7:21-22 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.
Jesus expounds on how it is the sinful root of man that defiles man, not dirty hands.
Well, this would give most unbelievers fits (if they could perceive what Jesus is saying here). Let me summarize: All the bad things that happen in the world, happen because man is inherently evil. Jesus didn't say "for from within the family, out of the influences of one's parents, proceed evil thoughts, etc..." or "out of the pressures of the world..." or "out of the faulty school system..." Nope. The source is you, me, that guy you're thinking of right now, everybody.
I took a class in college entitled "The Holocaust: History and Memory". Talk about a depressing 10 weeks. One of the books we read that has caused quite a stir in the realm of Holocaust studies is "Ordinary Men" by Christopher R. Browning (HarperPerennial, 1993) . It details the exploits of Reserve Police Battalion 101, a sort of "national guard" type group brought up out of Germany to assist the Nazi SS. What makes this book so disturbing is that the men of this group were middle-class, middle-aged, and came from a variety of blue and white collar jobs. They were, for all intents and purposes, ordinary. They also murdered thousands of Jews during WWII.
There are many historians that had tried to paint the Jewish genocide as being perpetrated by a group of mentally imbalanced individuals (the Nazi party), or well-meaning pawns, forced to do the unthinkable by said imbalanced individuals. This book, however, shows no abnormal imbalance prior to the war, and no coercion to commit murder. They just did it on their own. In many cases, they seemed to enjoy it.
My problem with the book was that Browning fell short on his conclusion. He writes
"What, then, is one to conclude? Most of all, one comes away from the story of Reserve Police Battalion 101 with great unease. This story of ordinary men is not the story of all men. The reserve policemen faced choices, and most of them committed terrible deeds. But those who killed cannot be absolved by the notion that anyone in the same situation would have done as they did. For even among them, some refused to kill and others stopped killing. Human responsibility is ultimately an individual matter." (p 188)
He later goes on to state that these men acted out of an assumption of what would be best for their careers and the good of the collective. I came away with a different perspective.
I would propose that these men were put in a situation stripped of the blessing of God's law and the power of the collective conscience (which is also a gift from God). Essentially, they were put in a moral vacuum; no looming judgment, no consequences. And in a moral vacuum, they resorted to what man is inherently prone to do - evil. I do hold that anyone in the same situation (without the Holy Spirit and a regenerated heart) could and probably would start killing innocent people. This was a crystal clear case for sin nature when I read this book. Unfortunately, Browning never got that far; and when I made this point in class, I got quite a few funny looks. No one wanted to consider that these kind of evils were lurking inside them.
I hope this gives you an idea of what is in the heart of those that don't know Christ. It is as ugly as it can get, and it only filtered by centuries of moral tradition formed by God's law and his gift of conscience upon man. Take that idea and turn it into a passion to deliver the only thing that can cleanse and transform such wretchedness into pure, glorious, regenerated light... the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Lord, help me to be aware of the leftover resonance of my old sin nature. Help me to reject those evils and cling to what is good. Help me to recognize just how much the hearts of the lost are mired in evil. Let that drive me to share the gospel that frees us from our own evil.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Mark 7:1-13
7:7 "But in vain do they worship Me; teaching as doctrines the precepts of men."
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for perverting and twisting the Law of God to their whim.
So I was trying to think of a common day example of this idea. What is one way that I or someone I have come in contact with have taught a "precept of man" as doctrine?
....
Ok, I got one. I don't often hear this thought verbalized, but it seems to be a common sentiment among church-goers. There are many people who decide what church to go to (or whether to attend at all) based on what they will get out of it. In other words, they ask "how will this church meet my needs?" A friend of mine actually asked us once if "our church was meeting our needs". That statement rubbed my fur the wrong way, so to speak.
The local church is a collection of believers that meet regularly to worship God and study His word. The members of that church have a responsibility to step up and meet the needs of the body, but should not have the attitude that they are attending to have their own needs met. It's like marriage, I am responsible for meeting my wife's needs and vice versa. When we start thinking about ourselves, it all goes wrong.
"Do not merely look out for you own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who... emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant" (Phil. 2:4,5,7a)
When you go to church, are you thinking "gee, I wish someone would do this or that for me", or are you thinking "what can I do for someone here?" Think about it.
Lord, help me to cling to Your word and not the pervasive thoughts and attitudes of the world. In that, help me to seek to build up and support the church as you will without concern for my own needs. Help me to trust You to take care of all my needs.
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for perverting and twisting the Law of God to their whim.
So I was trying to think of a common day example of this idea. What is one way that I or someone I have come in contact with have taught a "precept of man" as doctrine?
....
Ok, I got one. I don't often hear this thought verbalized, but it seems to be a common sentiment among church-goers. There are many people who decide what church to go to (or whether to attend at all) based on what they will get out of it. In other words, they ask "how will this church meet my needs?" A friend of mine actually asked us once if "our church was meeting our needs". That statement rubbed my fur the wrong way, so to speak.
The local church is a collection of believers that meet regularly to worship God and study His word. The members of that church have a responsibility to step up and meet the needs of the body, but should not have the attitude that they are attending to have their own needs met. It's like marriage, I am responsible for meeting my wife's needs and vice versa. When we start thinking about ourselves, it all goes wrong.
"Do not merely look out for you own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who... emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant" (Phil. 2:4,5,7a)
When you go to church, are you thinking "gee, I wish someone would do this or that for me", or are you thinking "what can I do for someone here?" Think about it.
Lord, help me to cling to Your word and not the pervasive thoughts and attitudes of the world. In that, help me to seek to build up and support the church as you will without concern for my own needs. Help me to trust You to take care of all my needs.
Numbers18,19,20
20:12 "But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.' "
God punishes Moses and Aaron for not taking His instruction seriously and coming up with their own plan.
How often do I try to get things done my own way? I almost blew it when we bought our first house. My wife and I found a really cute house that we really like and that we could afford. It was in really good shape, so we wouldn't have to do a whole lot of work on it.... but it was tiny. Very small. Keep in mind, we had one boy and another in utero. We felt we could make it work, but everyone we knew kept saying "that's a bad idea".
Well, we decided against it, not because we changed our minds on whether we could make it work, but because I read Proverbs 23:9 and it freaked me out. So we eventually found the house we bought and it was much bigger than the tiny house, but needed a lot more work. By the grace of God, we had the money, time and help to get it ready to live in before we moved in. It was two months of maddening work at break-neck speed, but now it's awesome. We love the house, everyone else loves the house, and without planning it, we live about 3 minutes from our best friends.
I'm not sure I want to think what it would be like living in a house 2/3 the size of this one, but I'm glad that God gives us guidelines for a reason. Just like with Moses and Aaron, God doesn't just make up rules so He can laugh at us when we fail. Had the Levite brothers obeyed God, there would have been one more foreshadowing of the coming dispensation of grace. There is an element of gracy and mercy in every instruction from the Lord. We would all do well to accept them as such.
Lord, help me to love Your law, and let nothing cause me to stumble. Help me to be freed by obedience, not enslaved by rebelliousness.
God punishes Moses and Aaron for not taking His instruction seriously and coming up with their own plan.
How often do I try to get things done my own way? I almost blew it when we bought our first house. My wife and I found a really cute house that we really like and that we could afford. It was in really good shape, so we wouldn't have to do a whole lot of work on it.... but it was tiny. Very small. Keep in mind, we had one boy and another in utero. We felt we could make it work, but everyone we knew kept saying "that's a bad idea".
Well, we decided against it, not because we changed our minds on whether we could make it work, but because I read Proverbs 23:9 and it freaked me out. So we eventually found the house we bought and it was much bigger than the tiny house, but needed a lot more work. By the grace of God, we had the money, time and help to get it ready to live in before we moved in. It was two months of maddening work at break-neck speed, but now it's awesome. We love the house, everyone else loves the house, and without planning it, we live about 3 minutes from our best friends.
I'm not sure I want to think what it would be like living in a house 2/3 the size of this one, but I'm glad that God gives us guidelines for a reason. Just like with Moses and Aaron, God doesn't just make up rules so He can laugh at us when we fail. Had the Levite brothers obeyed God, there would have been one more foreshadowing of the coming dispensation of grace. There is an element of gracy and mercy in every instruction from the Lord. We would all do well to accept them as such.
Lord, help me to love Your law, and let nothing cause me to stumble. Help me to be freed by obedience, not enslaved by rebelliousness.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Mark 5:21-43
5:28 "For she thought, 'If I just touch His garments, I will get well.' "
The woman with the chronic bleeding problem expresses her faith in the supreme power of Jesus Christ.
This woman contrasts the other healing taking place during this passage of the dead girl. Her father asked Jesus to come to the girl to heal her, and people scoffed when Jesus nonchalantly suggested bringing her back from the dead. Do we pray to Jesus with the same conviction of the sick woman?
When we petition our God, we know cerebrally that He created the universe and can do anything, but are we really expecting the full onslaught of God's power when we ask for tall orders? Speaking of wisdom from God, James says in 1:6,7 that we need to pray with conviction or expect nothing at all. Understanding that God calls His own shots, we shouldn't be shy about praying for the Lord to heal the sick, save the lost, deliver us from perilous situations, repair broken relationships, etc... Even if it seem impossible, nothing is too much for God.
But be ready to spend time in prayer. God isn't some cosmic "suggestion box" that you can shoot a memo to and figure it will be taken care of in 7-10 business days. I've been praying for reconciliation of a person with God earnestly for the last year and a half or so. There have been a couple of nights when my heart has been so broken for this person that I have come as close as I probably will ever be to wrestling with God as Jacob did. It was intense, and I believe it was as it should be when we are driven by faith to petition the only one who can fix what ails us. And in case you're wondering, I continue to pray for this person and patiently wait to see God's plan for her.
Lord, help me to trust in Your power. I know You are above all, but I need You to be above all my fears and assumptions. Help me to contend with You earnestly when the need arises. Thank You for the privilege of prayer.
The woman with the chronic bleeding problem expresses her faith in the supreme power of Jesus Christ.
This woman contrasts the other healing taking place during this passage of the dead girl. Her father asked Jesus to come to the girl to heal her, and people scoffed when Jesus nonchalantly suggested bringing her back from the dead. Do we pray to Jesus with the same conviction of the sick woman?
When we petition our God, we know cerebrally that He created the universe and can do anything, but are we really expecting the full onslaught of God's power when we ask for tall orders? Speaking of wisdom from God, James says in 1:6,7 that we need to pray with conviction or expect nothing at all. Understanding that God calls His own shots, we shouldn't be shy about praying for the Lord to heal the sick, save the lost, deliver us from perilous situations, repair broken relationships, etc... Even if it seem impossible, nothing is too much for God.
But be ready to spend time in prayer. God isn't some cosmic "suggestion box" that you can shoot a memo to and figure it will be taken care of in 7-10 business days. I've been praying for reconciliation of a person with God earnestly for the last year and a half or so. There have been a couple of nights when my heart has been so broken for this person that I have come as close as I probably will ever be to wrestling with God as Jacob did. It was intense, and I believe it was as it should be when we are driven by faith to petition the only one who can fix what ails us. And in case you're wondering, I continue to pray for this person and patiently wait to see God's plan for her.
Lord, help me to trust in Your power. I know You are above all, but I need You to be above all my fears and assumptions. Help me to contend with You earnestly when the need arises. Thank You for the privilege of prayer.
Numbers 11,12,13
13:30 "Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, 'We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it.' "
Caleb shows confidence in the midst of pessimism surrounding the bad report given by the rest of the spies.
I'm not a violent person. I've never really been in a fight, and if the opportunity to participate in one came up, I would probably excuse myself post haste. That being said, I can identify with the Israelites not wanting to mix it up with the heathen giants occupying the land promised to them. The key here, however, is who promised the land to them.
God promised the land. God is the landlord and the Canaanites are the delinquent tenants that need to be evicted. The people didn't realize that when they doubted their ability to take the land, they were doubting God's ability to make good on His promises. A pretty dumb thing to doubt, indeed. Are there any promises God has made to us that we are doubting?
How about Philippians 1:6:
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
God has promised to keep perfecting us until our death or rapture. Have you ever struggled with sin and said "you know, I can't change that in me... it's not that bad anyway... I'll just live with it". Maybe it's impatience, gossip, pride, hostility towards a particular person. Whatever it may be, we need to be like Caleb and not throw up the white flag because we are weak (which is true), but advance with confidence because we know God will keep His promises and is more powerful than anything.
Lord, help me to be like Caleb. Help me to draw my confidence from Your strength. Help me to be bold in the ventures You call me to.
Caleb shows confidence in the midst of pessimism surrounding the bad report given by the rest of the spies.
I'm not a violent person. I've never really been in a fight, and if the opportunity to participate in one came up, I would probably excuse myself post haste. That being said, I can identify with the Israelites not wanting to mix it up with the heathen giants occupying the land promised to them. The key here, however, is who promised the land to them.
God promised the land. God is the landlord and the Canaanites are the delinquent tenants that need to be evicted. The people didn't realize that when they doubted their ability to take the land, they were doubting God's ability to make good on His promises. A pretty dumb thing to doubt, indeed. Are there any promises God has made to us that we are doubting?
How about Philippians 1:6:
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
God has promised to keep perfecting us until our death or rapture. Have you ever struggled with sin and said "you know, I can't change that in me... it's not that bad anyway... I'll just live with it". Maybe it's impatience, gossip, pride, hostility towards a particular person. Whatever it may be, we need to be like Caleb and not throw up the white flag because we are weak (which is true), but advance with confidence because we know God will keep His promises and is more powerful than anything.
Lord, help me to be like Caleb. Help me to draw my confidence from Your strength. Help me to be bold in the ventures You call me to.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Mark 5:1-20
5:6 "Seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before Him"
The demon(s) inside the man from the Gerasenes is compelled to beg mercy of Jesus upon seeing Him approach.
This scene brought me back to the temptation in the wilderness. In Jesus' first interaction with an unclean spirit (Satan), He was tormented and tempted to usurp God's plan in the first two propositions made by the devil, now we see the unclean spirit tormented by Jesus' very presence. Satan presented the whole earth to Jesus and said "all these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me", now we see the unclean spirit asking permission if he could be cast into a herd of pigs. Who's got the power?
It was exciting to see this interaction play out in the middle of a ministry marked by the refusal of man to recognize Christ's true position and authority. The evilest of beings saw Christ from a distance, and immediately knew the implications. He knew who he was talking to. If only we had as much respect for Christ. Whenever we ignore the leadings of the Holy Spirit, we are telling Christ "You do not have authority over my life". How stupid is that?
Lord, help me to recognize You for who You are. You are I AM. You created me. You saved me. Help me to put You and You only on the throne of my heart.
The demon(s) inside the man from the Gerasenes is compelled to beg mercy of Jesus upon seeing Him approach.
This scene brought me back to the temptation in the wilderness. In Jesus' first interaction with an unclean spirit (Satan), He was tormented and tempted to usurp God's plan in the first two propositions made by the devil, now we see the unclean spirit tormented by Jesus' very presence. Satan presented the whole earth to Jesus and said "all these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me", now we see the unclean spirit asking permission if he could be cast into a herd of pigs. Who's got the power?
It was exciting to see this interaction play out in the middle of a ministry marked by the refusal of man to recognize Christ's true position and authority. The evilest of beings saw Christ from a distance, and immediately knew the implications. He knew who he was talking to. If only we had as much respect for Christ. Whenever we ignore the leadings of the Holy Spirit, we are telling Christ "You do not have authority over my life". How stupid is that?
Lord, help me to recognize You for who You are. You are I AM. You created me. You saved me. Help me to put You and You only on the throne of my heart.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Mark 4:1-20
4:14 "The sower sows the word"
Jesus explains the parable of the sower and the fertile and infertile ground.
What I need to remember from this passage is that we always need to sow the word. There will be all kinds of situations where the truth is not received well, or it is received and other circumstances affect the work of the truth in the listener's life. Whatever the case, the sower is to sow the word.
Sometimes I start to try to maximize my ministry by focusing on "fertile ground", but that's not my call to make. I am to sow fertile ground, rocky ground, everywhere!
Lord, help me to be indiscriminate in sharing the truth. Help me not to look for opportunities to convert, but for opportunities to share Your Word.
Jesus explains the parable of the sower and the fertile and infertile ground.
What I need to remember from this passage is that we always need to sow the word. There will be all kinds of situations where the truth is not received well, or it is received and other circumstances affect the work of the truth in the listener's life. Whatever the case, the sower is to sow the word.
Sometimes I start to try to maximize my ministry by focusing on "fertile ground", but that's not my call to make. I am to sow fertile ground, rocky ground, everywhere!
Lord, help me to be indiscriminate in sharing the truth. Help me not to look for opportunities to convert, but for opportunities to share Your Word.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Mark 3:22-35
3:24 "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand."
Jesus is showing the fault in the scribe's logic that one must be of Satan to cast out Satan.
Raise your hand if you've ever heard someone use this verse (or a variation of it) before. The most memorable is when George from Seinfeld yelled out "a George divided against itself cannot stand!" My observation today isn't as much about the verse itself, but how people misuse scripture. It bothers me when people deal so flippantly with something so sacred. Most people use this verse as an inspiration to unity. If you read the context, do you honestly think that's what Jesus was driving at? He is claiming His righteousness, and in a sense, His deity. It has nothing to do with unity!
The one that always burns my biscuits is the Clinton's obsession with 1 Corinthians 13:12. Bill and Hillary always use that verse to imply we can't know absolute truth. The conclusion they generally make is that there is no point debating absolute truth since we can't know it. To "see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face" speaks to knowing God dimly, but in glory knowing Him face to face. Read 1 Cor. 13, then read this: http://www.beliefnet.com/story/151/story_15194_1.html
There are so many problems in that "sermon", I don't know where to start.
Anyway, we need to be diligent to be studying our Bibles so that we can accurately handle the word of truth. This is serious stuff, and we shouldn't take it lightly
Lord, thank You for Your Word. Help me to always respect it for what it is, and to love it for the blessings it brings. Help me to crave Your Word and to use it effectively for Your purpose.
Jesus is showing the fault in the scribe's logic that one must be of Satan to cast out Satan.
Raise your hand if you've ever heard someone use this verse (or a variation of it) before. The most memorable is when George from Seinfeld yelled out "a George divided against itself cannot stand!" My observation today isn't as much about the verse itself, but how people misuse scripture. It bothers me when people deal so flippantly with something so sacred. Most people use this verse as an inspiration to unity. If you read the context, do you honestly think that's what Jesus was driving at? He is claiming His righteousness, and in a sense, His deity. It has nothing to do with unity!
The one that always burns my biscuits is the Clinton's obsession with 1 Corinthians 13:12. Bill and Hillary always use that verse to imply we can't know absolute truth. The conclusion they generally make is that there is no point debating absolute truth since we can't know it. To "see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face" speaks to knowing God dimly, but in glory knowing Him face to face. Read 1 Cor. 13, then read this: http://www.beliefnet.com/story/151/story_15194_1.html
There are so many problems in that "sermon", I don't know where to start.
Anyway, we need to be diligent to be studying our Bibles so that we can accurately handle the word of truth. This is serious stuff, and we shouldn't take it lightly
Lord, thank You for Your Word. Help me to always respect it for what it is, and to love it for the blessings it brings. Help me to crave Your Word and to use it effectively for Your purpose.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Mark 3:1-21
3:16a "And He appointed the twelve..."
Jesus chooses the famous twelve disciples to prepare for preaching and casting out of demons.
The thing my mind lingered on here was that Jesus chose who he wanted for specific purposes. Our God is deliberate. Our God is purposeful. The twelve did not choose themselves, nor did a committee vote on the appointments. They were not designated by genealogy or stature, nor were they recognized as the best suited for the job. They were appointed because Jesus chose them. That's it. We can't read anything more into it, but that Jesus had and has a plan and He follows it.
And aren't you glad? I've had plans for important things cancelled enough times to appreciate something you can count on. God made up His mind a long time ago and is just in the course of working it out. "Que sera, sera" as Doris Day would say. Our attitude, however, shouldn't be melancholy apathy, but reassuring confidence. Whatever will be, will be because God chose to do so and it is the best possible plan for the outcome of glorifying God's name. Ah... maybe that's the problem. Maybe we can't be satisfied with God's plan because it works to God's glory and not our own. There are some things in my life that I am waiting to be resolved or fixed; I know that I need to continuously ask myself if I'm impatiently waiting for a resolution that will make me happy or if I'm patiently waiting for the resolution that will happen that glorifies God.
Lord, thank You for choosing me. I didn't deserve it, but here I am. Thank You for being a God with a plan and a purpose. Please help me to serve You and play the part in Your plan that You have chosen for me.
Jesus chooses the famous twelve disciples to prepare for preaching and casting out of demons.
The thing my mind lingered on here was that Jesus chose who he wanted for specific purposes. Our God is deliberate. Our God is purposeful. The twelve did not choose themselves, nor did a committee vote on the appointments. They were not designated by genealogy or stature, nor were they recognized as the best suited for the job. They were appointed because Jesus chose them. That's it. We can't read anything more into it, but that Jesus had and has a plan and He follows it.
And aren't you glad? I've had plans for important things cancelled enough times to appreciate something you can count on. God made up His mind a long time ago and is just in the course of working it out. "Que sera, sera" as Doris Day would say. Our attitude, however, shouldn't be melancholy apathy, but reassuring confidence. Whatever will be, will be because God chose to do so and it is the best possible plan for the outcome of glorifying God's name. Ah... maybe that's the problem. Maybe we can't be satisfied with God's plan because it works to God's glory and not our own. There are some things in my life that I am waiting to be resolved or fixed; I know that I need to continuously ask myself if I'm impatiently waiting for a resolution that will make me happy or if I'm patiently waiting for the resolution that will happen that glorifies God.
Lord, thank You for choosing me. I didn't deserve it, but here I am. Thank You for being a God with a plan and a purpose. Please help me to serve You and play the part in Your plan that You have chosen for me.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Matthew 27:32-66
27:51 "And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split."
Climactic events marking the death of Christ. The symbolism in the tearing of the veil is immense.
This is cool because we just got done reading in Leviticus about the specifications for the elements of Jewish worship, including the veil. The priests of the Jews were the liaisons to God. They presented the sacrifices and petitions of the people to God in the place where He dwelt. But even in this mediator role, there was great care taken in not going past the veil. There was separation between us and God. Now there is no more separation (or at least there doesn't need to be).
The veil was torn in two! Access to God has been granted! God came and dwelt on earth amongst us! His Spirit will indwell us if we will trust in Him! How awesome is it that God who is above all and supersedes all cares enough to transcend to us on the most intimate level? God longs to be near us. Thanks to the veil, we can understand better just how much a trip it is for God to come as close to us as he has. Let's not take it for granted.
Lord, thank You for tearing the veil. Thank You for the sacrifice that brings You to me. Let me never take for granted the unhindered access I have to You. Help me to take advantage of that access more often.
Climactic events marking the death of Christ. The symbolism in the tearing of the veil is immense.
This is cool because we just got done reading in Leviticus about the specifications for the elements of Jewish worship, including the veil. The priests of the Jews were the liaisons to God. They presented the sacrifices and petitions of the people to God in the place where He dwelt. But even in this mediator role, there was great care taken in not going past the veil. There was separation between us and God. Now there is no more separation (or at least there doesn't need to be).
The veil was torn in two! Access to God has been granted! God came and dwelt on earth amongst us! His Spirit will indwell us if we will trust in Him! How awesome is it that God who is above all and supersedes all cares enough to transcend to us on the most intimate level? God longs to be near us. Thanks to the veil, we can understand better just how much a trip it is for God to come as close to us as he has. Let's not take it for granted.
Lord, thank You for tearing the veil. Thank You for the sacrifice that brings You to me. Let me never take for granted the unhindered access I have to You. Help me to take advantage of that access more often.
Leviticus 18,19
18:24 "Do not defile yourselves by any of these things; for by all these the nations which I am casting out before you have become defiled."
God condemns the nations of Canaan. The context is the ordinances against sexual immorality, so it seems that the land was inhabited with Sodom and Gomorrah wannabes.
I have heard some people argue against the Bible or God in general because of the conquest of the promised land. They posit that there is an inherent evil in arbitrarily choosing one particular tribe of man and giving that tribe land at the expense of the wholesale slaughter of other tribes. There is a tacit misunderstanding of the situation in this argument.
First of all, there's a problem with casting doubt on the decision making abilities of the Creator of all (including the one doubting), but we won't go into that here. There were two sides to the giving of Canaan to Israel. One was the promise of the land to Abraham. God chose Abraham's line, promised the land to his children, and that's that. We all know that the Israelites weren't perfect, so it wasn't based on their merit. It was based on God's merit. God chose to show His faithfulness by choosing a line of people for a special purpose and seeing it through.
The other side of the conquest is expressed in this verse. The people being expunged were downright evil. What the "make love, not war" crowd need to see in this chapter of the Bible is that peace is great, but God desires righteousness. And God knows that true peace will only come in righteousness. If you read chapter 18 of Leviticus and imagine a community that "by all these... have become defiled", there cannot be any peace there. As long as that type of lifestyle is permitted to exist, families will be broken, the weak will be exploited, and those that excel in an imagination rooted in evil will rule the day. Thank God He does not tolerate this kind of stuff.
It's too bad the world thinks there's nothing wrong with it. But I can keep the conquest going by spreading the gospel and letting the Holy Spirit wage war in the hearts of sinners. Let's just pray those we witness to submit rather than resist. We all know the eventual fate of the Canaanites.
Lord, thank You for Your righteousness. Help me to take Your standard of holiness much more seriously. Help me to clearly explain to those around me the truth of the blessings of Your righteousness and the curses of sin.
God condemns the nations of Canaan. The context is the ordinances against sexual immorality, so it seems that the land was inhabited with Sodom and Gomorrah wannabes.
I have heard some people argue against the Bible or God in general because of the conquest of the promised land. They posit that there is an inherent evil in arbitrarily choosing one particular tribe of man and giving that tribe land at the expense of the wholesale slaughter of other tribes. There is a tacit misunderstanding of the situation in this argument.
First of all, there's a problem with casting doubt on the decision making abilities of the Creator of all (including the one doubting), but we won't go into that here. There were two sides to the giving of Canaan to Israel. One was the promise of the land to Abraham. God chose Abraham's line, promised the land to his children, and that's that. We all know that the Israelites weren't perfect, so it wasn't based on their merit. It was based on God's merit. God chose to show His faithfulness by choosing a line of people for a special purpose and seeing it through.
The other side of the conquest is expressed in this verse. The people being expunged were downright evil. What the "make love, not war" crowd need to see in this chapter of the Bible is that peace is great, but God desires righteousness. And God knows that true peace will only come in righteousness. If you read chapter 18 of Leviticus and imagine a community that "by all these... have become defiled", there cannot be any peace there. As long as that type of lifestyle is permitted to exist, families will be broken, the weak will be exploited, and those that excel in an imagination rooted in evil will rule the day. Thank God He does not tolerate this kind of stuff.
It's too bad the world thinks there's nothing wrong with it. But I can keep the conquest going by spreading the gospel and letting the Holy Spirit wage war in the hearts of sinners. Let's just pray those we witness to submit rather than resist. We all know the eventual fate of the Canaanites.
Lord, thank You for Your righteousness. Help me to take Your standard of holiness much more seriously. Help me to clearly explain to those around me the truth of the blessings of Your righteousness and the curses of sin.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Matthew 27:1-31
27:29 "And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' "
Roman guards have some fun with Jesus before He is given over to the crowd for crucifixion.
The thought I had when I read this is the picture of men, kneeling to their Maker, mocking and slapping Him around, then fast-forwarding to the day of judgment when they will bow again. That second time there will be no laughing. There will be no mockery. The same One they slapped and beat will eject them into the pit of fire (assuming none of them got saved after this event... if so, I'd like to talk to that guy in heaven).
It just reminded me of 2 Peter 3 which talks about the patience of God. Here's verse 7:
"But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men."
I don't know about you, but I sure wouldn't want to slap around the only Being between me and the fires of hell. Yet so many people play around with God thinking that the absence of judgment mean He is a God of complacency or weakness. If you are one of these people, do not doubt God's righteousness and power. You will account for your choices in this life. Reading this verse made me feel like I was watching a horror movie and just waiting for the slaughter to begin. Even though I knew Jesus didn't touch a soul on His way to the cross, I cringed for when His army would swoop down and massacre these evil people. It makes me want to get down on my knees and thank God for His mercy and pray for more.
Lord, thank You for having mercy on me. I know that Your slowness to anger is an indication of Your love, not apathy. I know You could erase the whole world in fire and be justified in doing so. Thank You for sparing me.
Roman guards have some fun with Jesus before He is given over to the crowd for crucifixion.
The thought I had when I read this is the picture of men, kneeling to their Maker, mocking and slapping Him around, then fast-forwarding to the day of judgment when they will bow again. That second time there will be no laughing. There will be no mockery. The same One they slapped and beat will eject them into the pit of fire (assuming none of them got saved after this event... if so, I'd like to talk to that guy in heaven).
It just reminded me of 2 Peter 3 which talks about the patience of God. Here's verse 7:
"But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men."
I don't know about you, but I sure wouldn't want to slap around the only Being between me and the fires of hell. Yet so many people play around with God thinking that the absence of judgment mean He is a God of complacency or weakness. If you are one of these people, do not doubt God's righteousness and power. You will account for your choices in this life. Reading this verse made me feel like I was watching a horror movie and just waiting for the slaughter to begin. Even though I knew Jesus didn't touch a soul on His way to the cross, I cringed for when His army would swoop down and massacre these evil people. It makes me want to get down on my knees and thank God for His mercy and pray for more.
Lord, thank You for having mercy on me. I know that Your slowness to anger is an indication of Your love, not apathy. I know You could erase the whole world in fire and be justified in doing so. Thank You for sparing me.
Leviticus 15,16,17
17:11 "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement."
God gives a foreshadow of Romans 6:23
Imagine if there were two dispensations of grace. One before Christ, and one after. What would be different? Well, for one, I don't think we in the current age would appreciate the freedom from legalistic requirements as much if they never existed. But let's consider what the Law taught the world about Christ's death.
By having centuries of temple butchery, it was pounded into the children of Israel that the atonement of their sins came from the death of something. The substitutionary aspect of sacrifices was evident. Now I don't know exactly how much they understood what the real sacrifice was to be (Christ), but I'm sure that they understood that God was absolving them of their guilt through their faith and was commemorated in the death of an animal.
After all these years of marching bulls and lambs to death day after day, year after year, imagine what (should have been) the reaction would be to see Jesus, completely pure and blameless, marched up to die! The sacrifice to end all sacrifices! This is it! This is why God has been having us slaughter our cattle! To understand just how magnificent this sacrifice would be!
Unfortunately, they didn't notice right away. Let's read Hebrews 10:11,12:
"Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God."
How about that! I hope I don't take the sacrifice lightly.
Lord, thank You for Your love at the cross. Thank You for the sacrifice that took my place. Thank You for the blood that took away the penalty of my sin, takes away the power of my sin, and will some day take away the presence of my sin. You are a great and wise God.
God gives a foreshadow of Romans 6:23
Imagine if there were two dispensations of grace. One before Christ, and one after. What would be different? Well, for one, I don't think we in the current age would appreciate the freedom from legalistic requirements as much if they never existed. But let's consider what the Law taught the world about Christ's death.
By having centuries of temple butchery, it was pounded into the children of Israel that the atonement of their sins came from the death of something. The substitutionary aspect of sacrifices was evident. Now I don't know exactly how much they understood what the real sacrifice was to be (Christ), but I'm sure that they understood that God was absolving them of their guilt through their faith and was commemorated in the death of an animal.
After all these years of marching bulls and lambs to death day after day, year after year, imagine what (should have been) the reaction would be to see Jesus, completely pure and blameless, marched up to die! The sacrifice to end all sacrifices! This is it! This is why God has been having us slaughter our cattle! To understand just how magnificent this sacrifice would be!
Unfortunately, they didn't notice right away. Let's read Hebrews 10:11,12:
"Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God."
How about that! I hope I don't take the sacrifice lightly.
Lord, thank You for Your love at the cross. Thank You for the sacrifice that took my place. Thank You for the blood that took away the penalty of my sin, takes away the power of my sin, and will some day take away the presence of my sin. You are a great and wise God.
Matthew 26:54-75
26:63a "But Jesus kept silent."
In the face of a mock trial intent on finding the slightest reason to kill Him, Jesus offered no defense.
There is a time for all things. Jesus certainly knew how to raise His voice. When He cleared the temple, you can bet people heard Him. And yet here, He remains silent. What is the difference? In the temple, Jesus was filled with zeal for the honor of His Father. He was clearing the rubbish from God's house. In His trial, however, He Himself was under attack. That is where we draw the line.
So much of the time, we get it backwards. We scream and shout when we feel we are threatened, but when we hear the Lord's name taken in vain, we pretend we didn't hear it. I won't shy away from a discussion about God and what His standards are, but I know I could use more work on shying away from defending my own rights. It's interesting to note, that when pressed, the only Christ did utter was scripture. There's a lesson for us.
Lord, help me to be zealous for Your name and meek for my own. Help me to be so absorbed in You that I won't be bothered when people attack Dave Allen.
In the face of a mock trial intent on finding the slightest reason to kill Him, Jesus offered no defense.
There is a time for all things. Jesus certainly knew how to raise His voice. When He cleared the temple, you can bet people heard Him. And yet here, He remains silent. What is the difference? In the temple, Jesus was filled with zeal for the honor of His Father. He was clearing the rubbish from God's house. In His trial, however, He Himself was under attack. That is where we draw the line.
So much of the time, we get it backwards. We scream and shout when we feel we are threatened, but when we hear the Lord's name taken in vain, we pretend we didn't hear it. I won't shy away from a discussion about God and what His standards are, but I know I could use more work on shying away from defending my own rights. It's interesting to note, that when pressed, the only Christ did utter was scripture. There's a lesson for us.
Lord, help me to be zealous for Your name and meek for my own. Help me to be so absorbed in You that I won't be bothered when people attack Dave Allen.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Matthew 26:20-54
26:30 "After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives."
Jesus concludes the first Lord's Supper by joining His disciples in a song.
Here we have the answer to the debate! It doesn't say "after singing a chorus..."
Just kidding.
This got me thinking, I wonder what Jesus' singing voice sounded like? This is significant to me since I take my singing seriously when I am involved with the church's music ministry. Well there's no way to know, but it's entirely possible... that Jesus wasn't a good singer! If he was wholly human, his voice had to crack at least once!
The point is that this wasn't some awesome musical performance ("GodChild and the Twelve Man Band!"), it was worship. Christ would have know that you don't need to sing in tune to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Worship is an attitude, not a song. When you submit to the Lord and glorify His name, you're worshipping Him. So when I'm singing, I could think less about harmonies and rhythm, and more about God.
Lord, help me to worship You in a worthy manner. Help me to focus on You and not myself. Help me to help other praise Your name in the ministries You've given me.
Jesus concludes the first Lord's Supper by joining His disciples in a song.
Here we have the answer to the debate! It doesn't say "after singing a chorus..."
Just kidding.
This got me thinking, I wonder what Jesus' singing voice sounded like? This is significant to me since I take my singing seriously when I am involved with the church's music ministry. Well there's no way to know, but it's entirely possible... that Jesus wasn't a good singer! If he was wholly human, his voice had to crack at least once!
The point is that this wasn't some awesome musical performance ("GodChild and the Twelve Man Band!"), it was worship. Christ would have know that you don't need to sing in tune to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Worship is an attitude, not a song. When you submit to the Lord and glorify His name, you're worshipping Him. So when I'm singing, I could think less about harmonies and rhythm, and more about God.
Lord, help me to worship You in a worthy manner. Help me to focus on You and not myself. Help me to help other praise Your name in the ministries You've given me.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Matthew 26:1-19
26:13 "Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her."
Jesus rebukes His disciples for calling a woman's ministry to Him a "waste".
We should all have humility. If I feel I've accomplished something spectacular, I should always err on the side of keeping it to myself. Otherwise, I'll be tempted to glorify Dave instead of God.
But...
We should celebrate the great accomplishments of others. Or should I say the great accomplishments that God has done through others. In the last year or so, I've been to some events that highlighted the ministry of some great soldiers in the faith I know. It's so refreshing after being subjected to the global media constantly celebrating immorality, materialism, and plain ol' evil. So with that in mind, here are a couple of my personal spiritual heroes (in no particular order):
Roy and Elvia Sprague
My grandparents; these people are so consumed with God and so detached from the world (in the fleshly sense, not like hermits or something)! I really hope I can get to the kind of world view they have where everything is seen through the gospel.
Pastor Frank
I've now lived in Washington for about 15 years. One of the biggest constants in that time has been the preaching of Frank Emrich. And it doesn't really matter that he's been in one place that long (plenty of people do that), but it's the fact that throughout those 15 years he's remained whole-heartedly dedicated to the Word. He is one of the best resources for biblical wisdom I have.
Bob and Judi Allen
My parents; our family has been through more logistical changes than most. Houses, ministries, jobs, the size of the family... something always seems to be changing. And if you know my mom, you know she doesn't especially like change. Nevertheless, they are always a constant source of Jesus-like love and support.
Ryan Wood
I've been around Ryan pretty much since he decided to enter ministry. I've borne witness to a lot of his successes and failures. He has been instrumental in my own spiritual walk and is always on hand to encourage and challenge me.
There are plenty of other great spiritual giants I've known in my life, but you probably wouldn't keep reading if I went on. But if you know any of these people, please say a prayer and thank God for blessing you with their acquaintance. And then get to know them a little more.
Lord, thank You for the body of Your church. Thank You for the gems that are the faithful servants to Your glory. Let me look to those who effectively serve You to be my heroes instead of the heroes of the world. Please watch over these heroes of mine and continue to support them and use them for Your great purpose.
Jesus rebukes His disciples for calling a woman's ministry to Him a "waste".
We should all have humility. If I feel I've accomplished something spectacular, I should always err on the side of keeping it to myself. Otherwise, I'll be tempted to glorify Dave instead of God.
But...
We should celebrate the great accomplishments of others. Or should I say the great accomplishments that God has done through others. In the last year or so, I've been to some events that highlighted the ministry of some great soldiers in the faith I know. It's so refreshing after being subjected to the global media constantly celebrating immorality, materialism, and plain ol' evil. So with that in mind, here are a couple of my personal spiritual heroes (in no particular order):
Roy and Elvia Sprague
My grandparents; these people are so consumed with God and so detached from the world (in the fleshly sense, not like hermits or something)! I really hope I can get to the kind of world view they have where everything is seen through the gospel.
Pastor Frank
I've now lived in Washington for about 15 years. One of the biggest constants in that time has been the preaching of Frank Emrich. And it doesn't really matter that he's been in one place that long (plenty of people do that), but it's the fact that throughout those 15 years he's remained whole-heartedly dedicated to the Word. He is one of the best resources for biblical wisdom I have.
Bob and Judi Allen
My parents; our family has been through more logistical changes than most. Houses, ministries, jobs, the size of the family... something always seems to be changing. And if you know my mom, you know she doesn't especially like change. Nevertheless, they are always a constant source of Jesus-like love and support.
Ryan Wood
I've been around Ryan pretty much since he decided to enter ministry. I've borne witness to a lot of his successes and failures. He has been instrumental in my own spiritual walk and is always on hand to encourage and challenge me.
There are plenty of other great spiritual giants I've known in my life, but you probably wouldn't keep reading if I went on. But if you know any of these people, please say a prayer and thank God for blessing you with their acquaintance. And then get to know them a little more.
Lord, thank You for the body of Your church. Thank You for the gems that are the faithful servants to Your glory. Let me look to those who effectively serve You to be my heroes instead of the heroes of the world. Please watch over these heroes of mine and continue to support them and use them for Your great purpose.
Leviticus 10,11,12
10:3 "Then Moses said to Aaron, 'It is what the LORD spoke, saying, "By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored." ' "
Aaron's sons learn to take God seriously... the hard way.
I was trying to think of a contemporary example of this situation. There's the situation surrounding Annanias and Sapphira, but I thought the Lord's Supper might be easier to relate to. I Corinthians 11:27-32 warns of what happens when we take the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner.
Before every communion, I make sure to examine my heart and see if there is any unconfessed sin and deal with it prior to taking the wine and bread (or in my church's case, the grape juice and soup cracker). Now that's easy enough, because God is always available to talk to, but what if you have unconfessed sin towards another person?
There was a time when I examined myself and realized an unconfessed sin. I asked God for forgiveness but realized I need to seek forgiveness of the other person involved. I really fought with myself, and the I Corinthians verses flashed through my brain, as did this one in Leviticus and the account of the lying real estate brokers in Acts. I finally succumbed and did not take the communion elements. I was afraid of embarrassment, but I'll tell you what... I was more afraid of God. It's actually reassuring in retrospect, because I know that in a moment where the only one who would know what was going on was God, I submitted. I actually feared I might be struck dead! If you're laughing at that last sentence, read the passage in question again.
So the point is, if you ever find yourself in that position, obey God, put off the communion elements, find your brother or sister, and make it right. Then take communion. As for application for me, I'm going to try to keep growing in my respect and fear of the LORD.
Lord, help me to never forget who You are. You are I AM. You are the Creator. You are the standard for all things. I am dust. Thank You for Your grace and mercy towards we "dust-people".
Aaron's sons learn to take God seriously... the hard way.
I was trying to think of a contemporary example of this situation. There's the situation surrounding Annanias and Sapphira, but I thought the Lord's Supper might be easier to relate to. I Corinthians 11:27-32 warns of what happens when we take the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner.
Before every communion, I make sure to examine my heart and see if there is any unconfessed sin and deal with it prior to taking the wine and bread (or in my church's case, the grape juice and soup cracker). Now that's easy enough, because God is always available to talk to, but what if you have unconfessed sin towards another person?
There was a time when I examined myself and realized an unconfessed sin. I asked God for forgiveness but realized I need to seek forgiveness of the other person involved. I really fought with myself, and the I Corinthians verses flashed through my brain, as did this one in Leviticus and the account of the lying real estate brokers in Acts. I finally succumbed and did not take the communion elements. I was afraid of embarrassment, but I'll tell you what... I was more afraid of God. It's actually reassuring in retrospect, because I know that in a moment where the only one who would know what was going on was God, I submitted. I actually feared I might be struck dead! If you're laughing at that last sentence, read the passage in question again.
So the point is, if you ever find yourself in that position, obey God, put off the communion elements, find your brother or sister, and make it right. Then take communion. As for application for me, I'm going to try to keep growing in my respect and fear of the LORD.
Lord, help me to never forget who You are. You are I AM. You are the Creator. You are the standard for all things. I am dust. Thank You for Your grace and mercy towards we "dust-people".
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Exodus 39,40
40:34 "Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."
The era of the tribe of Israel being physically led by the presense of God begins.
I would be surprised if anyone journaling didn't write about this verse. To have the very presense of God in your midst! Imagine you wake up, get breakfast, lumber about your front room, look outside, see the glory of God in your front yard, wake the kids, get dressed. Yet I'm already thinking ahead to all the examples of weak faith they displayed. How could people live never more than a short walk from God's transcendent glory and get scared, complacent, or unfaithful?
But before we start exalting ourselves over these Israelites (see the last post on Matthew), let's remember the last time we demonstrated fear, apathy, or unfaithfulness. Now consider that you don't have a tabernacle with God's glory indwelling, but you know what you do have (if you're a believer)? The Holy Spirit.
Consider this: the Holy Spirit is a person of the trinity. Equal in importance in every way to God the Father and God the Son. The Holy Spirit is fully God. And the Holy Spirit is inside you and me. That's closer than the Jews had! We are the tabernacle! Let that sink in for a minute! So we have no excuse for our shortcomings. Let's make sure that we are cognizant of the indwelling deity that we are answerable to. Let that guide our thoughts, actions, and words.
Lord, help me to always remember You are nearer to me than I am to myself. Help me to be a worthy tabernacle to the cause of Your glory.
The era of the tribe of Israel being physically led by the presense of God begins.
I would be surprised if anyone journaling didn't write about this verse. To have the very presense of God in your midst! Imagine you wake up, get breakfast, lumber about your front room, look outside, see the glory of God in your front yard, wake the kids, get dressed. Yet I'm already thinking ahead to all the examples of weak faith they displayed. How could people live never more than a short walk from God's transcendent glory and get scared, complacent, or unfaithful?
But before we start exalting ourselves over these Israelites (see the last post on Matthew), let's remember the last time we demonstrated fear, apathy, or unfaithfulness. Now consider that you don't have a tabernacle with God's glory indwelling, but you know what you do have (if you're a believer)? The Holy Spirit.
Consider this: the Holy Spirit is a person of the trinity. Equal in importance in every way to God the Father and God the Son. The Holy Spirit is fully God. And the Holy Spirit is inside you and me. That's closer than the Jews had! We are the tabernacle! Let that sink in for a minute! So we have no excuse for our shortcomings. Let's make sure that we are cognizant of the indwelling deity that we are answerable to. Let that guide our thoughts, actions, and words.
Lord, help me to always remember You are nearer to me than I am to myself. Help me to be a worthy tabernacle to the cause of Your glory.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Matthew 23:23-39
23:30 "and say, 'If we had been living in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' "
The prophets bear judgment on their ancestors and proclaim their righteousness in claiming they would have acted differently in the same situation.
I was trying to think of examples of historical Christianity that we might look on with disdain. The Crusades or the Inquisition (although that was Catholic, if memory serves) came to mind. There's the church at Corinth (sleeping with your dad's wife!), or the Galatians reverting to works-based faith. It's easy to say "I would never..."
Or would we? People love to trash those who failed because it makes themselves look better and leaves little room to discuss their own failures. And whose to say that in 10 or 15 years, abortion will be completely marginalized and that generation will look at those of us who lived during abortion's rampage and say "we would never have allowed that to go on!" Let's pull the logs our of our own eyes before we start looking at the specks in others. Would I have stood up to the guy in Corinth messing around with his stepmom? Would I have gone to him and said "knock it off!" Or would I have just told myself "I'll pray for him"? I'm thinking of an example right now, and I'm now questioning if I've been bold enough...
Lord, help me to not assume my own righteousness, but to look to Your standard to measure myself. Help me to continue to grow in all righteousness and to be bold in confronting sin.
The prophets bear judgment on their ancestors and proclaim their righteousness in claiming they would have acted differently in the same situation.
I was trying to think of examples of historical Christianity that we might look on with disdain. The Crusades or the Inquisition (although that was Catholic, if memory serves) came to mind. There's the church at Corinth (sleeping with your dad's wife!), or the Galatians reverting to works-based faith. It's easy to say "I would never..."
Or would we? People love to trash those who failed because it makes themselves look better and leaves little room to discuss their own failures. And whose to say that in 10 or 15 years, abortion will be completely marginalized and that generation will look at those of us who lived during abortion's rampage and say "we would never have allowed that to go on!" Let's pull the logs our of our own eyes before we start looking at the specks in others. Would I have stood up to the guy in Corinth messing around with his stepmom? Would I have gone to him and said "knock it off!" Or would I have just told myself "I'll pray for him"? I'm thinking of an example right now, and I'm now questioning if I've been bold enough...
Lord, help me to not assume my own righteousness, but to look to Your standard to measure myself. Help me to continue to grow in all righteousness and to be bold in confronting sin.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Matthew 23:1-22
23:5 "But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments."
The Pharisees were emphasizing the things about them that conveyed their religious prowess to garner attention and respect.
I was trying to think if I've even done something like this and I have! I broadened my phylactery! When you say it that way, it sounds like a misdemeanor...
I took my "Bible Doctrine" textbook to work one day, and I was passing by a guy I've heard is a believer, but I don't have opportunity to talk to much. I (almost subconsciously) turned my book so that the title was on the outside and clearly visible. I realize that I was trying to invoke a reaction in his thoughts like "Wow! That guy studies Bible doctrine!" Taking biblical materials to work isn't wrong. Letting people see your desire to study the Lord isn't wrong. Having an attitude that people should be impressed with me for all that is wrong.
Lord, help me to be pure in my study of You. Help me to desire to know You, not to gain stature among men. Help me to humble myself whenever possible for Your glory.
The Pharisees were emphasizing the things about them that conveyed their religious prowess to garner attention and respect.
I was trying to think if I've even done something like this and I have! I broadened my phylactery! When you say it that way, it sounds like a misdemeanor...
I took my "Bible Doctrine" textbook to work one day, and I was passing by a guy I've heard is a believer, but I don't have opportunity to talk to much. I (almost subconsciously) turned my book so that the title was on the outside and clearly visible. I realize that I was trying to invoke a reaction in his thoughts like "Wow! That guy studies Bible doctrine!" Taking biblical materials to work isn't wrong. Letting people see your desire to study the Lord isn't wrong. Having an attitude that people should be impressed with me for all that is wrong.
Lord, help me to be pure in my study of You. Help me to desire to know You, not to gain stature among men. Help me to humble myself whenever possible for Your glory.
Exodus 34,35,36
36:2 "Then Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful person in whom the Lord had put skill, everyone whoe heart stirred him, to come to the work to perform it."
Here we see a practical example of James 1:17. Even skills and talents are from God.
I like to mess around in Photoshop fixing (or sometimes doctoring) images. I take great pleasure in it, and I'm good at it. I take pride in what I can do. I don't think that I attibute that talent to God enough however. I need to remember that every good thing given and every perfect gift is from God.
Lord, help me to remember You are the source of all things good. Help me to not take pride in myself, but in You. You are the only one deserving of praise.
Here we see a practical example of James 1:17. Even skills and talents are from God.
I like to mess around in Photoshop fixing (or sometimes doctoring) images. I take great pleasure in it, and I'm good at it. I take pride in what I can do. I don't think that I attibute that talent to God enough however. I need to remember that every good thing given and every perfect gift is from God.
Lord, help me to remember You are the source of all things good. Help me to not take pride in myself, but in You. You are the only one deserving of praise.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Matthew 21:1-22
21:19 "Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He said to it, '...No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.' And at once the tree withered"
Jesus shows contempt towards scoundrels profiting off of worshipers, priests being jealous for earthly power, and a plant appearing to be healthy but bearing no fruit. Do you sense a metaphor?
I think a lot of times we Christians thinks we can get away with murder (figuratively speaking). We know we're bound for glory and that all our sins are forgiven so we get lax in working to root out sin in our lives. Well this story is a reminder that Jesus isn't just the "holy child, meek and mild", He has a fire in His belly! If you get His ire up, your life can be miserable. That's not to say that Jesus is an unbalanced pugilist with a short fuse. He just hates sin. And He might even hate sin more when it dwells in His children. Consider this:
- We know exactly what sin did to our Savior
- We know exactly what sin does to us
- We have been called to be holy as He is holy
- We have been given the freedom to not sin
- We have been given the power to not sin
Yet we do it anyway. And like a tree with pretty leaves but no fruit, Jesus is disgusted. Thank goodness our Lord is longsuffering! And praise God for Philippians 1:6!
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
Hallelujah!
Lord, keep working on me. Help me to not be a white washed tomb. Help me to first be filled with Your Spirit and holiness, then to produce good fruit to the glory of Your name.
Jesus shows contempt towards scoundrels profiting off of worshipers, priests being jealous for earthly power, and a plant appearing to be healthy but bearing no fruit. Do you sense a metaphor?
I think a lot of times we Christians thinks we can get away with murder (figuratively speaking). We know we're bound for glory and that all our sins are forgiven so we get lax in working to root out sin in our lives. Well this story is a reminder that Jesus isn't just the "holy child, meek and mild", He has a fire in His belly! If you get His ire up, your life can be miserable. That's not to say that Jesus is an unbalanced pugilist with a short fuse. He just hates sin. And He might even hate sin more when it dwells in His children. Consider this:
- We know exactly what sin did to our Savior
- We know exactly what sin does to us
- We have been called to be holy as He is holy
- We have been given the freedom to not sin
- We have been given the power to not sin
Yet we do it anyway. And like a tree with pretty leaves but no fruit, Jesus is disgusted. Thank goodness our Lord is longsuffering! And praise God for Philippians 1:6!
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
Hallelujah!
Lord, keep working on me. Help me to not be a white washed tomb. Help me to first be filled with Your Spirit and holiness, then to produce good fruit to the glory of Your name.
Exodus 25,26
25:2 "Tell the sons of Israel to raise a contribution for Me; from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution."
In this verse is the fundamental rule of giving. It should be motivated from within the heart.
When I was in high school, I had a really messed up idea of what it meant to give to the Lord. I used to not give anything, then every once in a while I would cut a big check and figure that would "cover" the last couple of months. If anyone reading this does that, knock it off! The flaw in that logic is the thought that God needs your money. God doesn't need anything from us! He can work His holy will without any help from anyone. The purpose of giving is to deepen the relationship between God and I by showing God that I understand all my blessings are from Him. It also shows God that I depend on Him. My budget wouldn't be nearly as tight if I didn't give (in theory), but giving to God first puts my dependence on Him.
But I do need to guard against giving automatically. Now that my giving is regular instead of sporadic, I can tend to give without thinking. I need to make sure I am moved from the heart.
Lord, thank You for all Your blessings. Help me to give with a grateful and worshipful attitude. Thank You for the privilege of being able to take part in Your plans on earth.
In this verse is the fundamental rule of giving. It should be motivated from within the heart.
When I was in high school, I had a really messed up idea of what it meant to give to the Lord. I used to not give anything, then every once in a while I would cut a big check and figure that would "cover" the last couple of months. If anyone reading this does that, knock it off! The flaw in that logic is the thought that God needs your money. God doesn't need anything from us! He can work His holy will without any help from anyone. The purpose of giving is to deepen the relationship between God and I by showing God that I understand all my blessings are from Him. It also shows God that I depend on Him. My budget wouldn't be nearly as tight if I didn't give (in theory), but giving to God first puts my dependence on Him.
But I do need to guard against giving automatically. Now that my giving is regular instead of sporadic, I can tend to give without thinking. I need to make sure I am moved from the heart.
Lord, thank You for all Your blessings. Help me to give with a grateful and worshipful attitude. Thank You for the privilege of being able to take part in Your plans on earth.
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