Through the Bible - Psalms 142-144, 1 Corinthians 11:2-16
Good morning,
The previous e-mail was sent out without the text, my apologies.
A few days ago we looked at the subject of anxiety. We have a lot of it in society, in our churches, in our lives today.
Today's verse comes from Matthew 6 where Jesus tells us "not to worry" about several things:
Matt 6:25 "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? NKJV
When you look at the list of things that Jesus addresses here you will notice that it has to do with material things - food, drink and clothing.
J. I. Packer writes, "Anxiety about such things destroys a sense of proportion. While we are worrying about food and clothing, we cannot be appreciating and revelling in God's great gift of life.
Anxiety also destroys spiritual perception. While we are absorbed with our worries, we cannot be conscious of the value which God places on us. If He cares for the birds, can't we trust our heavenly Father to provide for our means?
Next comes a commonsense argument. You can't change the situation by worrying (v.27), so what's the point of doing it?
Finally, and this is the clincher - as well as being pointless, worry over things is needless. The same God who clothes the flowers and grass with glory will surely give us, His children, the clothing, food, and drink that we need."
Look back on some of the things that have worried you and caused your anxiety recently. What have they robbed you of? What have they caused you to take for granted, to appreciate? How did they relate to the proportion of His grace?
Read the passage. How will it change your thinking, your perception of what is important for you today?
In Christ,
Mike
Matt 6:24-7:1
You Cannot Serve God and Riches
24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
Do Not Worry(Luke 12:22-31)
25 "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Verse of the Day 8/28
Through the Bible - Psalms 138-141, 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
Good morning,
There come times in our Christian lives where we stand at a crossroads or in today's passage at a river. Do we cross? The river is at flood stage, it seems hopeless. How is it possible that we could arrive safely on the other side?
The crossing of the Jordan does not illustrate the passing of a soul into eternity, but rather is the passing from one stage, one level of Christian living to another. It means an end to the self life, trying to solve all of lifes issues on our own, or at least trying our own way first, and submitting to God.
Between the two lies this river, this obstacle in our life which seems impossible to cross.
Read today's verse:
Josh 3:9 So Joshua said to the children of Israel, "Come here, and hear the words of the Lord your God." 10 And Joshua said, "By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Hivites and the Perizzites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Jebusites: 11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over before you into the Jordan. NKJV
Alan Redpath in his book "Victorious Christian Living" writes, "The children of Israel approached and saw the desirable land in the distance, but realized that between them and the blessing was an impossibility. Does that describe you today? You see the possibility of blessing, you see life on a new level, you recognize that your life has been defeated and far from fulfilling God's intentions, but between the blessing and you there is Jordan. You must step by faith up to the impossibility.
The people put their feet at the brink of the river and it was dried up before them by the presence of the Ark of the Covenant. They had been told to watch the ark as they went through, and with their eyes away from the land of blessing they saw only the Ark of the Covenant. Therefore, as they went through the river, the Ark was between them and impossibility."
So it is with us today. Christ stand between us and impossibility. Let us keep our eyes focused on Him and He will dry up the Jordan in our lives, but we must step out in faith.
Read the passage. How does this speak to you today?
In Christ,
Mike
Josh 3:1-4:1
Israel Crosses the Jordan3 Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over. 2 So it was, after three days, that the officers went through the camp; 3 and they commanded the people, saying,"When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it. 4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before." 5 And Joshua said to the people,"Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." 6 Then Joshua spoke to the priests, saying,"Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over before the people."So they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people. 7 And the Lord said to Joshua, "This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. 8 You shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, 'When you have come to the edge of the water of the Jordan, you shall stand in the Jordan.'" 9 So Joshua said to the children of Israel, "Come here, and hear the words of the Lord your God." 10 And Joshua said, "By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Hivites and the Perizzites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Jebusites: 11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over before you into the Jordan. 12 Now therefore, take for yourselves twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man from every tribe. 13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap." 14 So it was, when the people set out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, 15 and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the whole time of harvest), 16 that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan. TNKJV
Good morning,
There come times in our Christian lives where we stand at a crossroads or in today's passage at a river. Do we cross? The river is at flood stage, it seems hopeless. How is it possible that we could arrive safely on the other side?
The crossing of the Jordan does not illustrate the passing of a soul into eternity, but rather is the passing from one stage, one level of Christian living to another. It means an end to the self life, trying to solve all of lifes issues on our own, or at least trying our own way first, and submitting to God.
Between the two lies this river, this obstacle in our life which seems impossible to cross.
Read today's verse:
Josh 3:9 So Joshua said to the children of Israel, "Come here, and hear the words of the Lord your God." 10 And Joshua said, "By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Hivites and the Perizzites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Jebusites: 11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over before you into the Jordan. NKJV
Alan Redpath in his book "Victorious Christian Living" writes, "The children of Israel approached and saw the desirable land in the distance, but realized that between them and the blessing was an impossibility. Does that describe you today? You see the possibility of blessing, you see life on a new level, you recognize that your life has been defeated and far from fulfilling God's intentions, but between the blessing and you there is Jordan. You must step by faith up to the impossibility.
The people put their feet at the brink of the river and it was dried up before them by the presence of the Ark of the Covenant. They had been told to watch the ark as they went through, and with their eyes away from the land of blessing they saw only the Ark of the Covenant. Therefore, as they went through the river, the Ark was between them and impossibility."
So it is with us today. Christ stand between us and impossibility. Let us keep our eyes focused on Him and He will dry up the Jordan in our lives, but we must step out in faith.
Read the passage. How does this speak to you today?
In Christ,
Mike
Josh 3:1-4:1
Israel Crosses the Jordan3 Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over. 2 So it was, after three days, that the officers went through the camp; 3 and they commanded the people, saying,"When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it. 4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before." 5 And Joshua said to the people,"Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." 6 Then Joshua spoke to the priests, saying,"Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over before the people."So they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people. 7 And the Lord said to Joshua, "This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. 8 You shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, 'When you have come to the edge of the water of the Jordan, you shall stand in the Jordan.'" 9 So Joshua said to the children of Israel, "Come here, and hear the words of the Lord your God." 10 And Joshua said, "By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Hivites and the Perizzites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Jebusites: 11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over before you into the Jordan. 12 Now therefore, take for yourselves twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man from every tribe. 13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap." 14 So it was, when the people set out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, 15 and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the whole time of harvest), 16 that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan. TNKJV
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Verse of the Day 8/27
Through the Bible - Psalms 134-137, 1 Corinthians 10:1-22
Good morning,
In these weeks surrounding the national conventions we will see a lot of political positioning and boasting.
Today's verse comes from Romans chapter 12 which has to do with our behaviour as Christians.
The advice given to Christians would be good standards to apply to politicians as well.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. NKJV
What we see and hear a lot today is people who do set their minds on "high things" and consider themselves to be very "wise" in their own opinions.
As we saw in Monday's passage, true leaders are to look upon themselves more as servants. Considering and seeking the advise of others.
You've heard the term "partisan politics", not willing to reach beyond party lines.
Regarding verse 16, John MacArthur comments that having the same mind toward one another means to be impartial and that Christians are not to have conceit or feelings of superiority toward fellow believers.
Read the passage below and consider it as you listen to the various political speeches that will be given over the next few weeks.
We could use a lot more of the "impartiallity" in the church and in politics.
Consider who is looking to serve and who is looking to promote their own opinions of "high things".
In Christ,
Mike
Rom 12:9-13:1
Behave Like a Christian
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
NKJV
Rom 12:9-13:1
Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
(from THE MESSAGE:
Good morning,
In these weeks surrounding the national conventions we will see a lot of political positioning and boasting.
Today's verse comes from Romans chapter 12 which has to do with our behaviour as Christians.
The advice given to Christians would be good standards to apply to politicians as well.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. NKJV
What we see and hear a lot today is people who do set their minds on "high things" and consider themselves to be very "wise" in their own opinions.
As we saw in Monday's passage, true leaders are to look upon themselves more as servants. Considering and seeking the advise of others.
You've heard the term "partisan politics", not willing to reach beyond party lines.
Regarding verse 16, John MacArthur comments that having the same mind toward one another means to be impartial and that Christians are not to have conceit or feelings of superiority toward fellow believers.
Read the passage below and consider it as you listen to the various political speeches that will be given over the next few weeks.
We could use a lot more of the "impartiallity" in the church and in politics.
Consider who is looking to serve and who is looking to promote their own opinions of "high things".
In Christ,
Mike
Rom 12:9-13:1
Behave Like a Christian
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
NKJV
Rom 12:9-13:1
Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
(from THE MESSAGE:
Monday, August 25, 2008
Verse of the Day 8/25
Through the Bible - Psalms 126-129, 1 Corinthians 8
Good morning,
In this political season for several weeks people have been wondering who would be picked as VP for both parties.
For today's verse we'll go to Matthew 20 where some of the disciples hoped to be VP, or at least sit at Christ's right hand as He established His kingdom.
Jesus had just finished telling them how he must suffer and die in establishing this kingdom. It must have gone right over their heads. They had no idea what the requirements were of the office which they
desired to hold.
The mother of James and John even approached Jesus and campaigned for one of them to sit beside Jesus.
Jesus' response should be taken to heart for anyone seeking a position which requires service.
Matt 20:25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. NKJV
Tom Ascol comments, "He doesn't condemn the aspiration to be great. He directs it along the right path. The lesson is very simple, yet incredibly hard. If you want to be regarded as great in God's kingdom, then make it your agenda to give yourself in service to others. If you want to attain the highest rank, then start thinking of yourself as a slave to your brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Greatness in God's kindom will not be achieved by using your authority, nor by being content merely to care only for your own needs. Rather it will be developed by intentionally meeting the needs of other people. The point is this:if you want to be great in the kingdom of God, then you must serve others."
It's not about recognition, standing in front of great crowds where others have stood before. It is about serving in the model of the One who has gone before.
As the conventions come as church nominations come, the attitude of a servants heart is what we should be looking for.
When you look back at those who have served in such a way may we look for those who desire to serve, willing to give all.
Read the passage below. How does it speak to you today?
In Christ,
Mike
Matt 20:20-29
Greatness Is Serving
(Mark 10:35-45)
20 Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him.
21 And He said to her, "What do you wish?"
She said to Him, "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom."
22 But Jesus answered and said, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"
They said to Him, "We are able."
23 So He said to them, "You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father."
24 And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Good morning,
In this political season for several weeks people have been wondering who would be picked as VP for both parties.
For today's verse we'll go to Matthew 20 where some of the disciples hoped to be VP, or at least sit at Christ's right hand as He established His kingdom.
Jesus had just finished telling them how he must suffer and die in establishing this kingdom. It must have gone right over their heads. They had no idea what the requirements were of the office which they
desired to hold.
The mother of James and John even approached Jesus and campaigned for one of them to sit beside Jesus.
Jesus' response should be taken to heart for anyone seeking a position which requires service.
Matt 20:25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. NKJV
Tom Ascol comments, "He doesn't condemn the aspiration to be great. He directs it along the right path. The lesson is very simple, yet incredibly hard. If you want to be regarded as great in God's kingdom, then make it your agenda to give yourself in service to others. If you want to attain the highest rank, then start thinking of yourself as a slave to your brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Greatness in God's kindom will not be achieved by using your authority, nor by being content merely to care only for your own needs. Rather it will be developed by intentionally meeting the needs of other people. The point is this:if you want to be great in the kingdom of God, then you must serve others."
It's not about recognition, standing in front of great crowds where others have stood before. It is about serving in the model of the One who has gone before.
As the conventions come as church nominations come, the attitude of a servants heart is what we should be looking for.
When you look back at those who have served in such a way may we look for those who desire to serve, willing to give all.
Read the passage below. How does it speak to you today?
In Christ,
Mike
Matt 20:20-29
Greatness Is Serving
(Mark 10:35-45)
20 Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him.
21 And He said to her, "What do you wish?"
She said to Him, "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom."
22 But Jesus answered and said, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"
They said to Him, "We are able."
23 So He said to them, "You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father."
24 And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Verse of the Day weekend 8/23
Through the Bible - Psalms 120-125, 1 Corinthians 7
Good morning,
In yesterday's devotional we considered "perspective". We'll stay on that subject as we go to this weekend's verse which comes from Psalm 118.
When I read these verses and others in the psalms that mention "a broad place", I think of the mountains of Colorado. You can be socked in by the fog, but when the fog lifts and the clouds part, the skies clear, and the sun breaks through. Suddenly you can see clearly ... for miles.
Ps 118:5 I called on the Lord in distress;
The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.
6 The Lord is on my side;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me? NKJV
Sometimes it is like that in the struggles, the trials of life. When we arrive to this broad place we have a different perspective, we have a clearer view of life and what lies ahead.
J. R. Miller writes, "There is a large part of the Bible which can be received by us, only when we come into the places for which the words were given. There are promises for weakness--which we can never get, while we are strong. There are promises for times of danger--which we can never know, in the days when we need no protection. There are consolations for sickness whose comfort we can never get, while we are in robust health. There are promises for times of loneliness, when men walk in solitary ways--which never can come with real meaning to us, while loving companions are by our side. There are words for old age--which we never can appropriate for ourselves along the years of youth, when the arm is strong, the blood warm, and the heart brave.
Christ says to us then, "I have much more to say to you--more than you can now bear." We could not understand these lessons now. But by and by when we come into places of need, of sorrow, of weakness, of failure, of loneliness, of sickness, of old age--then He will tell us these other things, these long-withheld things, and they will be full of joy for our hearts! "
"I have much more to say to you--more than you can now bear." John 16:12
God's grace can bring us to that place where even in the midst of a trial we can look ahead to a time when "I'll fly away".
I'll Fly Away
Some bright morning when this life is over
I'll fly away
To that home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away
I'll fly away oh glory
I'll fly away (in the morning)
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away
When the shadows of this life have gone
I'll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly
I'll fly away
Oh how glad and happy when we meet
I'll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I'll fly away
Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I'll fly away
Many people at our church will be getting baptized at a lake this weekend. May God set them in a broad place as they celebrate and testify of His love and salvation, may He give them a new or renewed perspective.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Ps 118:1-10
Praise to God for His Everlasting Mercy
118 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
2 Let Israel now say,
"His mercy endures forever."
3 Let the house of Aaron now say,
"His mercy endures forever."
4 Let those who fear the Lord now say,
"His mercy endures forever."
5 I called on the Lord in distress;
The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.
6 The Lord is on my side;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is for me among those who help me;
Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.
8 It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in princes.
NKJV
Good morning,
In yesterday's devotional we considered "perspective". We'll stay on that subject as we go to this weekend's verse which comes from Psalm 118.
When I read these verses and others in the psalms that mention "a broad place", I think of the mountains of Colorado. You can be socked in by the fog, but when the fog lifts and the clouds part, the skies clear, and the sun breaks through. Suddenly you can see clearly ... for miles.
Ps 118:5 I called on the Lord in distress;
The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.
6 The Lord is on my side;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me? NKJV
Sometimes it is like that in the struggles, the trials of life. When we arrive to this broad place we have a different perspective, we have a clearer view of life and what lies ahead.
J. R. Miller writes, "There is a large part of the Bible which can be received by us, only when we come into the places for which the words were given. There are promises for weakness--which we can never get, while we are strong. There are promises for times of danger--which we can never know, in the days when we need no protection. There are consolations for sickness whose comfort we can never get, while we are in robust health. There are promises for times of loneliness, when men walk in solitary ways--which never can come with real meaning to us, while loving companions are by our side. There are words for old age--which we never can appropriate for ourselves along the years of youth, when the arm is strong, the blood warm, and the heart brave.
Christ says to us then, "I have much more to say to you--more than you can now bear." We could not understand these lessons now. But by and by when we come into places of need, of sorrow, of weakness, of failure, of loneliness, of sickness, of old age--then He will tell us these other things, these long-withheld things, and they will be full of joy for our hearts! "
"I have much more to say to you--more than you can now bear." John 16:12
God's grace can bring us to that place where even in the midst of a trial we can look ahead to a time when "I'll fly away".
I'll Fly Away
Some bright morning when this life is over
I'll fly away
To that home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away
I'll fly away oh glory
I'll fly away (in the morning)
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away
When the shadows of this life have gone
I'll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly
I'll fly away
Oh how glad and happy when we meet
I'll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I'll fly away
Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I'll fly away
Many people at our church will be getting baptized at a lake this weekend. May God set them in a broad place as they celebrate and testify of His love and salvation, may He give them a new or renewed perspective.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Ps 118:1-10
Praise to God for His Everlasting Mercy
118 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
2 Let Israel now say,
"His mercy endures forever."
3 Let the house of Aaron now say,
"His mercy endures forever."
4 Let those who fear the Lord now say,
"His mercy endures forever."
5 I called on the Lord in distress;
The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.
6 The Lord is on my side;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is for me among those who help me;
Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.
8 It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in princes.
NKJV
Friday, August 22, 2008
Verse of the Day 8/22
Through the Bible - Psalm 119:1-5-176, 1 Corinthians 6
Good morning,
Yesterday we looked at perspective and the difference it can make in our lives, especially as followers of Christ.
One of the things that helps to change our perspective is to spend time in His Word and prayer.
When stress and the cares of this world cause me to toss and turn I often end up getting up before the dawn and retreat to a place (our in the screened in porch in summer or in my recliner in cooler weather) with a cup of coffee and my Bible to spend time in the Bible and in prayer. It is truly amazing how those cares that kept me awake seem to disappear or at least lose their significance.
I don't know where I'd be or what condition I'd be in if it wasn't for that place to withdraw to.
Today's verse comes from Psalm 119 which is focused on God's Word and it's importance in our lives.
Ps 119:113 I hate the two-faced,
but I love your clear-cut revelation.
You're my place of quiet retreat;
I wait for your Word to renew me.
(from THE MESSAGE
(from THE MESSAGE)
or from the NKJV
Ps 119:113 I hate the double-minded,
But I love Your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in Your word.
Read the passage, these 16 verses of the psalm below. I've used The Message translation to put it in today's language. It's about diligence and persistence and obedience in the face of oppressors, oppression. This diligence to spend time with our Lord will help us to keep the right perspective and not have to worry about looking back over our shoulder - "Then I'd never have any regrets" (119:.6).
I'm reminded of the song Hiding Place
Hiding Place -
Steven Curtis Chapman
In the distance I can see the storm clouds coming my way,
And I need to find a shelter
Before it starts to rain,
So I turn and run to you Lord;
You're the only place to go,
Where unfailing love surrounds me
When I need it most.
CHORUS
You're my hiding place;
Safe in your embrace,
I'm protected from the storm that rages
When the waters rise,
And I run to hide;
Lord, in You I find my hiding place.
I'm not asking You to take away
My troubles, Lord,
'Cause it's through the stormy weather
I learn to trust You more.
And I thank You for Your promise;
I have come to know
Your unfailing love surrounds me
When I need it most.
(chorus)
So let Your people seek You
While You may be found,
'Cause You're our only refuge
When the rain comes pouring down.
You're my hiding place;
Safe in your embrace,
I'm protected from the storm that rages
When the waters rise,
And I run to hide;
Lord, in You I find my hiding place.
Do you have your hiding place?
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Ps 119:113-129
I hate the double-minded,But I love Your law. 114 You are my hiding place and my shield;I hope in Your word. 115 Depart from me, you evildoers,For I will keep the commandments of my God! 116 Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live;And do not let me be ashamed of my hope. 117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe,And I shall observe Your statutes continually. 118 You reject all those who stray from Your statutes,For their deceit is falsehood. 119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross;Therefore I love Your testimonies. 120 My flesh trembles for fear of You,And I am afraid of Your judgments.
121 I have done justice and righteousness;Do not leave me to my oppressors. 122 Be surety for Your servant for good;Do not let the proud oppress me. 123 My eyes fail from seeking Your salvationAnd Your righteous word. 124 Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy,And teach me Your statutes. 125 I am Your servant;Give me understanding,That I may know Your testimonies. 126 It is time for You to act, O Lord,For they have regarded Your law as void. 127 Therefore I love Your commandmentsMore than gold, yes, than fine gold! 128 Therefore all Your precepts concerning all thingsI consider to be right;I hate every false way.
1
NKJV
Good morning,
Yesterday we looked at perspective and the difference it can make in our lives, especially as followers of Christ.
One of the things that helps to change our perspective is to spend time in His Word and prayer.
When stress and the cares of this world cause me to toss and turn I often end up getting up before the dawn and retreat to a place (our in the screened in porch in summer or in my recliner in cooler weather) with a cup of coffee and my Bible to spend time in the Bible and in prayer. It is truly amazing how those cares that kept me awake seem to disappear or at least lose their significance.
I don't know where I'd be or what condition I'd be in if it wasn't for that place to withdraw to.
Today's verse comes from Psalm 119 which is focused on God's Word and it's importance in our lives.
Ps 119:113 I hate the two-faced,
but I love your clear-cut revelation.
You're my place of quiet retreat;
I wait for your Word to renew me.
(from THE MESSAGE
(from THE MESSAGE)
or from the NKJV
Ps 119:113 I hate the double-minded,
But I love Your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in Your word.
Read the passage, these 16 verses of the psalm below. I've used The Message translation to put it in today's language. It's about diligence and persistence and obedience in the face of oppressors, oppression. This diligence to spend time with our Lord will help us to keep the right perspective and not have to worry about looking back over our shoulder - "Then I'd never have any regrets" (119:.6).
I'm reminded of the song Hiding Place
Hiding Place -
Steven Curtis Chapman
In the distance I can see the storm clouds coming my way,
And I need to find a shelter
Before it starts to rain,
So I turn and run to you Lord;
You're the only place to go,
Where unfailing love surrounds me
When I need it most.
CHORUS
You're my hiding place;
Safe in your embrace,
I'm protected from the storm that rages
When the waters rise,
And I run to hide;
Lord, in You I find my hiding place.
I'm not asking You to take away
My troubles, Lord,
'Cause it's through the stormy weather
I learn to trust You more.
And I thank You for Your promise;
I have come to know
Your unfailing love surrounds me
When I need it most.
(chorus)
So let Your people seek You
While You may be found,
'Cause You're our only refuge
When the rain comes pouring down.
You're my hiding place;
Safe in your embrace,
I'm protected from the storm that rages
When the waters rise,
And I run to hide;
Lord, in You I find my hiding place.
Do you have your hiding place?
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Ps 119:113-129
I hate the double-minded,But I love Your law. 114 You are my hiding place and my shield;I hope in Your word. 115 Depart from me, you evildoers,For I will keep the commandments of my God! 116 Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live;And do not let me be ashamed of my hope. 117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe,And I shall observe Your statutes continually. 118 You reject all those who stray from Your statutes,For their deceit is falsehood. 119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross;Therefore I love Your testimonies. 120 My flesh trembles for fear of You,And I am afraid of Your judgments.
121 I have done justice and righteousness;Do not leave me to my oppressors. 122 Be surety for Your servant for good;Do not let the proud oppress me. 123 My eyes fail from seeking Your salvationAnd Your righteous word. 124 Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy,And teach me Your statutes. 125 I am Your servant;Give me understanding,That I may know Your testimonies. 126 It is time for You to act, O Lord,For they have regarded Your law as void. 127 Therefore I love Your commandmentsMore than gold, yes, than fine gold! 128 Therefore all Your precepts concerning all thingsI consider to be right;I hate every false way.
1
NKJV
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Verse of the Day 8/21
Through the Bible - Psalm 119:49-104, 1 Corinthians 5
Good morning,
How important is your perspective?
Is the cup half full or half empty? Are you a see througher or a "look atter"?
For today's verse we'll turn to the book of Ecclesiastes. In these few verses we are shown that there is and we can experience joy in life despite all the troubles that the days bring.
Eccl 11:7 Truly the light is sweet,
And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun;
8 But if a man lives many years
And rejoices in them all,
Yet let him remember the days of darkness,
For they will be many.
All that is coming is vanity. NKJV
Or from The Message:
Eccl 11:7-9
Oh, how sweet the light of day,
And how wonderful to live in the sunshine!
Even if you live a long time, don't take a single day for granted.
Take delight in each light-filled hour,
Remembering that there will also be many dark days
And that most of what comes your way is smoke.
Is the sun shining, take a few minutes and step outside to feel it's warmth. If you are in the west, take a look at the majesty of God in the Rocky Mountains or gaze at the stars tonight where you can see the milky way. If you are on the coast take a look at the ocean His majesty displayed in the wind and the waves.
As the Message version points out "don't take a single day for granted".
J.I. Packer writes, "When the writer says "All that comes is vanity" he means that life will likely not be quite as you expected nor bring you all that you hoped for. Nonetheless we can and should rejoice as we live the life that God gives us. For life is good. There is color, light, warmth, and beauty in God's world; there are people who say and do kind things; life brings many delightful moments if we are on the lookout for them."
What are you on the lookout for today? What will be your perspective?
Num 6:24-27
24 "The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace."' NKJV
In Christ,
Mike
Eccl 11:6-9
6 In the morning sow your seed,
And in the evening do not withhold your hand;
For you do not know which will prosper,
Either this or that,
Or whether both alike will be good.
7 Truly the light is sweet,
And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun;
8 But if a man lives many years
And rejoices in them all,
Yet let him remember the days of darkness,
For they will be many.
All that is coming is vanity. NKJV
Ps 8:1-9:1
8 O Lord, our Lord,How excellent is Your name in all the earth,Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infantsYou have ordained strength,Because of Your enemies,That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, 4 What is man that You are mindful of him,And the son of man that You visit him? 5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;You have put all things under his feet, 7 All sheep and oxen — Even the beasts of the field, 8 The birds of the air,And the fish of the seaThat pass through the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord, our Lord,How excellent is Your name in all the earth!
NKJV
Good morning,
How important is your perspective?
Is the cup half full or half empty? Are you a see througher or a "look atter"?
For today's verse we'll turn to the book of Ecclesiastes. In these few verses we are shown that there is and we can experience joy in life despite all the troubles that the days bring.
Eccl 11:7 Truly the light is sweet,
And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun;
8 But if a man lives many years
And rejoices in them all,
Yet let him remember the days of darkness,
For they will be many.
All that is coming is vanity. NKJV
Or from The Message:
Eccl 11:7-9
Oh, how sweet the light of day,
And how wonderful to live in the sunshine!
Even if you live a long time, don't take a single day for granted.
Take delight in each light-filled hour,
Remembering that there will also be many dark days
And that most of what comes your way is smoke.
Is the sun shining, take a few minutes and step outside to feel it's warmth. If you are in the west, take a look at the majesty of God in the Rocky Mountains or gaze at the stars tonight where you can see the milky way. If you are on the coast take a look at the ocean His majesty displayed in the wind and the waves.
As the Message version points out "don't take a single day for granted".
J.I. Packer writes, "When the writer says "All that comes is vanity" he means that life will likely not be quite as you expected nor bring you all that you hoped for. Nonetheless we can and should rejoice as we live the life that God gives us. For life is good. There is color, light, warmth, and beauty in God's world; there are people who say and do kind things; life brings many delightful moments if we are on the lookout for them."
What are you on the lookout for today? What will be your perspective?
Num 6:24-27
24 "The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace."' NKJV
In Christ,
Mike
Eccl 11:6-9
6 In the morning sow your seed,
And in the evening do not withhold your hand;
For you do not know which will prosper,
Either this or that,
Or whether both alike will be good.
7 Truly the light is sweet,
And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun;
8 But if a man lives many years
And rejoices in them all,
Yet let him remember the days of darkness,
For they will be many.
All that is coming is vanity. NKJV
Ps 8:1-9:1
8 O Lord, our Lord,How excellent is Your name in all the earth,Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infantsYou have ordained strength,Because of Your enemies,That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, 4 What is man that You are mindful of him,And the son of man that You visit him? 5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;You have put all things under his feet, 7 All sheep and oxen — Even the beasts of the field, 8 The birds of the air,And the fish of the seaThat pass through the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord, our Lord,How excellent is Your name in all the earth!
NKJV
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Verse of the Day 8/20
Through the Bible - Psalms 116-119:48, 1 Corinthians 4
Good morning,
Have you gone through long stretches where day by day you felt that you didn't have the strength to make it through?
There's an ad on TV for a particular medicine that advertises taking one pill and your good for the month. Often in these situations we'd like to offer a prayer and receive the strength for the month. Unfortuantely (fortunately?) with our prayers it doesn't seem to work that way. God gives us strength, spiritual food, one day at a time, our daily bread.
For today's verse we'll go to Luke chapter two and part of the Lord's prayer.
Luke 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread. NKJV
J.R. Miller wrote in "The Building of Character" in 1894:
One secret of sweet and happy Christian life--is in
learning to LIVE BY THE DAY. It is the long stretches
which tire us. We say that "we cannot carry this load
until we are eighty--or that we cannot fight this battle
continually for half a century." But really, there are no
long stretches. Life does not come to us in lifetimes; it
comes only a day at a time. Even tomorrow is never
ours--until it becomes today; and we have nothing
whatever to do with it--but to pass down to it a fair
and good inheritance in today's work well done and
today's life well lived.
It is a blessed secret--this of living by the day.
Anyone can carry his burden, however heavy--until
nightfall. Anyone can do his work, however hard--for
one day. Anyone can live sweetly, quietly, patiently,
lovingly, and purely--until the sun goes down. This
is all the life which we really ever have--just one
little day.
God gives us nights to shut down the curtain of
darkness on our little days. We cannot see beyond
--and we ought not to try to see beyond. Short
horizons make life easier, and give us one of the
blessed secrets of noble, happy, holy living.
We ought not to be content to live otherwise--than
beautifully. We can live our life only once. We cannot
go over life again--to correct its mistakes or amend
its faults. We ought therefore to live it well. And to
do this, we must make every day beautiful, as it
passes. Lost days must always remain blanks in the
records; and stained days must carry their stains.
Beautiful days make beautiful years, and beautiful
years make a beautiful life!
Think back to when Jesus fed the 5000 and they had 12 baskets (actually lunch box size) of bread left over. Jesus provided one day's supply for the disciples.
In having just enough for the day we learn to be dependent.
David wrote in Psalm 42
Ps 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God? NKJV
It's the same principle, deer need water daily to survive. Spiritually we are like the deer, like the disciples who were being taught this prayer, we need spiritual food daily.
Are you drawing from His Word and prayer daily or are you trying to be a spiritual camel trying to get by on taking water once a week or once a month?
"As your days--so shall your strength be."
Deuteronomy 33:25
In Christ,
Mike
Luke 11:1-5
The Model Prayer
(Matt 6:9-15)
11 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
2 So He said to them, "When you pray, say:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one."
NKJV
Good morning,
Have you gone through long stretches where day by day you felt that you didn't have the strength to make it through?
There's an ad on TV for a particular medicine that advertises taking one pill and your good for the month. Often in these situations we'd like to offer a prayer and receive the strength for the month. Unfortuantely (fortunately?) with our prayers it doesn't seem to work that way. God gives us strength, spiritual food, one day at a time, our daily bread.
For today's verse we'll go to Luke chapter two and part of the Lord's prayer.
Luke 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread. NKJV
J.R. Miller wrote in "The Building of Character" in 1894:
One secret of sweet and happy Christian life--is in
learning to LIVE BY THE DAY. It is the long stretches
which tire us. We say that "we cannot carry this load
until we are eighty--or that we cannot fight this battle
continually for half a century." But really, there are no
long stretches. Life does not come to us in lifetimes; it
comes only a day at a time. Even tomorrow is never
ours--until it becomes today; and we have nothing
whatever to do with it--but to pass down to it a fair
and good inheritance in today's work well done and
today's life well lived.
It is a blessed secret--this of living by the day.
Anyone can carry his burden, however heavy--until
nightfall. Anyone can do his work, however hard--for
one day. Anyone can live sweetly, quietly, patiently,
lovingly, and purely--until the sun goes down. This
is all the life which we really ever have--just one
little day.
God gives us nights to shut down the curtain of
darkness on our little days. We cannot see beyond
--and we ought not to try to see beyond. Short
horizons make life easier, and give us one of the
blessed secrets of noble, happy, holy living.
We ought not to be content to live otherwise--than
beautifully. We can live our life only once. We cannot
go over life again--to correct its mistakes or amend
its faults. We ought therefore to live it well. And to
do this, we must make every day beautiful, as it
passes. Lost days must always remain blanks in the
records; and stained days must carry their stains.
Beautiful days make beautiful years, and beautiful
years make a beautiful life!
Think back to when Jesus fed the 5000 and they had 12 baskets (actually lunch box size) of bread left over. Jesus provided one day's supply for the disciples.
In having just enough for the day we learn to be dependent.
David wrote in Psalm 42
Ps 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God? NKJV
It's the same principle, deer need water daily to survive. Spiritually we are like the deer, like the disciples who were being taught this prayer, we need spiritual food daily.
Are you drawing from His Word and prayer daily or are you trying to be a spiritual camel trying to get by on taking water once a week or once a month?
"As your days--so shall your strength be."
Deuteronomy 33:25
In Christ,
Mike
Luke 11:1-5
The Model Prayer
(Matt 6:9-15)
11 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
2 So He said to them, "When you pray, say:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one."
NKJV
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Verse of the Day 8/15
Through the Bible - Psalms 105-106, Romans 15:22-33
Good morning,
As I've mentioned before, this year in the read through the Bible plan i've been using the Message. Romans and Psalms have been two of the more enjoyable books of the Bible in Eugene Petersen's paraphrases.
Today's verse comes from Romans 15 and was part of yesterdays "read through the Bible plan"
Rom 15:1-2 Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?" (from THE MESSAGE):
The NKJV puts it this way:
Rom 15:1-2 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. NKJV
Would you consider yourself to be "strong in the faith"? Whichever translation you read, it should be clear that if we are we should show it in love, in service, in edification of our neighbors. (The thought of our neighbors and who is my neighbor is a recurring, seamingly constant theme in the New Testament).
MacArthur writes that " the strong are not simply to tolerate the weaknesses of their weaker brothers, they are to help the weak shoulder their burdens by showing loving and practicle consideration for them".
When I read then reread these verses the first thought that comes to my head is "whoa". Or should it be "woe" as in I fall woefully short.
What are we doing to edify, to build up our brothers and sisters in Christ?
Who do you know that you could encourage, comfort, exhort, or encourage today?
If you have the time read through Romans 15 from the Message below. Over the weekend or in the coming week, read through Romans from the Message or any other translation. May it speak to your heart.
Many translations are available online along with other resources at www.biblegateway.com. Check it out.
In Christ,
Mike
Rom 15
15 Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?"
That's exactly what Jesus did. He didn't make it easy for himself by avoiding people's troubles, but waded right in and helped out. "I took on the troubles of the troubled," is the way Scripture puts it. Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we'll be a choir — not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!
So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! Jesus, staying true to God's purposes, reached out in a special way to the Jewish insiders so that the old ancestral promises would come true for them. As a result, the non-Jewish outsiders have been able to experience mercy and to show appreciation to God. Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do! For instance:
Then I'll join outsiders in a hymn-sing;I'll sing to your name!
And this one:
Outsiders and insiders, rejoice together!
And again:
People of all nations, celebrate God!All colors and races, give hearty praise!
And Isaiah's word:
There's the root of our ancestor Jesse,breaking through the earth and growing tree tall,Tall enough for everyone everywhere to see and take hope!
Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
Personally, I've been completely satisfied with who you are and what you are doing. You seem to me to be well-motivated and well-instructed, quite capable of guiding and advising one another. So, my dear friends, don't take my rather bold and blunt language as criticism. It's not criticism. I'm simply underlining how very much I need your help in carrying out this highly focused assignment God gave me, this priestly and gospel work of serving the spiritual needs of the non-Jewish outsiders so they can be presented as an acceptable offering to God, made whole and holy by God's Holy Spirit.
Looking back over what has been accomplished and what I have observed, I must say I am most pleased — in the context of Jesus, I'd even say proud, but only in that context. I have no interest in giving you a chatty account of my adventures, only the wondrously powerful and transformingly present words and deeds of Christ in me that triggered a believing response among the outsiders. In such ways I have trailblazed a preaching of the Message of Jesus all the way from Jerusalem far into northwestern Greece. This has all been pioneer work, bringing the Message only into those places where Jesus was not yet known and worshiped. My text has been,
Those who were never told of him — they'll see him!Those who've never heard of him — they'll get the message!
And that's why it has taken me so long to finally get around to coming to you. But now that there is no more pioneering work to be done in these parts, and since I have looked forward to seeing you for many years, I'm planning my visit. I'm headed for Spain, and expect to stop off on the way to enjoy a good visit with you, and eventually have you send me off with God's blessing.
First, though, I'm going to Jerusalem to deliver a relief offering to the Christians there. The Greeks — all the way from the Macedonians in the north to the Achaians in the south — decided they wanted to take up a collection for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. They were happy to do this, but it was also their duty. Seeing that they got in on all the spiritual gifts that flowed out of the Jerusalem community so generously, it is only right that they do what they can to relieve their poverty. As soon as I have done this — personally handed over this "fruit basket" — I'm off to Spain, with a stopover with you in Rome. My hope is that my visit with you is going to be one of Christ's more extravagant blessings.
I have one request, dear friends: Pray for me. Pray strenuously with and for me — to God the Father, through the power of our Master Jesus, through the love of the Spirit — that I will be delivered from the lions' den of unbelievers in Judea. Pray also that my relief offering to the Jerusalem Christians will be accepted in the spirit in which it is given. Then, God willing, I'll be on my way to you with a light and eager heart, looking forward to being refreshed by your company. God's peace be with all of you. Oh, yes!
Good morning,
As I've mentioned before, this year in the read through the Bible plan i've been using the Message. Romans and Psalms have been two of the more enjoyable books of the Bible in Eugene Petersen's paraphrases.
Today's verse comes from Romans 15 and was part of yesterdays "read through the Bible plan"
Rom 15:1-2 Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?" (from THE MESSAGE):
The NKJV puts it this way:
Rom 15:1-2 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. NKJV
Would you consider yourself to be "strong in the faith"? Whichever translation you read, it should be clear that if we are we should show it in love, in service, in edification of our neighbors. (The thought of our neighbors and who is my neighbor is a recurring, seamingly constant theme in the New Testament).
MacArthur writes that " the strong are not simply to tolerate the weaknesses of their weaker brothers, they are to help the weak shoulder their burdens by showing loving and practicle consideration for them".
When I read then reread these verses the first thought that comes to my head is "whoa". Or should it be "woe" as in I fall woefully short.
What are we doing to edify, to build up our brothers and sisters in Christ?
Who do you know that you could encourage, comfort, exhort, or encourage today?
If you have the time read through Romans 15 from the Message below. Over the weekend or in the coming week, read through Romans from the Message or any other translation. May it speak to your heart.
Many translations are available online along with other resources at www.biblegateway.com. Check it out.
In Christ,
Mike
Rom 15
15 Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?"
That's exactly what Jesus did. He didn't make it easy for himself by avoiding people's troubles, but waded right in and helped out. "I took on the troubles of the troubled," is the way Scripture puts it. Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we'll be a choir — not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!
So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! Jesus, staying true to God's purposes, reached out in a special way to the Jewish insiders so that the old ancestral promises would come true for them. As a result, the non-Jewish outsiders have been able to experience mercy and to show appreciation to God. Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do! For instance:
Then I'll join outsiders in a hymn-sing;I'll sing to your name!
And this one:
Outsiders and insiders, rejoice together!
And again:
People of all nations, celebrate God!All colors and races, give hearty praise!
And Isaiah's word:
There's the root of our ancestor Jesse,breaking through the earth and growing tree tall,Tall enough for everyone everywhere to see and take hope!
Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
Personally, I've been completely satisfied with who you are and what you are doing. You seem to me to be well-motivated and well-instructed, quite capable of guiding and advising one another. So, my dear friends, don't take my rather bold and blunt language as criticism. It's not criticism. I'm simply underlining how very much I need your help in carrying out this highly focused assignment God gave me, this priestly and gospel work of serving the spiritual needs of the non-Jewish outsiders so they can be presented as an acceptable offering to God, made whole and holy by God's Holy Spirit.
Looking back over what has been accomplished and what I have observed, I must say I am most pleased — in the context of Jesus, I'd even say proud, but only in that context. I have no interest in giving you a chatty account of my adventures, only the wondrously powerful and transformingly present words and deeds of Christ in me that triggered a believing response among the outsiders. In such ways I have trailblazed a preaching of the Message of Jesus all the way from Jerusalem far into northwestern Greece. This has all been pioneer work, bringing the Message only into those places where Jesus was not yet known and worshiped. My text has been,
Those who were never told of him — they'll see him!Those who've never heard of him — they'll get the message!
And that's why it has taken me so long to finally get around to coming to you. But now that there is no more pioneering work to be done in these parts, and since I have looked forward to seeing you for many years, I'm planning my visit. I'm headed for Spain, and expect to stop off on the way to enjoy a good visit with you, and eventually have you send me off with God's blessing.
First, though, I'm going to Jerusalem to deliver a relief offering to the Christians there. The Greeks — all the way from the Macedonians in the north to the Achaians in the south — decided they wanted to take up a collection for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. They were happy to do this, but it was also their duty. Seeing that they got in on all the spiritual gifts that flowed out of the Jerusalem community so generously, it is only right that they do what they can to relieve their poverty. As soon as I have done this — personally handed over this "fruit basket" — I'm off to Spain, with a stopover with you in Rome. My hope is that my visit with you is going to be one of Christ's more extravagant blessings.
I have one request, dear friends: Pray for me. Pray strenuously with and for me — to God the Father, through the power of our Master Jesus, through the love of the Spirit — that I will be delivered from the lions' den of unbelievers in Judea. Pray also that my relief offering to the Jerusalem Christians will be accepted in the spirit in which it is given. Then, God willing, I'll be on my way to you with a light and eager heart, looking forward to being refreshed by your company. God's peace be with all of you. Oh, yes!
Verse of the Day 8/14
Through the Bible - Psalms 102-104 , Romans 15:1-21
Good morning,
One of the things that I enjoy about reading the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) is how Jesus used, or should I say, enlisted ordinary men to accomplish extraordinary things.
The disciples weren't the cream of the crop. They hadn't been sought out to study under the rabbi's at the age of 13..
What Jesus did was call them to be followers of Him. They followed, and learned in ways that oftentimes were contrary to what the Rabbi's of the day would have had them do. They, along with Jesus, associated with the tax collectors and sinners.
Another favorite chapter in the New Testament for me is Acts chapter four where Peter and John stand up to the Pharisees. Not too long ago I shared Acts 4:12 and 13 as a verse for the day which stated that the Pharisees realized that what had made these men different was that they had been with, had been followers of Jesus.
For today's verse we'll go a little further on in the chapter to verse 20.
Acts 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. NKJV
These disciples had a case of the "can't help it's". They couldn't help but tell what Jesus had done for them even in the face of threats of punishment, threats that would have sent most people of the day cowering, running for cover.
David Putman writes in "Breaking the Discipleship Code" Jesus didn't do everything by Himself; he modeled the way only to enable His twelve disciples to do likewise. In essence, He qualified the unqualified by showing them they had what it took to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth."
Have you ever felt that you couldn't help but tell others what Jesus has done for you? I hope so. When was the last time you told someone?
When the religious authorities tried to get the disciples to stop speaking, preaching and teaching about Jesus after His death there response was "we cannot help but speak of what we've seen and heard", no matter the cost.
Oh to be like them. Oh to be like Jesus.
In Christ,
Mike
Acts 4:13-23
The Name of Jesus Forbidden
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying,"What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name."
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them,"Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
NKJV
Good morning,
One of the things that I enjoy about reading the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) is how Jesus used, or should I say, enlisted ordinary men to accomplish extraordinary things.
The disciples weren't the cream of the crop. They hadn't been sought out to study under the rabbi's at the age of 13..
What Jesus did was call them to be followers of Him. They followed, and learned in ways that oftentimes were contrary to what the Rabbi's of the day would have had them do. They, along with Jesus, associated with the tax collectors and sinners.
Another favorite chapter in the New Testament for me is Acts chapter four where Peter and John stand up to the Pharisees. Not too long ago I shared Acts 4:12 and 13 as a verse for the day which stated that the Pharisees realized that what had made these men different was that they had been with, had been followers of Jesus.
For today's verse we'll go a little further on in the chapter to verse 20.
Acts 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. NKJV
These disciples had a case of the "can't help it's". They couldn't help but tell what Jesus had done for them even in the face of threats of punishment, threats that would have sent most people of the day cowering, running for cover.
David Putman writes in "Breaking the Discipleship Code" Jesus didn't do everything by Himself; he modeled the way only to enable His twelve disciples to do likewise. In essence, He qualified the unqualified by showing them they had what it took to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth."
Have you ever felt that you couldn't help but tell others what Jesus has done for you? I hope so. When was the last time you told someone?
When the religious authorities tried to get the disciples to stop speaking, preaching and teaching about Jesus after His death there response was "we cannot help but speak of what we've seen and heard", no matter the cost.
Oh to be like them. Oh to be like Jesus.
In Christ,
Mike
Acts 4:13-23
The Name of Jesus Forbidden
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying,"What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name."
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them,"Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
NKJV
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Verse of the Day 8/13
Through the Bible - Psalms 99-101, Romans 14
Good morning,
Having gone through our share of trials and yes, tragedies in our lives, admittedly there have been times when we've questioned God. We look, and search for answers and reasons as to why things happen. Our tendency is to look at events that happen afterwards, good things, and someone will tell us that was why the tragedy or illness happened.
I recently watched a message from Andy Stanley's video series "Twisted" where he put forth a different explanation. He said, (I'm paraphrasing in a nutshell) that we tend to see things on such a small scale yet try to tie things up neatly together. We try to have it, want to have it all figured out.
God sees things as they are, on a much larger scale. We will never find all the answers, all the reasons why things happened. We may see pieces, glimpses, but through it all our response should be that of Job, to trust God no matter what.
For today's verse we'll go to 1 Corinthians 13, better known for the first 10 verses dealing with love.
Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now. (1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT)
In a future time, in eternity we will see things more clearly, questions may be answered. Could you also believe that we will not have all these questions answered?
Sometimes we may feel that we have a list of questions that we'd like to ask God, ask Jesus, when we get to heaven.
Consider these thoughts from Greg Laurie in his book "Why God?"
At this point, you might be saying, "Well, I have a lot of questions for God. When I get to heaven I'm going to ask Him some things. In fact, I've got a list."
You just keep that list with you. Take it with you everywhere you go, and then if you die unexpectedly, you'll have it handy to pull out and ask God when you stand before Him.
Somehow, I don't think that's the way it will be. I suggest to you that when you arrive in heaven, when you see your Creator, your God, your Savior in all His blazing glory, you'll forget all about your little list of questions.
Our perplexities, distressing as they may be, will one day be swept away.
The weight of our questions might just been blown away by the glory of God.
2 Cor 4:16-18
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
(from THE MESSAGE)
Do you have a list of questions?
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
1 Cor 13:8-
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
NKJV
Good morning,
Having gone through our share of trials and yes, tragedies in our lives, admittedly there have been times when we've questioned God. We look, and search for answers and reasons as to why things happen. Our tendency is to look at events that happen afterwards, good things, and someone will tell us that was why the tragedy or illness happened.
I recently watched a message from Andy Stanley's video series "Twisted" where he put forth a different explanation. He said, (I'm paraphrasing in a nutshell) that we tend to see things on such a small scale yet try to tie things up neatly together. We try to have it, want to have it all figured out.
God sees things as they are, on a much larger scale. We will never find all the answers, all the reasons why things happened. We may see pieces, glimpses, but through it all our response should be that of Job, to trust God no matter what.
For today's verse we'll go to 1 Corinthians 13, better known for the first 10 verses dealing with love.
Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now. (1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT)
In a future time, in eternity we will see things more clearly, questions may be answered. Could you also believe that we will not have all these questions answered?
Sometimes we may feel that we have a list of questions that we'd like to ask God, ask Jesus, when we get to heaven.
Consider these thoughts from Greg Laurie in his book "Why God?"
At this point, you might be saying, "Well, I have a lot of questions for God. When I get to heaven I'm going to ask Him some things. In fact, I've got a list."
You just keep that list with you. Take it with you everywhere you go, and then if you die unexpectedly, you'll have it handy to pull out and ask God when you stand before Him.
Somehow, I don't think that's the way it will be. I suggest to you that when you arrive in heaven, when you see your Creator, your God, your Savior in all His blazing glory, you'll forget all about your little list of questions.
Our perplexities, distressing as they may be, will one day be swept away.
The weight of our questions might just been blown away by the glory of God.
2 Cor 4:16-18
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
(from THE MESSAGE)
Do you have a list of questions?
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
1 Cor 13:8-
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
NKJV
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Verse of the Day 8/12
Through the Bible - Psalms 96-98, Romans 13
Good morning,
This past Sunday in our high school Sunday school class we looked at the account of the rich young ruler. He approached Jesus and asked him "what good thing should I do that I may have eternal life". As we will see later in the passage, he feels that he has kept the law, obeyed the rules to the letter.
Jesus reveals to him that there is only One who is truly good and that is God, teaching him that all but God are sinners. Jesus follows with six of the Ten Commandments, 5 of which have to do with our relationship to others - you shall not murder, steal, commit adultery,lie, or bear false witness.
Is there anyone of us that feels that we have obeyed these to the "letter"? Especially if you consider where Jesus said elsewhere that if you've even thought some of these things you have sinned already?
The young ruler spoke to him, either thinking that he had kept all of these or not willing to admit his own sin and guilt.
For today's verse we'll go to verse 21 for Jesus' response.
Matt 19:21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. NKJV
MacArthur notes that Jesus was not putting forth the terms for salvation, but rather was exposing, revealing the man's true heart. His words and actions revealed that he was not blameless and if he truly loved the Lord with all his heart, he would surrender all to Christ at His request.
Jesus did not confront him with the first commandment "you shall have no other God's before me.
One of the songs that we sang in church in the service that followed was "The Stand" by Joel Houston. The words reminded me of what the reaction to Christ's call should be.
The Stand
What to say Lord? it's You who gave me life and I
Can't explain just how much You mean to me now
That You have saved me Lord, I give all that I am to You
That everyday I can be a light that shines Your name
Everyday Lord, I'll learn to stand upon Your Word
And I pray that I, that I might come to know You more
That You would guide me in every single step I take
That everyday I can be a light unto the world
Everyday, it's You I live for
Everyday, I'll follow after You
Everyday, I'll walk with You my Lord
It's You I live for, everyday
It's You I live for, everyday
It's You I live for, everyday
His Word does reveal the condition of our hearts, who or what rules in our heart. May we have hearts that surrender and not walk away from the Light.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Matt 19:16-27
Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler
(Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23)
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him,"Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"
17 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."
18 He said to Him, "Which ones?"
Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 19 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?"
21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
With God All Things Are Possible
(Mark 10:23-31; Luke 18:24-30)
23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"
26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
NKJV
Good morning,
This past Sunday in our high school Sunday school class we looked at the account of the rich young ruler. He approached Jesus and asked him "what good thing should I do that I may have eternal life". As we will see later in the passage, he feels that he has kept the law, obeyed the rules to the letter.
Jesus reveals to him that there is only One who is truly good and that is God, teaching him that all but God are sinners. Jesus follows with six of the Ten Commandments, 5 of which have to do with our relationship to others - you shall not murder, steal, commit adultery,lie, or bear false witness.
Is there anyone of us that feels that we have obeyed these to the "letter"? Especially if you consider where Jesus said elsewhere that if you've even thought some of these things you have sinned already?
The young ruler spoke to him, either thinking that he had kept all of these or not willing to admit his own sin and guilt.
For today's verse we'll go to verse 21 for Jesus' response.
Matt 19:21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. NKJV
MacArthur notes that Jesus was not putting forth the terms for salvation, but rather was exposing, revealing the man's true heart. His words and actions revealed that he was not blameless and if he truly loved the Lord with all his heart, he would surrender all to Christ at His request.
Jesus did not confront him with the first commandment "you shall have no other God's before me.
One of the songs that we sang in church in the service that followed was "The Stand" by Joel Houston. The words reminded me of what the reaction to Christ's call should be.
The Stand
What to say Lord? it's You who gave me life and I
Can't explain just how much You mean to me now
That You have saved me Lord, I give all that I am to You
That everyday I can be a light that shines Your name
Everyday Lord, I'll learn to stand upon Your Word
And I pray that I, that I might come to know You more
That You would guide me in every single step I take
That everyday I can be a light unto the world
Everyday, it's You I live for
Everyday, I'll follow after You
Everyday, I'll walk with You my Lord
It's You I live for, everyday
It's You I live for, everyday
It's You I live for, everyday
His Word does reveal the condition of our hearts, who or what rules in our heart. May we have hearts that surrender and not walk away from the Light.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Matt 19:16-27
Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler
(Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23)
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him,"Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"
17 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."
18 He said to Him, "Which ones?"
Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 19 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?"
21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
With God All Things Are Possible
(Mark 10:23-31; Luke 18:24-30)
23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"
26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
NKJV
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