Day #42: Daily Bible Reading Plan - February 8th
Scripture Reading: Matthew 14 - 16 ...
Every human being who has ever lived, who is living now or who will live before Jesus returns must answer the question Jesus asked His disciples: "Who do you say I am?" (16:15). Herod, the ruler over Judah at this time, was afraid of who Jesus MIGHT be. He had put John the Baptist to death and now was afraid that perhaps he had come back to life! That's what guilt will do to you!! But he wasn't the only one who wondered who Jesus was.
The disciples were walking through the countryside with Jesus and they were seeing some rather astounding things. He was feeding thousands of people with small amounts of food. He was walking on water. He was healing the sick and casting out demons. And he was challenging the Pharisees and Saducees, the religious leaders of the Jews. Not even the Pharisees could figure out who this man was and why He was making such a commotion throughout their nation.
So finally, Jesus comes right out and asks the disciples: "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (16:13). Were the disciples listening to the questions people were asking? Suppose someone today came doing these same things; what do you think people would say? The disciples gave various answers, but then Jesus makes it personal: "Who do YOU say I am?" (16:15). And Peter responds, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!" (16:16).
It is questionable whether Peter even realized what he was saying. Jesus explains, "This was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven" (16:17). Then Jesus points His disciples to the REAL purpose of His coming: to build the CHURCH - the "ekklesia," a group of people "called out" of the world to be a part of the kingdom of heaven, GOD's kingdom, His eternal kingdom. Jesus came to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of heaven and did miracles to prove who He was.
Like the Pharisees at the beginning of chapter 16, people today are all about signs and wonders. The truth is, NO ONE has done what Jesus did. While the disciples healed some people, no one has ever done the things Jesus did as He walked through the land of Israel and Judah. The fact is, there was NOTHING He COULDN'T do! Yet His purpose was found in His teaching and ultimately in His dying on the cross in our place.
As He began to explain what was about to happen, Peter took him aside and actually rebuked Jesus. Really?! But Jesus told him, "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men" (16:23). "For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what he has done" (16:27). Jesus IS the Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One, the promised Savior!
As in Jesus' day, SO MANY PEOPLE still want Jesus to do what THEY want Him to do. God still does miracles today and shows His power and love and grace in a multitude of ways. But Jesus came to bring eternal life! He displayed His power to prove who He was, yet it was always about the cross ... about overcoming the barrier that stands between us and God. It was always about the Church ... about those whom God would call to Himself through the Gospel to receive forgiveness for our sins and everlasting life!!
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" (16:24-26). Could it be any clearer? You and I need to focus today on who Jesus is, what He came to do and WHY? To save His people from the just judgment of God against our sins.
Thank you, Jesus, for Your sacrifice in coming to earth, in giving Your life as a sacrifice for sin!! Amazing grace! You ARE the Christ, the Son of the Living God, my Savior and my Lord!!!!!
"Father, as You sent Your Son into this world to reveal Your glory, I thank You for Your grace in sending Him to be our Savior and Lord. I believe the testimony of Your Word and Spirit that He IS the Messiah, the promised One, who came to suffer and die in our place, that we may have life. Oh, Lord, our God, I give you my life, that I may find in Jesus REAL life - forever! In Jesus' name, Amen"
Friday, February 7, 2014
Thursday, February 6, 2014
"Understanding Isaiah ..."
Day #41: Daily Bible Reading Plan - February 7th
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 29 - 33 ...
Isaiah's long book of prophecy spans more than fifty years, during which Isaiah prophesied to the people of Judah. The twelve tribes of Israel had long before been divided into two separate nations, ruled by two separate kings. Israel, the northern kingdom, was by far the larger of the two, but Judah was ruled by the descendants of Judah and King David, from whom God had promised the Messiah, the Savior would come.
In order to understand Isaiah's prophecies, you need to understand that God was using Isaiah to speak to the people in his day, but also about a FUTURE day. These prophesies are intertwined so that one verse may be speaking about Isaiah's present and the next may be speaking about what will take place when Jesus returns. With that in mind, you begin to see certain themes being repeated throughout Isaiah's prophecies.
One of those themes is Jerusalem. Chapter 29 begins with a warning for Jerusalem. Isaiah uses the word "Ariel" to refer to Jerusalem. The word is an unfamiliar one that may be repeated at the end of verse 2: "altar hearth." Or it may mean, "lion of God." Either way, it points to God's judgment upon Jerusalem. Hard days are coming for Judah and Jerusalem ... then and now. God says, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men" (29:13). The Babylonians would come and destroy the temple and take the people into captivity more than a century later.
God would bring the people back to the land promised to the descendants of Abraham and the temple would be rebuilt, but after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Jerusalem would once again be destroyed by the Romans. But there is an even greater time of tribulation coming on Jerusalem in the future - perhaps the near future. The nations will be gathered against the city of God. Then, "suddenly, in an instant, the LORD Almighty will come" (29:5-6). "The LORD Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights. ... the LORD Almighty will shield Jerusalem; He will shield it and deliver it" (31:4-5).
Throughout his prophecies, Isaiah refers to this future time when the "Holy One of Israel" (30:11-12) will confront those who have rejected Him and move them to repent and to receive Jesus as Lord. The nations will be destroyed and the people of Israel will "once more ... rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel" (29:19).
Chapter 32 speaks of "a king who will reign in righteousness" (32:1). God promises, "My people will live in peaceful dwelling-places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest" (32:18). "Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved. ... No one living in Zion will say, 'I am ill'; and the sins of those who dwell there will be forgiven" (33:20, 24). The prophet Zechariah speaks of this time in Zechariah 12:10 and 13:1. In a future time, when the nations are gathered against Jerusalem, Jesus will come to her aid and stand on Mount Zion. The armies of the nations will be destroyed and Jerusalem will become the location for Jesus' reign in His millennial kingdom. God has said it; it must be so.
As you and I read Isaiah today, the words point us to our Sovereign God who is guiding the affairs of the nations toward the conclusion that God Himself has determined. Those who reject Him, who despise the truth that He alone is God, who mock Him by worshiping other gods, will face His wrath. But those who trust in the Savior, who worship the Holy One of Israel through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, will one day reign with Jesus in the city of David, Jerusalem ... praising and glorifying the one true God ... forever!!
"O LORD our God, when we hear the prophecies of judgment and wrath written so long ago, it reminds us that You are holy and just. We thank You, Father, that You are also compassionate and merciful and that as Isaiah predicted later, You provided a Savior who took our sins upon Him and through whom we who believe are healed ... forgiven! Give us grace and strength to proclaim Your truth to our world as we await the fulfillment of all Your promises when Jesus returns to reign over the nations in Jerusalem. In Jesus' name, Amen"
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 29 - 33 ...
Isaiah's long book of prophecy spans more than fifty years, during which Isaiah prophesied to the people of Judah. The twelve tribes of Israel had long before been divided into two separate nations, ruled by two separate kings. Israel, the northern kingdom, was by far the larger of the two, but Judah was ruled by the descendants of Judah and King David, from whom God had promised the Messiah, the Savior would come.
In order to understand Isaiah's prophecies, you need to understand that God was using Isaiah to speak to the people in his day, but also about a FUTURE day. These prophesies are intertwined so that one verse may be speaking about Isaiah's present and the next may be speaking about what will take place when Jesus returns. With that in mind, you begin to see certain themes being repeated throughout Isaiah's prophecies.
One of those themes is Jerusalem. Chapter 29 begins with a warning for Jerusalem. Isaiah uses the word "Ariel" to refer to Jerusalem. The word is an unfamiliar one that may be repeated at the end of verse 2: "altar hearth." Or it may mean, "lion of God." Either way, it points to God's judgment upon Jerusalem. Hard days are coming for Judah and Jerusalem ... then and now. God says, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men" (29:13). The Babylonians would come and destroy the temple and take the people into captivity more than a century later.
God would bring the people back to the land promised to the descendants of Abraham and the temple would be rebuilt, but after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Jerusalem would once again be destroyed by the Romans. But there is an even greater time of tribulation coming on Jerusalem in the future - perhaps the near future. The nations will be gathered against the city of God. Then, "suddenly, in an instant, the LORD Almighty will come" (29:5-6). "The LORD Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights. ... the LORD Almighty will shield Jerusalem; He will shield it and deliver it" (31:4-5).
Throughout his prophecies, Isaiah refers to this future time when the "Holy One of Israel" (30:11-12) will confront those who have rejected Him and move them to repent and to receive Jesus as Lord. The nations will be destroyed and the people of Israel will "once more ... rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel" (29:19).
Chapter 32 speaks of "a king who will reign in righteousness" (32:1). God promises, "My people will live in peaceful dwelling-places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest" (32:18). "Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved. ... No one living in Zion will say, 'I am ill'; and the sins of those who dwell there will be forgiven" (33:20, 24). The prophet Zechariah speaks of this time in Zechariah 12:10 and 13:1. In a future time, when the nations are gathered against Jerusalem, Jesus will come to her aid and stand on Mount Zion. The armies of the nations will be destroyed and Jerusalem will become the location for Jesus' reign in His millennial kingdom. God has said it; it must be so.
As you and I read Isaiah today, the words point us to our Sovereign God who is guiding the affairs of the nations toward the conclusion that God Himself has determined. Those who reject Him, who despise the truth that He alone is God, who mock Him by worshiping other gods, will face His wrath. But those who trust in the Savior, who worship the Holy One of Israel through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, will one day reign with Jesus in the city of David, Jerusalem ... praising and glorifying the one true God ... forever!!
"O LORD our God, when we hear the prophecies of judgment and wrath written so long ago, it reminds us that You are holy and just. We thank You, Father, that You are also compassionate and merciful and that as Isaiah predicted later, You provided a Savior who took our sins upon Him and through whom we who believe are healed ... forgiven! Give us grace and strength to proclaim Your truth to our world as we await the fulfillment of all Your promises when Jesus returns to reign over the nations in Jerusalem. In Jesus' name, Amen"
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
"How does God 'work'?"
Day #40: Daily Bible Reading Plan - February 6th
Scripture Reading: Job 11 - 12 ...
Be careful what you say about God because HE is listening! Those who claim to speak truth about God to another person need to understand God themselves, and who of us knows or understands God completely? No one! But God HAS revealed Himself and how He "works" in the lives of those who come to know Him ... and Job was one of these.
Job started out so well! Do you remember? He lost all of his children and his possessions, yet he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised" (1:21). Then we are told, "In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing" (1:22).
Then God allowed Satan to afflict Job with sores from head to toe, yet in spite of his wife's encouraging advice ("Curse God and die!" - 2:9), Job continued to declare truth about God and to hold onto his faith: "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (2:10). By the time we arrive at chapters 11-12, however, Job's friends have attempted to convince Job that God is dealing with him because of his sin. They believe that if Job will confess his sin and repent, all will be well in his life.
So what's wrong with that? Zophar chastises Job in chapter 11 and actually says some true things about God. "Can you fathom the mysteries of God/ Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens ..." (11:7-8). Since no one is without sin, it is easy to attribute suffering such as Job was going through to God's discipline. Zophar seems to be saying, "If you live right, you won't have problems like this!"
Like so many today Zophar believes that obedience to the Lord produces "your best life now!" He states confidently, "If you devote your heart to Him and stretch out your hands to Him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand ... Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning ..." (11:13-14,17). Does that mean troubles are caused by sin? Is suffering always the result of sin? Is that how God "works?"
We know from chapter 1 that this was NOT the case. Does sin sometimes bring discipline? Yes. Does obedience sometimes bring visible blessings, including prosperity, health and other good things? Yes. But that's not always how God "works." God's ways are not our ways ... they're much, much higher! Job rightly observes that sometimes it looks like, "Those who provoke God are secure ..." (12:6). So it seems ... Job declares throughout chapter 12 that God is in control over all things. "To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His" (12:13).
How DOES God "work?" God orders the events of mankind in ways beyond our understanding to bring glory to Himself and to lead His children through good times and hard times into His perfect presence. Those who trust in Him will at last enter into His presence by faith in the Savior He promised and sent, who died and rose again and ascended into heaven to intercede on our behalf. Meanwhile, those who do not come to God through faith in Christ may find their lives easy in this world, but they will ultimately face God's wrath and judgment.
You and I are called to believe all that God has revealed about Himself and to trust Him in every circumstance, knowing that He will never leave those who are His. Job knew that, in his heart of hearts, as we shall see. We need to know how God "works" and where we do not understand, live by faith!
"Father, I pray that you will help me to believe all that You have revealed in Your Word about Yourself. I know that Your ways are higher than my ways and Your thoughts are far beyond mine. I trust You to give me all I need to follow Jesus, whether in good times or bad, and to declare to the world that my God reigns! I love You, Lord!! In Jesus' name, Amen"
Scripture Reading: Job 11 - 12 ...
Be careful what you say about God because HE is listening! Those who claim to speak truth about God to another person need to understand God themselves, and who of us knows or understands God completely? No one! But God HAS revealed Himself and how He "works" in the lives of those who come to know Him ... and Job was one of these.
Job started out so well! Do you remember? He lost all of his children and his possessions, yet he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised" (1:21). Then we are told, "In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing" (1:22).
Then God allowed Satan to afflict Job with sores from head to toe, yet in spite of his wife's encouraging advice ("Curse God and die!" - 2:9), Job continued to declare truth about God and to hold onto his faith: "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (2:10). By the time we arrive at chapters 11-12, however, Job's friends have attempted to convince Job that God is dealing with him because of his sin. They believe that if Job will confess his sin and repent, all will be well in his life.
So what's wrong with that? Zophar chastises Job in chapter 11 and actually says some true things about God. "Can you fathom the mysteries of God/ Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens ..." (11:7-8). Since no one is without sin, it is easy to attribute suffering such as Job was going through to God's discipline. Zophar seems to be saying, "If you live right, you won't have problems like this!"
Like so many today Zophar believes that obedience to the Lord produces "your best life now!" He states confidently, "If you devote your heart to Him and stretch out your hands to Him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand ... Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning ..." (11:13-14,17). Does that mean troubles are caused by sin? Is suffering always the result of sin? Is that how God "works?"
We know from chapter 1 that this was NOT the case. Does sin sometimes bring discipline? Yes. Does obedience sometimes bring visible blessings, including prosperity, health and other good things? Yes. But that's not always how God "works." God's ways are not our ways ... they're much, much higher! Job rightly observes that sometimes it looks like, "Those who provoke God are secure ..." (12:6). So it seems ... Job declares throughout chapter 12 that God is in control over all things. "To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His" (12:13).
How DOES God "work?" God orders the events of mankind in ways beyond our understanding to bring glory to Himself and to lead His children through good times and hard times into His perfect presence. Those who trust in Him will at last enter into His presence by faith in the Savior He promised and sent, who died and rose again and ascended into heaven to intercede on our behalf. Meanwhile, those who do not come to God through faith in Christ may find their lives easy in this world, but they will ultimately face God's wrath and judgment.
You and I are called to believe all that God has revealed about Himself and to trust Him in every circumstance, knowing that He will never leave those who are His. Job knew that, in his heart of hearts, as we shall see. We need to know how God "works" and where we do not understand, live by faith!
"Father, I pray that you will help me to believe all that You have revealed in Your Word about Yourself. I know that Your ways are higher than my ways and Your thoughts are far beyond mine. I trust You to give me all I need to follow Jesus, whether in good times or bad, and to declare to the world that my God reigns! I love You, Lord!! In Jesus' name, Amen"
"I will not be shaken!"
Day #39: Daily Bible Reading Plan - February 5th
Scripture Reading: Psalms 15 - 17 …
I have never experienced a large earthquake. It must be a terrifying thing. But I have experienced moments in my life when "my world" was shaken by the events going on in my life and in the lives of those around me. If your eyes are open and you have a heart of compassion it isn't difficult to see the misery of those around you and to feel the pain they are going through. Many are living on a foundation of sand, and when the storms of life come, their "house" comes crashing down (Matthew 7:24-27).
Each of us has experienced or is experiencing or will experience circumstances and events that have the potential to SHAKE the foundations of our lives. When that happens, how are you affected? Do you stand firm or do you lose your hope and panic? Perhaps, like many, you become stressed and anxious, depressed and overwhelmed … you are shaken … and your emotions begin to control your thoughts and your actions.
There is a better way! David begins Psalm 15 by asking a question: "LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?" The answer makes it clear that there is no one who has the "key" to open the door into God's sanctuary. None of us has been or is blameless or righteous; none of us has always spoken truth or treated our neighbors as we should. There are some things that we have done "right," but Psalm 15 might leave us wondering how to stand firm, because it ends with the words, "He who does these things will never be shaken" (15:5).
But Psalm 16 offers hope. Psalm 16 speaks of God's grace and points to Jesus Christ. "Keep me safe, O God, for in You I take refuge" (16:1). David finds his hope in the LORD, and speaks words of encouragement to all who find their hope in Him. He testifies, "LORD, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance" (16:5-6). This is true for every believer.
Therefore, "I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because HE is at my right hand, I will not be shaken" (16:7-8). Acknowledging God as Lord through faith in Jesus makes you SECURE and UNSHAKEABLE!! Verses 8-11 are said to refer to Jesus in Acts 2:25-28, but since we as believers are united to Jesus, they also refer to US!! God will fill us with joy in His presence, with eternal pleasures at His right hand!!
Psalm 17 follows with a prayer that God would "keep me as the apple of Your eye" and "hide me in the shadow of Your wings" (17:8). Through faith in Jesus I know that in HIS righteousness I will see God's face (17:15), and after I take my last breath in this life, I will awake in His presence and "be satisfied with seeing Your likeness" (17:15).
I pray that whatever is going on in your life at this moment, or whatever may happen tomorrow or in the future, you will stand firm and NOT be shaken! When you come to Him through His Son Jesus Christ you can KNOW that you will NEVER be shaken. God is working all things together for good for you (Romans 8:28), and He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). May you find His peace and His strength sufficient for your every need as you put your trust in HIM today!!
"O LORD our God, surely You reign over all things and are intimately involved in the details of my life. Give me faith to trust You when the earth begins to shake and help me to know that You are near. May You receive glory as I testify to Your faithfulness and find my hope in You. Keep me safe, O God, for in YOU I take refuge! In Jesus' name, Amen"
Scripture Reading: Psalms 15 - 17 …
I have never experienced a large earthquake. It must be a terrifying thing. But I have experienced moments in my life when "my world" was shaken by the events going on in my life and in the lives of those around me. If your eyes are open and you have a heart of compassion it isn't difficult to see the misery of those around you and to feel the pain they are going through. Many are living on a foundation of sand, and when the storms of life come, their "house" comes crashing down (Matthew 7:24-27).
Each of us has experienced or is experiencing or will experience circumstances and events that have the potential to SHAKE the foundations of our lives. When that happens, how are you affected? Do you stand firm or do you lose your hope and panic? Perhaps, like many, you become stressed and anxious, depressed and overwhelmed … you are shaken … and your emotions begin to control your thoughts and your actions.
There is a better way! David begins Psalm 15 by asking a question: "LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?" The answer makes it clear that there is no one who has the "key" to open the door into God's sanctuary. None of us has been or is blameless or righteous; none of us has always spoken truth or treated our neighbors as we should. There are some things that we have done "right," but Psalm 15 might leave us wondering how to stand firm, because it ends with the words, "He who does these things will never be shaken" (15:5).
But Psalm 16 offers hope. Psalm 16 speaks of God's grace and points to Jesus Christ. "Keep me safe, O God, for in You I take refuge" (16:1). David finds his hope in the LORD, and speaks words of encouragement to all who find their hope in Him. He testifies, "LORD, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance" (16:5-6). This is true for every believer.
Therefore, "I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because HE is at my right hand, I will not be shaken" (16:7-8). Acknowledging God as Lord through faith in Jesus makes you SECURE and UNSHAKEABLE!! Verses 8-11 are said to refer to Jesus in Acts 2:25-28, but since we as believers are united to Jesus, they also refer to US!! God will fill us with joy in His presence, with eternal pleasures at His right hand!!
Psalm 17 follows with a prayer that God would "keep me as the apple of Your eye" and "hide me in the shadow of Your wings" (17:8). Through faith in Jesus I know that in HIS righteousness I will see God's face (17:15), and after I take my last breath in this life, I will awake in His presence and "be satisfied with seeing Your likeness" (17:15).
I pray that whatever is going on in your life at this moment, or whatever may happen tomorrow or in the future, you will stand firm and NOT be shaken! When you come to Him through His Son Jesus Christ you can KNOW that you will NEVER be shaken. God is working all things together for good for you (Romans 8:28), and He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). May you find His peace and His strength sufficient for your every need as you put your trust in HIM today!!
"O LORD our God, surely You reign over all things and are intimately involved in the details of my life. Give me faith to trust You when the earth begins to shake and help me to know that You are near. May You receive glory as I testify to Your faithfulness and find my hope in You. Keep me safe, O God, for in YOU I take refuge! In Jesus' name, Amen"
Monday, February 3, 2014
"A Generation who knows not the Lord!"
Day #38: Daily Bible Reading Plan - February 4th
Scripture Reading: Judges 1 - 6 ...
That there is one true God used to be the accepted truth by the majority of those in our nation. Religious diversity has perhaps been commonplace in other nations of the world, and to some extent in our own, yet something "new" has occurred in the past few decades: a turning away from the one true God, our Creator, who has revealed Himself in His creation, in His Word and in His Son, Jesus Christ. More and more and more people believe that it doesn't matter what you believe ... or IF you believe. All of this points to one of two things: judgment from God ... or the soon return of Jesus and judgment from God. While that doesn't sound like much of an option, it is the reality of God's dealing with those who turn away from Him.
The first few chapters of the book of Judges explains this shift in Israel. Chapter one records that when the tribes of Israel first entered the land God had promised to them, "the LORD was with them" (1:19,22). But then the Israelites disobeyed God by failing to drive the people who lived in the land out of the land, as God had told them to do. God told them, "They will be thorns in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you" (2:3). This may be hard for some people to accept. What right did the Israelites have to this land in the first place? That question continues to be asked today! The answer is in Genesis 12-17: God promised the land to Abraham and his descendants. How could God do this? Questions such as these often arise because people have not read the Bible and do not know the God who is holy and just, and who carries out judgment on those who do not worship Him.
It is impossible to understand God's judgment unless you believe He is worthy of worship and perfect obedience, and that those who worship other gods bring His just judgment upon them. When you understand that, you quickly realize the implications of Judges 2:10: "After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what He had done for Israel." This was a people who had received every possible blessing from the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and had then disobeyed His Word and turned and worshiped idols, the gods of the nations around them.
God brought judgment on Israel ... but He did not abandon them. Now we read, "Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the LORD was against them to defeat them" (2:15). Having the one true God fighting against you is a scary proposition. Still God showed His mercy and grace. As the people were oppressed by their enemies and cried out to the LORD, He heard them and sent "Judges" to deliver them. But as soon as God saved them from their enemies, they settled into their everyday lives again, forgot about the LORD, their God, and turned once again to idols.
How much like them are we today? God has sent the message of salvation throughout the world, beginning in Jerusalem following the resurrection of Jesus, and extending throughout the nations. Is there a nation today where the Gospel has not been proclaimed? One God, one Savior, one way to come to God - through faith in Jesus Christ. Those who believe are saved, no matter what nation they live in or what language they speak, or what race they may be. But those who do not believe will face God's judgment.
God's wrath and judgment are already being seen in many ways in our nation and the nations of the world. Only repentance, confessing our sin and turning from it, placing our faith in Jesus Christ, can bring God's forgiveness and even deliver a nation from His judgment. God knows those who are His and calls us to come to Him, to worship Him, to serve Him, to proclaim His name and to trust Him ... as we wait and watch for His judgment to come.
Find your hope in the LORD, the God of Israel, the God of all who believe in His Son Jesus Christ, the only true God. He is worthy of your praise, your worship and your love!
"Father, help us to teach our children to know You, to love You and to serve You! Pour out Your Spirit upon those who are truly Your people today, that we may be faithful to You, our God. Forgive us our sins and renew our strength to serve You and to proclaim Your name to the nations. In Jesus' name, Amen"
Scripture Reading: Judges 1 - 6 ...
That there is one true God used to be the accepted truth by the majority of those in our nation. Religious diversity has perhaps been commonplace in other nations of the world, and to some extent in our own, yet something "new" has occurred in the past few decades: a turning away from the one true God, our Creator, who has revealed Himself in His creation, in His Word and in His Son, Jesus Christ. More and more and more people believe that it doesn't matter what you believe ... or IF you believe. All of this points to one of two things: judgment from God ... or the soon return of Jesus and judgment from God. While that doesn't sound like much of an option, it is the reality of God's dealing with those who turn away from Him.
The first few chapters of the book of Judges explains this shift in Israel. Chapter one records that when the tribes of Israel first entered the land God had promised to them, "the LORD was with them" (1:19,22). But then the Israelites disobeyed God by failing to drive the people who lived in the land out of the land, as God had told them to do. God told them, "They will be thorns in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you" (2:3). This may be hard for some people to accept. What right did the Israelites have to this land in the first place? That question continues to be asked today! The answer is in Genesis 12-17: God promised the land to Abraham and his descendants. How could God do this? Questions such as these often arise because people have not read the Bible and do not know the God who is holy and just, and who carries out judgment on those who do not worship Him.
It is impossible to understand God's judgment unless you believe He is worthy of worship and perfect obedience, and that those who worship other gods bring His just judgment upon them. When you understand that, you quickly realize the implications of Judges 2:10: "After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what He had done for Israel." This was a people who had received every possible blessing from the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and had then disobeyed His Word and turned and worshiped idols, the gods of the nations around them.
God brought judgment on Israel ... but He did not abandon them. Now we read, "Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the LORD was against them to defeat them" (2:15). Having the one true God fighting against you is a scary proposition. Still God showed His mercy and grace. As the people were oppressed by their enemies and cried out to the LORD, He heard them and sent "Judges" to deliver them. But as soon as God saved them from their enemies, they settled into their everyday lives again, forgot about the LORD, their God, and turned once again to idols.
How much like them are we today? God has sent the message of salvation throughout the world, beginning in Jerusalem following the resurrection of Jesus, and extending throughout the nations. Is there a nation today where the Gospel has not been proclaimed? One God, one Savior, one way to come to God - through faith in Jesus Christ. Those who believe are saved, no matter what nation they live in or what language they speak, or what race they may be. But those who do not believe will face God's judgment.
God's wrath and judgment are already being seen in many ways in our nation and the nations of the world. Only repentance, confessing our sin and turning from it, placing our faith in Jesus Christ, can bring God's forgiveness and even deliver a nation from His judgment. God knows those who are His and calls us to come to Him, to worship Him, to serve Him, to proclaim His name and to trust Him ... as we wait and watch for His judgment to come.
Find your hope in the LORD, the God of Israel, the God of all who believe in His Son Jesus Christ, the only true God. He is worthy of your praise, your worship and your love!
"Father, help us to teach our children to know You, to love You and to serve You! Pour out Your Spirit upon those who are truly Your people today, that we may be faithful to You, our God. Forgive us our sins and renew our strength to serve You and to proclaim Your name to the nations. In Jesus' name, Amen"
Sunday, February 2, 2014
"Pictures of Redemption"
Day #37: Daily Bible Reading Plan - February 3rd
Scripture Reading: Genesis 20 - 23 ...
Those who believe in Jesus Christ should read Genesis regularly as a reminder of how we got from Abraham to Jesus to the Church to today. God had chosen and called Abraham and promised that he and his wife, Sarah, would have a son in their old age. Moses, the author of Genesis, recounts stories of Abraham and Sarah, even pointing out Sarah's death and WHERE she was buried ... in the land that would belong to the descendants of Abraham ... more than 4,000 years later!!!
The people around Abraham recognized that God was with him and sought his favor. Even in a foreign land the presence and power of God was displayed in Abraham's life ... but not only for the people in Abraham's day. In Abraham's life, the presence and power of God was displayed for US, so that WE would know the God of Abraham.
God leaves nothing to chance ... in Abraham's life ... in your life. Step-by-step God unfolds His plan - a plan that includes you and me as believers today. One of the most beautiful pictures of redemption, of God's plan to redeem lost sinners, is found in Genesis 22. You probably know the story ... the true story of God instructing Abraham to offer his son, Isaac, to God as a sacrifice. This was the son God had promised to Abraham and Sarah, the one through whom Abraham's descendants would be counted, numbered by God. How could Abraham imagine that this would turn out well?
Because Abraham believed God at His Word. I love how the writer of Hebrews reveals what only God could know, in Hebrews 11:17-19: "By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice His one and only son, even though God had said to him, 'It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.' Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death."
God tells us what Abraham was thinking: "If God has called me to do this and if He has promised that my descendants will be numbered through Isaac, then if God allows me to offer him as a sacrifice, God will HAVE to raise Isaac from the dead!" But God did even more than that! God revealed His plan to save the entire human race when Abraham said, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering" (22:8). God will provide!
Later, God would give Moses the regulations for the Day of Atonement ... the offering of the sacrifice that symbolically removed the sins of the worshipers at the Tabernacle and then the Temple. We know now that all of this pointed ahead to Jesus, the perfect Lamb, being sacrificed on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. God's promises. God's picture of redemption ... Abraham's God ... OUR God! More than a story. Abraham was at the beginning, but the story isn't over!! Pictures become realities ... and WE are saved!!
"OUR Father in heaven, I thank You for Your wisdom and grace in planning to save us from our sins and make us part of Your family for eternity! As You worked in the past, so continue Your work in us, Your people today, for Your glory! In Jesus' name, Amen"
Scripture Reading: Genesis 20 - 23 ...
Those who believe in Jesus Christ should read Genesis regularly as a reminder of how we got from Abraham to Jesus to the Church to today. God had chosen and called Abraham and promised that he and his wife, Sarah, would have a son in their old age. Moses, the author of Genesis, recounts stories of Abraham and Sarah, even pointing out Sarah's death and WHERE she was buried ... in the land that would belong to the descendants of Abraham ... more than 4,000 years later!!!
The people around Abraham recognized that God was with him and sought his favor. Even in a foreign land the presence and power of God was displayed in Abraham's life ... but not only for the people in Abraham's day. In Abraham's life, the presence and power of God was displayed for US, so that WE would know the God of Abraham.
God leaves nothing to chance ... in Abraham's life ... in your life. Step-by-step God unfolds His plan - a plan that includes you and me as believers today. One of the most beautiful pictures of redemption, of God's plan to redeem lost sinners, is found in Genesis 22. You probably know the story ... the true story of God instructing Abraham to offer his son, Isaac, to God as a sacrifice. This was the son God had promised to Abraham and Sarah, the one through whom Abraham's descendants would be counted, numbered by God. How could Abraham imagine that this would turn out well?
Because Abraham believed God at His Word. I love how the writer of Hebrews reveals what only God could know, in Hebrews 11:17-19: "By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice His one and only son, even though God had said to him, 'It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.' Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death."
God tells us what Abraham was thinking: "If God has called me to do this and if He has promised that my descendants will be numbered through Isaac, then if God allows me to offer him as a sacrifice, God will HAVE to raise Isaac from the dead!" But God did even more than that! God revealed His plan to save the entire human race when Abraham said, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering" (22:8). God will provide!
Later, God would give Moses the regulations for the Day of Atonement ... the offering of the sacrifice that symbolically removed the sins of the worshipers at the Tabernacle and then the Temple. We know now that all of this pointed ahead to Jesus, the perfect Lamb, being sacrificed on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. God's promises. God's picture of redemption ... Abraham's God ... OUR God! More than a story. Abraham was at the beginning, but the story isn't over!! Pictures become realities ... and WE are saved!!
"OUR Father in heaven, I thank You for Your wisdom and grace in planning to save us from our sins and make us part of Your family for eternity! As You worked in the past, so continue Your work in us, Your people today, for Your glory! In Jesus' name, Amen"
Saturday, February 1, 2014
"Mercy - for Israel and for YOU!"
Day #36: Daily Bible Reading - February 2nd
Scripture Reading: Romans 11 - 12 ...
God knows those who are His. That is such a comforting truth, yet one overlooked by many. Before you knew God, God knew you. If you have believed in Jesus Christ it is because God chose you, gave you His Spirit, regenerated you, gave you the gift of faith, saved you by the blood of Christ and now empowers you to live for Him until you leave this world to be with Him in eternity. That's what the Apostles' Creed teaches because that's what the Bible teaches. God knows those who are His, and if you are one of His children, God knows YOU!
In Romans 11, Paul continues his explanation of God's relationship with Israel, the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. "Did God reject His people? By no means!" (11:1). God has always kept a remnant from Israel as His very own (11:5). Paul had explained in Chapter 9, verse 6, that "not all who are descended from Israel are Israel." God knows those who are His, from the descendants of Abraham AND from the Gentiles - those who are called and who have faith in the promises of God. In fact, God had told the Apostles to take the Gospel "first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles" (1:16).
The Church today is made up of both Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:11-22), yet God has a further plan for physical Israel. The "root" of the Church is still physical Israel. "They are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God's gift and His call are irrevocable" (11:28-29). That is a huge comfort to us who believe in Jesus today. Salvation is the gift of God and cannot be lost! Which leads Paul to begin to apply the Gospel to life in Chapter 12.
All of what he says in the remainder of his letter to Romans is said in the context of Romans 12:1: "In view of God's mercy ..." God is worthy of your worship, of your service, of your life, because He has shown you mercy. You and I deserve judgment, but God has chosen to show His children mercy. The privilege of knowing God and loving Him cannot be explained to those who have not received His grace. But to His children God gives gifts to be used for Him in the context of the Church, His body. "In Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others" (12:5).
How can you say you have received God's mercy and been shown His grace and NOT serve the Lord with fervor and zeal (12:11)? Evil is all around us, and even within us, but God empowers His children to overcome evil with good (12:21). Life with Christ is life lived with purpose, life lived with love for God and love for others ... in view of God's mercy! These chapters reveal again that everything points us to the God who rules over all things and who makes promises and keeps them.
TRUST Him! LOVE Him! Serve Him and find joy in being one of His children!!
"Oh Lord, my God, from You, to You and through You are all things, so that YOU will receive glory, honor and praise from your children, now and forever! Thank you for making ME part of Your family through faith in Jesus. I am YOURS!! In Jesus' name, Amen"
Scripture Reading: Romans 11 - 12 ...
God knows those who are His. That is such a comforting truth, yet one overlooked by many. Before you knew God, God knew you. If you have believed in Jesus Christ it is because God chose you, gave you His Spirit, regenerated you, gave you the gift of faith, saved you by the blood of Christ and now empowers you to live for Him until you leave this world to be with Him in eternity. That's what the Apostles' Creed teaches because that's what the Bible teaches. God knows those who are His, and if you are one of His children, God knows YOU!
In Romans 11, Paul continues his explanation of God's relationship with Israel, the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. "Did God reject His people? By no means!" (11:1). God has always kept a remnant from Israel as His very own (11:5). Paul had explained in Chapter 9, verse 6, that "not all who are descended from Israel are Israel." God knows those who are His, from the descendants of Abraham AND from the Gentiles - those who are called and who have faith in the promises of God. In fact, God had told the Apostles to take the Gospel "first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles" (1:16).
The Church today is made up of both Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:11-22), yet God has a further plan for physical Israel. The "root" of the Church is still physical Israel. "They are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God's gift and His call are irrevocable" (11:28-29). That is a huge comfort to us who believe in Jesus today. Salvation is the gift of God and cannot be lost! Which leads Paul to begin to apply the Gospel to life in Chapter 12.
All of what he says in the remainder of his letter to Romans is said in the context of Romans 12:1: "In view of God's mercy ..." God is worthy of your worship, of your service, of your life, because He has shown you mercy. You and I deserve judgment, but God has chosen to show His children mercy. The privilege of knowing God and loving Him cannot be explained to those who have not received His grace. But to His children God gives gifts to be used for Him in the context of the Church, His body. "In Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others" (12:5).
How can you say you have received God's mercy and been shown His grace and NOT serve the Lord with fervor and zeal (12:11)? Evil is all around us, and even within us, but God empowers His children to overcome evil with good (12:21). Life with Christ is life lived with purpose, life lived with love for God and love for others ... in view of God's mercy! These chapters reveal again that everything points us to the God who rules over all things and who makes promises and keeps them.
TRUST Him! LOVE Him! Serve Him and find joy in being one of His children!!
"Oh Lord, my God, from You, to You and through You are all things, so that YOU will receive glory, honor and praise from your children, now and forever! Thank you for making ME part of Your family through faith in Jesus. I am YOURS!! In Jesus' name, Amen"
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