Day #240: Daily Bible Reading Plan - August 25th
Scripture Reading: Numbers 9 - 12 ...
We say often that being a Christian means having a relationship with the living God, the one true God, our Creator, who has revealed Himself in His creation, in His Son Jesus Christ, and by His Word and His Spirit who is at work in every true believer. We talk about having a relationship with God because that is the central theme of the whole Bible. God's purpose in salvation is to restore sinful people to a relationship of love with Him, their God. As we read of the Israelites as they come out of Egypt we discover that their relationship with God, for the most part, was merely outward. Few (we don't know how many) truly trusted God or rejoiced in His goodness and mercy and grace. Though having been delivered physically from Egypt, they remained in spiritual bondage ... spiritually blind and dead, unable to see the glory of their God, even though He was constantly displaying it right before their eyes - literally!!
The Apostle Paul wrote of them hundreds of years later: "They were all under the cloud and they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert. Now these things occurred as examples to keep US from setting our hearts on evil things as they did" (I Corinthians 10:1-6).
Spiritual life is a gift from God ... not everyone has it ... in fact, most don't. As the people were leaving Egypt God commanded Moses to have them celebrate the Passover. They had celebrated the Passover the night God sent the angel of death to slay the firstborn of Egypt. Now they were free ... free to worship, free to rejoice in the Lord, their God. Even those who were "unclean," those whom the law said could not bring their offerings to God for a time ... even these could celebrate the Passover, could celebrate their freedom and rejoice in the Lord. What a beautiful picture of God's forgiveness - of His willingness to receive sinners into His presence!! The blood of the perfect Lamb covers our sins in the sight of God so that we may come to worship Him!
As Israel entered the desert on their way to the land God had promised their forefathers, it was necessary and essential that God went with them - more than that, that He LEAD them. He did so by appearing in a cloud over the tabernacle, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. When the cloud lifted, the people traveled on, when it remained, so did they. God gives this picture of your life and mine as we seek the Lord daily for guidance. Our guidance is found in His Word and through His Spirit living within us. God's Spirit gives us the Word and teaches us God's will for our lives, and as we apply the truth and the principles God has revealed we are LED through this life! All of this was and is a picture of God's leading in our lives and the importance of following HIM!
In Chapter 10 God mentions trumpets. Trumpets were an important part of the life of the Israelites as they traveled, and even later as they came into the promised land. Trumpets were used to call the people to gather together (the rapture!), to engage in battle (Armageddon) and to worship (the victory of Christ and the Millennium). Could there be any question as the people set out that God was with them, that He was for them, that He was their Provider, their Savior, their Guide ... that He was all they needed??!!!! But these people were sinners and, as we saw above, most of them remained spiritually dead. So after witnessing the power of God firsthand in Egypt, at Mt. Sinai and thus far through their journey, they began to complain, to grumble and to question God's goodness and faithfulness.
First, the people complained about how hard things were ... remember, they were just delivered from slavery in Egypt. God sent fire to consume some of them. Then others began to grumble about the manna they were eating every day. They said, "If only we had meat to eat!" Moses was troubled and God was angry. Moses was getting tired, so God appointed seventy elders to help Moses lead the people and placed His Spirit upon them. Then God sent the people meat ... LOTS of meat! God told Moses to tell the people that they would eat meat the next day, but Moses doubted. Where would the meat come from? God replied, "Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you" (11:23).
God sent a wind over the sea and a flood of quail entered the camp. The people gathered the quail and began to eat, but God was angry and sent a severe place and many people died. What was the point of this? Some of these things seem strange to our ears because we do not live in that time. Yet here is another picture of what many people today refuse to accept: God takes sin seriously ... very seriously. It's not always good when God gives you what you want. When people who are called by God's name crave the things of the world more than they desire God Himself, the outcome is discipline, and in the case of those who are not true believers, judgment.
Even Miriam and Aaron got in on the complaining against Moses and his leadership. There is a significant parentheses in Chapter 12, verse 3: "Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth." Some might read that and say, "Wait a minute, didn't Moses write the book of Numbers?" Of course, he did, but perhaps that is why there are parentheses around the statement. God inspired, moved, directed Moses to write what he did and truth is truth. Miriam and Aaron had no right or reason to complain against and criticize their brother. Leading Israel was not a task Moses volunteered for. He was called to leadership and God had used him to bring the people out of Egypt.
So it is with EVERY true leader that God calls to lead His people. Those who are called by God and empowered by His Spirit take no credit for the fruit of their labors. They give glory to God and trust Him to accomplish in them and through them everything HE desires. That's why the criticism of Moses was so unfounded and God dealt with it directly. Notice that it was Moses who interceded for Miriam before the Lord, as Jesus does for you and me. It was our sin that sent him to the cross, yet He intercedes for us before the Father's throne and sends His Spirit for our healing. Truly, His love and grace are amazing!
Watching the people of Israel is like learning everything you SHOULDN'T do! As we follow Christ the "keys to success" are trusting the Lord, following His leading and giving thanks. God says, " For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. ... As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9). Read God's Word, trust in Jesus, follow His leading and give thanks ... and you can't go wrong!
"O Lord my God, as You led the people of Israel out of bondage, so You have delivered me from slavery to sin and have set me free to serve You with joy and thanksgiving. Help me to trust You in the midst of the struggles that come, knowing that You are always with me. Give me grace to live for You daily and not to complain when things don't go the way I think they should. Remind me often to give thanks for ALL You have done ... especially for the gift of Your Son, the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life!! I rejoice in YOU, my Savior and my God, in Jesus' name, Amen"
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Saturday, August 23, 2014
"It's all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ …"
Day #239: Daily Bible Reading Plan - August 24th
Scripture Reading: II Timothy 1 - 2 …
Understanding your place in God's plan and purposes inspires you to go deeper in your relationship with God and to commit yourself to being equipped as a "soldier of Christ Jesus," ready to share the Gospel with those in your immediate sphere of influence and with others whom you may meet. It is not by accident that you are alive at this moment in history, or that you are in the family you are, or that you have the gifts and abilities you have. You are a unique individual whom God has placed in this world at this time for HIS glory!
That's what Paul wanted Timothy to know … and that's what God wants YOU to know! Paul and Timothy had labored together for the Gospel and were now separated as Paul had been taken as a prisoner to Rome. While under "house arrest" in Rome, Paul continued to proclaim the Gospel and wrote to Timothy to encourage him to do the same. He tells Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God which is in you" … "for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (1:6-7). God never calls us to do something without giving us what we need to do it! As someone has said, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called!"
We do well to remember the importance of the message we bring to the world because Jesus Christ "has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel" (1:10). I say it often that there is no other message in the world that has the power to transform sinners into saints, to bring eternal life to those who are spiritually dead. So Paul declares, "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day" (1:12). What have you entrusted to Jesus? "That day" refers to the day of judgment, when Jesus returns and calls those who believe to Himself. Have you entrusted yourself to Jesus? Do you believe that His blood covers your sins in God's sight … that He paid your debt and you HAVE forgiveness of your sins and eternal life, as His Spirit lives and works within you??
Timothy had been born again by God's Spirit and called to proclaim God's truth. So now Paul says, "What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus" (1:13). And in Chapter 2, charges Timothy to equip others to teach the Gospel, too: "The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (2:2). The principle of multiplication rests in God's instruction to pastors and teachers to equip others to share the Gospel, too. What could possibly be more important than raising up those who will pass this message on to others?!
With that in mind, Paul tells Timothy, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2:15). He gives Timothy and us counsel from God when he tells him to avoid godless chatter and foolish arguments. We are easily distracted both by idle conversation and senseless disputes. "The Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will" (2:24-26).
We need to understand the war that is going on in the spiritual realm for the souls of men and engage in the battle, armed with the "sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). Which takes us back to the importance of being equipped. Handling God's Word correctly is taken far too lightly today. People with little knowledge are teaching false doctrine, oftentimes being very sincere as they do so. False teaching is like cancer, and it spreads through various means throughout the church, as well as the world. Peter writes that his spiritual brother, Paul's letters to the churches "contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction" (II Peter 3:16).
Sound teaching is "passed on" through godly teachers whose only authority is the Word of God. That's why Paul told Timothy to pass on the things he had heard Paul say to reliable men who would then teach others. The church is not fulfilling its mission if this is not taking place. Leaders cannot lead if they do not know the truth, nor can they safeguard the flock under their care from false teaching. As Paul was about to leave Ephesus, he called together the elders that had been appointed as overseers and said to them, "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood" (Acts 20:28). Fulfilling that task requires men who have gained a knowledge of God's Word through careful instruction and study.
The mission Jesus entrusted to the Church can be and is fulfilled only when the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being proclaimed. May God raise up many soldiers in Christ's army who will be faithful to proclaim the unchanging truth of God's Word to all who will be given ears to hear!
"Father, throughout the centuries, You have raised up godly men to proclaim the Gospel and empowered them by Your Spirit. Be gracious to Your Church in these last days, that we may not waiver in our commitment to make disciples of Jesus and so fulfill our calling, for Your glory. Protect Christ's body from false teachers by equipping soldiers for His army. Let the power of the Gospel shine through the darkness, in Jesus' name, Amen"
Scripture Reading: II Timothy 1 - 2 …
Understanding your place in God's plan and purposes inspires you to go deeper in your relationship with God and to commit yourself to being equipped as a "soldier of Christ Jesus," ready to share the Gospel with those in your immediate sphere of influence and with others whom you may meet. It is not by accident that you are alive at this moment in history, or that you are in the family you are, or that you have the gifts and abilities you have. You are a unique individual whom God has placed in this world at this time for HIS glory!
That's what Paul wanted Timothy to know … and that's what God wants YOU to know! Paul and Timothy had labored together for the Gospel and were now separated as Paul had been taken as a prisoner to Rome. While under "house arrest" in Rome, Paul continued to proclaim the Gospel and wrote to Timothy to encourage him to do the same. He tells Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God which is in you" … "for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (1:6-7). God never calls us to do something without giving us what we need to do it! As someone has said, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called!"
We do well to remember the importance of the message we bring to the world because Jesus Christ "has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel" (1:10). I say it often that there is no other message in the world that has the power to transform sinners into saints, to bring eternal life to those who are spiritually dead. So Paul declares, "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day" (1:12). What have you entrusted to Jesus? "That day" refers to the day of judgment, when Jesus returns and calls those who believe to Himself. Have you entrusted yourself to Jesus? Do you believe that His blood covers your sins in God's sight … that He paid your debt and you HAVE forgiveness of your sins and eternal life, as His Spirit lives and works within you??
Timothy had been born again by God's Spirit and called to proclaim God's truth. So now Paul says, "What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus" (1:13). And in Chapter 2, charges Timothy to equip others to teach the Gospel, too: "The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (2:2). The principle of multiplication rests in God's instruction to pastors and teachers to equip others to share the Gospel, too. What could possibly be more important than raising up those who will pass this message on to others?!
With that in mind, Paul tells Timothy, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2:15). He gives Timothy and us counsel from God when he tells him to avoid godless chatter and foolish arguments. We are easily distracted both by idle conversation and senseless disputes. "The Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will" (2:24-26).
We need to understand the war that is going on in the spiritual realm for the souls of men and engage in the battle, armed with the "sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). Which takes us back to the importance of being equipped. Handling God's Word correctly is taken far too lightly today. People with little knowledge are teaching false doctrine, oftentimes being very sincere as they do so. False teaching is like cancer, and it spreads through various means throughout the church, as well as the world. Peter writes that his spiritual brother, Paul's letters to the churches "contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction" (II Peter 3:16).
Sound teaching is "passed on" through godly teachers whose only authority is the Word of God. That's why Paul told Timothy to pass on the things he had heard Paul say to reliable men who would then teach others. The church is not fulfilling its mission if this is not taking place. Leaders cannot lead if they do not know the truth, nor can they safeguard the flock under their care from false teaching. As Paul was about to leave Ephesus, he called together the elders that had been appointed as overseers and said to them, "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood" (Acts 20:28). Fulfilling that task requires men who have gained a knowledge of God's Word through careful instruction and study.
The mission Jesus entrusted to the Church can be and is fulfilled only when the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being proclaimed. May God raise up many soldiers in Christ's army who will be faithful to proclaim the unchanging truth of God's Word to all who will be given ears to hear!
"Father, throughout the centuries, You have raised up godly men to proclaim the Gospel and empowered them by Your Spirit. Be gracious to Your Church in these last days, that we may not waiver in our commitment to make disciples of Jesus and so fulfill our calling, for Your glory. Protect Christ's body from false teachers by equipping soldiers for His army. Let the power of the Gospel shine through the darkness, in Jesus' name, Amen"
Friday, August 22, 2014
"I was blind, but now I see!!"
Day #238: Daily Bible Reading Plan - August 23rd
Scripture Reading: John 7 - 9 …
Can you hear what God is saying in His Word? How have you responded to the testimony God has given in His Word regarding Jesus? So many people fail to understand that the whole Bible points to Jesus as the perfect Son of God, true God and true man, who came into this world from heaven to be the Savior of all who believe in Him. The entire Old Testament points ahead to Him, while the Gospels explain why He came and record the eyewitness testimony of those who were with Him, and the rest of the New Testament explains God's purpose in the Church and the Gospel and points to Jesus' return to establish His kingdom in a new heaven and a new earth. Have you accepted God's testimony concerning Jesus and the way of salvation through faith in Him?
Jesus said to some of the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the Jews, "He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason YOU do NOT hear is that you do not belong to God!" (8:47). While many who preach and teach in the church today are careful to be "politically correct," which means not wanting to offend anyone, Jesus simply spoke the truth. As He performed miracles and taught, people began to wonder who He was. The prophets spoke about a prophet who would come who would be like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15). They predicted that an "Anointed One," a "Messiah" (the "Christ") would come, who would deliver those who believed from slavery. The people were under the rule of the Roman Empire and they thought this ruler would deliver them from the tyranny of Rome.
As the time approached for Jesus to go to the cross, the Pharisees were trying to kill Him. That sounds so strange to us … that anyone would want to actually kill Jesus. We may sometimes forget that it was evil men who did just that. While it was God's plan that Jesus go to the cross to bear His wrath against our sins, yet it was wicked men who were responsible for sending Him to the cross. Peter says it this was as he preaches in Acts 2: "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. BUT God raised Him from the dead … " (Acts 2:22-24).
As Jesus came to the feast in Jerusalem and began to teach at the temple, the Pharisees wanted to get rid of Him, but they were afraid of the people. Since the Pharisees did nothing to stop Him, the people began to wonder, "Have the authorities really concluded that He IS the Christ?" (7:26). Many began to put their faith in Him, but their understanding of why Jesus had come was still very limited. As Jesus began to talk about going where they could not come, they did not understand that He meant returning to heaven. Still today many believe that Jesus was simply a "good man" who taught some "good things." As Jesus taught about where He was going and about the coming of the Spirit ("streams of living water will flow from within" - 7:38), the people were divided. "Surely this man is the Prophet." "He is the Christ." "How can the Christ come from Galilee?" (7:40-41). John records that "the people were divided because of Jesus" (7:43).
People are still divided because of Jesus. No figure in the history of mankind has caused such a great division. Every person has to answer the question, "Who is Jesus?!" The unbelief of the Jewish leaders revealed their spiritual blindness, as Jesus exposed it in Chapter 8. He shattered their understanding of the Law by forgiving the woman caught in adultery. Was Jesus saying that Moses was wrong to declare that she should be stoned? No. The Law was given to show people their sin before a holy God. But all the Law could do was condemn. Jesus came to fulfill the Law - to give Himself as the perfect sacrifice for all who would believe. He didn't change the Law, but called people who couldn't keep the Law perfectly to believe in Him for forgiveness and life.
So many, even in the church, still do not get this today. The Law shows us our sin and points us to Christ. As Paul, himself a former Pharisee, writes to the Galatians, "The Law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith" (Galatians 3:24). Once we are born again by the Spirit we WANT to obey God's law and it can no longer condemn us. The Pharisees didn't understand grace ... couldn't understand grace, because their hearts were hard and their minds were closed. They were utterly and totally spiritually blind! They claimed to be the "children of Abraham," but Jesus confronted them with the reality that "You belong to your father, the devil" (8:44). Ouch!! Wasn't that cruel and uncalled for? No, it was truth!
The Pharisees not only rejected the teaching of Jesus and not only wanted to kill Jesus ... they were leading people astray and away from Jesus. Some in the church today are saying that we must respect those who are doing the same. Jesus says they belong to their father, the devil. The Pharisees had the nerve to ask Jesus, "Are you greater than our father Abraham? ... Who do you think you are?!" (8:53). Don't you want to just scream at them, "Who do you think YOU are?!" Jesus responds, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born I am!" (8:58). Jesus is GOD! He existed before Abraham and is greater than Abraham. He is GOD in the flesh!
To be so blind ... to be so blind ... is so sad. And without the Spirit, that would be you and me. Like the man born blind in Chapter 9, we were all born spiritually blind. Jesus said, "No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (John 3:3). Jesus healed the blind man and all the Pharisees could think of is that He did it on the sabbath (revealing their misunderstanding of the Law). They didn't know who Jesus was because they weren't listening! The man who had been healed was asked who healed him and he told them Jesus. The Pharisees said, "Give glory to God. We know this man is a sinner!" (9:24). He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see!"
Is that YOUR testimony? "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind, but now I see!" If you have heard the testimony of God's Word and you believe in Jesus, then testify to the truth ... tell others who He IS - the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God, your Savior and Lord. Praise Him for what He has done for you and give thanks to God for His amazing gift!
"Heavenly Father, to be your child through faith in Jesus required the sacrifice of Your own Son on the cross. Without Your Spirit, I would be spiritually blind and dead in my sin. May my life be a sacrifice of thanksgiving to You, my God, as I testify to the world that Jesus is Lord! Thank You, Father, for opening my eyes so I can SEE! I praise You, in Jesus' name, Amen"
Scripture Reading: John 7 - 9 …
Can you hear what God is saying in His Word? How have you responded to the testimony God has given in His Word regarding Jesus? So many people fail to understand that the whole Bible points to Jesus as the perfect Son of God, true God and true man, who came into this world from heaven to be the Savior of all who believe in Him. The entire Old Testament points ahead to Him, while the Gospels explain why He came and record the eyewitness testimony of those who were with Him, and the rest of the New Testament explains God's purpose in the Church and the Gospel and points to Jesus' return to establish His kingdom in a new heaven and a new earth. Have you accepted God's testimony concerning Jesus and the way of salvation through faith in Him?
Jesus said to some of the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the Jews, "He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason YOU do NOT hear is that you do not belong to God!" (8:47). While many who preach and teach in the church today are careful to be "politically correct," which means not wanting to offend anyone, Jesus simply spoke the truth. As He performed miracles and taught, people began to wonder who He was. The prophets spoke about a prophet who would come who would be like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15). They predicted that an "Anointed One," a "Messiah" (the "Christ") would come, who would deliver those who believed from slavery. The people were under the rule of the Roman Empire and they thought this ruler would deliver them from the tyranny of Rome.
As the time approached for Jesus to go to the cross, the Pharisees were trying to kill Him. That sounds so strange to us … that anyone would want to actually kill Jesus. We may sometimes forget that it was evil men who did just that. While it was God's plan that Jesus go to the cross to bear His wrath against our sins, yet it was wicked men who were responsible for sending Him to the cross. Peter says it this was as he preaches in Acts 2: "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. BUT God raised Him from the dead … " (Acts 2:22-24).
As Jesus came to the feast in Jerusalem and began to teach at the temple, the Pharisees wanted to get rid of Him, but they were afraid of the people. Since the Pharisees did nothing to stop Him, the people began to wonder, "Have the authorities really concluded that He IS the Christ?" (7:26). Many began to put their faith in Him, but their understanding of why Jesus had come was still very limited. As Jesus began to talk about going where they could not come, they did not understand that He meant returning to heaven. Still today many believe that Jesus was simply a "good man" who taught some "good things." As Jesus taught about where He was going and about the coming of the Spirit ("streams of living water will flow from within" - 7:38), the people were divided. "Surely this man is the Prophet." "He is the Christ." "How can the Christ come from Galilee?" (7:40-41). John records that "the people were divided because of Jesus" (7:43).
People are still divided because of Jesus. No figure in the history of mankind has caused such a great division. Every person has to answer the question, "Who is Jesus?!" The unbelief of the Jewish leaders revealed their spiritual blindness, as Jesus exposed it in Chapter 8. He shattered their understanding of the Law by forgiving the woman caught in adultery. Was Jesus saying that Moses was wrong to declare that she should be stoned? No. The Law was given to show people their sin before a holy God. But all the Law could do was condemn. Jesus came to fulfill the Law - to give Himself as the perfect sacrifice for all who would believe. He didn't change the Law, but called people who couldn't keep the Law perfectly to believe in Him for forgiveness and life.
So many, even in the church, still do not get this today. The Law shows us our sin and points us to Christ. As Paul, himself a former Pharisee, writes to the Galatians, "The Law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith" (Galatians 3:24). Once we are born again by the Spirit we WANT to obey God's law and it can no longer condemn us. The Pharisees didn't understand grace ... couldn't understand grace, because their hearts were hard and their minds were closed. They were utterly and totally spiritually blind! They claimed to be the "children of Abraham," but Jesus confronted them with the reality that "You belong to your father, the devil" (8:44). Ouch!! Wasn't that cruel and uncalled for? No, it was truth!
The Pharisees not only rejected the teaching of Jesus and not only wanted to kill Jesus ... they were leading people astray and away from Jesus. Some in the church today are saying that we must respect those who are doing the same. Jesus says they belong to their father, the devil. The Pharisees had the nerve to ask Jesus, "Are you greater than our father Abraham? ... Who do you think you are?!" (8:53). Don't you want to just scream at them, "Who do you think YOU are?!" Jesus responds, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born I am!" (8:58). Jesus is GOD! He existed before Abraham and is greater than Abraham. He is GOD in the flesh!
To be so blind ... to be so blind ... is so sad. And without the Spirit, that would be you and me. Like the man born blind in Chapter 9, we were all born spiritually blind. Jesus said, "No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (John 3:3). Jesus healed the blind man and all the Pharisees could think of is that He did it on the sabbath (revealing their misunderstanding of the Law). They didn't know who Jesus was because they weren't listening! The man who had been healed was asked who healed him and he told them Jesus. The Pharisees said, "Give glory to God. We know this man is a sinner!" (9:24). He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see!"
Is that YOUR testimony? "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind, but now I see!" If you have heard the testimony of God's Word and you believe in Jesus, then testify to the truth ... tell others who He IS - the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God, your Savior and Lord. Praise Him for what He has done for you and give thanks to God for His amazing gift!
"Heavenly Father, to be your child through faith in Jesus required the sacrifice of Your own Son on the cross. Without Your Spirit, I would be spiritually blind and dead in my sin. May my life be a sacrifice of thanksgiving to You, my God, as I testify to the world that Jesus is Lord! Thank You, Father, for opening my eyes so I can SEE! I praise You, in Jesus' name, Amen"
Thursday, August 21, 2014
"The consequences of spiritual adultery …"
Day #237: Daily Bible Reading Plan - August 22nd
Scripture Reading: Hosea 1 - 7 …
Reading through the prophets requires an understanding of the history of the nation of Israel and God's future plans for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In the prophets we find God pointing to the future - both the immediate future (judgment) and the more distant future (restoration). As God exposes the sinful rebellion of those who were called to be His people, and announces His coming judgment, He also offers hope to those who repent, who turn back to Him and who humble themselves before Him, trusting in His grace, His forgiveness and His promises. And in God's promises to His people through the prophets we who believe today find the assurance and comfort that God will always be faithful to those who trust in Him!
Hosea was called by God to make his life an illustration of God's relationship with Israel. God told him, "Take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the LORD" (1:2). Israel had turned away from God to the worship of idols and God was about to bring the Assyrians to pour out His judgment upon them. Hosea's daughter was named "Lo-Ruhamah" = "not loved" … and his son was named, "Lo-Ammi" = "not my people." Still, even here God offered hope for the future: "In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited, and they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel" (1:10-11). Some of the other prophets also speak of the reunion of all the tribes of Israel at some future time.
Jezreel was a place where the kings of Israel and Judah were judged by God in the days of Ahab. The tribes of Israel had been divided into two nations under the reign of Solomon's son, Rehoboam. Israel and Judah existed side-by-side until Assyria destroyed Israel, and then about 150 years later, Judah was taken into captivity by Babylon. Through all of this, however, God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In Chapter 2 God says that HE will bring Israel back to Him: "In that day you will call me 'my husband' …" (2:16). "I will betroth you to me FOREVER" (2:19). "I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD" (2:20). "I will say to those called 'Not my people,' 'You are my people', and they will say, 'You are my God'" (2:23).
When Hosea's wife returned to her adulterous ways, God told him to go get her and to love her again, for that is what GOD would do with Israel. Once again, God points to a future restoration of Israel as His people: "Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their King (Jesus Christ - a descendant of David). They will come trembling to the LORD and to His blessings in the last days" (3:5). Israel was judged because of their unfaithfulness to God. God had called them to "love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:5). But "my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge" (4:6).
God sent the prophets to speak to the people, but in their fallen, sinful, rebellious state, they refused to listen. "A spirit of prostitution leads them astray; they are unfaithful to their God" (4:12). "Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the LORD" (5:4). What a horrible truth! Those who were called by God to be His people, to love, worship and obey Him and to be a light to the nations around them, instead worshiped idols and sought the help of the nations around them rather than their God. The situation is much the same today in the church.
Those who claim to believe in the God who reveals Himself in His Word, the Bible, dabble in all sorts of false teaching that comes from the ideas of men. They dialogue with those of other religions and compromise the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, declaring that God might act contrary to His revealed will and save those who do not know or confess His Son Jesus Christ as their Savior or acknowledge Him as Lord. In the words of Isaiah, "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" (Isaiah 29:13).
There are two things going on here: God's words spoken specifically to Israel, to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and God's words spoken to those who are "grafted into the root" of Israel (Romans 11:11-24), those who believe in Jesus Christ. We who believe are part of the fulfillment of God's promises through God's anointed King, Jesus, the Christ. So Peter would write to "God's elect" (I Peter 1:1), "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God … Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy" (I Peter 2:9-10). Peter takes the names of Hosea's children and applies God's promise not only to physical Israel, but also to spiritual Israel, to those who have become "children of Abraham" through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:29).
This dual purpose in God's plans will be fulfilled when Jesus returns and God deals again specifically with physical Israel. Through the Gospel God calls people from among the Jews AND the Gentiles into one body, the Church. Yet, there WILL come a time when He will gather the remnant of the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and reunite the tribes of Israel. Why? Because He says so ... for HIS glory!! In the sight of the nations of the world, God will make His Name glorious through this people - as He has already done in resurrecting them as a nation and protecting them over the past 65 years. Can there be any doubt that all of this is part of the fulfillment of God's promises made through the prophet Hosea more than 2,000 years ago?! But there's more to come!!
Finally, God speaks in "code" to point to THE event that would ultimately restore all who believe, in Israel AND the nations: "Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has injured us, but He will bind up our wounds. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will restore us, that we may live in His presence" (6:1-2). These words point to the death and resurrection of Jesus, through whom God will restore His people into a relationship with Him ... "In that day you will call me 'my husband'" (2:16).
The consequences of spiritual adultery for individuals (and nations) are great. God sees and remembers the sins of those who refuse to repent. "They do not realize that I remember all their evil deeds" (7:2). God sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for sin and in the new covenant (made through the blood of Jesus and the pouring out of His Spirit), God says, "I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12). The Bible is all one message from God, first to Israel and then to those who would believe from the nations, whom God chose to be His own, even as He chose Israel.
Avoid the consequences of spiritual adultery. Humble yourself before God, repent and place your faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ, and you will find mercy and forgiveness ... and you will be one of HIS people!!
"O Lord, my God, Your Word is amazing as it ties all of human history together! As You have revealed Your plan of salvation, I rejoice in Your faithfulness to Your promises and thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness through the Son of David, Jesus Christ! Give me strength to be faithful to You, my God, as I declare Your name to the world around me. In Jesus' name, Amen"
Scripture Reading: Hosea 1 - 7 …
Reading through the prophets requires an understanding of the history of the nation of Israel and God's future plans for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In the prophets we find God pointing to the future - both the immediate future (judgment) and the more distant future (restoration). As God exposes the sinful rebellion of those who were called to be His people, and announces His coming judgment, He also offers hope to those who repent, who turn back to Him and who humble themselves before Him, trusting in His grace, His forgiveness and His promises. And in God's promises to His people through the prophets we who believe today find the assurance and comfort that God will always be faithful to those who trust in Him!
Hosea was called by God to make his life an illustration of God's relationship with Israel. God told him, "Take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the LORD" (1:2). Israel had turned away from God to the worship of idols and God was about to bring the Assyrians to pour out His judgment upon them. Hosea's daughter was named "Lo-Ruhamah" = "not loved" … and his son was named, "Lo-Ammi" = "not my people." Still, even here God offered hope for the future: "In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited, and they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel" (1:10-11). Some of the other prophets also speak of the reunion of all the tribes of Israel at some future time.
Jezreel was a place where the kings of Israel and Judah were judged by God in the days of Ahab. The tribes of Israel had been divided into two nations under the reign of Solomon's son, Rehoboam. Israel and Judah existed side-by-side until Assyria destroyed Israel, and then about 150 years later, Judah was taken into captivity by Babylon. Through all of this, however, God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In Chapter 2 God says that HE will bring Israel back to Him: "In that day you will call me 'my husband' …" (2:16). "I will betroth you to me FOREVER" (2:19). "I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD" (2:20). "I will say to those called 'Not my people,' 'You are my people', and they will say, 'You are my God'" (2:23).
When Hosea's wife returned to her adulterous ways, God told him to go get her and to love her again, for that is what GOD would do with Israel. Once again, God points to a future restoration of Israel as His people: "Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their King (Jesus Christ - a descendant of David). They will come trembling to the LORD and to His blessings in the last days" (3:5). Israel was judged because of their unfaithfulness to God. God had called them to "love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:5). But "my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge" (4:6).
God sent the prophets to speak to the people, but in their fallen, sinful, rebellious state, they refused to listen. "A spirit of prostitution leads them astray; they are unfaithful to their God" (4:12). "Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the LORD" (5:4). What a horrible truth! Those who were called by God to be His people, to love, worship and obey Him and to be a light to the nations around them, instead worshiped idols and sought the help of the nations around them rather than their God. The situation is much the same today in the church.
Those who claim to believe in the God who reveals Himself in His Word, the Bible, dabble in all sorts of false teaching that comes from the ideas of men. They dialogue with those of other religions and compromise the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, declaring that God might act contrary to His revealed will and save those who do not know or confess His Son Jesus Christ as their Savior or acknowledge Him as Lord. In the words of Isaiah, "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" (Isaiah 29:13).
There are two things going on here: God's words spoken specifically to Israel, to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and God's words spoken to those who are "grafted into the root" of Israel (Romans 11:11-24), those who believe in Jesus Christ. We who believe are part of the fulfillment of God's promises through God's anointed King, Jesus, the Christ. So Peter would write to "God's elect" (I Peter 1:1), "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God … Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy" (I Peter 2:9-10). Peter takes the names of Hosea's children and applies God's promise not only to physical Israel, but also to spiritual Israel, to those who have become "children of Abraham" through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:29).
This dual purpose in God's plans will be fulfilled when Jesus returns and God deals again specifically with physical Israel. Through the Gospel God calls people from among the Jews AND the Gentiles into one body, the Church. Yet, there WILL come a time when He will gather the remnant of the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and reunite the tribes of Israel. Why? Because He says so ... for HIS glory!! In the sight of the nations of the world, God will make His Name glorious through this people - as He has already done in resurrecting them as a nation and protecting them over the past 65 years. Can there be any doubt that all of this is part of the fulfillment of God's promises made through the prophet Hosea more than 2,000 years ago?! But there's more to come!!
Finally, God speaks in "code" to point to THE event that would ultimately restore all who believe, in Israel AND the nations: "Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has injured us, but He will bind up our wounds. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will restore us, that we may live in His presence" (6:1-2). These words point to the death and resurrection of Jesus, through whom God will restore His people into a relationship with Him ... "In that day you will call me 'my husband'" (2:16).
The consequences of spiritual adultery for individuals (and nations) are great. God sees and remembers the sins of those who refuse to repent. "They do not realize that I remember all their evil deeds" (7:2). God sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for sin and in the new covenant (made through the blood of Jesus and the pouring out of His Spirit), God says, "I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12). The Bible is all one message from God, first to Israel and then to those who would believe from the nations, whom God chose to be His own, even as He chose Israel.
Avoid the consequences of spiritual adultery. Humble yourself before God, repent and place your faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ, and you will find mercy and forgiveness ... and you will be one of HIS people!!
"O Lord, my God, Your Word is amazing as it ties all of human history together! As You have revealed Your plan of salvation, I rejoice in Your faithfulness to Your promises and thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness through the Son of David, Jesus Christ! Give me strength to be faithful to You, my God, as I declare Your name to the world around me. In Jesus' name, Amen"
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
"Zeal without knowledge leads to … "
Day #236: Daily Bible Reading Plan - August 21st
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 19 …
"Zeal" is a word that we do not use a lot today. In its place we use words like "passion" or "commitment" or "devotion" … words that express a strong desire leading to a strong action. You know when someone is doing something "half-heartedly." Coaches often tell athletes that they need to put their HEART into it! And so it is with LIFE!! Half-hearted devotion is not devotion at all, and service without passion may get the job done, but the fruit will be less than desired because you are just going through the motions.
Is that you? Are you going through life without ZEAL?! As Solomon writes his proverbs, he continually speaks about fools and wisdom. Fools have no wisdom. They don't listen to instruction and they speak of things they don't know. Fools are very often zealous, but they have a different problem: they have no knowledge to guide their zeal. "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge" (19:2). Solomon adds, " … nor to be hasty and miss the way." Some people appear to have knowledge, but no zeal; while others have zeal with no knowledge. Wisdom requires a zeal that is derived from knowledge. Think about that …
As you live your life each day you need wisdom from God that begins, as we have seen, with true knowledge of God. There are many in our world today who have a religious zeal based on lies and false information about God. That is true in every false religion, and sadly, it is even true in the church and in what is called, "Christianity." God is our Creator. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and it is in His Word that we find the knowledge that leads to zeal for God and His kingdom. Without God's wisdom our spirits remain dead, "without hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). So Solomon says, "He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers" (19:8). Without wisdom your soul IS dead and will remain dead!
But where can we find wisdom? How do we know that the Bible is God's Word and not the Koran or some other "holy book"? Muslims certainly have a zeal for Allah … How do we sort all of the false information from the true? Can we ever be sure? Remember what Solomon says in verse 2: "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and MISS the WAY!" Many of Solomon's proverbs are practical things about life. "Wealth brings many friends" (19:4). These aren't REAL friends, but that's what it looks like to those who don't know God. Solomon's advice about the importance of listening (verse 20), the importance of discipline and instruction (verses 16-18), and the consequences of laziness (verses 15 and 24) offer wisdom for daily living.
Yet the key to understanding all of the proverbs is in knowing Solomon's God … the God of his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. There is really only one way to KNOW that the Bible is true and that the knowledge of God revealed in it gives wisdom: it all points to Jesus, the Christ, the One who alone is true God and true man. Islam, Judaism and Christianity are the only three religions in the world that teach that there is ONE God. Islam teaches that Jesus was a man, a prophet, but that Mohammed was the last of the prophets, sent from Allah. But how do they know about Jesus? From the Bible!! And the Gospels (which they claim to believe) reveal that Jesus said He was God in the flesh. The Bible teaches in the Gospels that Jesus predicted His death, explained WHY He was going to suffer and die (as a "ransom" for many - for those who would believe in Him) and that He would rise again. The Gospels teach that Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. No one can say they "believe" in Jesus and not know that He IS God in the flesh. No one can say they "believe" in Jesus and not bow before Him in worship as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Islam is a false religion and the zeal of the Muslims is not based on knowledge. Theirs is like all the other religions of the world that present man with a list of things that WE must do in order to go to "heaven," to paradise, and even then, no one can be sure. True, biblical Christianity is the fulfillment of biblical Judaism. The whole Bible goes together. The New Testament fulfills the Old Testament. Jesus is the promised "Seed" of the woman (Genesis 3:15), and the "Seed" of Abraham (Genesis 12:3). He is the "Ruler" from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10) and the "Son of David" (Luke 1:33). While some who claim to be Christians have had zeal without knowledge in the past, and still do today, those who know God through His Word and who put their faith in Jesus Christ KNOW that we are saved by grace through faith. Jesus said, "The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent" (John 6:29). To "believe" means to confess that Jesus is God, to believe that He suffered God's wrath in your place on the cross, and to trust in His blood as the perfect sacrifice for sin.
"The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble" (19:23). Every other religion, all other "knowledge" leads only to more attempts to earn the favor of a "god" that doesn't exist. There is no rest for those who do not have a Savior! There is only more work, more man-made rules to follow, more zeal without knowledge that leads ultimately to despair, death and destruction. ONLY those who KNOW God and who have zeal for God that is based on truth find the WAY that leads to life. Jesus said, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Either Jesus IS the way to God, or He is a fraud. The zeal of the Muslims, like the zeal of those of other religions, and even of those who claim to be Christians but who do not know Jesus Christ as Savior or acknowledge Him as Lord, leads only to foolishness … only to man-centered attempts to run our own lives in the name of "god."
Those with such misguided zeal eventually come to ruin. God will have His way. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails" (19:21). Jesus said, "My Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:40). Here is knowledge that you can rest in. Here is knowledge that you can be eager … zealous, to proclaim! Knowing Jesus Christ gives meaning to life and to death. Serving Jesus Christ with zeal brings joy and thanksgiving. Loving Jesus and knowing He loves you brings glory to God, our Creator.
Draw near to the One True God today through faith in Jesus Christ. Know that His Spirit lives within you, making you a new creation, transforming you into His likeness. Serve the Lord, our God, with zeal, with passion, with commitment, with all your heart - proclaiming the good news that "Our God reigns!" and that "Jesus is LORD!" Zeal without knowledge leads to despair, death and destruction, but zeal based on the knowledge of God leads to wisdom, hope, joy, meaning and purpose … for Jesus gives LIFE!!
"My Father in heaven, Your Word gives me the knowledge I need to live with meaning and purpose every day, focused on my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Fill me daily with Your Spirit, that I may serve You with zeal and testify to those around me, in what I say and in what I do, that You alone are God, and that true life, spiritual life, is found only in You. Help me to listen eagerly to Your instruction and to seek wisdom in Christ, my Savior and my Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen"
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 19 …
"Zeal" is a word that we do not use a lot today. In its place we use words like "passion" or "commitment" or "devotion" … words that express a strong desire leading to a strong action. You know when someone is doing something "half-heartedly." Coaches often tell athletes that they need to put their HEART into it! And so it is with LIFE!! Half-hearted devotion is not devotion at all, and service without passion may get the job done, but the fruit will be less than desired because you are just going through the motions.
Is that you? Are you going through life without ZEAL?! As Solomon writes his proverbs, he continually speaks about fools and wisdom. Fools have no wisdom. They don't listen to instruction and they speak of things they don't know. Fools are very often zealous, but they have a different problem: they have no knowledge to guide their zeal. "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge" (19:2). Solomon adds, " … nor to be hasty and miss the way." Some people appear to have knowledge, but no zeal; while others have zeal with no knowledge. Wisdom requires a zeal that is derived from knowledge. Think about that …
As you live your life each day you need wisdom from God that begins, as we have seen, with true knowledge of God. There are many in our world today who have a religious zeal based on lies and false information about God. That is true in every false religion, and sadly, it is even true in the church and in what is called, "Christianity." God is our Creator. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and it is in His Word that we find the knowledge that leads to zeal for God and His kingdom. Without God's wisdom our spirits remain dead, "without hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). So Solomon says, "He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers" (19:8). Without wisdom your soul IS dead and will remain dead!
But where can we find wisdom? How do we know that the Bible is God's Word and not the Koran or some other "holy book"? Muslims certainly have a zeal for Allah … How do we sort all of the false information from the true? Can we ever be sure? Remember what Solomon says in verse 2: "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and MISS the WAY!" Many of Solomon's proverbs are practical things about life. "Wealth brings many friends" (19:4). These aren't REAL friends, but that's what it looks like to those who don't know God. Solomon's advice about the importance of listening (verse 20), the importance of discipline and instruction (verses 16-18), and the consequences of laziness (verses 15 and 24) offer wisdom for daily living.
Yet the key to understanding all of the proverbs is in knowing Solomon's God … the God of his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. There is really only one way to KNOW that the Bible is true and that the knowledge of God revealed in it gives wisdom: it all points to Jesus, the Christ, the One who alone is true God and true man. Islam, Judaism and Christianity are the only three religions in the world that teach that there is ONE God. Islam teaches that Jesus was a man, a prophet, but that Mohammed was the last of the prophets, sent from Allah. But how do they know about Jesus? From the Bible!! And the Gospels (which they claim to believe) reveal that Jesus said He was God in the flesh. The Bible teaches in the Gospels that Jesus predicted His death, explained WHY He was going to suffer and die (as a "ransom" for many - for those who would believe in Him) and that He would rise again. The Gospels teach that Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. No one can say they "believe" in Jesus and not know that He IS God in the flesh. No one can say they "believe" in Jesus and not bow before Him in worship as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Islam is a false religion and the zeal of the Muslims is not based on knowledge. Theirs is like all the other religions of the world that present man with a list of things that WE must do in order to go to "heaven," to paradise, and even then, no one can be sure. True, biblical Christianity is the fulfillment of biblical Judaism. The whole Bible goes together. The New Testament fulfills the Old Testament. Jesus is the promised "Seed" of the woman (Genesis 3:15), and the "Seed" of Abraham (Genesis 12:3). He is the "Ruler" from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10) and the "Son of David" (Luke 1:33). While some who claim to be Christians have had zeal without knowledge in the past, and still do today, those who know God through His Word and who put their faith in Jesus Christ KNOW that we are saved by grace through faith. Jesus said, "The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent" (John 6:29). To "believe" means to confess that Jesus is God, to believe that He suffered God's wrath in your place on the cross, and to trust in His blood as the perfect sacrifice for sin.
"The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble" (19:23). Every other religion, all other "knowledge" leads only to more attempts to earn the favor of a "god" that doesn't exist. There is no rest for those who do not have a Savior! There is only more work, more man-made rules to follow, more zeal without knowledge that leads ultimately to despair, death and destruction. ONLY those who KNOW God and who have zeal for God that is based on truth find the WAY that leads to life. Jesus said, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Either Jesus IS the way to God, or He is a fraud. The zeal of the Muslims, like the zeal of those of other religions, and even of those who claim to be Christians but who do not know Jesus Christ as Savior or acknowledge Him as Lord, leads only to foolishness … only to man-centered attempts to run our own lives in the name of "god."
Those with such misguided zeal eventually come to ruin. God will have His way. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails" (19:21). Jesus said, "My Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:40). Here is knowledge that you can rest in. Here is knowledge that you can be eager … zealous, to proclaim! Knowing Jesus Christ gives meaning to life and to death. Serving Jesus Christ with zeal brings joy and thanksgiving. Loving Jesus and knowing He loves you brings glory to God, our Creator.
Draw near to the One True God today through faith in Jesus Christ. Know that His Spirit lives within you, making you a new creation, transforming you into His likeness. Serve the Lord, our God, with zeal, with passion, with commitment, with all your heart - proclaiming the good news that "Our God reigns!" and that "Jesus is LORD!" Zeal without knowledge leads to despair, death and destruction, but zeal based on the knowledge of God leads to wisdom, hope, joy, meaning and purpose … for Jesus gives LIFE!!
"My Father in heaven, Your Word gives me the knowledge I need to live with meaning and purpose every day, focused on my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Fill me daily with Your Spirit, that I may serve You with zeal and testify to those around me, in what I say and in what I do, that You alone are God, and that true life, spiritual life, is found only in You. Help me to listen eagerly to Your instruction and to seek wisdom in Christ, my Savior and my Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen"
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
"Knowing God leads to worship and obedience …"
Day #235: Daily Bible Reading Plan - August 20th
Scripture Reading: Psalms 99 - 101 …
Why would anyone choose to ignore God or worship any other God than our Creator, who reveals Himself in His creation, in His Word, the Bible, and in His Son Jesus Christ? Why would anyone choose to worship a different god … one produced by the imagination of men who try to fashion a god more to their liking? The only possible answer is that people do not KNOW God, therefore, they do not worship God or desire to obey Him. They have not been confronted by God's holiness and have not tasted His kindness, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, grace and faithfulness. They just don't know GOD!!
Psalm 99 begins by displaying the reality of God's power, a power that shakes the nations and the very earth upon which the nations exist. The writer of Hebrews quotes the prophet Haggai when he writes down God's announcement of a future judgment: "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens" (Hebrews 12:26). He goes on to explain, "The words, 'once more' indicate the removing of what can be shaken - that is, created things - so that what cannot be shaken may remain" (12:27). So he counsels his readers: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire'" (Hebrews 12:28-29; Deuteronomy 4:24).
The Psalmist repeats several times that God is "holy" and that "He loves justice" (99:4). He mentions Moses, Aaron and Samuel as being among those who "called on His name" and God answered them. Faith in God means believing that He is sovereign over ALL things, that He is at work in YOUR life and in the world, and that trusting in Him brings peace to your soul. As he looked back through history at the relationship of God to those who called out to him, the Psalmist was moved to worship: "Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy" (99:9).
Have YOU been moved to worship by the knowledge of God? It would be easy to become cynical in this world today … many have. Where is God when you need Him? Why doesn't God do something about the injustice in the world? How can I believe in a God who allows evil things to happen? So many questions, but they are all answered at the cross, where God sent His own Son to pay the penalty for your sin and mine. God IS holy and He cannot look on sin, yet through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross we can be saved from God's just judgment as His Spirit works within us, giving us new life in Christ. That new life within us leads to worship and obedience.
The knowledge of God always leads to godliness. Peter writes in II Peter 1:3: "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness." Who gets the credit for our salvation? GOD!! So the Psalmist declares in Psalm 100: "Shout for joy to the LORD all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs!" (100:1-2). Only those who KNOW God (verse 3) can and will worship Him. We know that we are HIS people by grace alone. Therefore, we "enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" (100:4).
How often during the day does your mind ascend to heaven? So many people try to find ways to "escape" from the harsh realities of life. They choose self-destructive means to try to achieve what they long for, but nothing works. Their misery becomes multiplied as they drift further and further away from God. Those who know Him, however, are drawn to God, for we know Him as good, loving and faithful (100:5). If worship is difficult for you it is because you do not know God. You may know some things about Him, and you may even think you know Him, but if you are not motivated to worship Him, you have missed His grace to you and His offer of forgiveness and life. You need to kneel at the foot of the cross, confess your sin and your need, and find that God IS everything He says He is. He will hear your cry and lift you up.
And then, as you worship, God will continue His work in you and move you to obey Him. "I will sing of Your love and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life … I will walk in my house with a blameless heart" (101:1-2,4). David writes this Psalm and expresses his desire to put evil aside, not allowing those who practice evil and deceit to enter his house. It was his desire, as it must be ours, to honor the LORD, our God, by living in this world as light in the darkness.
Paul writes to the Philippians, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life" (Philippians 2:14-16). That is our calling as followers of Jesus Christ who are still living in this world. We belong to Jesus, body and soul, in life and in death. Knowing God … really knowing Him through faith in Jesus Christ, leads to worship and obedience. "Let your light (HIS light) shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
"O Lord, my God, in You I find true joy as I worship at Your footstool! Through Your Son Jesus Christ You have made me one of Your sheep and I find safe pasture at His feet. I worship You because You are worthy of my praise, and I desire to obey You because I love You! Knowing You is the most precious gift I possess and I thank You for revealing Yourself to me by Your Word and Spirit. Continue Your work in me, that my life may bring glory to You, my God, my Savior … and amazingly, my Friend. In Jesus' name, Amen"
Scripture Reading: Psalms 99 - 101 …
Why would anyone choose to ignore God or worship any other God than our Creator, who reveals Himself in His creation, in His Word, the Bible, and in His Son Jesus Christ? Why would anyone choose to worship a different god … one produced by the imagination of men who try to fashion a god more to their liking? The only possible answer is that people do not KNOW God, therefore, they do not worship God or desire to obey Him. They have not been confronted by God's holiness and have not tasted His kindness, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, grace and faithfulness. They just don't know GOD!!
Psalm 99 begins by displaying the reality of God's power, a power that shakes the nations and the very earth upon which the nations exist. The writer of Hebrews quotes the prophet Haggai when he writes down God's announcement of a future judgment: "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens" (Hebrews 12:26). He goes on to explain, "The words, 'once more' indicate the removing of what can be shaken - that is, created things - so that what cannot be shaken may remain" (12:27). So he counsels his readers: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire'" (Hebrews 12:28-29; Deuteronomy 4:24).
The Psalmist repeats several times that God is "holy" and that "He loves justice" (99:4). He mentions Moses, Aaron and Samuel as being among those who "called on His name" and God answered them. Faith in God means believing that He is sovereign over ALL things, that He is at work in YOUR life and in the world, and that trusting in Him brings peace to your soul. As he looked back through history at the relationship of God to those who called out to him, the Psalmist was moved to worship: "Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy" (99:9).
Have YOU been moved to worship by the knowledge of God? It would be easy to become cynical in this world today … many have. Where is God when you need Him? Why doesn't God do something about the injustice in the world? How can I believe in a God who allows evil things to happen? So many questions, but they are all answered at the cross, where God sent His own Son to pay the penalty for your sin and mine. God IS holy and He cannot look on sin, yet through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross we can be saved from God's just judgment as His Spirit works within us, giving us new life in Christ. That new life within us leads to worship and obedience.
The knowledge of God always leads to godliness. Peter writes in II Peter 1:3: "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness." Who gets the credit for our salvation? GOD!! So the Psalmist declares in Psalm 100: "Shout for joy to the LORD all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs!" (100:1-2). Only those who KNOW God (verse 3) can and will worship Him. We know that we are HIS people by grace alone. Therefore, we "enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" (100:4).
How often during the day does your mind ascend to heaven? So many people try to find ways to "escape" from the harsh realities of life. They choose self-destructive means to try to achieve what they long for, but nothing works. Their misery becomes multiplied as they drift further and further away from God. Those who know Him, however, are drawn to God, for we know Him as good, loving and faithful (100:5). If worship is difficult for you it is because you do not know God. You may know some things about Him, and you may even think you know Him, but if you are not motivated to worship Him, you have missed His grace to you and His offer of forgiveness and life. You need to kneel at the foot of the cross, confess your sin and your need, and find that God IS everything He says He is. He will hear your cry and lift you up.
And then, as you worship, God will continue His work in you and move you to obey Him. "I will sing of Your love and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life … I will walk in my house with a blameless heart" (101:1-2,4). David writes this Psalm and expresses his desire to put evil aside, not allowing those who practice evil and deceit to enter his house. It was his desire, as it must be ours, to honor the LORD, our God, by living in this world as light in the darkness.
Paul writes to the Philippians, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life" (Philippians 2:14-16). That is our calling as followers of Jesus Christ who are still living in this world. We belong to Jesus, body and soul, in life and in death. Knowing God … really knowing Him through faith in Jesus Christ, leads to worship and obedience. "Let your light (HIS light) shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
"O Lord, my God, in You I find true joy as I worship at Your footstool! Through Your Son Jesus Christ You have made me one of Your sheep and I find safe pasture at His feet. I worship You because You are worthy of my praise, and I desire to obey You because I love You! Knowing You is the most precious gift I possess and I thank You for revealing Yourself to me by Your Word and Spirit. Continue Your work in me, that my life may bring glory to You, my God, my Savior … and amazingly, my Friend. In Jesus' name, Amen"
Monday, August 18, 2014
"Mighty men serving a mighty God!"
Day #234: Daily Bible Reading Plan - August 19th
Scripture Reading: I Chronicles 10 - 14 ...
Somewhere around 3,000 years ago the Philistines fought against Israel (10:1). Today, 3,000 years later, the battle rages on (the area of the Philistines was the area of Gaza and the Palestinians are descended from the Philistines). It may appear that a lot has changed since the days of David, but mankind remains spiritually dead without faith in Jesus Christ and the work of His Spirit, therefore, the spiritual battle between God and His angels, and Satan and his demons, continues in the spiritual realm AND in the physical realm. While some of the battles may appear to be fruitless, God is at work, and all of this is heading toward a climactic conclusion. The final outcome has already been determined.
Meanwhile, there are lessons to be learned if we are going to engage in the battle and choose the winning side! As you and I go about our daily lives it is so easy to forget that spiritual power comes from God and is given to those who seek Him and who desire to be faithful to Him. After Saul and his sons had been killed in battle, David was anointed king in Hebron. Scripture is quick to say that "Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD" (10:13). David had sought the LORD, his God, since his childhood, and now that he was king, he knew where his might and power and wisdom to rule would come from.
Having captured the fortress at Jerusalem, David decided to reign over Israel from there and it became known as the "City of David" (11:7). Men flocked to serve David because it was he who had won victory after victory even during the reign of King Saul. We read that "David became more and more powerful, because the LORD Almighty was with him" (11:9). There was no doubt throughout all of Israel that David knew God and worshiped God from his heart. His many Psalms are evidence of that.
David was also surrounded by what the Bible calls "mighty men." This was not a "one man show!" These mighty men were mighty men of God. God gave them power to overcome incredible odds and through their service to David the kingdom of Israel was expanded over the whole land of Canaan, as God had promised (11:10). While Saul had contacted mediums and sorcerers to determine whether to go out into battle, David consulted the LORD, his God. He was not about to make the same mistake Saul had made. One by one, the tribes of Israel sent fighting men to join David's army, so David and Israel ... and their GOD, became known throughout the whole world.
As chaotic as our world is today, it is exciting and challenging to live during this time when these same people, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, possess the very land God gave to Abraham. God made Israel a great nation in order to display His glory, His wisdom and His power to all the world. And in these last days God is about to do the same thing. At the present time most of the Jewish people do not acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah, but there will come a time when they will. In fact, the whole world will see the glory of Israel's God, even more clearly than during the days of David. Jesus will reign ... in JERUSALEM, and all the nations will bring tribute to Him (Zechariah 14:9-21).
Out of his devotion to the LORD, David desired to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Having arrived in the promised land, the people had not worshiped as they were instructed and the tabernacle was not the center of their lives ... meaning that GOD was not at the center of their lives. David said to his leaders and the people, "If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers throughout the territories of Israel ... Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it (him) during the reign of Saul" (13:2-3). So they moved the ark from the house where it had been kept, placing it on a new cart, with two men, Uzzah and Ahio, guiding it. When the oxen pulling the cart stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady it and God struck him down on the spot ... he died.
Why would God do such a thing?! There is more here than meets the eye. God had instructed Moses to place rings on the sides of the Ark of the Covenant and to make poles that would go through the rings. The Ark was then to be carried by the priests by the poles. No one was to touch the Ark. I heard a preacher once say that Uzzah's mistake was that he thought his hand touching the Ark would be better than if it fell off the cart and landed in the dirt. The truth is, because of sin we are "dirtier" than the ground from which our bodies came. Touching the Ark defiled it and God is HOLY! He cannot be "touched" by sinful man. The Ark represented the presence of God and was to be treated with honor. It was not some "magic box," but rather, a symbol that God had given to Israel that He was their God and they were His people, and that He was with them wherever they went.
We would do well to remember today that God is everywhere-present. He is with those who come to Him through faith in Jesus Christ in a special way. In fact, God says in His Word that we who believe are the very "temple of the Holy Spirit" (I Corinthians 6:19). God empowered the mighty men who surrounded David and who led his army against their enemies, and God just as certainly empowers you and me today as we engage in spiritual battles for the Lord, OUR God! Every time David was about to go into battle, he inquired of the LORD ... he prayed and asked God to direct him, to lead him. Do YOU do that?
Our battles for the glory of God are different today, but they are no less important in the final outcome of millions in this world. "David's fame spread throughout every land, and the LORD made all the nations fear him" (14:17). We use the "sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17), which is the Word of God, to do battle against the enemies of Christ and His Church. Paul would write to his young friend, Timothy, "God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (II Timothy 1:7).
Join with other believers in rallying around our King, Jesus! He leads us into battle for the glory of His Name and together we are strong and mighty in the Lord. We dare not shrink back from the mission to make disciples of Jesus, for we are ambassadors of God's kingdom and soldiers in Christ's army. The enemies are strong, but we are stronger, for the Lord, our God, is with us. Be an active part in the body of Christ. Engage in the ministry with others ... don't stand on the sidelines. Too much is at stake and it is God's desire to receive honor and praise on our account. For the glory of God seek His guidance in your life, asking Him to show you how you can serve others and proclaim the truth of the Gospel. He uses willing servants and molds us into mighty men and women of God.
Draw near to God today, knowing that whatever battles you are fighting, with God's help and the strength and power that only HE can give, you will have victory in the name and power of Jesus, our risen Savior and Lord!!
"Almighty and Everlasting God, by the power of Your name we conquer our enemies and overcome all of the obstacles that stand in the way of giving You glory. It is not for my sake, but for Your glory and for the sake of YOUR name that I stand firm, declaring Your truth and being an instrument in Your hand to lead others to Christ. Keep my mind and heart focused on You as I live each day as a soldier of Christ and empower me to be a bold witness to declare that JESUS IS KING! In Jesus' name, Amen"
Scripture Reading: I Chronicles 10 - 14 ...
Somewhere around 3,000 years ago the Philistines fought against Israel (10:1). Today, 3,000 years later, the battle rages on (the area of the Philistines was the area of Gaza and the Palestinians are descended from the Philistines). It may appear that a lot has changed since the days of David, but mankind remains spiritually dead without faith in Jesus Christ and the work of His Spirit, therefore, the spiritual battle between God and His angels, and Satan and his demons, continues in the spiritual realm AND in the physical realm. While some of the battles may appear to be fruitless, God is at work, and all of this is heading toward a climactic conclusion. The final outcome has already been determined.
Meanwhile, there are lessons to be learned if we are going to engage in the battle and choose the winning side! As you and I go about our daily lives it is so easy to forget that spiritual power comes from God and is given to those who seek Him and who desire to be faithful to Him. After Saul and his sons had been killed in battle, David was anointed king in Hebron. Scripture is quick to say that "Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD" (10:13). David had sought the LORD, his God, since his childhood, and now that he was king, he knew where his might and power and wisdom to rule would come from.
Having captured the fortress at Jerusalem, David decided to reign over Israel from there and it became known as the "City of David" (11:7). Men flocked to serve David because it was he who had won victory after victory even during the reign of King Saul. We read that "David became more and more powerful, because the LORD Almighty was with him" (11:9). There was no doubt throughout all of Israel that David knew God and worshiped God from his heart. His many Psalms are evidence of that.
David was also surrounded by what the Bible calls "mighty men." This was not a "one man show!" These mighty men were mighty men of God. God gave them power to overcome incredible odds and through their service to David the kingdom of Israel was expanded over the whole land of Canaan, as God had promised (11:10). While Saul had contacted mediums and sorcerers to determine whether to go out into battle, David consulted the LORD, his God. He was not about to make the same mistake Saul had made. One by one, the tribes of Israel sent fighting men to join David's army, so David and Israel ... and their GOD, became known throughout the whole world.
As chaotic as our world is today, it is exciting and challenging to live during this time when these same people, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, possess the very land God gave to Abraham. God made Israel a great nation in order to display His glory, His wisdom and His power to all the world. And in these last days God is about to do the same thing. At the present time most of the Jewish people do not acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah, but there will come a time when they will. In fact, the whole world will see the glory of Israel's God, even more clearly than during the days of David. Jesus will reign ... in JERUSALEM, and all the nations will bring tribute to Him (Zechariah 14:9-21).
Out of his devotion to the LORD, David desired to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Having arrived in the promised land, the people had not worshiped as they were instructed and the tabernacle was not the center of their lives ... meaning that GOD was not at the center of their lives. David said to his leaders and the people, "If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers throughout the territories of Israel ... Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it (him) during the reign of Saul" (13:2-3). So they moved the ark from the house where it had been kept, placing it on a new cart, with two men, Uzzah and Ahio, guiding it. When the oxen pulling the cart stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady it and God struck him down on the spot ... he died.
Why would God do such a thing?! There is more here than meets the eye. God had instructed Moses to place rings on the sides of the Ark of the Covenant and to make poles that would go through the rings. The Ark was then to be carried by the priests by the poles. No one was to touch the Ark. I heard a preacher once say that Uzzah's mistake was that he thought his hand touching the Ark would be better than if it fell off the cart and landed in the dirt. The truth is, because of sin we are "dirtier" than the ground from which our bodies came. Touching the Ark defiled it and God is HOLY! He cannot be "touched" by sinful man. The Ark represented the presence of God and was to be treated with honor. It was not some "magic box," but rather, a symbol that God had given to Israel that He was their God and they were His people, and that He was with them wherever they went.
We would do well to remember today that God is everywhere-present. He is with those who come to Him through faith in Jesus Christ in a special way. In fact, God says in His Word that we who believe are the very "temple of the Holy Spirit" (I Corinthians 6:19). God empowered the mighty men who surrounded David and who led his army against their enemies, and God just as certainly empowers you and me today as we engage in spiritual battles for the Lord, OUR God! Every time David was about to go into battle, he inquired of the LORD ... he prayed and asked God to direct him, to lead him. Do YOU do that?
Our battles for the glory of God are different today, but they are no less important in the final outcome of millions in this world. "David's fame spread throughout every land, and the LORD made all the nations fear him" (14:17). We use the "sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17), which is the Word of God, to do battle against the enemies of Christ and His Church. Paul would write to his young friend, Timothy, "God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (II Timothy 1:7).
Join with other believers in rallying around our King, Jesus! He leads us into battle for the glory of His Name and together we are strong and mighty in the Lord. We dare not shrink back from the mission to make disciples of Jesus, for we are ambassadors of God's kingdom and soldiers in Christ's army. The enemies are strong, but we are stronger, for the Lord, our God, is with us. Be an active part in the body of Christ. Engage in the ministry with others ... don't stand on the sidelines. Too much is at stake and it is God's desire to receive honor and praise on our account. For the glory of God seek His guidance in your life, asking Him to show you how you can serve others and proclaim the truth of the Gospel. He uses willing servants and molds us into mighty men and women of God.
Draw near to God today, knowing that whatever battles you are fighting, with God's help and the strength and power that only HE can give, you will have victory in the name and power of Jesus, our risen Savior and Lord!!
"Almighty and Everlasting God, by the power of Your name we conquer our enemies and overcome all of the obstacles that stand in the way of giving You glory. It is not for my sake, but for Your glory and for the sake of YOUR name that I stand firm, declaring Your truth and being an instrument in Your hand to lead others to Christ. Keep my mind and heart focused on You as I live each day as a soldier of Christ and empower me to be a bold witness to declare that JESUS IS KING! In Jesus' name, Amen"
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