Work the Plan

We're going to do something a little different today. Here are three verses taken from the New Century Version for you to read:

Jeremiah 1:5a "Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you.
Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 11 I say this because I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Luke 10:20b "rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

I am not a Bible scholar by any means, but the way these three verses flow together gives me great hope and comfort. God chose each of us for a special work long before we were born. Despite what hardships or problems we have, all of them fit into his plan for our lives...and he promises the plan is for good! And, he's already written our names in heaven...I like to imagine that the names are on the doors of the rooms he's prepared for us...just like movie stars. Not for our glory, but to show the wonders of his creation...us.

Do you know the job that God has asked you to do? The fact that you are here means that he has a special job that only you can do. You may not get a letter in the mail telling you what your earthly responsibilities are, but if you watch carefully you will see opportunities to serve him everywhere you turn. Only when we get to heaven will we understand the impact of all these little actions.

When you pray today, report for duty and ask God to reveal the job he has for you today. Then go out and act on whatever opportunities present themselves!

When God Makes Promises

Read Hebrews 6:13-20

Context: In this chapter Paul is taking the Hebrews beyond the basics to learn how to be spiritually mature.

Text:
13 God made a promise to Abraham. And as there is no one greater than God, he used himself when he swore to Abraham,14 saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants."[a]15 Abraham waited patiently for this to happen, and he received what God promised.
16 People always use the name of someone greater than themselves when they swear. The oath proves that what they say is true, and this ends all arguing.17 God wanted to prove that his promise was true to those who would get what he promised. And he wanted them to understand clearly that his purposes never change, so he made an oath.18 These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he makes a promise, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. These things encourage us who came to God for safety. They give us strength to hold on to the hope we have been given.19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong. It enters behind the curtain in the Most Holy Place in heaven, 20 where Jesus has gone ahead of us and for us. He has become the high priest forever, a priest like Melchizedek.[b] (NCV)

Footnotes:

Hebrews 6:14 "I . . . descendants." Quotation from Genesis 22:17.
Hebrews 6:20 Melchizedek A priest and king who lived in the time of Abraham. (Read Genesis 14:17–24.)
taken from www.biblegateway.com

So what is the difference between a promise and an oath? According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, an oath is "a solemn usually formal calling upon God ...to witness to the truth of what one says or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says."

A promise, on the other hand, is "a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified." The definition goes on to state that many promises can be upheld by the law (wow...I'm glad my kids don't know that).

I try not to promise things that I won't do, but sometimes it happens. This summer I promised that I would take the boys to Six Flags at least once...after all they had worked hard for their free tickets. I'm not sure where the summer went, but August came around, school started, and their tickets expired. While I feel (yet again) like a scum mom, they are slowly forgetting about it as they focus on upcoming holidays.

But when God makes a promise, he is obligated to fulfill it. When he goes further and makes an oath, represented by something tangible, it's almost like a double dare promise. Either way, when God says he'll do it, we can be sure it will happen. And think of what he's promised us! That he is watching out for our best interests, that he has plans for our future, and that he is preparing a place for us in heaven. These are promises that we can trust.

Hey...God does all things in his own time, right? Maybe I can use that line with the boys and take them to Six Flags next year!

God's Perfection

Read Philippians 3:17-21

Context: Paul has been talking about how all his earthly accomplishments are rubbish compared to the greatness of following Christ. He mentioned how he is pressing forward toward the goal of Heaven.

Text:
17Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Americans have serious problems with body image. Our society tells us that women should be tall and thin in most places, and men should be tall and broad-shouldered with 6-pack abs. Both must be wrinkle free, with no gray hair. Some people meet these standards for a year or two, but most never will. Billions of dollars are spent each year on diets, exercise clubs, makeup, plastic surgery, and haircolor so that we can pretend that we meet these unreal standards. Millions more are spent on camoflaging clothing so we can hide what we think isn't perfect.

God promises that one day we will all have perfect bodies -- bodies exactly like his! No more painful procedures, no more starvation diets, no more sweaty exercises. We don't have a clue what 'perfect' means to God, but I bet it doesn't involve size 6 clothing! In the blink of an eye our imperfect bodies will be transformed into all we were created to be.

I think I'll celebrate this truth with a donut :o)

Anticipation

Read Romans 8:19-21

Context: Paul has just finished talking about how we have an obligation to live by the Spirit. If we do, we are counted as sons of God "that we may share in his glory."

Text:
19 Everything God made is waiting with excitement for God to show his children's glory completely.20 Everything God made was changed to become useless, not by its own wish but because God wanted it and because all along there was this hope:21 that everything God made would be set free from ruin to have the freedom and glory that belong to God's children. (NCV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

What are the things that you have waited excitedly for? Christmas morning, the first lost tooth, a driver's license, high school graduation, the birth of a child, a dream vacation, retirement? We look forward, planning our activities, saving up our money, dreaming about what it will be like.

Do you ever dream of Christ's return? How one day, without any warning, we will look up from our desks, out the window of our car, or through the kitchen window as we do the dishes to see the sky split open as Christ returns? The Bible tells us that all will see his glorious return, and that at that time every knee will bow. We'll be taken to Heaven for an eternity of praise and celebration.

It could happen today...it could happen next year. At that time all the things we think are important today will fall away and become trivial. Are you excited? Are you ready?

My Own Room

Read John 14:1-3

Context: Jesus and his apostles are feasting at his final Passover supper. He has washed their feet, he's predicted his betrayal, and Judas just left to set an eternal plan into motion. Peter has agreed to follow Jesus anywhere, even to death, but Jesus just shook his head and sadly told Peter than even that night Peter would turn away. Yet he has words of hope...

Text:
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (NIV)

Footnotes:

John 14:1 Or You trust in God
taken from www.Biblegateway.com

Have you ever gone to visit someone and been treated like a king when you got there? Maybe you were coming home from college for the first time, or perhaps you were visiting a friend or relative that you haven't seen for a long time. Several years ago I visited a friend from college. She had just given birth to a baby girl, and I was pregnant...she was going to teach me how to take care of babies (ok, it was more than several years ago...my first child is now 21...).

When I arrived she showed me to the guest room. There were pretty towels available for me to use, she'd put out a plate of cookies and container of water on the bedside table, and there were even several new magazines for me to read. She'd filled her refrigerator with things that she knew I liked, and she pampered me all weekend. I obviously still remember how special she made me feel.

If a worldly friend can make us feel special, how much more will Jesus make our entrance to Heaven special? He's been preparing our rooms for 2000 years. The rooms in God's mansion will be filled with wonderful things that we can't even imagine...things we didn't even know about that are perfect for us. I bet there will even be amazing chocolates on the pillow!

I'm glad I've already made my reservation.

Don't Pull A "Jonah"

Read Luke 6:46-49

Context: This text is the end of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

Text:
46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Have you ever "pulled a Jonah"? That is, have you made a commitment to follow God's way but when you found out what he wanted you turned and ran the opposite way?

God repeatedly tells us that he wants us to pray, he tells us what to pray for, and he promises to provide for all of our needs. But frequently his ideas of what we need are inconsistent with what we want...or even what we think we need. Sometimes he asks us to do things that just don't make any sense at the time...other times we are asked to stretch and take on challenges we don't think we are capable of meeting. And then occasionally he tells us to either do something we really don't want to do, or not to do something we really want to do. I hate when that happens!

In these times it is easy to say 'thanks, but no thanks...I'll do it myself'. Unfortunately, every time we choose to not listen or obey, we end up like Jonah. There are serious storms in our lives, and then we spend a period of time where we feel shut off from God -- we might as well be in the belly of a fish.

If God asks you to take action in a way that you don't prefer, take the easy way out and obey!

Shine Like The Son

Read Psalm 37:1-7

Context: This, too, was written by David. It is an alphabet acrostic poem, which means that each stanza begins with a different Hebrew letter.

Text:
1 Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Have you watched a sunrise lately? All of a sudden it seems like the morning is coming much later than it did a week or so ago, and the sunrise fits better into my morning schedule! One minute the world is dark, the next there is a hint of light, the promise of a new day. Over the course of ten minutes or so the sky goes through a rainbow of colors until you are able to see the sun itself.

If we trust God, this passage says that He will make us shine like the dawn -- we get to sweep away the darkness in a glorious manner! We have to remember that we aren't the sun in this picture, though. We represent the clouds and the sky who reflect His brilliance...all of our colors must be reflections of Him, or we will be just like a cloudy morning that goes from black to dull shades of gray with no light shining through.

How are you reflecting God today?

God's the Best Multitasker

Read Psalm 34:15-22

Context: David wrote this psalm when he pretended to be insane before Abimilech, who drove him away. This story can be found in 1 Samuel 21:10-15 (Abimilech is also called Achish)

Text:
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;

20 he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

22 The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

God's ways are not our ways, and often his ways are totally beyond my understanding. I'm a pretty good multi-tasker, but I have trouble listening to even three of our children and fix supper at the same time...can you imagine how crazy it must be in Heaven? God has to listen to millions of prayers and run the world at the same time as he answers requests from his backlog.

Yet somehow he can give his full attention to each one and he is eternally patient with our repeated prayers, our rants, our demands, and our feeble attempts to say what we mean. Of course he already knows what we need (and every once in a while that's exactly what we ask for), but he wants us to go to him and ask. He promises to hear us and deliver us from our trials. He doesn't promise to eliminate our troubles...just to deliver us from them in his timing.

Aren't you glad we don't have to stand in line to talk to him?

Mornin', Sleepyhead

Read Psalm 5:1-8

Context: This is a morning prayer written by David. It was most likely a hymn, and it was to be accompanied by flutes.

Text:
1 Give ear to my words, O LORD,
consider my sighing.
2 Listen to my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.

3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.

4 You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil;
with you the wicked cannot dwell.

5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence;
you hate all who do wrong.

6 You destroy those who tell lies;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men
the LORD abhors.

7 But I, by your great mercy,
will come into your house;
in reverence will I bow down
toward your holy temple.

8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies—
make straight your way before me. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

As I write this our boys have just gotten out of bed. I'm usually still at the computer when they wake up, so they come straight to our room and climb under the covers in our bed while they wipe the sleep from their eyes. While I don't usually get a morning hug from them (they are boys, afterall), it warms my heart to see their sleepy little faces (while they still look innocent...that doesn't last long) and to know that they want to spend some time with me as they get ready for the day.

Does God feel the same way when we start our morning with prayer? Does it make him smile to know that we want to be in his presence and that we are asking his advice for the day? Does our praise feel like a warm hug, and do we still look innocent in the morning? I'm pretty sure he smiles a little at our bed heads...

When I remember to pray right away my day seems to be smoother than when I oversleep and don't get to my prayers until later. I doubt that I have any less trouble than I would have had if I didn't pray, but I'm much more capable of dealing with that trouble if I've checked in with God.

Now if I can just learn to finish my prayers without falling back asleep...

God Owns It All

Read 1 Chronicles 29:11-12

Context: David desperately wanted to build a temple for God, but God said, "No." Instead, He commissioned Solomon to be the builder. In this passage, David has collected and donated funds for a magnificent temple and he is passing the temple plans and the crown of the king over to his son. Today's text is a prayer of praise David said in front of the whole assembly.

Text:
11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.

12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

God is getting ready to show us another chamber in his store of riches. I can think of no greater display of his majesty and splendor than a hillside aflame in Autumn colors. With a sweep of his hand, the weather turns crisp and the leaves change to reflect God's full glory before the trees submit to winter.

If is often hard to remember that God owns everything. I've heard a non-Christian member of our extended family state that she believes in God, but she works hard for her money and isn't going to just give it away to God. As Christians, we also tend to hold onto 'our' things and money. We build our lifestyles in such a way that giving back 10% to God is a hardship for us. Even when we tithe, we think of that 10% as God's and the rest is 'ours'.

We couldn't be more wrong. God owns it all. He provides a certain portion of his treasure to you -- for you to manage. He graciously allows us to live in great homes, to eat amazing food, and to purchase lots of stuff to meet both our needs and desires. But we run into trouble the minute we start thinking of these things as ours. We start thinking that we deserve more than he gives, and we hoard what we have.

Yesterday we were given a chance to share our bounty with someone who really needs to understand the love of God. Did you go home to see what you might have to share? God has really laid Connie Doering's request on my heart. Can we surround this woman who has lost everything with God's provision? Please take another look and see what God wants you to share, then call Connie so these things can be used to further His kingdom.

Just Like New

Read Isaiah 44:21-23

Context: After 39 chapters of telling about God's coming judgment for the Israelites, Isaiah spends chapters 40-66 giving comfort and telling of the deliverance that will come after the judgment. Today's text is part of a section reminding Israel that there is only one God.

Text:
21 "Remember these things, O Jacob,
for you are my servant, O Israel.
I have made you, you are my servant;
O Israel, I will not forget you.
22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,
your sins like the morning mist.
Return to me,
for I have redeemed you."

23 Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this;
shout aloud, O earth beneath.
Burst into song, you mountains,
you forests and all your trees,
for the LORD has redeemed Jacob,
he displays his glory in Israel. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

We have been refinishing our basement and we've decided to decorate in a '50s diner style. We installed black and white checkerboard tile and we've been working our way up to the ceiling.

There have been times when there was so much drywall dust on the floor that you couldn't tell there was any black in the tile at all! Even after sweeping or hitting it quickly with a mop there were streaky white remnants of the dust. But once we used a floor cleaner and the appropriate tools the hidden floor looked just like new -- you couldn't even remember what it looked like when it was dirty.

Based on this passage, it's easy to imagine that our true colors are hidden by the dust of sin. But God comes along with a giant vacuum cleaner and sweeps it all away. He uses his infinite power and the right tool, Jesus, to reveal the real you hiding underneath. He doesn't keep the bag of dust on a shelf somewhere with your name on it so he can remember all that dirt. He throws the it into trash and it's gone from his sight forever.

Of course our floor will get dirty again, but I know that we can clean up any dirty or sticky mess that covers it.

God will do the same for you...all you have to do is ask!

Dressin' Up?

Romans 13:8-14

Context: This is a segment of Paul's letter to the Romans that discusses the practical applications of making Christ the Lord of every part of their lives.

Text:
8-10Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other. When you love others, you complete what the law has been after all along. The law code—don't sleep with another person's spouse, don't take someone's life, don't take what isn't yours, don't always be wanting what you don't have, and any other "don't" you can think of—finally adds up to this: Love other people as well as you do yourself. You can't go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love.
11-14But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about! (MSG)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

It's amazing how the clothes I am wear impact the way I feel. If I get up in the morning and put on sweats and an old t-shirt, I'm pretty motivated to sit around and look at the work I need to do. If I get dressed a little more nicely and put on shoes and socks, I feel like I'm ready to work and I get a lot done. When I go out in public the difference is magnified. I frequently get copies made a the local office supply store. If I am dressed in a somewhat professional manner I find that I get much better service! I am not planning to spend any more money, but for some reason the workers get the impression that I am more serious about my shopping.

Judgmental? Sure, but it's reality. Studies have shown that people make an unconscious decision about whether or not they may like us within the first 3 - 5 seconds! That's not enough time to open your mouth and show them what a wonderful personality you have.

Each day we chose what we will wear. Sometimes we grab clothes that were left in pile on the floor, and others we dress up for a special occasion. The way we act and the way we are treated are a result of that choice.

Each day we also get to choose how we will behave. Will I act like everyone else, or will I act like Christ? If I neglect to pay attention to that choice I will blend into the world and it is much easier to fall into an attitude of 'me first' -- frustration at those who cut me off in traffic, impatience with the store clerk who is slow, desire for things I really don't need. But if I put on Christ, I am more patient, I tend to pray for those folks that cause frustration, and I look for opportunities to help others.

If only I could throw out all those 'old' clothes and fill my spiritual closet with Christ alone!

What did you choose to wear today?

Which Path Will You Choose?

Read Deuteronomy 30:11-20

Context: This is part of one of the last speeches of Moses as he leads Israel through the desert. This is part of the renewal of the covenant with God, and comes just before the passage we read about Joshua last week.

Text
11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

17 But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, 18 I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Hmm...seems like an easy choice, doesn't it? Who in their right mind would choose death over life, curses over blessings?

Yet as we stand in that fork in the path, the choice gets more difficult. Down the Path of Life we see a very narrow way with thorns on all sides and thick roots that could cause you to trip. There is a guide in a bright white robe to help us, but often he seems just out of reach. The briars on the left side are shorter, and you can see across to what looks like a much smoother path.

The other choice, the Path of Death, is smoothly paved and wide enough for several to walk together. People are dancing and laughing -- it looks like a lot of fun. There are concession stands along the way, bright lights and jazzy music, and tables laden with food for the taking.

But you can't see how the paths change just over the hill. The lights, sounds, and smells of the Path of Death become stronger and stronger until your whole body fights against it and you can't seem to get away. The others on the path are so focused on themselves that they don't care about your struggle. The wide path descends into a slimy pit; the grade is so slight that you don't realize you are there until it is too late to turn back.

And just over the hill on the Path of Life you see people all along the sides who are there to help you over the rough spots. There are ups and downs along the way...and on the peaks the view is magnificent. At the end of the path there is a fabulous mansion in the clouds with your name on it.

Unfortunately, all of us choose the wide path at some point in our lives. But even as we walk toward the pit we notice there is someone following along in the trees just off the side of the path. He tells us that no matter how far down the path we have walked, it isn't too late to change our minds. If we will follow him he will take us to the Path of Life.

Thank you, Jesus, for not losing sight of me even when I stray off of your path.

Big Sky

Read Psalm 103:1-12

Context: A hymn written by David about the love and compassion of God.

Text:
1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:

8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.

9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;

10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Have you ever been in a place where the heavens seemed to go on forever? Where there were no lights to interfere with the starlight, nothing to block your view? At one time in my life I had the opportunity to spend a couple of nights on an aircraft carrier that was about 200 miles from shore. There was nothing surrounding us but water and sky, and both seemed to go on forever.

God's love fills up a sky that big. The only things that block our view of him are the mountains and skyscrapers of our own sin. But all we have to do is ask, and he will take those things totally out of the picture. He picks them up at our request and grinds them into dust. They aren't hiding somewhere...they are totally gone. All we have to do is ask.

Is anything blocking your view of God today? He'd be happy to remove it if you will just ask!

The 'Empty Headed" Life

Read 1 Peter 1:17-21

Context: This is a continuation from the text we read last Wednesday about holiness.

Text:
17You call out to God for help and he helps—he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living.
18-21Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God. (The Message)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

I really like The Message version of the Bible when I read Peter's letters. He was a crusty old fisherman, and I imagine this translation is much closer to the way he really spoke than the more formal ones.

I wanted to better understand what was really meant by the passage in verse 18, "that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in." I know how my life was full of foolishness and thoughtlessness before I accepted Christ, but Peter was talking to people who had been devout Jews before their conversion. Here's how that passage is translated in other versions:

King James: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

NIV: 18For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers,

New Century Version: 18 You know that in the past you were living in a worthless way, a way passed down from the people who lived before you. But you were saved from that useless life. You were bought, not with something that ruins like gold or silver,

Peter is really talking about mindless religion -- rotely following the 'rules' that are supposed to bring you closer to God but really leave you standing firmly where you are. Instead of working hard to be sure we do all the right 'religious' things, Peter tells us that we must live with a deep consciousness of God -- a relationship! God always knew that he would send his son to die so that we could have this relationship that gives us a future.

I hope that concept never ceases to amaze me.

A New Chapter?

Read Romans 15:1-6

Context: Paul has been discussing how Christians should work with others who may be newer (or weaker) in the faith to help build them up.

Text:
1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."[a] 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)

Footnotes:

Romans 15:3 Psalm 69:9
taken from www.biblegateway.com

Tucked in the middle of these verses is a statement about the Scriptures that doesn't seem to fit. Paul has been talking about how we should support others whose faith may tell them they can't eat or drink certain things. He asks us to be strong, holding up others who may not be as strong, and doing good to all just as Jesus did. He quotes a scripture, then feels the need to remind us that Scriptures are to teach us and give us hope.

Have you ever thought about what the Bible would look like if it were written by today's journalists? Take away the inspiration of God and it might be a...um...'fascinating' story. Depending on the perspective of the author, it could be a really nice, happy story of perfect people who always do what is right. Or it could be a total expose, showing how the 'giants' of the faith were always weak, sinful, and human.

But God ensured that we are able to see both the good and the bad of those in the past. He shows how the greatest leaders, Moses, David, Solomon, Peter, Paul, and others could show incredible faith one day and give in to temptation the next. The stories demonstrate the difficulties of continually following the path God has set out for us, along with the glory we can look forward to in Heaven. It helps us have hope that each of us will have the chance to spend eternity with God despite our failings.

If God would ask someone to write a new book for the Bible, who would be the heroes of the faith today? It might not be the giants -- Billy Graham, Mother Teresa, or even Max Lucado. They would have their place, but I bet God would look for his good and faithful servants in less visible places -- people like you who persevere through life's trials and cling daily to Jesus' robe!

Good Advice

Read Deuteronomy 31: 1-8

Context: After leading the Israelites through the desert for some forty years, Moses is stepping down from leadership and is preparing to die. He is giving his final speech to the Israelites and he's passing the baton of leadership to Joshua.

Text:
1 Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: 2 "I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, 'You shall not cross the Jordan.' 3 The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. 4 And the LORD will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land. 5 The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

As we watch the transition of leadership from Charles to Steve, I was interested in seeing how Moses transferred his leadership to Joshua. We heard last week about the blunders Moses made as leader -- I wanted to see what advice he passed on.

"Be strong and courageous, ... don't be afraid, don't be discouraged." And probably the best advice for each of us, "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you." Hard instructions to remember when you are facing more than a million young warriors and their families.

Remember, only Joshua and Caleb are left from the original Egyptian slaves. The others have died as they wandered around the desert -- never getting to see the promised land. If those who physically crossed the Red Sea on dry land had rebelled, how much more quickly would those who hadn't tasted miraculous freedom turn their backs on their leader?

But as long as they relied on him, God prepared the way. He parted the Jordan River, he subdued giant armies, and he toppled walls of highly fortified cities. The Israelites had to work hard to receive the results of God's actions ... he didn't deliver anything without a fight.

We, too, can take heed from Moses' advice. As you face the world today be strong and courageous...don't be afraid or discouraged. And always remember that God is going before you AND he's standing beside you -- no matter how giant your obstacles seem.

Can We Be Holy?

Read 1 Peter 1:13-16

Context: 1 Peter has a lot to say about how to live a Christian life. In the introduction of the letter Paul has reminded his readers of the glorious hoped offered by the resurrection.

Text:
13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."[a] (NIV)

Footnotes:

1 Peter 1:16 Lev. 11:44,45; 19:2; 20:7
taken from www.biblegateway.com

According to my NIV Study Bible, "to be holy is to be set apart -- set apart from sin and impurity, and set apart to God. The complete moral perfection of God, whose eyes are too pure to look on evil with favor, should move his people to strive for moral purity."

Do we even know what moral purity is any more? We are bombarded by society's 'morality' more than any other generation. Many of us remember when television of the '50s and '60s was considered too racy...wow, things have changed! Our children are so used to seeing sex, violence, materialism, and immorality that they can easily think that the 'impure' is normal behavior, not evil.

Other than living in a cave, how do we turn away from all that we see? The only direction we can turn to find purity is toward God. Examine the things you are exposed to. If Jesus were sitting next to you (and he is!) would you listen to that music, watch that show, or read that book? It would be easy to sound legalistic or fanatical about purity, but in the end it has to be an agreement between each Christian and God. He is the role model for holiness, and we can only become more holy by learning his ways.

How is God telling you to act today?

Amazing Power

Read Psalm 29 (yes...the WHOLE thing...it's not too long)

Context: This is a hymn of praise written by David.

Text:
1 Praise the Lord, you angels;
praise the Lord's glory and power.
2 Praise the Lord for the glory of his name;
worship the Lord because he is holy.

3 The Lord's voice is heard over the sea.
The glorious God thunders;
the Lord thunders over the ocean.
4 The Lord's voice is powerful;
the Lord's voice is majestic.
5 The Lord's voice breaks the trees;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes the land of Lebanon dance like a calf
and Mount Hermon jump like a baby bull.
7 The Lord's voice makes the lightning flash.
8 The Lord's voice shakes the desert;
the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
9 The Lord's voice shakes the oaks
and strips the leaves off the trees.
In his Temple everyone says, "Glory to God!"

10 The Lord controls the flood.
The Lord will be King forever.
11 The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace. (New Century Version)


taken from www.biblegateway.com


Where in nature do you best see God's power? Some see it in disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, others see it in Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon, where his hand has created amazing wonders. It is hard to comprehend how God's words alone have such power...enough power to cause a black spot in the universe to become an inhabited planet by his commands alone.

God speaks, and mountains crumble. He commands, and the stormy seas calm. Yet when he tells humans the truth, he allows us to decide if we want to take action. Many of us turn our heads and move in a different direction, thinking that we have a better answer. He could open his mouth and we'd be swallowed up by the earth, yet in his love and patience he speaks again. And again. He wants to share his strength with us, to give us his peace. All we have to do is trust and obey.

The Best Roses Have Thorns

Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Context: Paul writes this second note to the Corinthians in response to news of false teachers influencing the church. They were teaching incorrect doctrine and they were challenging Paul's credibility as an apostle. This passage follows a description of "a man's" vision of Heaven (interpreted as Paul's vision).

Text:
7-10Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it's all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. (The Message)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

These verses are pretty familiar to those who have been studying God's word for even a short time. I liked Steve's advice to read familiar texts in a different version, so today's scripture is from The Message version of the Bible.

God knows that we need to understand our limitations. I've never thought of physical and emotional challenges as 'gifts' as they are interpreted here. What would happen if we didn't have human temptations and suffering to remind us that we are mere mortals? How often have the 'thorns in your flesh' (terminology from other versions) driven you to your knees?

Satan is the one who wants you to dwell on your limitations and complain about how you wish things were different. When we focus on the negative, he is ecstatic because we have taken our eyes off of God.

Your challenge today is to actively thank God for the challenges he has given you, for the daily reminders you have that you are only flesh and blood. See them as the gifts they are -- God's loving reminders to rely on His power in your life instead of your own.

We may not realize the value of the gift on this side of Heaven, but imagine your joy when God shows you what you could have become without it....a pretty scary thought.