GOD will give us a new name and a fresh start – anytime we want.

By: Deb Howard

Posted by on July 6, 2012 in Law.

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July 5, 2012

Thursday: July 5, 2012

READ: Genesis 29-30

BACKGROUND: Jacob, as you may recall from Chapter 28, is committed to serving God and vows that “the LORD will be my GOD!” But life is never easy and the complications and circumstances Jacob faces make it all too easy to fall back on his old ways – his sin nature – his tendency to scheme and deceive, a trait definitely inherited from his mother and quite obvious in his devious Uncle Laban as well.
Genesis 29:1-20: This seems to be a case of love at first sight; just one look and Jacob is smitten. Verse 20 tells us he loved Rachel so much that the seven years he worked to “earn” her seemed like only a few days. Wow!
25 – Wrong bride! Evil father-in-law conveniently forgets to inform Jacob that he must marry Leah first.
29-30:24 –Think you’re competitive? Well, these two sisters may have you beat as they battle to have the most male babies. Leah may not be loved, but she’s the clear winner in the baby battle. These sons are the beginning of the great nation that will grow through Jacob. Jacob now has eleven sons and at least one daughter – and FOUR wives.
30: 25 – 43 – Jacob and Laban try to out-scheme each other: Jacob just wants to take what he’s rightfully earned and go back home. Laban, never to be trusted, doesn’t want to let Jacob go. Basically, Laban agreed to Jacob’s request to take only the spotted sheep, but then underhandedly takes them all himself.  Details are a bit confusing but the end result is that God continues to bless Jacob.  His flocks are growing because of God’s blessing – not spotted tree branches.

THINK: Who votes this the craziest family in history? We’ve been reading about their lies, deception, and schemes for the last few chapters and these two are no exception.

We can read between the lines enough to know that Jacob desperately wanted to be independent of his father-in-law. Laban is a first-class jerk who plays Mr. Nice Guy. “Oh, you wanted Rachel? My mistake….I thought you knew our customs!” “Oh, you want to leave with the spotted lambs? No problem, except I won’t really let you…” We could probably assume that Laban constantly interfered with Jacob’s growing family. It doesn’t sound like much fun and we can sympathize with Jacob’s desire to get away. Life seemed overwhelming and Jacob’s default response was to plan a scheme…a crazy one involving spotted branches and breeding…but a lying scheme all the same.

ASK: When we get a bit desperate for a change in our circumstances, can we try to wait on God and trust in his promises before resorting to our own solutions? Being independent is a great thing, but God wants each of us to be dependent on him!

By: Deb Howard

Posted by on July 5, 2012 in Law.

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July 4, 2012

Wednesday: July 4, 2012

READ: Proverbs 15

THINK: I heard a teenager from a Christian family declare, “My mom doesn’t think swear words are bad.” He then indicated which words she found acceptable—words that have long been considered inappropriate.

Society’s standard of language has declined in recent years, but we don’t have to decline with it. As we strive to be “very careful . . . how [we] live” (Eph. 5:15), we should think about how to honor God with our words.

We please the Lord with our tongue when we show discernment. “He who restrains his lips is wise,” Proverbs 10:19 reminds us. When we do speak, we are to filter the words that escape our lips: “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (21:23).

It is important to use kind, positive words—even to address tough subjects. “A harsh word stirs up anger,” but “the tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly” (Prov. 15:1-2).

Finally, avoid words that reflect poorly on who we are as God’s children. Paul’s admonition to “let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth” (Eph. 4:29) sets a strong standard for the righteous use of words.

To honor God in each part of life, use words that are pleasing and acceptable to a holy God. What we say reveals who we are.

From Dave Branon in Our Daily Bread on May 3, 2010

ASK: Are the words that I use honoring to God? What are some steps I can take to be more careful with my words?

Posted by on July 4, 2012 in Poetry.

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July 3, 2012

Tuesday: July 3, 2012

READ: Psalm 22

BACKGROUND: Psalm 22 was written by King David in the midst of great anguish as he was under attack from enemy nations. He was desperate for the Lord’s delivery. Throughout this Psalm, David mixes his complaints with his praises – sharing his present sufferings, but recognizing that God is still God and worthy of praise. The words of this Psalm written about David’s suffering parallel the experience that Jesus would have as He endured the cross. This Psalm describes the pain of undeserved attack.  Psalm 22 is the most quoted Psalm in the New Testament.

THINK: Last month a 91 year old woman in Guatemala received an answer to a prayer she had prayed faithfully for five straight years. This frail woman is missing a leg and has been asking God to provide her with a wheelchair since she was 86. A friend of mine partners with an organization in Guatemala that provides refurbished wheelchairs to disabled individuals while sharing the good news of Jesus. He was there to help fit a wheelchair for this elderly woman as tears streamed from her and her son’s faces. Their prayers had been answered.

It’s hard for me to even imagine having the faith to continue praying for five years when the chances of getting a wheelchair in her circumstances are so unlikely. I can imagine this woman praying prayers similar to that of David – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (vs. 1)  Yet in the midst of her desperation, like David, she must have kept faith that “He has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help,” (vs. 24) and so she continued to pray.

When our heart’s happiness is bound up in God Himself, we will feel desperate in the moments when He feels far. I believe each of us will experience seasons where God seems distant. For the sake of transparency, I’ll tell you that I’m going through a season now where God feels distant. There are prayers I’ve prayed for the revival of my heart, my church, my city for years and I have yet to see God move in the ways I’m hoping and praying He will. There is only one thing I can do – continue to pour my heart out to him, knowing He is the only one mighty to save.

Our faith cannot be based on our emotions. It must be based on the truth of who God is and that never changes. David’s emotions led him to believe that God had abandoned Him, but thankfully he knew the truth of who God was and that kept Him grounded through his sadness, fear, anger, and confusion. Had the elderly Guatemalan woman based her faith on her feelings or even her logic, she would have quit praying long ago, but she knew God is who He says He is and so she continued to seek Him – and He provided – as He always does. Not always how we expect, but we can trust that He’ll be faithful to those who seek Him.

Matthew Henry said it this way, “However it be, yet God is good, and he is mine; though he slay me, yet I trust in him; though he do not answer me immediately, I will continue praying and waiting; though he be silent, I will not be silent.”

ASK: Do I base my trust in God on my feelings, emotions, and circumstances or do I trust Him because I know His Word is true? What prayers have I given up praying because it seems God isn’t listening? Do I have the faith to continue asking God to move in my life even though it may take longer than I hope or expect?

Written by: Cari Widdel

Posted by on July 3, 2012 in Psalms.

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July 2, 2012

Monday: July 2, 2012

READ: Romans 15

BACKGROUND: Paul talks to the Romans about imitating Christ, and then he moves into the closing section of his letter by telling them about his plans for the future.
By Verse –
1 – Paul counts himself as strong, but he willingly restricts his own behavior for the sake of others or, more importantly, for the sake of his gospel witness.
3 – The quote is from Psalm 69:9.
9-12 – These quotes (Psalm 18:49, Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 117:1, & Isaiah 11:10 are from the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) & Paul uses them here to validate Jesus’ ministry to the gentiles.
25-28 – Paul had been collecting money from many churches to help out the poor & suffering Christians in Jerusalem.

THINK: Paul specifies that we are to help others in areas where we are “strong and able in the faith.” What are some areas in which you have received training, direction, or guidance? What are some of your natural gifts and strengths?

Read Romans 15:1-6 once more. Read it with a heart of gratitude for those who, past and present, “step in and lend a hand” to you, even if you don’t remember specific details.

PRAY: Ponder what this passage says about Jesus and how he dealt with people’s troubles. Now think about his call to follow him (see Matthew 16:24). When you think about being like Jesus in this way, what questions, thoughts, and feelings come up? Share these with him.

LIVE: Contemplate the role that service to others plays in your daily life. There are a variety of forms this might take, for example, lending a listening ear or emotional support, doing manual labor or other chores for someone, or giving money, food, shelter, or clothing to a person in need. Has your service to others become another form of overwork? Or is it truly integrated into your life in a comfortable and valuable way? Have you been selfish in the use of your time? Should you be giving more of yourself to others than you currently do?

From Eugene Peterson in Solo

Posted by on July 2, 2012 in Epistles.

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July 1, 2012

Sunday: July 1, 2012

READ: Romans 14

BACKGROUND: This is an interesting passage, and it is very helpful and applicable to us if we understand the complex social setting and situation into which Paul is writing. He is writing to a church made up of both former Jews and former Gentiles who have put their faith in Jesus. Some of the Jews – because of their entire cultural history – had great trouble eating meats that were “unclean” under the old law because they thought it was wrong. His basic argument here is that we need to have a great deal of mercy and grace toward each other in areas of conduct that aren’t clearly stated to be wrong in the Bible. He says that having a stronger faith that allows or compels us to live a certain way doesn’t give us license to judge or look down upon others who don’t live the same way. He also says we should be careful not to live in a way that offends others or causes them to stumble in their faith.
By Verse –
1 – “Weak in Faith” = Young Christians who are immature in their faith.
10 – Believers aren’t in charge of judging other believers. God is in charge of that. Nice thought, huh? It really frees up some time for a lot of us. 🙂
13 – Stronger, more mature Christians shouldn’t live in a way that hurts the faith of others and causes them to stumble.
22 – Our faith should always help others and not hurt them.

THINK: Read Romans 14:6-13 aloud again, imagining that Paul, your brother in Christ, is sitting next to you saying these things to you.

1. Why do people insist on their own way about debatable matters?
2. When you’re critical, what words and tone do you usually use? When you’re being condescending, what facial expression and arm gestures do you use?
3. What does this passage say about why moral superiority and self-righteousness is so silly?

Read Romans 14:6-13 one more time. Which phrase speaks most deeply to you?

PRAY: Take the phrase that spoke to you and talk to God about it. Ask him to let that truth sink into your deepest self. Ask him to guide you in that truth.

LIVE: When Mother Teresa was asked how someone might pray for her, she asked that person to pray that she would not get in the way of what God wanted to do. Move through life with that consciousness, acting with God’s love but not getting in the way of what God wants to do.

Adapted from Eugene Peterson’s Solo

Posted by on July 1, 2012 in Epistles.

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June 30, 2012

Saturday: June 30, 2012

Something from Eugene Peterson’s Solo again today.

READ: Job 9 – While you’re reading this passage – Job’s response to tragedy – notice the powerful feelings that underlie his words: fear, anger, grief, & hope.

THINK: What phrase in Job’s lament stands out to you? Spend time meditating on it. Mentally chew it the way you would chew a piece of gum – repeat it to yourself, pausing each time to see where it leads your mind and emotions.

PRAY: Keeping your phrase – the one that stood out to you – in mind, picture God in the room with you. How do you relate to his presence? Maybe you sit in reverence at his power, wisdom, and justice, realizing you’ve forgotten or minimized those qualities lately. Maybe you feel anguish like Job. Maybe you open up to your desire for a rescuer, for Christ’s mercy.

At the end of this time, recall what this experience held for you. Write down for future reference anything that seemed significant.

LIVE: During the next week, before you begin your times of prayerful reading and devotions, recall your picture of God in the room. Recollect who he was to you and retain this image of him in your mind during each prayer time. Let that aspect of God mingle with the God you relate to during the week.

Posted by on June 30, 2012 in Poetry.

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June 29, 2012

Friday: June 29, 2012

READ: Genesis 27 and 28

BACKGROUND: The book of Genesis begins telling us about Jacob even before he is born! Chapter 25 tells us that his mother, Rebekah, was concerned about her pregnancy. The LORD responded by explaining that the twin boys she carried would become great nations and that the first born son would serve the second born – a complete reversal of the honor held by firstborn sons in this culture. So important was this “second son” that the details of his life fill the remaining half of the book of Genesis. Readers will come to know Jacob very well – both his faith and his failures! We can learn so much about what not to do from Jacob, and yet at the same time, place him in the Hall of Faith Fame! Jacob – liar, deceiver, conniver, usurper, schemer……by the grace of God, becomes Israel – the father of a nation!
27:1 – Isaac is about 137 years old and suffers from poor vision. Feeling he may be near the end of his life, he wants to give his blessing to his son.
3 – Isaac decides to give the blessing to Esau although he knows God has chosen the younger son and knows Esau has already sold his birthright, completely ignoring it’s significance.
13 – Rebekah, rather than trusting God, takes matters into her own hands and says she will take the blame for the scheme she has devised for Jacob.
18 – 29 – Jacob has many chances to tell the truth. He doesn’t! He lives up to the meaning of his name: Liar!
41 – Esau, upon discovering he has missed the blessing, plots to kill Jacob.
42 – Rebekah warns Jacob to flee and in doing so, loses her son to a foreign land. Most likely she never saw her favorite son again…a consequence of her lying scheme.
28:17 – Jacob has a vision of Jesus: “The gate of heaven.”
20 – Jacob declares his faith in God and his commitment to serve Him!

THINK: When Jacob flees for his life and heads to the safety of Haran, he is probably on his own for the very first time! We can be pretty certain that up to this point, he has been under the care of a very protective mother. She seems to have made most of his important life decisions for him – for better or worse! Although far from perfect, Jacob’s family was a family of faith. Undoubtedly, Jacob knew the story of his grandfather Abraham and God’s promise to make him a great nation. I hope Isaac told his little boys about the miracles he witnessed firsthand. But, coming from this great family and knowing all he did about God, it seems Jacob had never really committed his own life! How amazing is it to read in Chapter 28 verse 20: “Then Jacob made a vow…the LORD will be my GOD!”  Somewhere in the middle of a cold desert night, Jacob met God himself. He experienced for the first time a personal relationship with the living God – an experience so powerful that he places his future completely in God’s hands!

ASK: Am I going to church or bible studies or youth group because my family or friends attend? Do I need to be sure my faith is my own? Have I experienced a time when I gave my life to Jesus Christ and made a commitment to live for him?

Written By: Deb Howard

Posted by on June 29, 2012 in Law.

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June 28, 2012

Thursday: June 28, 2012

Read: Psalm 21

Background: This is another Psalm of David. David is always very honest in what he writes. If he is angry, we know it, if he is excited, we read it clearly. The humility represented in this passage is therefore true humility, it is how David is honestly assessing his life.
By Verse:
1- David is the King, but gives credit to the Most High King, God.
4- David asked God for life many times when King Saul was seeking to kill him. (See the full story in 1 Samuel)
5- A chant among the people of Israel claimed that “David has slain his tens of thousands.” He certainly did have military victories, but gave all the credit to God.
7- It is the love of God that makes King David feel secure, not his own achievements, abilities, good looks or armies.
8-12- God will take care of His enemies, that is not a human endeavor.

Think: David is known as the greatest of all the Kings of Israel. He had everything a person could want…and more. Not only was he naturally strong and handsome, he was given every material thing he wanted, and people adored him. But his joy was not defined by all this. He wanted to know the joy of God’s presence, or favor. David’s joy was found in the freedom to experience the presence, fullness and favor of God!

I Googled the word joy- and the Merriam-Webster free online dictionary was the first thing to pop up. Here is the #1 definition they gave for joy, “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.” Is this the same joy David is talking about? David is well cared for, successful, full of good fortune and has what he desires, but the joy he has doesn’t come from those things. David’s joy is a gift of God’s presence in his life.

God’s favor in David’s life made him joyful. You may be thinking, easy for him to say…he had it all, why not be joyful. However, if we take a deeper look into David’s life we find that when he was disobedient to God (think Bathsheba) and God’s favor was not with him…he lacked joy. He still had all the riches and glory and fame, but without God’s favor in his life, David was nothing.

Here is a definition of the word ‘favor’ by Pastor Steven Furtick, “The favor of God is the guarantee of His presence and the provision of His power to accomplish His special purpose in and through your life.” That is what brought David the greatest joy! Knowing that God’s presence would go with him, protect him and give him the power to accomplish great things made David joyful! The things he could do on his own meant nothing, and God’s favor meant everything. It is important to keep in mind that God’s favor in our lives is always accompanied by a responsibility to live for him. May this be your joy today!

Ask: Do I have God’s favor in my life? What does that even look like and how do I get it?

Listen: For more thoughts on this topic, check out this amazing sermon! –http://churchatthefalls.com/2012/03/13/found-favor-week-1/

By: KVH

Posted by on June 28, 2012 in Psalms.

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