Deuteronomy 32:39 “See now that I, even I, am he,and there is no god beside me;I kill and I make alive;I wound and I heal;and there is none that can deliver out of my hand."
It often amazes me when I compare how unashamed the bible is in reference to God's control over both good and evil and how ashamed many Christians are in reference to God's control over both good and evil. In Sunday School classes, in prayer meetings, and over coffee people try to console each other with words like, "God had nothing to do with this." But Scripture speaks different words of consolation. It is no surprise then that many in our churches find no rest for their souls.
Strong Father, show us today how big You are. Help us to honestly read Your Word as You intended instead of trying to find pet verses to defend our wrong views of You. May we be more concerned about knowing You than defending You. I join with the Psalmist in praying:
137 Righteous are you, O Lord,and right are your rules. 138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness. 139 My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words. 140 Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it. 141 I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true. 143 Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight. 144 Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.
Lord, we truly are small and despised in this world but Your righteousnes is righteous forever and your law is true. Give me understanding that I may life. Give me zeal for Your glory, Your truth, and above all for Your Son. May I never forget what Christ has done and the amazing grace that He provides. Increase my understanding of You. Increase my zeal for You that it, instead of my worries, may consume me.
Desiring You and desiring Christ
Amen
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
I will never leave you nor forsake you
At crucial times in Israel's history the rich promise of God, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," was repeated. Here as Moses prepares the people for his death the promise is repeated. As Joshua prepares the people to enter into battle for the Promised Land the promise is repeated (Joshua 1:6&7). As David nears death and prepares Solomon to lead the lead the people and build the temple the promise is repeated (1 Chronicles 22:13). But this promise is not found only in the Old Testament; it is quoted in the book of Hebrews.
Hebrews 13:5&6 "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' 6 So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'”
God's wonderful promise to the Hebrew people as they prepared to follow Him through new stages of redemption history is also God's wonderful promise to us as we follow Him every day. God's promise is that we do not need money; what we have is enough. Now, that can be a hard pill to swallow if you do not understand the amazing blessing of God's presence. If you've never seen "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor 4:6) then I am sure it is impossible for you to keep your life free from love of money and you are anything but content with what you have. Those who have seen the glory of Jesus live differently because they see life differently. We understand that the most glorious thing on this earth is not something money can buy or financial security can keep. The most glorious thing on this earth is the face of Jesus Christ and the promise that once you see Him, He will never leave you or forsake you. And if we have Jesus and that promise the threats of man are empty and worthless.
Jesus, show me Your glory today. Stand forth from Your word that I may behold Your splendor. Satisfy my desires and organize my priorities to reflect Your worth. I am not content with riding the theological coat-tails of those who have gone before. I do not want to just know what they knew; I want to know You. I pray for Your Church. Raise up men and women who want to know You. Crush our attempts at theology without devotion to You. Frustrate all our energies if work is not completed with the desire to know You and make You known. I want to be a man who walks with You and I want to guide Your people to be happy in You. Show me how today. Show me Christ.
Amen
Hebrews 13:5&6 "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' 6 So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'”
God's wonderful promise to the Hebrew people as they prepared to follow Him through new stages of redemption history is also God's wonderful promise to us as we follow Him every day. God's promise is that we do not need money; what we have is enough. Now, that can be a hard pill to swallow if you do not understand the amazing blessing of God's presence. If you've never seen "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor 4:6) then I am sure it is impossible for you to keep your life free from love of money and you are anything but content with what you have. Those who have seen the glory of Jesus live differently because they see life differently. We understand that the most glorious thing on this earth is not something money can buy or financial security can keep. The most glorious thing on this earth is the face of Jesus Christ and the promise that once you see Him, He will never leave you or forsake you. And if we have Jesus and that promise the threats of man are empty and worthless.
Jesus, show me Your glory today. Stand forth from Your word that I may behold Your splendor. Satisfy my desires and organize my priorities to reflect Your worth. I am not content with riding the theological coat-tails of those who have gone before. I do not want to just know what they knew; I want to know You. I pray for Your Church. Raise up men and women who want to know You. Crush our attempts at theology without devotion to You. Frustrate all our energies if work is not completed with the desire to know You and make You known. I want to be a man who walks with You and I want to guide Your people to be happy in You. Show me how today. Show me Christ.
Amen
Monday, June 25, 2007
Living is loving
Deuteronomy 30:6 And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.
Moses longed for the day when all the people of God would have circumcized hearts. Joel predicted this day when he told of God's Spirit being poured out on everyone instead of resting on a minority. They understood, and we should, that a changed heart is crucial for life. The circumcized heart is a new heart that has been changed into an obedient heart. Apart from this heart every person is incapable of loving/obeying God. It is not enough to have our thinking changed. It is not enough to believe a set of facts about Jesus is true. We must be given new hearts that are capable of loving God instead of only running from Him. Turn to God this morning with your new heart or cry out to God this morning for a new heart.
Father, I thank You for the heart surgery You performed on me that is so much greater than any heart transplant a doctor may perform on a person today. I thank You because my new heart truly gives life. You have shown me Your value. You speak to me of Your love. Your Spirit affirms my forgiveness and guides me in Your will. Father, please give me an ear to listen to You. Change my priorities so that I may be changed into a person more like Christ. He was always obedient to Your will. He always walked in Your paths and You gave Him great joy even in great difficulty. I want to be a faithful son like Christ the faithful Son.
Help me live like Jesus
Amen
Moses longed for the day when all the people of God would have circumcized hearts. Joel predicted this day when he told of God's Spirit being poured out on everyone instead of resting on a minority. They understood, and we should, that a changed heart is crucial for life. The circumcized heart is a new heart that has been changed into an obedient heart. Apart from this heart every person is incapable of loving/obeying God. It is not enough to have our thinking changed. It is not enough to believe a set of facts about Jesus is true. We must be given new hearts that are capable of loving God instead of only running from Him. Turn to God this morning with your new heart or cry out to God this morning for a new heart.
Father, I thank You for the heart surgery You performed on me that is so much greater than any heart transplant a doctor may perform on a person today. I thank You because my new heart truly gives life. You have shown me Your value. You speak to me of Your love. Your Spirit affirms my forgiveness and guides me in Your will. Father, please give me an ear to listen to You. Change my priorities so that I may be changed into a person more like Christ. He was always obedient to Your will. He always walked in Your paths and You gave Him great joy even in great difficulty. I want to be a faithful son like Christ the faithful Son.
Help me live like Jesus
Amen
Friday, June 22, 2007
Amazed by the repeated command to rejoice
This has not been my first time to read through Deuteronomy but it is clearly the first time the Spirit has shown me the repeated call by God to rejoice in Him.
Deuteronomy 27:7 and you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God.
God wants us to experience great joy in Him. He wants us to be pleased with who He is and what He does. God desires us to desire Him. God wants to satisfy us with His presence and the glory of His Son. Our reading from the Psalms gives a concrete way to taste this joy.
Psalm 119:14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
God's words, His testimonies, are not dead letters on cold pages. God's testimonies are channels of delight. We are so disconnected, however, from God's word that it is blows our minds that God's word can produce as much joy as more money to get more stuff.
Lord, show us today the truth that in your testimonies there is joy. Keep speaking to me. Keep showing me from Your word that You are the surest source of joy. Help my brothers and sisters in Christ to see it. Make me a walking testimony to the glory and satisfaction of Your presence. Give me strength to seek You. Give me wisdom to order my days so that I actually seek Your presence. Help me God. Show me Christ. Satisfy my soul.
Amen
Deuteronomy 27:7 and you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God.
God wants us to experience great joy in Him. He wants us to be pleased with who He is and what He does. God desires us to desire Him. God wants to satisfy us with His presence and the glory of His Son. Our reading from the Psalms gives a concrete way to taste this joy.
Psalm 119:14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
God's words, His testimonies, are not dead letters on cold pages. God's testimonies are channels of delight. We are so disconnected, however, from God's word that it is blows our minds that God's word can produce as much joy as more money to get more stuff.
Lord, show us today the truth that in your testimonies there is joy. Keep speaking to me. Keep showing me from Your word that You are the surest source of joy. Help my brothers and sisters in Christ to see it. Make me a walking testimony to the glory and satisfaction of Your presence. Give me strength to seek You. Give me wisdom to order my days so that I actually seek Your presence. Help me God. Show me Christ. Satisfy my soul.
Amen
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Tithing is rejoicing
With the coming of direct withdrawal and the increasing debt of every American it is no surprise that the biblical concept of a tithe has been explained away or forgotten. What is the tithe? At it's most basic the tithe is worship.
Deuteronomy 26:10&11 10 And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, O Lord, have given me.’ And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. 11 And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you.
The Israelite would bring the tithe to the tabernacle/temple, offer it to God by giving it to the priest, and eat part of it there. It would be a celebration of the best God had given and an offering of the best God had given. The tither enjoyed some and the priest enjoyed some. The offering was a community worship event. God is good; just look at this rack of lamb. God is good; just look in my cup.
Worship destroyers in relation to the tithe are many, obvious, and strong. Our materialism increases our debt and decreases our tithe. Our disconnection from the church and our hesitancy to get involved in ministry increases our selfishness and decreases our tithe. Why should I give when I don't get? The Israelites gave and got.
If you are struggling with tithing one way to combat that attitude is to get involved in a ministry that needs money to operate. You'll see immediately how your tithe leads to your joy through the ministry God provides.
Lord help us to get involved. Show us the needs that are all around us that only You can meet. We know Christ died to change people and change the world. Let that change come through us and reach the ends of the earth. Stir our hearts to value You above the things of this world. May we love You and display that love clearly through our tithes. Help us to worship.
Amen
Deuteronomy 26:10&11 10 And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, O Lord, have given me.’ And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. 11 And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you.
The Israelite would bring the tithe to the tabernacle/temple, offer it to God by giving it to the priest, and eat part of it there. It would be a celebration of the best God had given and an offering of the best God had given. The tither enjoyed some and the priest enjoyed some. The offering was a community worship event. God is good; just look at this rack of lamb. God is good; just look in my cup.
Worship destroyers in relation to the tithe are many, obvious, and strong. Our materialism increases our debt and decreases our tithe. Our disconnection from the church and our hesitancy to get involved in ministry increases our selfishness and decreases our tithe. Why should I give when I don't get? The Israelites gave and got.
If you are struggling with tithing one way to combat that attitude is to get involved in a ministry that needs money to operate. You'll see immediately how your tithe leads to your joy through the ministry God provides.
Lord help us to get involved. Show us the needs that are all around us that only You can meet. We know Christ died to change people and change the world. Let that change come through us and reach the ends of the earth. Stir our hearts to value You above the things of this world. May we love You and display that love clearly through our tithes. Help us to worship.
Amen
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The wisdom of God
Have you noticed in our reading that punishment must be dealt out either by the accuser or in the presence of the judge?
Deuteronomy 17:6&7, " On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. 7 The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst."
Deuteronomy 25:2, "then if the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall cause him to lie down and be beaten in his presence with a number of stripes in proportion to his offense."
In punishment there is a lesson to be taught: this is what happens to a lawbreaker. But God also understands that we have vindictive hearts so He prescribed punishment in a way that will cause the accuser or judge to be careful about the punishment. I must hit him with the first stone. I must watch him be beaten as I ruled. God's wisdom is found in putting a check on our hearts as well as the extent of punishment.
Lord, help us to be men and women who please You in all that we do. May we not shy away from punishment and may the punishment be fair. Give us hearts that seek maturity over repaying pain. Give us wisdom to know what punishment is needed. Give us wisdom to know how much is beneficial and guard us from ever going too far. Above all this we thank You that Jesus Christ has taken all of our punishment for sin. He has swallowed up all Your wrath that we desire. He took all my punishement and gave me His righteousness. Psalm 116:17 "I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgivingand call on the name of the Lord.18 I will pay my vows to the Lordin the presence of all his people,19 in the courts of the house of the Lord,in your midst, O Jerusalem.Praise the Lord!"
Amen
Deuteronomy 17:6&7, " On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. 7 The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst."
Deuteronomy 25:2, "then if the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall cause him to lie down and be beaten in his presence with a number of stripes in proportion to his offense."
In punishment there is a lesson to be taught: this is what happens to a lawbreaker. But God also understands that we have vindictive hearts so He prescribed punishment in a way that will cause the accuser or judge to be careful about the punishment. I must hit him with the first stone. I must watch him be beaten as I ruled. God's wisdom is found in putting a check on our hearts as well as the extent of punishment.
Lord, help us to be men and women who please You in all that we do. May we not shy away from punishment and may the punishment be fair. Give us hearts that seek maturity over repaying pain. Give us wisdom to know what punishment is needed. Give us wisdom to know how much is beneficial and guard us from ever going too far. Above all this we thank You that Jesus Christ has taken all of our punishment for sin. He has swallowed up all Your wrath that we desire. He took all my punishement and gave me His righteousness. Psalm 116:17 "I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgivingand call on the name of the Lord.18 I will pay my vows to the Lordin the presence of all his people,19 in the courts of the house of the Lord,in your midst, O Jerusalem.Praise the Lord!"
Amen
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Valuing the seen over the unseen
There are several aspects to an idol that are appealing for worship. If this wasn't the case people wouldn't make an idol and we wouldn't need the 2nd commandment. One reason I believe idol worship is so attractive is because you can immediately find and touch the idol. Ask an idol worshipper where his god is and he can take you right to it. When an idol worshipper gets hurt she can go and gling to her idol with both hands in her pain.
But with God we must have faith. He is not seen. The Father was displayed through the Son but we no longer see Him face to face. The Spirit points us to the Son but we do not see Him with our eyes. These truths remind us that faith is not something we do one time when we first believe. Instead, faith is something we do every day. Prayer is a work of faith- God has ears and wants to listen. Obedience is a work of faith- God has desires and this deed fulfills those desires. Worship is a work of faith- God is worthy of my praise because He is real.
God in heaven, speak to us today. I have faith that You are real and really speak. Make Your Word come alive to me today. Send Your Spirit to me so that Scripture will be more than another book. Make it Your book that is alive and active. The Spirit does that in me, I believe it, so please send Him. But Lord I also know that You are not a god that I can manipulate. You cause the sea to flea, the Jordan to turn back, mountains to skip like rams, and the earth to tremble simply by being God. Your presence is a wonderful thing. Show me Your wonder that I may desire it and so that I will share Your wonder with others. Lord, not to us but to You and Your Son belong the glory.
Glorify the name of Christ in me
Amen
But with God we must have faith. He is not seen. The Father was displayed through the Son but we no longer see Him face to face. The Spirit points us to the Son but we do not see Him with our eyes. These truths remind us that faith is not something we do one time when we first believe. Instead, faith is something we do every day. Prayer is a work of faith- God has ears and wants to listen. Obedience is a work of faith- God has desires and this deed fulfills those desires. Worship is a work of faith- God is worthy of my praise because He is real.
God in heaven, speak to us today. I have faith that You are real and really speak. Make Your Word come alive to me today. Send Your Spirit to me so that Scripture will be more than another book. Make it Your book that is alive and active. The Spirit does that in me, I believe it, so please send Him. But Lord I also know that You are not a god that I can manipulate. You cause the sea to flea, the Jordan to turn back, mountains to skip like rams, and the earth to tremble simply by being God. Your presence is a wonderful thing. Show me Your wonder that I may desire it and so that I will share Your wonder with others. Lord, not to us but to You and Your Son belong the glory.
Glorify the name of Christ in me
Amen
Monday, June 18, 2007
I better get praising
Psalm 113:3 From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!
Yesterday after church and a good rain there was the most beautiful rainbow in the sky. My 3 year old nephew and I stood at the fence and watched it for some time. I talked to him about God's promises, the promise of the rainbow, and that God can be trusted. We talked about the beauty of God revealed in this world. Jacob was sitting on my shoulder and the conversation ended with the a most profound, "I want down." One day at a time trying to find ways and help others praise God; you win some and you lose some.
Father, from the rising of the sun to its setting You are worthy of my praise. You sent Jesus to be my Savior. You are worthy of praise. You sent the Spirit to be my strength and guide. You are worthy of praise. You are God. You are worthy of praise. May all your children today be struck with wonder at things like rainbows and great things like the cross. May our commutes and lunch breaks and daily grind be moments of praise. Give us strength to pursue You that we may have words of praise to give.
We praise you and pray to you through Christ our Lord
Amen
Yesterday after church and a good rain there was the most beautiful rainbow in the sky. My 3 year old nephew and I stood at the fence and watched it for some time. I talked to him about God's promises, the promise of the rainbow, and that God can be trusted. We talked about the beauty of God revealed in this world. Jacob was sitting on my shoulder and the conversation ended with the a most profound, "I want down." One day at a time trying to find ways and help others praise God; you win some and you lose some.
Father, from the rising of the sun to its setting You are worthy of my praise. You sent Jesus to be my Savior. You are worthy of praise. You sent the Spirit to be my strength and guide. You are worthy of praise. You are God. You are worthy of praise. May all your children today be struck with wonder at things like rainbows and great things like the cross. May our commutes and lunch breaks and daily grind be moments of praise. Give us strength to pursue You that we may have words of praise to give.
We praise you and pray to you through Christ our Lord
Amen
Saturday, June 16, 2007
God is at my right hand
Psalm 109:30 With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord;I will praise him in the midst of the throng.31 For he stands at the right hand of the needy one,to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.
My Father, speak Your Word into my soul tonight. Show me that You are at my right hand because I am needy. My sin-debt is insurmountable. My depravity is unchangeable. I am needy. Strong Father I am needy. Save my soul from my sin that condemns. Speak to me of Christ's curse. He was cursed. He was hung on a tree because of me. My mouth gives great thanks to You and Your salvation. Give me boldness in the midst of the throng where ever it gathers so that I will praise You and Christ Your Son. Stand by me my God.
Stand by me my Father
Amen
My Father, speak Your Word into my soul tonight. Show me that You are at my right hand because I am needy. My sin-debt is insurmountable. My depravity is unchangeable. I am needy. Strong Father I am needy. Save my soul from my sin that condemns. Speak to me of Christ's curse. He was cursed. He was hung on a tree because of me. My mouth gives great thanks to You and Your salvation. Give me boldness in the midst of the throng where ever it gathers so that I will praise You and Christ Your Son. Stand by me my God.
Stand by me my Father
Amen
Friday, June 15, 2007
Consider the steadfast love of the Lord
Psalm 107 encourages us to consider the work of the Lord in our affliction because of sin and in our abundance because of His grace. The Lord causes both good times and hard times. He is God of all and Lord over everything. But this does not exclude us from working, sacrificing, and fighting God's battles.
Deuteronomy 20:2 And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people 3 and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, 4 for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’
Father, do not let me be afraid of any enemy; the enemy of sin and the enemy of death are nothing. I pray for our pastors, remove their fear of what people think. God, take away their fear of preaching hard truths. Remove the fear of the people who do not want to follow God's call. Raise up an army who is faithful to bring the healing Gospel of Jesus Christ to every man and woman. Remove our fear and grant us faithfulness.
Amen
Deuteronomy 20:2 And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people 3 and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, 4 for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’
Father, do not let me be afraid of any enemy; the enemy of sin and the enemy of death are nothing. I pray for our pastors, remove their fear of what people think. God, take away their fear of preaching hard truths. Remove the fear of the people who do not want to follow God's call. Raise up an army who is faithful to bring the healing Gospel of Jesus Christ to every man and woman. Remove our fear and grant us faithfulness.
Amen
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Back in the Saddle
Sorry for the absence this week; I have been at the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in San Antonio. Let's pick up with what matters most- pursuing God in Christ through the Word!
At the foundation of Israel's sin is this statement from Psalm 106:20, "They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass." They would rather worship a nice looking piece of metal in the form of a dumb ox than worship God. They would rather ascribe greatness to a statue than ascribe greatness to God. How often do we do the same? We are quick to praise a good meal, a stellar athlete, or a well delivered sermon but we are slow to offer praise to God. Praise comes easy when we get what we want. So, why is praise to God so hard? Because what He offers we do not want. He gives us Himself. He offers a relationship with the Father, Son, and Spirit. He spreads out a table so that we might eat with and rejoice in Him. But we'd rather not.
My God, tune my heart to sing Your praise. My heart is prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Here's my heart, Lord take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above. Do not let me walk in the path of the Israelites who were repeatedly rebellious in their desires. Make Christ my city of refuge. My sin has been intentional and that means there is no hope for me on this earth. I deserve to be turned over to You for punishment but when I think of Christ's cross I see my punishment. He is my city of refuge because he has taken my place under Your strong wrath. He is my city of refuge because he gives me his righteousness. Through the blood of the cross I join the Psalmist in singing.
47 Save us, O Lord our God,and gather us from among the nations,that we may give thanks to your holy nameand glory in your praise. 48 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,from everlasting to everlasting!And let all the people say, “Amen!”Praise the Lord!
At the foundation of Israel's sin is this statement from Psalm 106:20, "They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass." They would rather worship a nice looking piece of metal in the form of a dumb ox than worship God. They would rather ascribe greatness to a statue than ascribe greatness to God. How often do we do the same? We are quick to praise a good meal, a stellar athlete, or a well delivered sermon but we are slow to offer praise to God. Praise comes easy when we get what we want. So, why is praise to God so hard? Because what He offers we do not want. He gives us Himself. He offers a relationship with the Father, Son, and Spirit. He spreads out a table so that we might eat with and rejoice in Him. But we'd rather not.
My God, tune my heart to sing Your praise. My heart is prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Here's my heart, Lord take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above. Do not let me walk in the path of the Israelites who were repeatedly rebellious in their desires. Make Christ my city of refuge. My sin has been intentional and that means there is no hope for me on this earth. I deserve to be turned over to You for punishment but when I think of Christ's cross I see my punishment. He is my city of refuge because he has taken my place under Your strong wrath. He is my city of refuge because he gives me his righteousness. Through the blood of the cross I join the Psalmist in singing.
47 Save us, O Lord our God,and gather us from among the nations,that we may give thanks to your holy nameand glory in your praise. 48 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,from everlasting to everlasting!And let all the people say, “Amen!”Praise the Lord!
Friday, June 08, 2007
Rejoice in the Lord
I want to share what God directed me to in His Word this morning:
The repetition of the call to rejoice in the Lord was a welcome summons to my soul today
Deuteronomy 12:7 And there you shall eat before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your households, in all that you undertake, in which the LORD your God has blessed you.
12:12 And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you and your sons and your daughters...
12:18 And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in all that you undertake
Psalm 97:1 The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice
97:8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD.
97:12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name
Psalm 98:4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
98:6 With trumpet and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!
98:8 Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together.
My LORD, the great and strong King of all creation. Give me an appetite for you that is quenched only by the joy of Your presence. Free me from sin. Free me from pride. Free me to sing Your praises and worship Your Son. I want to join the earth in praising You. I want to taste the gladness of Zion when it hears. I want to rejoice with the daughters of Judah. Make me righteous that I might rejoice in You; the giver of righteousness by the work of Your Son. As the rivers clap and the hills sing may my life bring You the praise You deserve. My Father, my King, My LORD, and My God I praise you. I praise your Son. I praise your Spirit. The holy God Three in One.
To the Lamb
Amen
The repetition of the call to rejoice in the Lord was a welcome summons to my soul today
Deuteronomy 12:7 And there you shall eat before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your households, in all that you undertake, in which the LORD your God has blessed you.
12:12 And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you and your sons and your daughters...
12:18 And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in all that you undertake
Psalm 97:1 The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice
97:8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD.
97:12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name
Psalm 98:4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
98:6 With trumpet and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!
98:8 Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together.
My LORD, the great and strong King of all creation. Give me an appetite for you that is quenched only by the joy of Your presence. Free me from sin. Free me from pride. Free me to sing Your praises and worship Your Son. I want to join the earth in praising You. I want to taste the gladness of Zion when it hears. I want to rejoice with the daughters of Judah. Make me righteous that I might rejoice in You; the giver of righteousness by the work of Your Son. As the rivers clap and the hills sing may my life bring You the praise You deserve. My Father, my King, My LORD, and My God I praise you. I praise your Son. I praise your Spirit. The holy God Three in One.
To the Lamb
Amen
Thursday, June 07, 2007
An excellent email
If you are not signed up to get the regular email for prayer concerns from Voice of the Martyrs then you better go do that right now at
www.persecution.com
Talk about putting life and church in perspective.
www.persecution.com
Talk about putting life and church in perspective.
Reasons to Praise
I've compiled a list of reasons given in Psalms 95 & 96 to praise God:
1. He is the rock of our salvation
2. He is a great God
3. He is a great King above all gods
4. In his hand are the depths of the sea
5. In his hand are the heights of the mountains
6. He is our Maker
7. He is our God
8. We are His people and His sheep
9. He is full of glory and marvelous works
10. He is great
11. He is to be feared
12. He made the heavens
13. He is surrounded by splendor, majesty, strength, and beauty
14. He is worthy of glory
15. He is full of holiness
16. He reigns
17. He will judge with equity
18. He comes to judge
Father, do not let me miss the many reasons You are worthy of praise. Help me to slow down and worship. Help me to see Your value and to tell You how valuable You are. Forgive me for being so full of and dedicated to shallow things. Clearly, You are a great God. Clearly, You are the great God. Fill Your people with Yourself. Give us the desire to be like Christ. May our worship of You pierce through every aspect of our lives transforming life. I long to know You and to know Your will. I long to give my life to the Cause worth fighting for. Show me how.
Amen
1. He is the rock of our salvation
2. He is a great God
3. He is a great King above all gods
4. In his hand are the depths of the sea
5. In his hand are the heights of the mountains
6. He is our Maker
7. He is our God
8. We are His people and His sheep
9. He is full of glory and marvelous works
10. He is great
11. He is to be feared
12. He made the heavens
13. He is surrounded by splendor, majesty, strength, and beauty
14. He is worthy of glory
15. He is full of holiness
16. He reigns
17. He will judge with equity
18. He comes to judge
Father, do not let me miss the many reasons You are worthy of praise. Help me to slow down and worship. Help me to see Your value and to tell You how valuable You are. Forgive me for being so full of and dedicated to shallow things. Clearly, You are a great God. Clearly, You are the great God. Fill Your people with Yourself. Give us the desire to be like Christ. May our worship of You pierce through every aspect of our lives transforming life. I long to know You and to know Your will. I long to give my life to the Cause worth fighting for. Show me how.
Amen
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
The LORD has become my stronghold
Psalm 94:19-22
"When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute? They band together against the life of righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge."
By God's grace, Angela and the baby are both doing well. The doctor could not explain what happened on Saturday and the sonogram showed a healthy baby. God has taught me much about seeking Him and loving Him through joy and sorrow. Before we had the sonogram He showed me the strength of His arm, the surety of God my fortress. After the sonogram it was as if the fortress was covered in all manner of banners and joyful music. It was a 3 day progress from strong fortress to strong fortress arrayed with joy.
My God, thank You for being God. I praise You that You are in control and I praise You that man and Satan are not. You are bigger than nations and bigger than wombs. Christ is more precious than health and provides more joy than family. And yet I am amazed at the joy of family provides. Father, You have been mercifuly in teaching me. May I be faithful to learn.
In Christ
Amen
Monday, June 04, 2007
Hope in God
The wisdom of God delivered through Martyn Lloyd-Jones:
The main art in the matter of spiritual living is to know how to handle yourself. You have to take yourself in hand, you have to address yourself, preach to yourself, question yourself. You must say to your soul: ‘Why art thou cast down’—what business have you to be disquieted? You must turn on yourself, upbraid yourself, condemn yourself, exhort yourself, and say to yourself: ‘Hope thou in God’—instead of murmuring in this depressed, unhappy way. And then you must go on to remind yourself of God, Who God is, and what God is and what God has done, and what God has pledged Himself to do. Then having done that, end on this great note: defy yourself, and defy other people, and defy the devil and the whole world, and say with this man: ‘I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance, who is also the health of my countenance and my God’ (Spiritual Depression, 21).
The Body at Mambrino is aware that my wife appears to have begun having a miscarriage. We go to the doctor early this afternoon. Pray for us that we will hope in God. Pray for us that God will see fit to give us this child. Pray for me that I will lead my wife to love God in the valley.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Don't get fat and forget
And when the Lord your God brings you into the land that he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give--with great and good cities that you did not build, and houses full of all ood things that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive tress that you did not plant--and when you eat and are full, then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought yout out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery (Deuteronomy 6:10-12).
A near-by pastor has posted some challenging thoughts on this passage and I want to encourage you to read what he has to say. Visit www.colossiansthreesixteen.com and read the posts for Monday May 28 and Tuesday May 29.
God, as I eat my muffin and drink my coffee on my day off do not let me forget you. Forgive me for being so busy with myself that I reject you. Do not let my pursuit of wealth and pleasure, do not let my pursuit of me, push you out. I don't want to forget. I want to love you with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my might. I want to love YOU. Forgive me for loving me. Remind me today of who you are. Give me strength to intentionally read to know you. Provide for me rich reminders of the work of Christ. God I want to know you show me who you are.
Afraid to forget and in Christ's name
Amen
A near-by pastor has posted some challenging thoughts on this passage and I want to encourage you to read what he has to say. Visit www.colossiansthreesixteen.com and read the posts for Monday May 28 and Tuesday May 29.
God, as I eat my muffin and drink my coffee on my day off do not let me forget you. Forgive me for being so busy with myself that I reject you. Do not let my pursuit of wealth and pleasure, do not let my pursuit of me, push you out. I don't want to forget. I want to love you with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my might. I want to love YOU. Forgive me for loving me. Remind me today of who you are. Give me strength to intentionally read to know you. Provide for me rich reminders of the work of Christ. God I want to know you show me who you are.
Afraid to forget and in Christ's name
Amen
Friday, June 01, 2007
The 10 Boundaries
I try to say often in my preaching that God did not give us a bunch of rules that keep us from having fun. We can be tempted to think God is a prude so he simply exists to squash all our fun, thus the 10 commandments. 10 fun things God doesn't want us to do.
But really these are 10 boundaries. If true and full joy is found with God then these 10 commandments are 10 ways to keep us on the path of joy. God's commandments are meant to keep us from messing up our relationship with him. God's laws, instead of decreasing our joy, increase our joy.
Great Father, train my heart today to obey you for the joy of it. How I thank you that Christ fulfilled the law; that he is perfectly obedient to every command. I thank you for him because I have been given his righteousness. I have, by faith, been given his perfect obedience. Lord, I want to be like Christ. You have given me a new heart, you have given me Christ's righteousness, and Lord I want to live in a way that pleases you. Help me to memorize Scripture. Bring your Word to my mind throughout my day. Because of Christ I have been made righteous for eternity. Lord, I pray that you will make me useful to you every day.
In Christ's name
Amen
But really these are 10 boundaries. If true and full joy is found with God then these 10 commandments are 10 ways to keep us on the path of joy. God's commandments are meant to keep us from messing up our relationship with him. God's laws, instead of decreasing our joy, increase our joy.
Great Father, train my heart today to obey you for the joy of it. How I thank you that Christ fulfilled the law; that he is perfectly obedient to every command. I thank you for him because I have been given his righteousness. I have, by faith, been given his perfect obedience. Lord, I want to be like Christ. You have given me a new heart, you have given me Christ's righteousness, and Lord I want to live in a way that pleases you. Help me to memorize Scripture. Bring your Word to my mind throughout my day. Because of Christ I have been made righteous for eternity. Lord, I pray that you will make me useful to you every day.
In Christ's name
Amen
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