Today's Verses -- Ephesians 6:4-7
Context:
Paul has been giving the Ephesians instructions for life -- talking about husbands, wives, and children.
Text:
5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. (NIV)
Taken from www.biblegateway.com
Have you ever had to punch a clock? No, not in the morning when the alarm goes off, but at work. There have been several jobs I've worked where I had to clock in and out. I was much more likely to be on time to these jobs since someone would know right away if I was even one minute late. And often people would line up by the clock several minutes before the shift change so they could be sure to clock out at the first moment possible.
Unfortunately, I saw a lot of abuse of the system, too. People would clock in early so they could look good to the boss, then they'd take their daily newspaper and go to the cafeteria for breakfast. Others would leave early but conveniently forget to clock out so no one could prove they weren't at their desk. Some people believed that as long as they were clocked in they deserved to get paid for their time . . . regardless of if they worked or not.
In one tragic incident at a very large company, an employee was involved in a serious motorcycle crash on his way home from work. They found eight of his co-workers badges in his coat. He and his friends had a great gig -- work one day, off nine. They would pass all the badges around and clock in/out for each other!
It's a good thing God doesn't ask us to clock in (well, in reality he doesn't have to, being all-knowing of course). Some days I don't really start 'his' work until several hours into my day. Other days I probably 'clock out' within minutes of clocking in. I might have good intentions, but something in life interrupts my focus and I forget all about the boss of the universe.
God doesn't really want us to have specific times of day when we work for him and other times when we don't. He's a jealous boss who wants all of our time -- weekends, too. That doesn't mean we ignore the world and spend 24 hours a day in Bible study and prayer. He wants us to be connected to him through relationship all day and to see that the things we do are all about him: providing for our families, talking with co-workers, encouraging others, loving/respecting our spouses, and teaching others about him. He does like our one-on-one meetings with him on a regular basis, too.
How is your day going? Have you clocked in yet? Have you clocked out already? One good thing about this boss -- he'll be happy that we clock back in whenever we realize we aren't tuned in to his work and he forgets those times when we clock out if we just as his forgiveness! And the pay for this job is out of this world.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
More Than You Can Imagine
Today's Verses -- Ephesians 3:14-21
Context:
Paul writes this letter to the Ephesian church so they can better understand God's purpose. He has just finished explaining his assignment as a preacher to the Gentiles.
Text:
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Paul's prayers are amazing. Wouldn't it be great to have someone pray over you like this?
This prayer is so huge. That we experience love that surpasses our knowledge? That God can do immeasurably more than we ask or even imagine? Often when people read these words they think of things like winning the lottery. If he wanted to, God could have me win even if I didn't buy a ticket! We start imagining a list of wonderful things, including salvation of those we've prayed for, healing of illness, paying off debt, being able to give more, being surrounded by admiring friends...our own personal Christmas list of giant things we want God to do.
But if you think about it, God has already done immeasurably more than we can imagine. Who'd have ever thought that people could find peace after a tragedy in their lives, or see that a life threatening illness was actually a blessing to a family? Even those who have lost everything often come back feeling more blessed than they could have imagined they would be before their loss.
Look at your life today. Instead of concerning yourself with the problems and issues in the world and your personal life, think of the times when God has done immeasurably more than you could have asked or expected. Share that with someone and it may give them hope!
And pray this prayer for those who surround you. Know that I have prayed it for you!
Context:
Paul writes this letter to the Ephesian church so they can better understand God's purpose. He has just finished explaining his assignment as a preacher to the Gentiles.
Text:
14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family in
heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches
he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being
rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints,
to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to
know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of
all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably
more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within
us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all
generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Paul's prayers are amazing. Wouldn't it be great to have someone pray over you like this?
This prayer is so huge. That we experience love that surpasses our knowledge? That God can do immeasurably more than we ask or even imagine? Often when people read these words they think of things like winning the lottery. If he wanted to, God could have me win even if I didn't buy a ticket! We start imagining a list of wonderful things, including salvation of those we've prayed for, healing of illness, paying off debt, being able to give more, being surrounded by admiring friends...our own personal Christmas list of giant things we want God to do.
But if you think about it, God has already done immeasurably more than we can imagine. Who'd have ever thought that people could find peace after a tragedy in their lives, or see that a life threatening illness was actually a blessing to a family? Even those who have lost everything often come back feeling more blessed than they could have imagined they would be before their loss.
Look at your life today. Instead of concerning yourself with the problems and issues in the world and your personal life, think of the times when God has done immeasurably more than you could have asked or expected. Share that with someone and it may give them hope!
And pray this prayer for those who surround you. Know that I have prayed it for you!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Consequences?
OUT OF CONTEXT DAY -- for a little fun!
Verse for the day....Leviticus 26:14, 17b
"However, if you do not listen to me or obey all these commands, . . . you will run even when no one is chasing you."
So, does that mean that if we are obedient we don't have to exercise????
And a little further down: "They will ration your food by weight, and though you have food to eat, you will not be satisfied." (Lev 26:26b)
So if we are obedient we won't have to diet, either?
These verses are part of a list of the terrible things that will befall the Israelites if they don't obey the rules God has previously set forth. They follow a list of wonderful promises he makes for his people if they DO obey. The text of punishments is twice as long as the list of rewards, and they are very drastic.
Yet at the end of it all God comes back with this statement:
"44But despite all this, I will not utterly reject or despise them (the Israelites) while they are in exile in the land of their enemies. I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out, for I am the Lord their God. 45For their sakes I will remember by ancient covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of all the nations, that I might be their god. I am the Lord." (NIV)
God was clear to let the people know the rewards and punishments of their actions before hand. But like Eve in the garden, they chose to believe Satan's lies that God's punishments 'surely won't happen'.
We know that the Israelites chose to disobey often, and that God was immensely patient with them before he carried out his punishments. While these verses were specifically written for the Israelites, God chose to keep them in his word so we could learn from them. Despite their disobedience, he still keeps his end of the bargain.
We are no longer under the law as defined in Leviticus and other books. How does God want us to obey under the new covenant brought by Jesus? What are the consequences if we disobey? Whole denominations have been formed around specific verses with debatable understanding of context, such as the concept of 'once saved always saved'. Does God allow us to do whatever we want without consequence once we've agreed to his covenant of salvation? Do God's consequences occur only on Earth, or in Heaven, too? What text to you use to back up your belief?
Verse for the day....Leviticus 26:14, 17b
"However, if you do not listen to me or obey all these commands, . . . you will run even when no one is chasing you."
So, does that mean that if we are obedient we don't have to exercise????
And a little further down: "They will ration your food by weight, and though you have food to eat, you will not be satisfied." (Lev 26:26b)
So if we are obedient we won't have to diet, either?
These verses are part of a list of the terrible things that will befall the Israelites if they don't obey the rules God has previously set forth. They follow a list of wonderful promises he makes for his people if they DO obey. The text of punishments is twice as long as the list of rewards, and they are very drastic.
Yet at the end of it all God comes back with this statement:
"44But despite all this, I will not utterly reject or despise them (the Israelites) while they are in exile in the land of their enemies. I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out, for I am the Lord their God. 45For their sakes I will remember by ancient covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of all the nations, that I might be their god. I am the Lord." (NIV)
God was clear to let the people know the rewards and punishments of their actions before hand. But like Eve in the garden, they chose to believe Satan's lies that God's punishments 'surely won't happen'.
We know that the Israelites chose to disobey often, and that God was immensely patient with them before he carried out his punishments. While these verses were specifically written for the Israelites, God chose to keep them in his word so we could learn from them. Despite their disobedience, he still keeps his end of the bargain.
We are no longer under the law as defined in Leviticus and other books. How does God want us to obey under the new covenant brought by Jesus? What are the consequences if we disobey? Whole denominations have been formed around specific verses with debatable understanding of context, such as the concept of 'once saved always saved'. Does God allow us to do whatever we want without consequence once we've agreed to his covenant of salvation? Do God's consequences occur only on Earth, or in Heaven, too? What text to you use to back up your belief?
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sowing Generously
Today's Verses -- 2 Corinthians 6-14
Context: Paul has spent a large portion of his letter explaining why it is important to be generous in giving to others.
Text:
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I'm especially convicted by yesterday's lesson about taking verses out of context. I know that I often send out just a couple of verses that were thought provoking for the day . . . I hope that I do not insinuate false meaning to them in these short devotions! Please do not take my interpretations as truth; they are merely the thoughts that I had while prayerfully considering a particular text.
Today's text was part of my regular reading assignment and coincides with an article I read on Yahoo this morning. Beware -- I feel a rant coming on!
There are a lot of people who are having very difficult times right now, and my heart goes out to them. They have lost jobs, had medical conditions that required expensive treatments that weren't covered by insurance, or have had other tragedies befall them. In addition, there are many people who got caught up in the credit frenzy, buying things they wanted but couldn't afford . . . including large homes. Both situations are difficult to be stuck in, but our society is so set on a particular life style that we forget about the rest of the world.
In the article I read today (can be found at http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/106623/Save-Hundreds-on-Your-Favorite-Splurges), a survey reports the number of Americans who insist they would not give up the following things despite their financial problems:
internet service - 81%
cell phones - 64%
cable/satellite - 61%
discount clothing (Kohls/Target) 43%
haircuts/color at a salon - 40%
eating out at fast food restaurants - 37%
eating out at casual sit-down restaurants - 30%
I didn't see tithing or charitable giving on this list -- often it's the first thing to go. It's frustrating to see what we thing are requirements in our lives these days.
God says that he will provide for those in need, and if you notice he says that the way he provides is by asking his people who have to give to those who have not. There are many in our own neighborhoods who HAVE cut back everything and are still unable to buy sufficient food to make it through the month. And many of us say we can't give because we don't have anything left over at the end of the month.
How could we as Christians set an example for others by giving up something in order to give others more? I know our church doesn't celebrate Lent like some others do, by giving up a life pleasure. But what if we did? How much could our church give if we all gave up cable for just two months? Even if 500 families would do this and saved $50/month, that would be $50,000!!!!
Would you give up your cable for two months to give to those who don't have enough to eat?
Context: Paul has spent a large portion of his letter explaining why it is important to be generous in giving to others.
Text:
6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever
sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has
decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves
a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in
all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good
work. 9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to
the poor; his righteousness endures
forever." 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also
supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your
righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous
on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to
God.
12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs
of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
13Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise
God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ,
and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14And in
their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing
grace God has given you. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I'm especially convicted by yesterday's lesson about taking verses out of context. I know that I often send out just a couple of verses that were thought provoking for the day . . . I hope that I do not insinuate false meaning to them in these short devotions! Please do not take my interpretations as truth; they are merely the thoughts that I had while prayerfully considering a particular text.
Today's text was part of my regular reading assignment and coincides with an article I read on Yahoo this morning. Beware -- I feel a rant coming on!
There are a lot of people who are having very difficult times right now, and my heart goes out to them. They have lost jobs, had medical conditions that required expensive treatments that weren't covered by insurance, or have had other tragedies befall them. In addition, there are many people who got caught up in the credit frenzy, buying things they wanted but couldn't afford . . . including large homes. Both situations are difficult to be stuck in, but our society is so set on a particular life style that we forget about the rest of the world.
In the article I read today (can be found at http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/106623/Save-Hundreds-on-Your-Favorite-Splurges), a survey reports the number of Americans who insist they would not give up the following things despite their financial problems:
internet service - 81%
cell phones - 64%
cable/satellite - 61%
discount clothing (Kohls/Target) 43%
haircuts/color at a salon - 40%
eating out at fast food restaurants - 37%
eating out at casual sit-down restaurants - 30%
I didn't see tithing or charitable giving on this list -- often it's the first thing to go. It's frustrating to see what we thing are requirements in our lives these days.
God says that he will provide for those in need, and if you notice he says that the way he provides is by asking his people who have to give to those who have not. There are many in our own neighborhoods who HAVE cut back everything and are still unable to buy sufficient food to make it through the month. And many of us say we can't give because we don't have anything left over at the end of the month.
How could we as Christians set an example for others by giving up something in order to give others more? I know our church doesn't celebrate Lent like some others do, by giving up a life pleasure. But what if we did? How much could our church give if we all gave up cable for just two months? Even if 500 families would do this and saved $50/month, that would be $50,000!!!!
Would you give up your cable for two months to give to those who don't have enough to eat?
Friday, February 20, 2009
Peace and Joy Be Yours!
Today's Verses -- Psalm 16:5-11
Context:
This psalm is a 'miktam of David', which probably means it is a particular type of song. It is a prayer for safekeeping.
Text:
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Do you ever stop to think that you are right where God wants you to be? Even though times are tough, he has put us on this earth for 'such a time as this', and he knows that we can glorify him in our current circumstances. Even though I have made poor decisions in my life and I often have to suffer the consequences of those decisions, his hand of protection is around me and nothing can happen that he can't turn to good. He will not abandon us no matter what.
He gives us instructions for life, and if we just follow them we have the promise of peace and joy (even if the circumstances aren't exactly what we'd hoped for). Nothing we can do will make him love us less, and nothing we do will make him love us more . . . it's just not possible. He is especially fond of each one of us! It's more than I can comprehend.
I pray that God's peace and joy will fill you today regardless of what the world throws at you.
Context:
This psalm is a 'miktam of David', which probably means it is a particular type of song. It is a prayer for safekeeping.
Text:
5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;
you have made my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for
me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD,
who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the LORD always
before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue
rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me
to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
11 You have made known
to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Do you ever stop to think that you are right where God wants you to be? Even though times are tough, he has put us on this earth for 'such a time as this', and he knows that we can glorify him in our current circumstances. Even though I have made poor decisions in my life and I often have to suffer the consequences of those decisions, his hand of protection is around me and nothing can happen that he can't turn to good. He will not abandon us no matter what.
He gives us instructions for life, and if we just follow them we have the promise of peace and joy (even if the circumstances aren't exactly what we'd hoped for). Nothing we can do will make him love us less, and nothing we do will make him love us more . . . it's just not possible. He is especially fond of each one of us! It's more than I can comprehend.
I pray that God's peace and joy will fill you today regardless of what the world throws at you.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Controversy
Today's Verses -- Matthew 10:11-16
Context:
Jesus is sending out his apostles to towns of Israel to perform miracles and preach the truth. These words are a part of his advice to them before they leave.
Text:
11"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. 12As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
We have another controversial book on the Christian radar screen -- The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. This book is touted as pure heresy by some, and as an eye-opening view of our limited human perspectives of God by others.
Have you read it yet? Do you typically read books that are controversial, like The DaVinci Code? There is one school of thought that says we should be innocent as doves and not even open the pages of a book that isn't Biblically correct in it's portrayal of religious beliefs. Others believe we should be as shrewd as snakes, reading the books and making intense comparisons of its claims against what the Bible says.
At different times in my life I have been in both camps, and rightly so based on my level of spiritual maturity. Early on in my Christian life I would have been confused by concepts that sounded Biblical but really weren't. I would never have passed the tests Jesus passed in the desert when Satan tempted him by using scriptural references. I wasn't grounded enough in the truth to know a lie when I saw one.
And while I know I have a long way to go to get to spiritual maturity (if such a thing is even obtainable), now I really enjoy reading books of controversy because it's fun to validate or disprove the concepts! I like to read reviews by famous Christian scholars and try to understand their perspectives of heresies or values displayed in the text. I really enjoyed our classes by Lee Strobel on The DaVinci Code. I find it interesting that few scholars will portray both sides -- the good and the bad -- about a controversial book. They seem to say that if any point is heresy that the whole book is worthless.
I get concerned a bit by that. It makes me think of the Pharisees who saw Jesus himself as a heretic. They knew the Torah (the Old Testament) inside and out, yet they were unable to reconcile their perceptions of God's word with God's own son standing before them.
How often do we do that? We've been so conditioned by whatever religion we participate in that sometimes it's hard to see what God really intended in his word. The things we learned in childhood may have been refuted as adults, but how many of us still picture God in our heads as he is portrayed in the Sistine Chapel : old, wise, bearded, and Caucasian?
I do find value in reading the book and deeply understanding the controversial points so I can have intelligent discussions with non-Christians who may have read the book and actually believe some of the foolishness portrayed within. I also like to explore my own beliefs to see which might be tainted by 'man's religion' instead of Biblical wisdom.
What is your take on controversy?
Context:
Jesus is sending out his apostles to towns of Israel to perform miracles and preach the truth. These words are a part of his advice to them before they leave.
Text:
11"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. 12As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
We have another controversial book on the Christian radar screen -- The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. This book is touted as pure heresy by some, and as an eye-opening view of our limited human perspectives of God by others.
Have you read it yet? Do you typically read books that are controversial, like The DaVinci Code? There is one school of thought that says we should be innocent as doves and not even open the pages of a book that isn't Biblically correct in it's portrayal of religious beliefs. Others believe we should be as shrewd as snakes, reading the books and making intense comparisons of its claims against what the Bible says.
At different times in my life I have been in both camps, and rightly so based on my level of spiritual maturity. Early on in my Christian life I would have been confused by concepts that sounded Biblical but really weren't. I would never have passed the tests Jesus passed in the desert when Satan tempted him by using scriptural references. I wasn't grounded enough in the truth to know a lie when I saw one.
And while I know I have a long way to go to get to spiritual maturity (if such a thing is even obtainable), now I really enjoy reading books of controversy because it's fun to validate or disprove the concepts! I like to read reviews by famous Christian scholars and try to understand their perspectives of heresies or values displayed in the text. I really enjoyed our classes by Lee Strobel on The DaVinci Code. I find it interesting that few scholars will portray both sides -- the good and the bad -- about a controversial book. They seem to say that if any point is heresy that the whole book is worthless.
I get concerned a bit by that. It makes me think of the Pharisees who saw Jesus himself as a heretic. They knew the Torah (the Old Testament) inside and out, yet they were unable to reconcile their perceptions of God's word with God's own son standing before them.
How often do we do that? We've been so conditioned by whatever religion we participate in that sometimes it's hard to see what God really intended in his word. The things we learned in childhood may have been refuted as adults, but how many of us still picture God in our heads as he is portrayed in the Sistine Chapel : old, wise, bearded, and Caucasian?
I do find value in reading the book and deeply understanding the controversial points so I can have intelligent discussions with non-Christians who may have read the book and actually believe some of the foolishness portrayed within. I also like to explore my own beliefs to see which might be tainted by 'man's religion' instead of Biblical wisdom.
What is your take on controversy?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Hurry up and Wait
Today's Verses -- Lamentations 3:17-26
Context:
It is believed that this book was written by the prophet Jeremiah and describes the loss the Jews felt at the destruction of Jerusalem and their exile. It consists of five 'laments' or group cries for help from God. This text is from the middle of the book and focuses on the goodness of God despite their suffering.
Text:
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I am not a very patient person. Once I decide that we want or need to make a purchase, it's hard for me to wait until there's a good sale. I tend to obsess about which model we want, where we should buy it, and how much we are willing to spend. The same is true with major spiritual issues or decisions. Once I believe I understand what God wants from me, I want to move forward and get on with it.
But my timing is not God's timing. In fact, I don't think my life has ever been synchronized with God's watch. Sometimes he wants immediate action and I want to think about it for a while. Other times I'm rearing to go, and he wants me to sit and wait...and wait and wait. I act like a six year old on a long trip, continually asking 'are we there yet?'
But no matter how impatient I get or how many times I make false starts, He let's me start over every single morning. Even if he got frustrated with me, he starts each day full of new love and compassion. Each sunrise brings another chance to turn to him and wait for his will to unfold.
This is one of the things I appreciate most about him!
Context:
It is believed that this book was written by the prophet Jeremiah and describes the loss the Jews felt at the destruction of Jerusalem and their exile. It consists of five 'laments' or group cries for help from God. This text is from the middle of the book and focuses on the goodness of God despite their suffering.
Text:
17 I have been deprived of peace;
I have forgotten what prosperity is.
18 So I say, "My splendor is gone
and all that I had hoped from the LORD."
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I am not a very patient person. Once I decide that we want or need to make a purchase, it's hard for me to wait until there's a good sale. I tend to obsess about which model we want, where we should buy it, and how much we are willing to spend. The same is true with major spiritual issues or decisions. Once I believe I understand what God wants from me, I want to move forward and get on with it.
But my timing is not God's timing. In fact, I don't think my life has ever been synchronized with God's watch. Sometimes he wants immediate action and I want to think about it for a while. Other times I'm rearing to go, and he wants me to sit and wait...and wait and wait. I act like a six year old on a long trip, continually asking 'are we there yet?'
But no matter how impatient I get or how many times I make false starts, He let's me start over every single morning. Even if he got frustrated with me, he starts each day full of new love and compassion. Each sunrise brings another chance to turn to him and wait for his will to unfold.
This is one of the things I appreciate most about him!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Hot or Cold?
Today's Verses -- Revelations 3:14-22
Context:
John (the apostle) is in a trance as he hears about Heaven and the End Times directly from Jesus. This is part of an address by Christ to the seven churches.
Text:
taken from www.biblegateway.com
It's hard to say that today's verses are some of my favorites, but I keep returning to them for some reason. I'm afraid that Jesus would find me to be a lukewarm Christian. There are so many areas where I know I fall short -- my prayer life, Bible study, good deeds, living in the Spirit. And I give great excuses -- life is too busy, there are so many expectations related to finances, parenting, home maintenance, work, that I often find myself falling asleep yet again disappointed in the witness I provided during the day.
When I stand before Jesus, I know that he will provide grace and cover my sins, but will he say 'Susan who????' when he sees my name on the list of new citizens of Heaven?
If I look at the way I spend my time, there are weeks when I know an outsider wouldn't see Christ as my top priority. I read, but I don't really study. I pray, but I don't really converse. I give, but not really sacrificially. I worship, but often it's half-hearted. I serve, but I'd rather be somewhere else.
How would you define being a 'hot' Christian? What would it look like? Where do you fall on the thermometer?
Context:
John (the apostle) is in a trance as he hears about Heaven and the End Times directly from Jesus. This is part of an address by Christ to the seven churches.
Text:
14"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
It's hard to say that today's verses are some of my favorites, but I keep returning to them for some reason. I'm afraid that Jesus would find me to be a lukewarm Christian. There are so many areas where I know I fall short -- my prayer life, Bible study, good deeds, living in the Spirit. And I give great excuses -- life is too busy, there are so many expectations related to finances, parenting, home maintenance, work, that I often find myself falling asleep yet again disappointed in the witness I provided during the day.
When I stand before Jesus, I know that he will provide grace and cover my sins, but will he say 'Susan who????' when he sees my name on the list of new citizens of Heaven?
If I look at the way I spend my time, there are weeks when I know an outsider wouldn't see Christ as my top priority. I read, but I don't really study. I pray, but I don't really converse. I give, but not really sacrificially. I worship, but often it's half-hearted. I serve, but I'd rather be somewhere else.
How would you define being a 'hot' Christian? What would it look like? Where do you fall on the thermometer?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Forgave and Forgot
Read 2 Peter 1:5-9
Context: Peter introduced his book by telling us that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness.
Text:
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Do you ever forget that you have been cleansed from your sins? Satan will go out of his way to make you think it isn't true. Late at night, when you can't sleep, he'll whisper into your ear things like, "I can't believe you did THAT!" or, "Surely you are bad to the core, look at all you've done," or even, "How could he forgive you for THAT?"
When we ask for forgiveness with a humble, repentant heart, God has promised that he will forgive and forget...as far as the east is from the west. But he doesn't take our memory away. He doesn't want us to dwell, or even revel, in our misdeeds, but he does want us to remember what we are capable of and how far we'd fallen before we let him pick us up. After all, how can we live and learn if we never remember the life lessons?
He wants us to remember, but not to be haunted by the memory. Next time Satan wants you to wallow in your past, just thank him for reminding you how great God is!
Context: Peter introduced his book by telling us that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness.
Text:
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to
goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control,
perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly
kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities
in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and
unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not
have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been
cleansed from his past sins. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Do you ever forget that you have been cleansed from your sins? Satan will go out of his way to make you think it isn't true. Late at night, when you can't sleep, he'll whisper into your ear things like, "I can't believe you did THAT!" or, "Surely you are bad to the core, look at all you've done," or even, "How could he forgive you for THAT?"
When we ask for forgiveness with a humble, repentant heart, God has promised that he will forgive and forget...as far as the east is from the west. But he doesn't take our memory away. He doesn't want us to dwell, or even revel, in our misdeeds, but he does want us to remember what we are capable of and how far we'd fallen before we let him pick us up. After all, how can we live and learn if we never remember the life lessons?
He wants us to remember, but not to be haunted by the memory. Next time Satan wants you to wallow in your past, just thank him for reminding you how great God is!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Silence
Today's Verses -- Amos 8:11-12
Context:
Amos prophesied during the reign of King Uzziah over Judah (792-740 b.c.) and Jeroboam II over Israel (793-753). While both kingdoms were enjoying great prosperity, it was a time of idolatry and extravagant indulgence. Amos's message from God called for social justice and true piety. He declared that God was going to judge his people because of their disobedience.
Text:
11 "The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.
12 Men will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
It's scary to compare Israel during this time frame and America today. While as a country we are not God's chosen nation (despite what some may think), we have been and still are full of "extravagant indulgence in luxurious living, immorality, corruption of judicial procedures, and oppression of the poor." Even though we are in recession, our lifestyles are still much more lavish than the lifestyles of many in the world. And despite the claim of almost 90% of Americans that they believe in God or consider themselves Christian, many don't act like it.
Amos's message was that God would be withdrawing his hand and his voice from the Israelites because of their disobedience. In historical Israel, the word of God came through prophets. As we know in retrospect, God fulfilled his message and did not send a prophet for approximately 500 years before the birth of Christ. That is a lot of silence.
What would our society look like if we were unable to read or hear the word of God for that long? If there were no true right and wrong, and people were able to do pretty much as they pleased? Would anyone seek God?
Even when God provided his word through the prophets, most people chose not to believe "those fanatics". Interesting to see how our leaders choose to look at truth-sayers these days as intolerant, right wing, narrow-minded, and hopelessly outdated.
But we have God's word in our hands, on our computers, and hopefully in our hearts. Regardless of it's popularity, it's up to us to be sure there is never a drought of his word again! God has given each of us the ability to proclaim his message. Let's be sure we understand the full message and then let's be heard.
Context:
Amos prophesied during the reign of King Uzziah over Judah (792-740 b.c.) and Jeroboam II over Israel (793-753). While both kingdoms were enjoying great prosperity, it was a time of idolatry and extravagant indulgence. Amos's message from God called for social justice and true piety. He declared that God was going to judge his people because of their disobedience.
Text:
11 "The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.
12 Men will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
It's scary to compare Israel during this time frame and America today. While as a country we are not God's chosen nation (despite what some may think), we have been and still are full of "extravagant indulgence in luxurious living, immorality, corruption of judicial procedures, and oppression of the poor." Even though we are in recession, our lifestyles are still much more lavish than the lifestyles of many in the world. And despite the claim of almost 90% of Americans that they believe in God or consider themselves Christian, many don't act like it.
Amos's message was that God would be withdrawing his hand and his voice from the Israelites because of their disobedience. In historical Israel, the word of God came through prophets. As we know in retrospect, God fulfilled his message and did not send a prophet for approximately 500 years before the birth of Christ. That is a lot of silence.
What would our society look like if we were unable to read or hear the word of God for that long? If there were no true right and wrong, and people were able to do pretty much as they pleased? Would anyone seek God?
Even when God provided his word through the prophets, most people chose not to believe "those fanatics". Interesting to see how our leaders choose to look at truth-sayers these days as intolerant, right wing, narrow-minded, and hopelessly outdated.
But we have God's word in our hands, on our computers, and hopefully in our hearts. Regardless of it's popularity, it's up to us to be sure there is never a drought of his word again! God has given each of us the ability to proclaim his message. Let's be sure we understand the full message and then let's be heard.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Do You Have Questions?
Today's Verses -- John 3:1-2
Context:
Jesus is in Jerusalem for the Passover. He entered the temple courts and found men selling all kinds of animals for sacrifice. He overturned their tables and ran them out of the temple courts. The Jews wanted to see miraculous signs to prove he was the Christ.
Text:
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Have you started listing questions about the verses you have chosen to study? I got started slowly, but I was amazed at how many questions I ended up with. It was actually a somewhat frustrating exercise, because now I want answers to all of them!
I'd love the chance to go meet with Jesus face to face and ask him these things. I'm sure I'd be embarrassed by my ignorance, but I imagine he'd patiently explain everything. Nicodemus visited with him at night. Some surmise because he was embarrassed to be seen asking these questions, but who really knows? Maybe he just had a busy day at the temple and didn't have a chance to meet with him until nighttime. Or maybe he and Jesus set up the meeting in advance.
The important thing isn't when he went or why he went at that time, but that he went at all! How often do we rush through reading a passage, especially a familiar one, and don't really stop to be sure we understand?
This method of Bible study is definitely taking a lot of time, but I already have a much better comprehension of the passage than I did before I started questioning things. I could probably spend the rest of my life trying to find answers to some of the questions I have.
So, do I need to memorize my questions so I can ask Jesus when I get to Heaven? Or will I automatically know the answers to all my questions when I arrive. I imagine, at that point, the questions won't matter anymore.
Context:
Jesus is in Jerusalem for the Passover. He entered the temple courts and found men selling all kinds of animals for sacrifice. He overturned their tables and ran them out of the temple courts. The Jews wanted to see miraculous signs to prove he was the Christ.
Text:
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Have you started listing questions about the verses you have chosen to study? I got started slowly, but I was amazed at how many questions I ended up with. It was actually a somewhat frustrating exercise, because now I want answers to all of them!
I'd love the chance to go meet with Jesus face to face and ask him these things. I'm sure I'd be embarrassed by my ignorance, but I imagine he'd patiently explain everything. Nicodemus visited with him at night. Some surmise because he was embarrassed to be seen asking these questions, but who really knows? Maybe he just had a busy day at the temple and didn't have a chance to meet with him until nighttime. Or maybe he and Jesus set up the meeting in advance.
The important thing isn't when he went or why he went at that time, but that he went at all! How often do we rush through reading a passage, especially a familiar one, and don't really stop to be sure we understand?
This method of Bible study is definitely taking a lot of time, but I already have a much better comprehension of the passage than I did before I started questioning things. I could probably spend the rest of my life trying to find answers to some of the questions I have.
So, do I need to memorize my questions so I can ask Jesus when I get to Heaven? Or will I automatically know the answers to all my questions when I arrive. I imagine, at that point, the questions won't matter anymore.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Seeking The Truth
Today's Verses -- Acts 17:10-12
Context:
Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Phillipi, then miraculously released by an earthquake. Instead of escaping they converted the jailer and his entire family. They left for Thessalonica, where many Jews heard the Good News and became Christians. But many Jews were jealous of the crowds Paul and Silas drew, so they started a riot. They beat the man who was housing them, and Paul and Silas left town.
Text:
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I'm not sure why I think of the Bereans as older. . . maybe because it seems like the longer people live, the more they are likely to be noble and not believe whatever they hear. Anyway, I imagine a group of wise grandpas listening to the morning preaching of Paul and Silas, taking notes and tapping their chins. They turn occasionally to each other and whisper about certain points and ask questions that younger folks wouldn't even think of.
Then they get up, stretch out their legs and grab a bite of lunch. They meet together in the study room of the synagogue and pull out the ancient scrolls. They look up a multitude of verses, reading aloud when they find passages of particular interest. Then they discuss, argue, and look up more verses before deciding that Paul was indeed correct. They wonder at the way God is bringing his word to life and they dream of Heaven. They excitedly head home and tell their families of their discoveries.
Controversy and disbelief related to teaching is actually a good thing if it causes us to dig deeper to really understand what God is trying to relay. I'm excited that this new series will teach us how to challenge our assumptions and validate (or maybe discover) the truth.
I hope everyone has chosen his or her verses to study. Be sure to start preparing a list of questions today. This is a big assignment that won't be very effective if we put it off until the last minute.
Who knows, maybe people will see our class as being of noble character and seekers of the truth (BEFORE we all get gray hair...)
Context:
Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Phillipi, then miraculously released by an earthquake. Instead of escaping they converted the jailer and his entire family. They left for Thessalonica, where many Jews heard the Good News and became Christians. But many Jews were jealous of the crowds Paul and Silas drew, so they started a riot. They beat the man who was housing them, and Paul and Silas left town.
Text:
10As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On
arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11Now the Bereans were of
more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with
great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said
was true. 12Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek
women and many Greek men. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I'm not sure why I think of the Bereans as older. . . maybe because it seems like the longer people live, the more they are likely to be noble and not believe whatever they hear. Anyway, I imagine a group of wise grandpas listening to the morning preaching of Paul and Silas, taking notes and tapping their chins. They turn occasionally to each other and whisper about certain points and ask questions that younger folks wouldn't even think of.
Then they get up, stretch out their legs and grab a bite of lunch. They meet together in the study room of the synagogue and pull out the ancient scrolls. They look up a multitude of verses, reading aloud when they find passages of particular interest. Then they discuss, argue, and look up more verses before deciding that Paul was indeed correct. They wonder at the way God is bringing his word to life and they dream of Heaven. They excitedly head home and tell their families of their discoveries.
Controversy and disbelief related to teaching is actually a good thing if it causes us to dig deeper to really understand what God is trying to relay. I'm excited that this new series will teach us how to challenge our assumptions and validate (or maybe discover) the truth.
I hope everyone has chosen his or her verses to study. Be sure to start preparing a list of questions today. This is a big assignment that won't be very effective if we put it off until the last minute.
Who knows, maybe people will see our class as being of noble character and seekers of the truth (BEFORE we all get gray hair...)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Going Deep
Today's Verses -- 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Context:
In his second letter to a young missionary, Paul warns Timothy about the godlessness people will face in the last days and gives him advice for standing firm in his faith.
Text:
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
We have officially started an eight week session that will teach us how to study God's word indepth. For those of you who aren't able to join us on Sundays, you can listen to the sessons at http://www.icrtransform.com/ . Go to Study Resources, then audio resources, and click 'How to Read and Study the Bible by Dr. Mark E. Moore'. This week we went through the complete introduction session.
Our assignment for this week was to choose a Bible passage, about 10 - 20 verses long, which we will use for our study for the entire eight weeks.
This was a really difficult assignment for me. There are so many great stories and great things to learn that I had no idea where to start. I decided that I wanted to focus on the gospels since Dr. Moore gave so many examples from there. Then I thought that maybe I'd choose a story I didn't know much about, something that was covered in at least two of the gospels so I could make comparisons. But did I want a miracle, a teaching session, or maybe an informational passage like Jesus' selection of his disciples? I read through the subtitles and was disappointed to find that many of these sections had ten or fewer verses, which Dr. Moore said would be too short.
I really wanted something that would be incredibly meaningful and pertinent to my life right now...especially if I was going to spend eight weeks on it!
Then I remembered today's verses, advice from Paul to Timothy. It really doesn't matter what I choose...ALL scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training. God has something to teach me from any passage I choose.
In the end, I have chosen John 5:16-30. The chapter subtitle is 'Life Through the Son', and it talks about how Jesus is doing his Father's work, and it is often referenced in a Bible study I'm doing called Experiencing God.
I'd love to hear what passage you have chosen and how you decided on it. Comment below and share your verses with the rest of the class.
I'm excited to find out what we all learn from this experience! I'm sure our Sunday School class will never be the same if we are all able to really worship God through our Bible studies.
However, I'm a little hesitant about that 'rebuking' part...
Context:
In his second letter to a young missionary, Paul warns Timothy about the godlessness people will face in the last days and gives him advice for standing firm in his faith.
Text:
14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced
of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you
have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man
of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV)
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
We have officially started an eight week session that will teach us how to study God's word indepth. For those of you who aren't able to join us on Sundays, you can listen to the sessons at http://www.icrtransform.com/ . Go to Study Resources, then audio resources, and click 'How to Read and Study the Bible by Dr. Mark E. Moore'. This week we went through the complete introduction session.
Our assignment for this week was to choose a Bible passage, about 10 - 20 verses long, which we will use for our study for the entire eight weeks.
This was a really difficult assignment for me. There are so many great stories and great things to learn that I had no idea where to start. I decided that I wanted to focus on the gospels since Dr. Moore gave so many examples from there. Then I thought that maybe I'd choose a story I didn't know much about, something that was covered in at least two of the gospels so I could make comparisons. But did I want a miracle, a teaching session, or maybe an informational passage like Jesus' selection of his disciples? I read through the subtitles and was disappointed to find that many of these sections had ten or fewer verses, which Dr. Moore said would be too short.
I really wanted something that would be incredibly meaningful and pertinent to my life right now...especially if I was going to spend eight weeks on it!
Then I remembered today's verses, advice from Paul to Timothy. It really doesn't matter what I choose...ALL scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training. God has something to teach me from any passage I choose.
In the end, I have chosen John 5:16-30. The chapter subtitle is 'Life Through the Son', and it talks about how Jesus is doing his Father's work, and it is often referenced in a Bible study I'm doing called Experiencing God.
I'd love to hear what passage you have chosen and how you decided on it. Comment below and share your verses with the rest of the class.
I'm excited to find out what we all learn from this experience! I'm sure our Sunday School class will never be the same if we are all able to really worship God through our Bible studies.
However, I'm a little hesitant about that 'rebuking' part...
Friday, February 6, 2009
Too Busy
Read Psalm 119:33-40
Context:
More from Psalm 119. Today's letter is 'He'
33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.(NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
This stanza could stand alone as a prayer. If you remember from yesterday, the author started with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet and he wrote eight verses for each. While he has been talking to God in each of the stanzas up to this point in the psalm, he shifts and dedicates this one to a prayerful request.
In your prayer time today, try to include these lines. Verses 36 and 37 really seem to hit home in our era. We have so many distractions that, while they may be worthwhile, take us away from God's word. We have to get to work, clean the house, wash the car, fix meals, entertain, shop, watch the our favorite shows, keep up with the news, and prepare to do it all over again next week.
Can you take time today to 'turn your eyes away' and spend time reading your Bible?
Even as I type that, I am coming up with excuses for why I'm too busy. HA! Why procrastinate in my reading when I can put off cleaning the bathroom for one more day?
Context:
More from Psalm 119. Today's letter is 'He'
33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.(NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
This stanza could stand alone as a prayer. If you remember from yesterday, the author started with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet and he wrote eight verses for each. While he has been talking to God in each of the stanzas up to this point in the psalm, he shifts and dedicates this one to a prayerful request.
In your prayer time today, try to include these lines. Verses 36 and 37 really seem to hit home in our era. We have so many distractions that, while they may be worthwhile, take us away from God's word. We have to get to work, clean the house, wash the car, fix meals, entertain, shop, watch the our favorite shows, keep up with the news, and prepare to do it all over again next week.
Can you take time today to 'turn your eyes away' and spend time reading your Bible?
Even as I type that, I am coming up with excuses for why I'm too busy. HA! Why procrastinate in my reading when I can put off cleaning the bathroom for one more day?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Truth, the Whole Truth...
Today's Verses -- Psalm 119:89-96
Context:
Psalm 119 is a long devotional on the Word of God. Each stanza starts with a different Hebrew letter...sort of an A-Z on the Bible. Today's text is brought to you by the letter Lamedh!
Text:
Do you believe that the Bible is God's word? Why? Could you explain why you believe this to others? Try to explain why you believe this to someone in your family and see if you are convincing. It's harder to do that in sounds.
If you aren't really sure, ask someone else in class to tell you their explanation, and discuss your concerns. It will be helpful to both of you!
Just a thought...if you don't believe something that is true, does it make it any less true?
Context:
Psalm 119 is a long devotional on the Word of God. Each stanza starts with a different Hebrew letter...sort of an A-Z on the Bible. Today's text is brought to you by the letter Lamedh!
Text:
taken by www.biblegateway.com89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. 90 Your
faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and
it endures. 91 Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. 92 If
your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I
will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. 94 Save
me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. 95 The wicked are waiting
to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. 96 To all perfection I see a
limit; but your commands are boundless. (NIV)
Do you believe that the Bible is God's word? Why? Could you explain why you believe this to others? Try to explain why you believe this to someone in your family and see if you are convincing. It's harder to do that in sounds.
If you aren't really sure, ask someone else in class to tell you their explanation, and discuss your concerns. It will be helpful to both of you!
Just a thought...if you don't believe something that is true, does it make it any less true?
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Displaying His Word
Today's Verses -- Deut 6:4-9
Context: Moses has come down from the mountain the second time (after destroying the tablets of commandments because of the golden calf) and he is giving a long speech outlining God's expectations of the Jewish people.
Text:
taken from www.biblegateway.com
According to some Internet statistics I found (however valid they may be...), over $13 BILLION dollars get spent on Christian books each year. This doesn't include the spending on other Christian items like music, t-shirts, and home decor.
Many people may think I'm a tightwad, although as Doug knows I can spend with the best of them! But I wonder if these purchases are really bringing us closer to God?
Please don't get me wrong -- I am thrilled with the number of Christian books on the market and I read a lot of them. And how many people have met Christ first through a book or a song? Probably tons. But when I go to a Christian bookstore and see tea sets, statues, and knick-knacks for Christ, I wonder if we have gone too far.
God told us to write his words on our door frames, to keep them in front of us at all times, and to talk about them each day with our children and others. But how many of us really know the verses represented on our t-shirts in context if anyone would ask? I'm not sure he really meant that we should buy stuff with verses engraved on it.
I'm not opposed to purchasing these things, but I wonder how many of us use them as witnessing tools? Do others, including our own families, know what our core beliefs are about Christ? How often do you discuss the Bible in your home in the course of 'normal' conversation?
I know we don't do it very often. Oh, we pray at mealtimes and bedtime and attend church. And some of us do regular devotions or studies, but I have to admit that some days the only real reference to God is the plaque in the corner stating that we serve the Lord in our house. I love the idea of us reading, discussing, and even memorizing scripture together, but somehow life intervenes and it doesn't often happen. His commandments aren't often on our hearts.
When is the last time you discussed God's expectations of His people somewhere other than at church?
Context: Moses has come down from the mountain the second time (after destroying the tablets of commandments because of the golden calf) and he is giving a long speech outlining God's expectations of the Jewish people.
Text:
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God
with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These
commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on
your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the
road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands
and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the door frames of your houses
and on your gates. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
According to some Internet statistics I found (however valid they may be...), over $13 BILLION dollars get spent on Christian books each year. This doesn't include the spending on other Christian items like music, t-shirts, and home decor.
Many people may think I'm a tightwad, although as Doug knows I can spend with the best of them! But I wonder if these purchases are really bringing us closer to God?
Please don't get me wrong -- I am thrilled with the number of Christian books on the market and I read a lot of them. And how many people have met Christ first through a book or a song? Probably tons. But when I go to a Christian bookstore and see tea sets, statues, and knick-knacks for Christ, I wonder if we have gone too far.
God told us to write his words on our door frames, to keep them in front of us at all times, and to talk about them each day with our children and others. But how many of us really know the verses represented on our t-shirts in context if anyone would ask? I'm not sure he really meant that we should buy stuff with verses engraved on it.
I'm not opposed to purchasing these things, but I wonder how many of us use them as witnessing tools? Do others, including our own families, know what our core beliefs are about Christ? How often do you discuss the Bible in your home in the course of 'normal' conversation?
I know we don't do it very often. Oh, we pray at mealtimes and bedtime and attend church. And some of us do regular devotions or studies, but I have to admit that some days the only real reference to God is the plaque in the corner stating that we serve the Lord in our house. I love the idea of us reading, discussing, and even memorizing scripture together, but somehow life intervenes and it doesn't often happen. His commandments aren't often on our hearts.
When is the last time you discussed God's expectations of His people somewhere other than at church?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
What Are You Doing With What You Learn?
Today's Verses -- James 1:22-25
Context:
James (presumed to be the brother of Jesus, not the apostle) is writing to the Christian Jews who are scattered around the world. They are undergoing a time of serious persecution, and he seeks to encourage them to go beyond belief and take actions that demonstrate Christ.
Text:
taken from www.biblegateway.com
This year I'm planning to read through the Bible in a year. I'm trying a different approach, hoping it works better than in the past. I've purchased a One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation. The text is rearranged in sequential order and the daily readings are laid out for me.
So far it's been very interesting. Genesis, of course, comes first, but it is interspersed with some of the genealogy from other books which will hopefully keep me from spending a month going through tedious lists of names and numbers. I love the stories of the interactions of God and his chosen leaders such as Abraham and Isaac. I've read about Jacob and Job, and now I'm reading about Moses and the plagues on Egypt.
But James verses about doing what the word says have caused me to step back. I admit I've been reading the daily assignments more as adventure stories and I've not been taking the time to really comprehend what they mean in my daily life. Other than increasing my ability to tell Bible stories, what am I doing with the things that I learn? How do these ancient stories apply to modern life?
What blessings am I missing by not intently studying the words I read?
I'm looking forward to the next few weeks of class to refresh old habits and learn new techniques for really applying God's message in my life.
In the meantime I think I need to look back and see what I've missed so far this year!
How about you? Can you name five life lessons you've learned from your Bible reading so far this year (that's only one per week...)?
Context:
James (presumed to be the brother of Jesus, not the apostle) is writing to the Christian Jews who are scattered around the world. They are undergoing a time of serious persecution, and he seeks to encourage them to go beyond belief and take actions that demonstrate Christ.
Text:
22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who
looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and
immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into
the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting
what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
This year I'm planning to read through the Bible in a year. I'm trying a different approach, hoping it works better than in the past. I've purchased a One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation. The text is rearranged in sequential order and the daily readings are laid out for me.
So far it's been very interesting. Genesis, of course, comes first, but it is interspersed with some of the genealogy from other books which will hopefully keep me from spending a month going through tedious lists of names and numbers. I love the stories of the interactions of God and his chosen leaders such as Abraham and Isaac. I've read about Jacob and Job, and now I'm reading about Moses and the plagues on Egypt.
But James verses about doing what the word says have caused me to step back. I admit I've been reading the daily assignments more as adventure stories and I've not been taking the time to really comprehend what they mean in my daily life. Other than increasing my ability to tell Bible stories, what am I doing with the things that I learn? How do these ancient stories apply to modern life?
What blessings am I missing by not intently studying the words I read?
I'm looking forward to the next few weeks of class to refresh old habits and learn new techniques for really applying God's message in my life.
In the meantime I think I need to look back and see what I've missed so far this year!
How about you? Can you name five life lessons you've learned from your Bible reading so far this year (that's only one per week...)?
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Word
We are taking a break from Acts for a few weeks to improve our Bible study skills!
Today's Verses -- Proverbs 1:1-7
Text:
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;
3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-
6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
In Bible times and for much of our history it was almost impossible for a normal person to read God's word. Even if he or she was literate, the only Bibles (or Torahs) that existed were carefully guarded in the temples and cathedrals. Each had to be hand-written and was priceless.
In certain historical times, each king and pope had to hand-write his own copy of the Bible as a means of fully understanding it's content. In some countries today that is still the only way a person can obtain a personal copy because it is against the law or impossible to purchase one.
While I am glad it isn't hidden away any longer, we seem to have lost respect for the word. In our home we have at least nine copies in several versions and we can access more on the Internet with the press of a button. When I do my Bible reading (which isn't as daily as I'd like it to be), I often skim it like a novel then put it away until the next day. It is easy to follow Einstein's logic of not using up precious brain cells to memorize anything we can readily find somewhere else (an aside -- so why is my head so full of Disney songs?)!
I know that I fit into the fool category that Solomon mentioned in his introduction to Proverbs. I dislike discipline and often waste the time that I had set aside for prayer and Bible study with other seemingly important things that don't have eternal consequences.
How would our world be different if every Christian used the Word for the purposes outlined in our text today?
Today's Verses -- Proverbs 1:1-7
Text:
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;
3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-
6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
In Bible times and for much of our history it was almost impossible for a normal person to read God's word. Even if he or she was literate, the only Bibles (or Torahs) that existed were carefully guarded in the temples and cathedrals. Each had to be hand-written and was priceless.
In certain historical times, each king and pope had to hand-write his own copy of the Bible as a means of fully understanding it's content. In some countries today that is still the only way a person can obtain a personal copy because it is against the law or impossible to purchase one.
While I am glad it isn't hidden away any longer, we seem to have lost respect for the word. In our home we have at least nine copies in several versions and we can access more on the Internet with the press of a button. When I do my Bible reading (which isn't as daily as I'd like it to be), I often skim it like a novel then put it away until the next day. It is easy to follow Einstein's logic of not using up precious brain cells to memorize anything we can readily find somewhere else (an aside -- so why is my head so full of Disney songs?)!
I know that I fit into the fool category that Solomon mentioned in his introduction to Proverbs. I dislike discipline and often waste the time that I had set aside for prayer and Bible study with other seemingly important things that don't have eternal consequences.
How would our world be different if every Christian used the Word for the purposes outlined in our text today?
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