Through the Bible - Ezra 6-8, Acts 1
Good morning,
For today's verse we'll return to John 21.
When Jesus chose His disciples he did so by calling them to "follow" him.
On two separtate occasions Peter received the call "follow me". It was the first and last word Jesus spoke to this disciple, Mark 1:17 and John 21:22 which is today's verse.
John 21:22 Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." NKJV
Peter had just asked Jesus what was going to happen to John. Basically, Jesus told him don't worry about the level of someone elses devotion, you follow me.
Both of these events happened by the lake of Gennesareth. The first time Peter walked away from his nets and followed. Now he leaves his nets to follow again.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, "Between the two calls lay a whole life of discipleship in the following of Christ. Halfway between them comes Peter's confession, when he acknowledged Jesus as the Christ of God. Three times Peter hears the same proclomation that Christ is the Lord and God - at the beginning, at the end, and at Caesarea Philippi. Each time it is the grace of Christ which calls him in his confession of the Son of God. Three times on Peter's way did grace arrest him, the one grace proclaimed in three different ways."
Think of Peter's life, how he had followed, how he had fallen.
Think of the impact of this "second" call. Look at what Peter went on to face, he would stand before the same people that put Jesus to death declaring Jesus message without fear. He had learned grace, costly grace.
Bonhoeffer writes, "Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."
"Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods..... Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life."
Have you responded to the call from Jesus to "follow me"? Have you received a second call as Peter did, no turning back?
What kind of grace that Bonhoeffer describes is present in our lives, cheap grace or costly grace.
Think about it as we head into the book of Acts in the daily reading. It's full of examples of "costly grace".
In Christ,
Mike
John 21:15-25
Jesus Restores Peter
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?"
He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You."
He said to him, "Feed My lambs."
16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?"
He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You."
He said to him, "Tend My sheep."
17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?"
And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You."
Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."
The Beloved Disciple and His Book
20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?" 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, "But Lord, what about this man?"
22 Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me."
23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?"
24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.
25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Verse of the Day 6/12
Through the Bible - Ezra 3-5, John 21
Good morning,
For today's verse we'll continue in John 21. Jesus had told them to cast the net on the other side of the boat. The disciples did and pulled in a great catch.\
John 21:11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord.
Peter dragged the net to land, 153 large fish.
I've heard and read all kinds of comments regarding the 153, why the figure was given. Some had said that it indicated that the Lord knows the exact number of the "harvest". Maybe that it so, but think about what has just happened.
Peter had gone back to fishing and just pulled in perhaps his largest haul of fish. If you are a fisherman or have at least gone fishing and caught the largest fish you've every caught, you take note of it, the 10 lb Bass the 42" Northern Pike etc. Those instances are incentives to keep going back to catch a bigger one. But not in this instance. Peter realized that it was because of Jesus that he had been succesful in fishing. What he needed to do was to follow him, wherever it would lead.
Perhaps Peter recalled a previous statement in a similar situation, Luke 5:10 And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
The disciples had been fishing all night and had no food. Jesus provided the catch. The disciples came ashore to a breakfast of fish and bread. Does something else come to mind?
Are you willing to follow Jesus wherever He would lead?
Be thinking about that, Lord willing, we'll return to the subject tomorrow.
In Christ,
Mike
Breakfast by the Sea
1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”
They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately[a] got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”
They answered Him, “No.”
6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
.11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.
14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
Good morning,
For today's verse we'll continue in John 21. Jesus had told them to cast the net on the other side of the boat. The disciples did and pulled in a great catch.\
John 21:11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord.
Peter dragged the net to land, 153 large fish.
I've heard and read all kinds of comments regarding the 153, why the figure was given. Some had said that it indicated that the Lord knows the exact number of the "harvest". Maybe that it so, but think about what has just happened.
Peter had gone back to fishing and just pulled in perhaps his largest haul of fish. If you are a fisherman or have at least gone fishing and caught the largest fish you've every caught, you take note of it, the 10 lb Bass the 42" Northern Pike etc. Those instances are incentives to keep going back to catch a bigger one. But not in this instance. Peter realized that it was because of Jesus that he had been succesful in fishing. What he needed to do was to follow him, wherever it would lead.
Perhaps Peter recalled a previous statement in a similar situation, Luke 5:10 And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
The disciples had been fishing all night and had no food. Jesus provided the catch. The disciples came ashore to a breakfast of fish and bread. Does something else come to mind?
Are you willing to follow Jesus wherever He would lead?
Be thinking about that, Lord willing, we'll return to the subject tomorrow.
In Christ,
Mike
Breakfast by the Sea
1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”
They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately[a] got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”
They answered Him, “No.”
6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
.11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.
14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
Verse of the Day 6/11
Through the Bible - Ezra 1-2, John 20
Good morning,
In yesterday's passage Peter and the rest of the disciples went back to fishing which had previously been the livelihood for many of them. You get the feeling that their hearts were not in it.
I know from experience that fishing can be boring when you don't catch anything for hours. It gave them time, important time to reflect on all that had happened and to consider the things that Jesus had done and taught them. Thoughts may have gone back to another time when Peter, James, and John were fishing in a similar situation.in Luke 5.
Luke 5:4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying,"Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!"
Today's verse comes from John 21 where Jesus gives them particular instructions. There is no indication that they recognized that it was Jesus speaking, yet this time they didn't question Him, they cast the nets on the other side.
John 21:6 And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. NKJV
With this, there was no doubt who it was and impetuous Peter immediately jumped into the water and swam ashore to meet Jesus. He couldn't wait to be with Him.
Matthew Henry writes:
He showed the strength of his affection to Christ, and his earnest desire to be with him, by casting himself into the sea; and either wading or swimming to shore, to come to him. When he walked upon the water to Christ (Matt 14:28,29), it was said, He came down out of the ship deliberately; but here it is said, He cast himself into the sea with precipitation; sink or swim, he would show his good-will and aim to be with Jesus. "If Christ suffer me," thinks he, "to drown, and come short of him, it is but what I deserve for denying him." Peter had had much forgiven, and made it appear he loved much by his willingness to run hazards, and undergo hardships, to come to him. Those that have been with Jesus will be willing to swim through a stormy sea, a sea of blood, to come to him. And it is a laudable contention amongst Christ's disciples to strive who shall be first with him.
Have you been "much forgiven" how much do you desire to be "with Jesus"? Will you plunge into His Word seeking to follow Him?
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
John 21:6-11
6 And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught."
Good morning,
In yesterday's passage Peter and the rest of the disciples went back to fishing which had previously been the livelihood for many of them. You get the feeling that their hearts were not in it.
I know from experience that fishing can be boring when you don't catch anything for hours. It gave them time, important time to reflect on all that had happened and to consider the things that Jesus had done and taught them. Thoughts may have gone back to another time when Peter, James, and John were fishing in a similar situation.in Luke 5.
Luke 5:4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying,"Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!"
Today's verse comes from John 21 where Jesus gives them particular instructions. There is no indication that they recognized that it was Jesus speaking, yet this time they didn't question Him, they cast the nets on the other side.
John 21:6 And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. NKJV
With this, there was no doubt who it was and impetuous Peter immediately jumped into the water and swam ashore to meet Jesus. He couldn't wait to be with Him.
Matthew Henry writes:
He showed the strength of his affection to Christ, and his earnest desire to be with him, by casting himself into the sea; and either wading or swimming to shore, to come to him. When he walked upon the water to Christ (Matt 14:28,29), it was said, He came down out of the ship deliberately; but here it is said, He cast himself into the sea with precipitation; sink or swim, he would show his good-will and aim to be with Jesus. "If Christ suffer me," thinks he, "to drown, and come short of him, it is but what I deserve for denying him." Peter had had much forgiven, and made it appear he loved much by his willingness to run hazards, and undergo hardships, to come to him. Those that have been with Jesus will be willing to swim through a stormy sea, a sea of blood, to come to him. And it is a laudable contention amongst Christ's disciples to strive who shall be first with him.
Have you been "much forgiven" how much do you desire to be "with Jesus"? Will you plunge into His Word seeking to follow Him?
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
John 21:6-11
6 And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught."
Verse of the Day 6/10
Through the Bible - 2 Chronicles 34-36, John 19:16-42
Good morning,
Do you recall returning home after finishing college or getting married? What was it like seeing or sitting in your "old room". There might have been games, baseball cards, sports equipment, or any number of things that you really enjoyed. You feel some sense of nostalgia, but somehow now they weren't quite the same.
That's the picture I get when I look at the beginning of John Chapter 21 where we'll go for today's verse.
John 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing."
They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. NKJV
Have you ever been there in your life. You feel the Lord is leading you in some direction but haven't gotten a clear message. Perhaps you are considering going back to doing something that you had done previously. You may even try it, but your heart is not there, you catch nothing.
The disciples had been told to meet Him in Galilee and that's where we find them, waiting. They were by the see so Peter thought that he would go fishing and the other disciples joined him "immediately". Sounds like they were anxious for something to do. They fished all night and caught nothing.
In the providence of God, He saw to it that they would be unsuccessful that what was about to happen would be that much more remarkable, memorable, and would remain etched in their minds and ours.
Jesus approaches them asks them if they had caught anything (did they have any food) and tells them to cast the net on the other side of the boat. They didn't recognize that it was Jesus yet but heeded His instruction.
"Waiting on the Lord" does not necessarily mean sitting around passively waiting for a revelation. Often times, Jesus will speak to us while we keep ourselves busy while still waiting, expectantly.
Take some time today and think about Peter saying "I'm going fishing". Lord willing, we'll come back to John 21 tomorrow..
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
John 21:1-7
21 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing."
They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?"
They answered Him, "No."
6 And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
Good morning,
Do you recall returning home after finishing college or getting married? What was it like seeing or sitting in your "old room". There might have been games, baseball cards, sports equipment, or any number of things that you really enjoyed. You feel some sense of nostalgia, but somehow now they weren't quite the same.
That's the picture I get when I look at the beginning of John Chapter 21 where we'll go for today's verse.
John 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing."
They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. NKJV
Have you ever been there in your life. You feel the Lord is leading you in some direction but haven't gotten a clear message. Perhaps you are considering going back to doing something that you had done previously. You may even try it, but your heart is not there, you catch nothing.
The disciples had been told to meet Him in Galilee and that's where we find them, waiting. They were by the see so Peter thought that he would go fishing and the other disciples joined him "immediately". Sounds like they were anxious for something to do. They fished all night and caught nothing.
In the providence of God, He saw to it that they would be unsuccessful that what was about to happen would be that much more remarkable, memorable, and would remain etched in their minds and ours.
Jesus approaches them asks them if they had caught anything (did they have any food) and tells them to cast the net on the other side of the boat. They didn't recognize that it was Jesus yet but heeded His instruction.
"Waiting on the Lord" does not necessarily mean sitting around passively waiting for a revelation. Often times, Jesus will speak to us while we keep ourselves busy while still waiting, expectantly.
Take some time today and think about Peter saying "I'm going fishing". Lord willing, we'll come back to John 21 tomorrow..
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
John 21:1-7
21 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing."
They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?"
They answered Him, "No."
6 And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
Verse of the Day 6/9
Through the Bible - 2 Chronicles 31-33, John 19:1-16
Good morning,
I apologize for missing the last few days. Jean and I were in New York visiting my son Jason and his wife Kristen for the weekend.
For today's verse we'll go to the book of Colossians where Paul encourages his readers by telling them what he is praying for them.
He starts off with knowledge, J I Packer writes, "he prays that they will know both God's will (His plans, ways, and commands) and God Himself. The Greek word for knowledge implies full, thorough knowledge, as does the verb filled. Understanding relates to principles of truth, wisdom to application of those principles in life (v.9). Worthy living depends on this knowledge; he who does not know God's will cannot do it. Knowledge of God increases as we live up to it."
Col 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; NKJV
It doesn't end with knowledge. He also prays for Christian practice that they would lead a life "worthy of Christ", point by point every day.
He prays for patience, endurance, and the ability to rejoice in all situations.
He prays for thankfulness, that they would be thankful for the grace that has been shown to them, given to them.
How much time do I spend praying for my Christian friends in this way? How about you?
Read the passage, pray a similar prayer for a friend today.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Col 1:9-19
Preeminence of Christ
9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Good morning,
I apologize for missing the last few days. Jean and I were in New York visiting my son Jason and his wife Kristen for the weekend.
For today's verse we'll go to the book of Colossians where Paul encourages his readers by telling them what he is praying for them.
He starts off with knowledge, J I Packer writes, "he prays that they will know both God's will (His plans, ways, and commands) and God Himself. The Greek word for knowledge implies full, thorough knowledge, as does the verb filled. Understanding relates to principles of truth, wisdom to application of those principles in life (v.9). Worthy living depends on this knowledge; he who does not know God's will cannot do it. Knowledge of God increases as we live up to it."
Col 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; NKJV
It doesn't end with knowledge. He also prays for Christian practice that they would lead a life "worthy of Christ", point by point every day.
He prays for patience, endurance, and the ability to rejoice in all situations.
He prays for thankfulness, that they would be thankful for the grace that has been shown to them, given to them.
How much time do I spend praying for my Christian friends in this way? How about you?
Read the passage, pray a similar prayer for a friend today.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Col 1:9-19
Preeminence of Christ
9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Verse of the Day 6/5
Through the Bible - 2 Chronicles 19-22, John 16:16-33
Good morning,
A friend pointed out that in yesterday's devotional I had left out an important point. It was not just power that was given to the disciples, there was also authority.
Ed Glasscock in his commentary on this verse says,
“Jesus passed on authority (exousia), not just power (dunamis). This implies that not only did they possess the force necessary to remove demons and heal physical illness, but they also had the right to do so. Hendricksen notes the major point of the commissioning: “The twelve are truly representing their Master, for they are doing what He Himself is doing and what they have been ordered to do. In the same manner Jesus Himself represents the Father (John 5:19).”
It's in the power and authority of Christ working in me that gives the strength and ability to do His will. We must be mindful of that and remain "plugged into" that power and authority.
It is possible for a church, group/ministry, or an individual to forget that and to go off on their own agenda thinking that God is behind it.
In reading in 1 Samuel yesterday I read about the Israelites marching off to battle carrying the Ark of the Covenant as sort of a good luck charm, thinking that as long as it was with them they would surely win the battles. They were soundly defeated. It was the Lord who had previously "gone before them", gone with them into battle.
Today's verse points to the sorrow of such a realization.
1 Sam 4:21 Then she named the child Ichabod, saying,"The glory has departed from Israel!" because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. NKJV
May we never fall into that but remain "plugged in" with the Lord going before us in our battles and struggles "for His glory".
“We may not hold a doctrine, or seek an experience, except in Christ. Many are willing to seek power in order to perform miracles, draw attention and adoration of the people to themselves, thus robbing Christ of His glory, and making a fair showing in the flesh.
Any work that exalts the Holy Ghost or ‘gifts’ above Jesus will finally end up in fanaticism. Whatever causes us to exalt and love Jesus is well and safe. The reverse will ruin all. The Holy Ghost is a great light, but focused on Jesus always for His revealing.
Where the Holy Ghost is actually in control, Jesus is proclaimed the Head—the Holy Ghost, His executive.
—Frank Bartleman
Do we treat our gifts like the Israelites treated the ark? Think about it.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
1 Sam 4:12-5:1
Death of Eli
12 Then a man of Benjamin ran from the battle line the same day, and came to Shiloh with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. 13 Now when he came, there was Eli, sitting on a seat by the wayside watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city and told it, all the city cried out. 14 When Eli heard the noise of the outcry, he said, "What does the sound of this tumult mean?" And the man came quickly and told Eli. 15 Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his eyes were so dim that he could not see.
16 Then the man said to Eli, "I am he who came from the battle. And I fled today from the battle line."
And he said,"What happened, my son?"
17 So the messenger answered and said, "Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead; and the ark of God has been captured."
18 Then it happened, when he made mention of the ark of God, that Eli fell off the seat backward by the side of the gate; and his neck was broken and he died, for the man was old and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.
Ichabod
19 Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, due to be delivered; and when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and gave birth, for her labor pains came upon her. 20 And about the time of her death the women who stood by her said to her, "Do not fear, for you have borne a son." But she did not answer, nor did she regard it. 21 Then she named the child Ichabod, saying,"The glory has departed from Israel!" because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. 22 And she said, "The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured."
Good morning,
A friend pointed out that in yesterday's devotional I had left out an important point. It was not just power that was given to the disciples, there was also authority.
Ed Glasscock in his commentary on this verse says,
“Jesus passed on authority (exousia), not just power (dunamis). This implies that not only did they possess the force necessary to remove demons and heal physical illness, but they also had the right to do so. Hendricksen notes the major point of the commissioning: “The twelve are truly representing their Master, for they are doing what He Himself is doing and what they have been ordered to do. In the same manner Jesus Himself represents the Father (John 5:19).”
It's in the power and authority of Christ working in me that gives the strength and ability to do His will. We must be mindful of that and remain "plugged into" that power and authority.
It is possible for a church, group/ministry, or an individual to forget that and to go off on their own agenda thinking that God is behind it.
In reading in 1 Samuel yesterday I read about the Israelites marching off to battle carrying the Ark of the Covenant as sort of a good luck charm, thinking that as long as it was with them they would surely win the battles. They were soundly defeated. It was the Lord who had previously "gone before them", gone with them into battle.
Today's verse points to the sorrow of such a realization.
1 Sam 4:21 Then she named the child Ichabod, saying,"The glory has departed from Israel!" because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. NKJV
May we never fall into that but remain "plugged in" with the Lord going before us in our battles and struggles "for His glory".
“We may not hold a doctrine, or seek an experience, except in Christ. Many are willing to seek power in order to perform miracles, draw attention and adoration of the people to themselves, thus robbing Christ of His glory, and making a fair showing in the flesh.
Any work that exalts the Holy Ghost or ‘gifts’ above Jesus will finally end up in fanaticism. Whatever causes us to exalt and love Jesus is well and safe. The reverse will ruin all. The Holy Ghost is a great light, but focused on Jesus always for His revealing.
Where the Holy Ghost is actually in control, Jesus is proclaimed the Head—the Holy Ghost, His executive.
—Frank Bartleman
Do we treat our gifts like the Israelites treated the ark? Think about it.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
1 Sam 4:12-5:1
Death of Eli
12 Then a man of Benjamin ran from the battle line the same day, and came to Shiloh with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. 13 Now when he came, there was Eli, sitting on a seat by the wayside watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city and told it, all the city cried out. 14 When Eli heard the noise of the outcry, he said, "What does the sound of this tumult mean?" And the man came quickly and told Eli. 15 Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his eyes were so dim that he could not see.
16 Then the man said to Eli, "I am he who came from the battle. And I fled today from the battle line."
And he said,"What happened, my son?"
17 So the messenger answered and said, "Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead; and the ark of God has been captured."
18 Then it happened, when he made mention of the ark of God, that Eli fell off the seat backward by the side of the gate; and his neck was broken and he died, for the man was old and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.
Ichabod
19 Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, due to be delivered; and when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and gave birth, for her labor pains came upon her. 20 And about the time of her death the women who stood by her said to her, "Do not fear, for you have borne a son." But she did not answer, nor did she regard it. 21 Then she named the child Ichabod, saying,"The glory has departed from Israel!" because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. 22 And she said, "The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured."
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Verse of the Day 6/4
Through the Bible - 2 Chronicles 16-18, John 15:18-16:16
Good morning,
Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we, as Christians, were "created in Christ Jesus to do good works". These good works can take many forms. Often they can spring out of small groups and various types of ministries such as missions or jail ministries.
But the work of us as individuals within these groups and the groups themselves wont amount to anything for Christ without the power of Christ working in and through them.
Being created in Christ Jesus is being called by Jesus, to do something.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer in "The Cost of Discipleship" writes, "All the activity of the disciples is subject to the clear precept of the Lord. They are not left free to choose their own methods or adopt their conception of their task. Their work is to be Christ work, and therefore absolutely dependent on the will of Jesus."
Today's verse comes from Matthew 10 where we have the listing of the original 12 Apostles were called.
Matt 10:1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. NKJV
Regarding "gave them power" Bonhoeffer writes, "for the power is all important. It is not a word of doctrine that they receive, but effective power, without which the work could not be done. They need a power stronger than that of the Prince of this world, the devil. The disciples know the devil's power well enough, although it is his cleverest trick to deny his power and to pretend he does not exist. It is this supreme cunning of his that must be countered: he must be brought to light, and overcome through the power of Christ. In this work the apostles stand by the side of Christ Himself, and help him to do his work. So Jesus imparts to them a share in the highest gift he possesses, his power over unclean spirit s, and over the devil who has taken possession of the human race. In virtue of this commision the disciples have become like Christ. They do the works of Christ.
No power in the world could have united these men for a common task, save the call of Jesus. But that call transcended all their previous divisions, and established a new and steadfast fellowship in Jesus."
Think again of your ministry team, your small group or other Christian group. When you look at all of our backgrounds, what else would have, could have united us like the power of Christ. United us "to do good works" that He has given us to do.
In Christ,
Mike
Matt 10:1-16
10 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.
Sending Out the Twelve
(Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6)
5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: "Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying,'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.
11 "Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!
Good morning,
Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we, as Christians, were "created in Christ Jesus to do good works". These good works can take many forms. Often they can spring out of small groups and various types of ministries such as missions or jail ministries.
But the work of us as individuals within these groups and the groups themselves wont amount to anything for Christ without the power of Christ working in and through them.
Being created in Christ Jesus is being called by Jesus, to do something.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer in "The Cost of Discipleship" writes, "All the activity of the disciples is subject to the clear precept of the Lord. They are not left free to choose their own methods or adopt their conception of their task. Their work is to be Christ work, and therefore absolutely dependent on the will of Jesus."
Today's verse comes from Matthew 10 where we have the listing of the original 12 Apostles were called.
Matt 10:1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. NKJV
Regarding "gave them power" Bonhoeffer writes, "for the power is all important. It is not a word of doctrine that they receive, but effective power, without which the work could not be done. They need a power stronger than that of the Prince of this world, the devil. The disciples know the devil's power well enough, although it is his cleverest trick to deny his power and to pretend he does not exist. It is this supreme cunning of his that must be countered: he must be brought to light, and overcome through the power of Christ. In this work the apostles stand by the side of Christ Himself, and help him to do his work. So Jesus imparts to them a share in the highest gift he possesses, his power over unclean spirit s, and over the devil who has taken possession of the human race. In virtue of this commision the disciples have become like Christ. They do the works of Christ.
No power in the world could have united these men for a common task, save the call of Jesus. But that call transcended all their previous divisions, and established a new and steadfast fellowship in Jesus."
Think again of your ministry team, your small group or other Christian group. When you look at all of our backgrounds, what else would have, could have united us like the power of Christ. United us "to do good works" that He has given us to do.
In Christ,
Mike
Matt 10:1-16
10 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.
Sending Out the Twelve
(Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6)
5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: "Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying,'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.
11 "Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!
Verse of the Day 6/3
Through the Bible - 2 Chronicles 13-15, John 15:1-17
Good morning,
The other day I read two different devotionals that dealt with the topic of prayer. The first was from Ephesians 6:18 which mentioned that we should be "praying always" in the Spirit for "all the saints".
It should be easy to pray for loved ones such as our family and friends. But how encompassing is "all the saints"? We pray for loved ones going through spiritual and physical battles whether here or in a foreign land in missions or in military service.
Today's verse comes from Colossians 1 where Paul prays for the people of the church because of their faith and love for "all the saints". I'm sure that part of this love for all the saints includes prayer for them.
Col 1:3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; NKJV
Regarding prayer, J. I. Packer writes, "Praying is not like carpentry or cookery; it is the active exercise of a personal relationship; a kind of friendship with the living God and His Son Jesus Christ, and the way it goes is more under divine control than under ours. Books on praying, like marriage manuals, are not to be treated with slavish superstition, as if the perfection of technique is the answer to all difficulties; their purpose rather, is to suggest things to try. But as in other close relationships, in prayer you have to find out by trial and error what is right for you, and you learn to pray by praying."
Sometimes we can become "stuck in a rut" in the ways and the times that we pray.
I would encourage you today to try something different. Pray for "all the saints" that come into your mind throughout the day. It's one way we can be praying always for all the saints.
If someone is going through a difficult time, take a minute, send an e-mail, make a phone call, encourage them by letting them know that you are praying for them.
Read the passage below. Wouldn't it help you if you knew that someone was praying for you in the way Paul does in verses 9-14? It is my prayer for you today.
In Christ,
Mike
Col 1:1-14
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Their Faith in Christ
3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; 7 as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, 8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
Preeminence of Christ
9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
NKJV
Good morning,
The other day I read two different devotionals that dealt with the topic of prayer. The first was from Ephesians 6:18 which mentioned that we should be "praying always" in the Spirit for "all the saints".
It should be easy to pray for loved ones such as our family and friends. But how encompassing is "all the saints"? We pray for loved ones going through spiritual and physical battles whether here or in a foreign land in missions or in military service.
Today's verse comes from Colossians 1 where Paul prays for the people of the church because of their faith and love for "all the saints". I'm sure that part of this love for all the saints includes prayer for them.
Col 1:3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; NKJV
Regarding prayer, J. I. Packer writes, "Praying is not like carpentry or cookery; it is the active exercise of a personal relationship; a kind of friendship with the living God and His Son Jesus Christ, and the way it goes is more under divine control than under ours. Books on praying, like marriage manuals, are not to be treated with slavish superstition, as if the perfection of technique is the answer to all difficulties; their purpose rather, is to suggest things to try. But as in other close relationships, in prayer you have to find out by trial and error what is right for you, and you learn to pray by praying."
Sometimes we can become "stuck in a rut" in the ways and the times that we pray.
I would encourage you today to try something different. Pray for "all the saints" that come into your mind throughout the day. It's one way we can be praying always for all the saints.
If someone is going through a difficult time, take a minute, send an e-mail, make a phone call, encourage them by letting them know that you are praying for them.
Read the passage below. Wouldn't it help you if you knew that someone was praying for you in the way Paul does in verses 9-14? It is my prayer for you today.
In Christ,
Mike
Col 1:1-14
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Their Faith in Christ
3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; 7 as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, 8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
Preeminence of Christ
9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
NKJV
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