January 16, 2014

Thursday: January 16, 2014

READ: Song of Songs 1

BACKGROUND: Erotic love poetry. That’s what this book is. Why is this erotic, sexual, love poetry included in the Bible – the very words of God, breathed by God and given to us to reveal God to us? Some people think that it is purely allegorical – that the whole book is just symbolic of God’s love relationship with humanity. And they’d argue, for instance, in chapter 7 when Solomon is describing her breasts that the breasts are an allegory for the Old & the New Testament. Cause there’s 2 of them so it only makes sense right? Now, in one sense, these people are right and that is this: Human relationships – the intimate love relationship between a man and wife – are, for us, a tangible allegory of the intimate love relationship God wants with us and we do learn about who God is and how he loves through this book. But we learn that by getting a deep look into the love relationship between a man and a woman.

THINK: “Your name is like perfume poured out” – SoS 1:3

I love that this is right at the beginning of the book. Of all the things that attract two people to one another – for better or worse – Song of Songs tells us right off the bat that there is nothing more important than someone’s “name.” This is to say, their character, integrity, and reputation.

How can you take an honest look at your own character or the character of someone you’re possibly interested in falling in love with? 🙂 Here are three simple things to consider:

1. Consider the way you treat people around you. Are you self-absorbed, condescending, mean, dismissive, selfish, or rude? Jesus was the most approachable person in world history. How approachable are you? If you are difficult to approach and the words above describe you then chances are good that your name is not “like perfume poured out.” This will not only affect your relationships with significant others but also your ability to be a witness for Christ in the world.

2. Consider your friends. The people that you spend most of your time with don’t always and can’t always pinpoint your character exactly. But it will usually get you in the ballpark. Who you spend time with and who you trust most intimately affect the way that people think about you. If your closest friends are people with poor reputations then that will absolutely affect the way that people think about you and the level of trust and respect that they have for you.

3. Consider your faith. If you aren’t someone who is comfortable talking about faith or admitting that you love Jesus in public then your integrity is on the line. I know that it isn’t always easy, and I am not advocating standing on the street corner and screaming at people. But if you are ashamed of your faith then it’s tough to be the kind of leader with a great reputation and high integrity and respectable character that God designed you to be.

Do you have a name “like perfume poured out”? What needs to change in your life in order for that to be your reality?

PRAY: Pray that God would help you live with the kind of courage, integrity, and character that makes a powerful impact for his Kingdom on the lives of those around you.

Posted by on January 16, 2014 in Poetry.

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January 15, 2014

Wednesday: January 15, 2014

READ: Acts 25

THINK: “Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul affirmed to be alive.” – Acts 25:19

Festus talked lightly enough about Jesus. It was only a question in his mind of some Jewish superstition hardly worth debating. What did it matter to him or his imperial master whether Jesus were alive or dead? And was it not a fact that he was dead, crucified under Pontius Pilate? How little Festus realized the importance of that death, not to the Jews alone, but to himself! How little he understood that his own continued life was due to that death of which he spoke so lightly! Generations of luxury and years of self-indulgence had blunted his perception: as for all religious questions – they were mere superstition! And with respect to religious enthusiasm, as it appeared in Paul, he could find in his own history nothing that could account for or explain it.

Contrast with this sated worldling – a flatterer, an office-seeker, prepared to sell his soul for gold – the noble apostle whose character stands out in unsullied light. Though Christ had died, according to the Scriptures, he knew that He had risen, and was alive for evermore. His faith did not go back to the cross, but rose perpetually to the throne. He who was dead, was living for evermore; sharing His servant’s sorrows, and supplying hourly grace for his every need.

He affirmed that He was alive. On the abundant testimony of those who had spoken with Him after his resurrection; on the strength of his own vision when Jesus had laid an arrest on him hard by Damascus; because of the mighty works that emanated from his hand; because of the daily fellowship which brought him into the presence of his Lord, in spite of clanking chain and iron bar – he affirmed that Jesus was alive.

– F.B. Meyer

PRAY: Ask God to help you boldly and fearlessly affirm that he is alive to everyone around you. Ask him to bring you opportunities to share that good news today.

Posted by on January 15, 2014 in Gospels.

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January 14, 2014

Tuesday: January 14, 2014

READ: Deuteronomy 18-19

THINK: One Sunday while preaching, a pastor was accosted and punched by a man. He continued preaching, and the man was arrested. The pastor prayed for him and even visited him in jail a few days later. What an example of the way to respond to insult and injury!

While there is a place for self-defense, personal revenge was forbidden in the Old Testament: “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18; see also Deut. 32:35). It was also forbidden by Jesus and the apostles (Matt. 5:38-45; Rom. 12:17; 1 Peter 3:9).

The Old Testament law exacted like for like (Ex. 21:23-25; Deut. 19:21), which ensured that judicial punishment was not unjust or malicious. But there was a larger principle looming when it came to personal revenge: Justice must be done, but it must be left in the hands of God or the authorities ordained by God.

Instead of returning injury and insult, may we live by Christ-honoring and Spirit-empowered alternatives: Live at peace with everyone (Rom. 12:18), submit to a spiritual mediator (1 Cor. 6:1-6), and leave it in the hands of authorities and, most of all, in God’s hands. Leave final justice in the hands of a just God.

– Marvin Williams in Our Daily Bread

PRAY: Open up your heart to God and let him show you any bitterness, anger, and desire for revenge that might be inside of you. Turn it over to him. Tell him you trust him for your reputation and you trust him for justice and release any anger, fear, bitterness, mistrust, or vengeance that may be inside of you right now.

Posted by on January 14, 2014 in Law.

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January 13, 2014

Monday: January 13, 2014

READ: Luke 17

THINK: Reread verses 11-19, focusing specifically on the questions Jesus asks.

Not only are the lepers deformed by their disease, but Old Testament law also excludes them from community with others. Ten men come to Jesus with this horrific skin disease. These men are physical and relational outsiders. When Jesus heals them, he also helps restore them to their communities.

When have you felt like an outsider and than experiences God’s restoring you to community with others or with himself? Do you tend to be like the nine, who asked for God’s help and didn’t return, or are you like the one who returned to say thank you? Why?

Think about your last several requests to God in prayer. Have you turned around and come back, shouting your gratitude for how he has answered your requests and blessed you in the process? Why or why not? What needs to happen in your life for you to remember to return when God answers your prayers?

PRAY: Make this prayer time one of intentional thankfulness. Consider your recent requests to God (be specific). Return now and thank him for answering those requests, big and small.

LIVE: Every time you make a request, turn around and shout your gratitude.

– Adapted from Eugene Peterson in Solo

Posted by on January 13, 2014 in Gospels.

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January 12, 2014

Sunday: January 12, 2014

READ: Deuteronomy 16-17

THINK: “and he shall read therein all the days of his life” – Dt 17:19

Some of the greatest scholars in the world have stated without apology that no man’s education can be complete without an ac­quaintance with the Bible. Not only are its contents of inesti­mable value, but its very literary perfection and beauty are also worthy of our special attention and admiration. If we are to know this Book, it goes without saying that we must be willing to read and study it faithfully. No man can master any subject without diligent effort, concentration, and application. Much of the criticism laid against the Scriptures has come from those who have never studied it, much less even read it through.

A certain Bible teacher, boarding a train, found a seat next to a man who was diligently reading his newspaper. Opening his briefcase the preacher took out his Bible and began to read. The gentleman with the newspaper, glancing out of the corner of his eye, saw this unusual sight and his curiosity was aroused. Finally he said, “Pardon me, Sir, are you a minister?” “Yes, I am,” said the man, and began talking to his questioner about the Bible. He explained some of the mysteries of that wonderful Book and its marvelous doctrines and revelations until the other exclaimed in amazement, “How in the world did you ever learn so much about that Book?” The Bible teacher simply replied, “I certainly did not get it by reading the daily newspaper!” Now, we should know what’s going on in the world today. But I am concerned over the amount of time that is taken up in reading our newspapers, magazines, and periodicals as compared with the Bible.

By the way, how much time do you spend in spiritual meditation each day? How diligently do you study God’s Word? Upon your answer will depend your knowledge of the Scriptures and the Man of the Book, the Lord Jesus Christ.

– Our Daily Bread

PRAY: Stop before praying today and take a moment to honestly assess your schedule. Think about what shows you watch and try to map out how many hours each week you spend watching TV, movies, or Netflix. And think about how much time you spend watching or reading the news or SportsCenter. Then come to God and have an honest time of prayer about where your priorities lie.

Posted by on January 12, 2014 in Law.

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January 11, 2014

Saturday: January 11, 2014

READ: Hebrews 13

THINK: Some thoughts from the great Reverand Charles H. Spurgeon on Hebrews 13:5:

“He hath said…” – Hebrews 13:5

If we can only grasp these words by faith, we have an all-conquering weapon in our hand. What doubt will not be slain by this two-edged sword? What fear is there which shall not fall smitten with a deadly wound before this arrow from the bow of God’s covenant? Will not the distresses of life and the pangs of death; will not the corruptions within, and the snares without; will not the trials from above, and the temptations from beneath, all seem but light afflictions, when we can hide ourselves beneath the bulwark of “He hath said”? Yes; whether for delight in our quietude, or for strength in our conflict, “He hath said” must be our daily resort. And this may teach us the extreme value of searching the Scriptures.

There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore you miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it, you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is so near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopoeia of Scripture, and you may yet continue sick unless you will examine and search the Scriptures to discover what “He hath said.” Should you not, besides reading the Bible, store your memories richly with the promises of God? You can recollect the sayings of great men; you treasure up the verses of renowned poets; ought you not to be profound in your knowledge of the words of God, so that you may be able to quote them readily when you would solve a difficulty, or overthrow a doubt? Since “He hath said” is the source of all wisdom, and the fountain of all comfort, let it dwell in you richly, as “A well of water, springing up unto everlasting life.” So shall you grow healthy, strong, and happy in the divine life.

“…I will never leave thee.” – Hebrews 13:5

No promise is of private interpretation. Whatever God has said to any one saint, he has said to all. When he opens a well for one, it is that all may drink. When he openeth a granary- door to give out food, there may be some one starving man who is the occasion of its being opened, but all hungry saints may come and feed too. Whether he gave the word to Abraham or to Moses, matters not, O believer; he has given it to thee as one of the covenanted seed. There is not a high blessing too lofty for thee, nor a wide mercy too extensive for thee. Lift up now thine eyes to the north and to the south, to the east and to the west, for all this is thine. Climb to Pisgah’s top, and view the utmost limit of the divine promise, for the land is all thine own. There is not a brook of living water of which thou mayst not drink.

If the land floweth with milk and honey, eat the honey and drink the milk, for both are thine. Be thou bold to believe, for he hath said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”In this promise, God gives to his people everything. “I will never leave thee.” Then no attribute of God can cease to be engaged for us. Is he mighty? He will show himself strong on the behalf of them that trust him. Is he love? Then with lovingkindness will he have mercy upon us. Whatever attributes may compose the character of Deity, every one of them to its fullest extent shall be engaged on our side. To put everything in one, there is nothing you can want, there is nothing you can ask for, there is nothing you can need in time or in eternity, there is nothing living, nothing dying, there is nothing in this world, nothing in the next world, there is nothing now, nothing at the resurrection-morning, nothing in heaven which is not contained in this text-“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

PRAY: Thank God for giving us his word and his promises today. Push aside any anxiety that you might have and allow God’s promise to never leave or forsake you to give you peace.

Posted by on January 11, 2014 in Epistles.

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January 10, 2014

Friday: January 10, 2014

READ: Luke 18

THINK: The rich young ruler went away from Jesus speechless with sorrow, having nothing to say in response to Jesus’ words. He had no doubt about what Jesus had said or what it meant, and it produced in him a sorrow with no words with which to respond. Have you ever been there? Has God’s Word ever come to you, pointing out an area of your life, requiring you to yield it to Him? Maybe He has pointed out certain personal qualities, desires, and interests, or possibly relationships of your heart and mind. If so, then you have often been speechless with sorrow. The Lord will not go after you, and He will not plead with you. But every time He meets you at the place where He has pointed, He will simply repeat His words, saying, “If you really mean what you say, these are the conditions.”

“Sell all that you have . . .” (Luke 18:22). In other words, rid yourself before God of everything that might be considered a possession until you are a mere conscious human being standing before Him, and then give God that. That is where the battle is truly fought— in the realm of your will before God. Are you more devoted to your idea of what Jesus wants than to Jesus Himself? If so, you are likely to hear one of His harsh and unyielding statements that will produce sorrow in you. What Jesus says is difficult— it is only easy when it is heard by those who have His nature in them. Beware of allowing anything to soften the hard words of Jesus Christ.

I can be so rich in my own poverty, or in the awareness of the fact that I am nobody, that I will never be a disciple of Jesus. Or I can be so rich in the awareness that I am somebody that I will never be a disciple. Am I willing to be destitute and poor even in my sense of awareness of my destitution and poverty? If not, that is why I become discouraged. Discouragement is disillusioned self-love, and self-love may be love for my devotion to Jesus— not love for Jesus Himself.

– Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest

PRAY: There are so many things in the Christian life that we easily get caught up in seeing as ends/goals/purposes in and of themselves. But we must always remember that Jesus is the point of it all. Always Jesus. None but Jesus. Jesus. Listen to this song (at least the first 6 minutes). Let it be your prayer today. Let it be your life philosophy!

Posted by on January 10, 2014 in Gospels.

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January 9, 2014

Thursday: January 9, 2014

READ: Hosea 13-14

THINK: This is such a powerful passage of Scripture. It is hard not to be overwhelmed by God’s love and faithfulness when you read it. Chapter 13 lays bare the rebellion of God’s people and the way that their affluence and peace caused them to pridefully believe that they did not need him. Continually God provided. Continually God protected. Continually God loved. Continually God blessed. And how did they respond? They turned their backs on him, ignored him, rejected him, and chased after the world.

It is almost incomprehensible to think that the nation of Israel would do that. How stupid could they be, right? I have a difficult time wrapping my mind around it until I think about my own life. I think about how God has never forsaken me, not for one single moment. I think about the countless ways in which he has shown faithfulness, love, protection, and provision to me. And then I consider my sin. The times, even today, when I have turned my back, when I have chased after worthless things, when I have swelled up with pride and believed that I don’t need God at all. I am Israel. They are me. And we are both so pitiful!

And then I read Hosea 14 and it completely overwhelms me. I can barely get through that chapter on an emotional level every time I come to it. Because God doesn’t just leave Israel – or me or you – in that pitiful spot. He doesn’t just abandon us to the brokenness we’ve chosen. He doesn’t give up on us even when everything about us indicates we’re worth giving up on. Instead, he loves.

And in Hosea 14:4-5 he makes 3 powerful “I will” statements that form an incredible foundation of hope for sinners like us. He says, “I will heal their waywardness, I will love them freely, and I will be like the dew to them.” It is no mistake that these promises are arranged in this order. Instead, it is a very intentional way of God communicate hope to his people.

Mercy. Love. Refreshment. The past is wiped out, the present is love, and the future is glory. His mercy covers us, his love defines us, and his sovereignty guarantees that all things will be made new! That is a hope for wayward sinners that cannot be found anywhere else. It is only in the Creator God who loves us so passionately that he never stops pursuing us, even to the point of death.

If that doesn’t shake you up and break you down and totally overwhelm you, nothing will.

PRAY: Just sit in awe of God’s love for you and faithfulness to you. Let is wash over you right now. Drown yourself in it. Let his mercy engulf you. Let his love define you. Worship him for being the one who makes all things new.

Posted by on January 9, 2014 in Prophecy.

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January 8, 2014

Wednesday: January 8, 2014

READ: Hosea 10-12

THINK: Reread Hosea 10:11-12 again from The Message:

Ephraim was a trained heifer
    that loved to thresh.
Passing by and seeing her strong, sleek neck,
    I wanted to harness Ephraim,
Put Ephraim to work in the fields—
    Judah plowing, Jacob harrowing:
Sow righteousness,
    reap love.
It’s time to till the ready earth,
    it’s time to dig in with God,
Until he arrives
    with righteousness ripe for harvest.

This is God’s dream for the northern tribes of Israel. It’s his plan, his design, his hope for them. But instead of doing these things, they rebelled.

Think of a time in your life when God used you to show love to someone or do something special for someone. As you thought of that, did you picture yourself as a “well-trained heifer”? Probably not. But that’s exactly what you were according to the imagery of this passage.

Read the verses and consider the following questions: What does this passage tell you about what a well-trained heifer does? Why is it a joy for a well-trained heifer to “dig in with GOD”?

PRAY: Thank God for the times he has allowed you to be a part of what he is doing in the world and used you for his kingdom work. Ask him to open your eyes to opportunities in your life to show his love to those around you that you may not have noticed. Pray that he would make you a well-trained heifer today!

LIVE: Take great joy and satisfaction today in digging in with God and doing his kingdom work in your world.

– Adapted from Eugene Peterson in Solo

Posted by on January 8, 2014 in Prophecy.

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January 7, 2014

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

READ: Hosea 7, 8, and 9

THINK:

Warning….Old Testament “Minor Prophet” books like Hosea often get ignored…by folks like me…who get easily distracted and end up just suffering through the reading without ever really hearing the incredible voice of GOD in the words…and when that happens folks like me miss this incredible message where GOD is just begging and shouting and pleading for his people to return to him…and he is waiting to forgive them…no matter what they have done or how far they have wandered or what idol they’ve built or what crazy schemes they’ve gotten involved in. And if folks like me miss that message, it’s super sad, because it is the most heart wrenching and beautiful message we can ever hear: GOD loves us so much! When we fall away, he begs us to come back! He chose us and he loves us and he desires to fellowship with us so much.  So much, in fact, that the Hebrew term “return” is used more than 1000 times in the Old Testament and Hosea uses it 23 times!  God’s greatest desire for us is to come back to him; to return to a close relationship, to stop chasing after the meaningless stuff of this world that always fails to satisfy. Hosea 8:7 says “They sow the wind and they shall reap the whirlwind.” How futile is that? Planting wind? Harvesting wind? Obviously, there is nothing there. But that’s what we do when we pursue the things of this world instead of the things of GOD; and I think there is always a part of us that knows that.

Our two-year-old grandbaby, Myka Mae, has a bath-time ritual whenever she stays at our house. She opens the closet door in the bathroom and begins throwing the clean washcloths down the laundry chute in the closet floor. “I doing laundry,” she explains. She’s so enthralled with the process that I don’t have the heart to tell her to stop….I just wash lots of already clean cloths. But what about us? How much time do I spend “throwing clean stuff down a chute” because I’ve never stopped to realize that what I do apart from GOD, or worse, in spite of what I know about GOD and what he desires for me, is equally ridiculous?

Believers, it is time to RETURN! The GOD who loves us and pleads to live within us is waiting! That was God’s message through the prophet Hosea and it is his message to us today!

PRAY: Ask GOD today to rule and reign in our hearts and to give us the power of the Holy Spirit in living for him and letting him shine through all we do!

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Posted by on January 7, 2014 in Uncategorized.

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