2 Peter 2:9-10, "then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority."
1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
God rescued Lot by all but dragging him out of town. God rescued Noah by decades of faithful ark building. God rescued Israel from a giant's power through a young man. God rescued mankind through a suffering servant born in a stable. God rescued mankind through His Son who died on a cross. This was God's plan and His Spirit works in us to fulfill that plan.
As we seek His rescue what do we avoid? From our reading this morning, we must avoid the lust of defiling passion and we must avoid the despising of authority; sexual sin and individualism, rampant immorality and "no one can tell me what to do." These both speak of indulging the self. It's all about me. This is not the way of the Christian.
Pray this morning asking God to show you the potential danger in your life of indulging the self. Where are you tempted toward immorality? Where are you tempted to throw off authority? Ask, 'What is Your rescue plan?' and, 'How does the gospel show me the better way?'
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
David's Census
1 Chronicles 27:23-24, "David did not count those below twenty years of age, for the Lord had promised to make Israel as many as the stars of heaven. 24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to count, but did not finish. Yet wrath came upon Israel for this, and the number was not entered in the chronicles of King David."
I knew the census David took was sinful because of the clear teaching of Scripture. But at the same time I didn't know exactly why it was; that it was disobedience was obvious the kind of disobedience was not. 1 Chronicles 27 gives us the kind of disobedience involved in the census sin. When David began counting he did so on the basis that the people could be counted. The people were not like the stars of heaven or the sand of the sea. David's counting revealed his understanding that God was not faithful to his promises.
Before we judge David as the only one who has ever committed sin of this type we must realize that every sin is sin of this type. Every sin is committed because of the belief, either conscious or unconscious, that God is not faithful. Some sin is committed because we do not believe God will take care of us. Some sin is committed because we believe we know better. Some sin is committed because we believe our way and not God's way will bring us joy. We could go on and on. Fundamentally sin is unbelief.
2 Peter 1:1-2, "To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
Faith is obtained through the rightousness of Jesus Christ. As our knoweldge of God the Father and God the Son increases so will our grace and peace. Fundamentally faith comes through the righteousness of Christ.
My Lord and Master, I have no righteousness of my own I claim only the righteousness of Christ. Teach me about You my God so that grace and peace will increase in You. I do not want to be a man of unbelief. I do not want to be tossed about by every doctrine of man. I want to hold fast to Christ the steadfast and sure anchor of the soul. Show me Christ's righteousness. Show me Christ's obedience. Show me Christ's sacrifice for me. I want to be forgiven and I want to be faithful. I confess this morning and forever that forgiveness and faithfulness comes only through Christ. Give me faith and help my unbelief.
Through Christ
Amen
I knew the census David took was sinful because of the clear teaching of Scripture. But at the same time I didn't know exactly why it was; that it was disobedience was obvious the kind of disobedience was not. 1 Chronicles 27 gives us the kind of disobedience involved in the census sin. When David began counting he did so on the basis that the people could be counted. The people were not like the stars of heaven or the sand of the sea. David's counting revealed his understanding that God was not faithful to his promises.
Before we judge David as the only one who has ever committed sin of this type we must realize that every sin is sin of this type. Every sin is committed because of the belief, either conscious or unconscious, that God is not faithful. Some sin is committed because we do not believe God will take care of us. Some sin is committed because we believe we know better. Some sin is committed because we believe our way and not God's way will bring us joy. We could go on and on. Fundamentally sin is unbelief.
2 Peter 1:1-2, "To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
Faith is obtained through the rightousness of Jesus Christ. As our knoweldge of God the Father and God the Son increases so will our grace and peace. Fundamentally faith comes through the righteousness of Christ.
My Lord and Master, I have no righteousness of my own I claim only the righteousness of Christ. Teach me about You my God so that grace and peace will increase in You. I do not want to be a man of unbelief. I do not want to be tossed about by every doctrine of man. I want to hold fast to Christ the steadfast and sure anchor of the soul. Show me Christ's righteousness. Show me Christ's obedience. Show me Christ's sacrifice for me. I want to be forgiven and I want to be faithful. I confess this morning and forever that forgiveness and faithfulness comes only through Christ. Give me faith and help my unbelief.
Through Christ
Amen
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Humility
1 Peter 5:5&6- Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another...humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God.
What would it look like for a church, all of it, to clothe itself with humility toward one another? What would it look like for a church, all of it, to humble itself under the mighty hand of God?
The major difference would be the dramatic decrease in personality struggles. All the he said/she said, I want this, and even threats would decrease. The church would stand firm in the faith instead of standing firm on the personality of leaders, the size of the budget, or the success of a particular ministry. Humility says the church is not about programs, budgets, or personalities but about faith, obedience, and standing together against the devil for the glory of Christ.
Father, make me humble and use me to set the example of humility in my church. Bring humility to Mambrino Baptist Church; may each one of us clothe ourselves with humility toward each other. Remove needless and harmful division. Raise up elders who will shepherd the flock willingly and joyfully. Raise up a church body ready to worship, serve, and live joyful lives in Christ. God, you can do amazing things. I pray you do amazing things in us.
In Jesus' Name
Amen
What would it look like for a church, all of it, to clothe itself with humility toward one another? What would it look like for a church, all of it, to humble itself under the mighty hand of God?
The major difference would be the dramatic decrease in personality struggles. All the he said/she said, I want this, and even threats would decrease. The church would stand firm in the faith instead of standing firm on the personality of leaders, the size of the budget, or the success of a particular ministry. Humility says the church is not about programs, budgets, or personalities but about faith, obedience, and standing together against the devil for the glory of Christ.
Father, make me humble and use me to set the example of humility in my church. Bring humility to Mambrino Baptist Church; may each one of us clothe ourselves with humility toward each other. Remove needless and harmful division. Raise up elders who will shepherd the flock willingly and joyfully. Raise up a church body ready to worship, serve, and live joyful lives in Christ. God, you can do amazing things. I pray you do amazing things in us.
In Jesus' Name
Amen
Monday, November 26, 2007
Setting up Success
What strikes me from today's reading is that David set up the next generation to succeed where he could not. God did not allow David to build the temple. David wanted to build the temple but God told him he would not. There was no pouting only preparation. There was no sulking around like a whipped puppy only storing up for Solomon. Part of all or our ministries must involve intentionally setting up the next generation to succeed. We must be thoughtful concerning today and how we can be serve God in the moment. But we must also be thoughtful concerning the future and how we can best equip the next generation to serve after our deaths.
Father, give us eyes that look to the future and give us hearts that love children and the next generation of leadership. Make us zealous for doing good to all people in all situations.
I thank You for this morning's reminder of Christ. He suffered for sins so that I would not have to. The righteous stood in the place of me the unrighteous. He was put to death and rose to new life so that I, being dead in my sins, could rise to new life. Christ lived, served, and died with his eyes on the needs of others. Thank You Father for providing for my needs. Use me to provide for the needs of others.
In Jesus' name
Amen
Father, give us eyes that look to the future and give us hearts that love children and the next generation of leadership. Make us zealous for doing good to all people in all situations.
I thank You for this morning's reminder of Christ. He suffered for sins so that I would not have to. The righteous stood in the place of me the unrighteous. He was put to death and rose to new life so that I, being dead in my sins, could rise to new life. Christ lived, served, and died with his eyes on the needs of others. Thank You Father for providing for my needs. Use me to provide for the needs of others.
In Jesus' name
Amen
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Reason to be thankful
1 Chronicles 17:11-14, "When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, 14 but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever."
Thank God the Father today for Jesus, God the Son. What David, Solomon, and all the kings could not be and failed to do Christ did to the extreme degree. Where human kings failed the God-man succeeded. God the Son was born as a human to do for humans what humans could not do. He fulfilled the law. He obeyed perfectly. He gave Himself as the spotless lamb. Jesus gives us eternal reasons to be thankful.
My Father, I thank You today for Your Son, my Savior. In praise of Jesus Christ I lift my voice to Your strong throne. Christ is my reason for thankfulness. He is my rock and strong tower. He is the one who shepherds me. He is my ransom and my redemption. He is my joy and my song. For Christ I give thanks.
In my wonderful Savior's name
Amen
Thank God the Father today for Jesus, God the Son. What David, Solomon, and all the kings could not be and failed to do Christ did to the extreme degree. Where human kings failed the God-man succeeded. God the Son was born as a human to do for humans what humans could not do. He fulfilled the law. He obeyed perfectly. He gave Himself as the spotless lamb. Jesus gives us eternal reasons to be thankful.
My Father, I thank You today for Your Son, my Savior. In praise of Jesus Christ I lift my voice to Your strong throne. Christ is my reason for thankfulness. He is my rock and strong tower. He is the one who shepherds me. He is my ransom and my redemption. He is my joy and my song. For Christ I give thanks.
In my wonderful Savior's name
Amen
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Start a new tradition
Are you a bit frustrated about the lack of spiritual content in most Thanksgiving celebrations? How about reading 1 Chronicles 16:8-36? Divide it up at the paragraph breaks, pass a bible around, and everyone who wants to read can. Then pray seeking a thankful heart.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Faith, Works, and Justification
James 2:17, "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
James 2:24, "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
As I read and live life two different approaches to the Christian life are becoming more prevalent. One approach seeks to define everything about Christianity to the smallest most microscopic degree. For these people Christianity is cut and dry, the different aspects always color inside the lines, and life is like a white long-sleeve button down with heavy starch straight from the cleaners.
The other approach doesn't want to define anything. If you define something you will kill it or worse than that, the church would require it. Christianity here is vague and doctrine doesn't matter. For these people Christianity is nebulus, the different aspects should not be defined, and life is like a college student perpetually living out of his dirty clothes hamper. If it doesn't stink too badly spray some cologne and if it does then just give it time to air out.
Christianity is neither a sterile laboratory nor is Christianity a filthy dorm room. We must define what Scripture defines and we must define it the way Scripture defines it. That's our struggle with faith, works, and justification. We want them to be simple. We do not want them to overlap. But this is not possible.
Faith is believing. I believe God is who He says He is and God will do what He says He will do. This is seen clearly in trusting in the work of Christ but faith does not end at conversion. Christ is my sacrifice; faith believes that. God demands the death penalty of me and Christ has paid with His life what God demands of me. Faith is also believing that Christ is my righteousness. God demands perfect obedience of me and Christ has paid with His life what God demands of me. Christ fulfills what God requires of my life. Christ fulfills what God requires become of my sin. Faith holds eternally to these truths.
Works are the response of a new heart. Works do not produce a new heart. A new heart produces works. Faith that does not produce works is dead because the heart is dead, it is a faithless stone. Do you claim to have faith? Prove it, show me the difference faith makes. Faith made a difference to Abraham. Faith made a difference to Rahab. And this difference came in the Old Testament dispensation.
Now, to justification. With the recent and prevalent attempt to redefine justification the response on many fronts is to define justification so clearly that it is water-tight and impenetrable. So, justification becomes legal declaration and only a legal declaration. It becomes a pronouncement outside of us based on works outside of us and it has little to no influence inside of us. But if a person is justified by works and not by faith alone it becomes clear that this category falls short. Justification IS a legal pronouncement by God on us based on the work of Christ. Because of Christ's perfect life and atoning sacrifice we are rightly declared and practically are not guilty. Faith rests in Christ's work and God's pronoucement. Works reflect our new heart's desire to honor Christ. Logically there is an order: faith, justification, works. Practically we cannot discern a difference or demand progression through verfiable stages.
Father, give me balance in life that honors You and stays always faithful to the work of Christ and the truth of Scripture. Strengthen my faith. Grow my understanding of what it means to be justified. May my life, the work of my hands, reflect true faith and Your righteous pronoucement over me. Do not let me make excuses. Use me to make disciples. Do not let me avoid Your demands. Through Christ may I fulfill Your demands.
In Jesus' Name
Amen
James 2:24, "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
As I read and live life two different approaches to the Christian life are becoming more prevalent. One approach seeks to define everything about Christianity to the smallest most microscopic degree. For these people Christianity is cut and dry, the different aspects always color inside the lines, and life is like a white long-sleeve button down with heavy starch straight from the cleaners.
The other approach doesn't want to define anything. If you define something you will kill it or worse than that, the church would require it. Christianity here is vague and doctrine doesn't matter. For these people Christianity is nebulus, the different aspects should not be defined, and life is like a college student perpetually living out of his dirty clothes hamper. If it doesn't stink too badly spray some cologne and if it does then just give it time to air out.
Christianity is neither a sterile laboratory nor is Christianity a filthy dorm room. We must define what Scripture defines and we must define it the way Scripture defines it. That's our struggle with faith, works, and justification. We want them to be simple. We do not want them to overlap. But this is not possible.
Faith is believing. I believe God is who He says He is and God will do what He says He will do. This is seen clearly in trusting in the work of Christ but faith does not end at conversion. Christ is my sacrifice; faith believes that. God demands the death penalty of me and Christ has paid with His life what God demands of me. Faith is also believing that Christ is my righteousness. God demands perfect obedience of me and Christ has paid with His life what God demands of me. Christ fulfills what God requires of my life. Christ fulfills what God requires become of my sin. Faith holds eternally to these truths.
Works are the response of a new heart. Works do not produce a new heart. A new heart produces works. Faith that does not produce works is dead because the heart is dead, it is a faithless stone. Do you claim to have faith? Prove it, show me the difference faith makes. Faith made a difference to Abraham. Faith made a difference to Rahab. And this difference came in the Old Testament dispensation.
Now, to justification. With the recent and prevalent attempt to redefine justification the response on many fronts is to define justification so clearly that it is water-tight and impenetrable. So, justification becomes legal declaration and only a legal declaration. It becomes a pronouncement outside of us based on works outside of us and it has little to no influence inside of us. But if a person is justified by works and not by faith alone it becomes clear that this category falls short. Justification IS a legal pronouncement by God on us based on the work of Christ. Because of Christ's perfect life and atoning sacrifice we are rightly declared and practically are not guilty. Faith rests in Christ's work and God's pronoucement. Works reflect our new heart's desire to honor Christ. Logically there is an order: faith, justification, works. Practically we cannot discern a difference or demand progression through verfiable stages.
Father, give me balance in life that honors You and stays always faithful to the work of Christ and the truth of Scripture. Strengthen my faith. Grow my understanding of what it means to be justified. May my life, the work of my hands, reflect true faith and Your righteous pronoucement over me. Do not let me make excuses. Use me to make disciples. Do not let me avoid Your demands. Through Christ may I fulfill Your demands.
In Jesus' Name
Amen
Monday, November 19, 2007
Is God fair? The death of Uzzah
1 Chronicles 13:9-11, "And they came to the thresing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzza to this day."
It is hard, impossible, and unhelpful for us to study God's word in a disconnected nothing-to-gain and nothing-to-lose mentality. We come to Scripture with dreams, hurts, desires, baggage, preconceived notions, and a host of other mental, physical, and spiritual ideals. What I try to instill in the flock God has given is a humility toward God's Word. Our first reaction should be to bow the knee to God's Word instead of kicking against God's Word. There are difficult passages no doubt. The historical account of Uzzah's death is a clear example. Before we discount Scripture the Christian approach is to seek the mind of Christ. Ask, Father what are You doing and what are You teaching? Ask this before we run rough shod over the Word of God.
What we must realize is that God's holiness is real and not contingent on the condition or intentions of man. The infinitely loving God is also the infinitely holy God. Though we may desire to receive His love with no thought of His holiness this is not possible. And this is not the work of just the "God of the Old Testament". The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 as well as the deaths of those who took the Lord's Supper wrongly in 1 Corinthians 11:30 prove that God is still holy. God is still holy and commands holiness in our relationship with and service for Him.
There is no black and white rule such that all deaths are deaths of judgment. But there is a call in all of this to turn to God. This is later what David does when he realizes and confesses his wrongs in connection with the Ark. "Because [the Levites] did not caryy it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule" (1 Chronicles 15:13). Well intentioned presumption is still presumption.
Father, You are indeed holy and loving. Give me understanding. Your ways are higher than mine. Your mind and will are greater than my understanding. Through difficulty I will trust You to strengthen me through Christ's work, the Spirit's power, and the Scripture so that I will even through tears be able to say, "I will yet praise You." Give me a spirit of humility toward Scripture. Let it guide and shape me instead of me struggling to guide and shape the Scripture. I want You to be honored and I want to honor You according to Your holiness. I want to know Your great love and I do not want to presume upon Your grace. I need eyes that truly see and ears that truly hear. You are so much bigger than I have ever thought. You are so much holier than I ever thought. I would never ask for You to change. I humbly ask, "Lord change me."
For Christ
Amen
It is hard, impossible, and unhelpful for us to study God's word in a disconnected nothing-to-gain and nothing-to-lose mentality. We come to Scripture with dreams, hurts, desires, baggage, preconceived notions, and a host of other mental, physical, and spiritual ideals. What I try to instill in the flock God has given is a humility toward God's Word. Our first reaction should be to bow the knee to God's Word instead of kicking against God's Word. There are difficult passages no doubt. The historical account of Uzzah's death is a clear example. Before we discount Scripture the Christian approach is to seek the mind of Christ. Ask, Father what are You doing and what are You teaching? Ask this before we run rough shod over the Word of God.
What we must realize is that God's holiness is real and not contingent on the condition or intentions of man. The infinitely loving God is also the infinitely holy God. Though we may desire to receive His love with no thought of His holiness this is not possible. And this is not the work of just the "God of the Old Testament". The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 as well as the deaths of those who took the Lord's Supper wrongly in 1 Corinthians 11:30 prove that God is still holy. God is still holy and commands holiness in our relationship with and service for Him.
There is no black and white rule such that all deaths are deaths of judgment. But there is a call in all of this to turn to God. This is later what David does when he realizes and confesses his wrongs in connection with the Ark. "Because [the Levites] did not caryy it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule" (1 Chronicles 15:13). Well intentioned presumption is still presumption.
Father, You are indeed holy and loving. Give me understanding. Your ways are higher than mine. Your mind and will are greater than my understanding. Through difficulty I will trust You to strengthen me through Christ's work, the Spirit's power, and the Scripture so that I will even through tears be able to say, "I will yet praise You." Give me a spirit of humility toward Scripture. Let it guide and shape me instead of me struggling to guide and shape the Scripture. I want You to be honored and I want to honor You according to Your holiness. I want to know Your great love and I do not want to presume upon Your grace. I need eyes that truly see and ears that truly hear. You are so much bigger than I have ever thought. You are so much holier than I ever thought. I would never ask for You to change. I humbly ask, "Lord change me."
For Christ
Amen
Thursday, November 15, 2007
How to be content in any situation
I came across this while reading Lloyd-Jones' book On Spiritual Depression. It fits squarely with knowing the better and abiding possession that is Jesus Christ. In Philippians 4:10 Paul wrote, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." Lloyd-Jones gives some practical steps to arrive at this blessed condition.
Know these things:
1. Conditions are always changing, therefore I must obviously not be dependent upon conditions.
2. What matters supremely and vitally is my soul and my relationship to God--that is the first thing.
3. God is concerned about me as my Father, and nothing happens to me apart from God. Even the very hairs of my head are all numbered. I must never forget that.
4. God's will and God's ways are a great mystery, but I know that whatever He wills or permits is of necessity for my good.
5. Every situation in life is the unfolding of some manifestation of God's love and goodness. Therefore my business is to look for this peculiar manifestation of God's goodness and kindness and to be prepared for surprises and blessings because 'His ways are not my ways, neither His thoughts my thoughts.'
6. I must regard circumstances and conditions, not in and of themselves therefore, but as a part of God's dealings with me in the work of perfecting my soul and bringing me to final perfection.
7. Whatever my conditions may be at this present moment they are only temporary, they are only passing, and they can never rob me of the joy and the glory that ultimately await me with Christ.
Put this book on your Christmas list and if you don't get it be content for the moment then go out and buy it. Why not go ahead and get it now?
http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Depression-Its-Causes-Cure/dp/0802813879/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195140324&sr=8-1
Know these things:
1. Conditions are always changing, therefore I must obviously not be dependent upon conditions.
2. What matters supremely and vitally is my soul and my relationship to God--that is the first thing.
3. God is concerned about me as my Father, and nothing happens to me apart from God. Even the very hairs of my head are all numbered. I must never forget that.
4. God's will and God's ways are a great mystery, but I know that whatever He wills or permits is of necessity for my good.
5. Every situation in life is the unfolding of some manifestation of God's love and goodness. Therefore my business is to look for this peculiar manifestation of God's goodness and kindness and to be prepared for surprises and blessings because 'His ways are not my ways, neither His thoughts my thoughts.'
6. I must regard circumstances and conditions, not in and of themselves therefore, but as a part of God's dealings with me in the work of perfecting my soul and bringing me to final perfection.
7. Whatever my conditions may be at this present moment they are only temporary, they are only passing, and they can never rob me of the joy and the glory that ultimately await me with Christ.
Put this book on your Christmas list and if you don't get it be content for the moment then go out and buy it. Why not go ahead and get it now?
http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Depression-Its-Causes-Cure/dp/0802813879/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195140324&sr=8-1
Christianity is about a better and abiding possession
Christianity involves facts, hard absolute truth facts. But Christianity is more than facts. Just knowing the facts does not make someone a Christian. Christianity is about a relationship with the Creator God who is Father, Son, and Spirit. In our reading today we see this relationship causing a real response in the people of God.
Hebrews 10:34&35, "For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward."
These Christians had a relationship with God that stirred their hearts to action and endurance. That's what I want. I want a relationship with Christ that effects my life today and every day. The impact of faith is seen as they rested in the fact that they had a better and abiding possession. This possession is better than houses, possessions, and freedom. They knew Christ, they had forgiveness, they had hope, and all of these in the middle of extreme difficulty. They endured.
Father, I thank You today for Christ. I thank You that He is better than a house. I thank You that Jesus is a better than possessions. I know that my life is more than stuff. I know that Christ is like a pearl of great price and a treasure hidden in the field. Give me joy as I lay all that I am and all that I have at Your feet. Use me and use the things You have given me. Make the facts that I know joy fueling truths that guide all of my life. May my walk with You today be the stuff of a better and abiding possession.
Thank You for Christ
Amen
Hebrews 10:34&35, "For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward."
These Christians had a relationship with God that stirred their hearts to action and endurance. That's what I want. I want a relationship with Christ that effects my life today and every day. The impact of faith is seen as they rested in the fact that they had a better and abiding possession. This possession is better than houses, possessions, and freedom. They knew Christ, they had forgiveness, they had hope, and all of these in the middle of extreme difficulty. They endured.
Father, I thank You today for Christ. I thank You that He is better than a house. I thank You that Jesus is a better than possessions. I know that my life is more than stuff. I know that Christ is like a pearl of great price and a treasure hidden in the field. Give me joy as I lay all that I am and all that I have at Your feet. Use me and use the things You have given me. Make the facts that I know joy fueling truths that guide all of my life. May my walk with You today be the stuff of a better and abiding possession.
Thank You for Christ
Amen
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The Prayer of the Eager
Hebrews 9:27-28, "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him."
Jesus Christ, my salvation and my joy, I eagerly wait for You. In this world I will have trouble. When I desire to live a holy life I will experience tribulation. Come and put away all trouble. Come and overcome all tribulation by the word of Your power. Strengthen my desires for You. Fan into flame the smoldering wick that often is my affections for You. Drive away the competition. Give me skill with the sword of the spirit that I may put to death the sin that remains and fight for You with strong desire. I long for my faith to be sight. I long to see my Salvation. Come Lord Jesus and save me.
In Your Name
Amen
Jesus Christ, my salvation and my joy, I eagerly wait for You. In this world I will have trouble. When I desire to live a holy life I will experience tribulation. Come and put away all trouble. Come and overcome all tribulation by the word of Your power. Strengthen my desires for You. Fan into flame the smoldering wick that often is my affections for You. Drive away the competition. Give me skill with the sword of the spirit that I may put to death the sin that remains and fight for You with strong desire. I long for my faith to be sight. I long to see my Salvation. Come Lord Jesus and save me.
In Your Name
Amen
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Why all those names?
Why do we have those lists of names in the Bible? Why all the genealogies?
God is the God of the nations. God is the God with a plan to restore all things through Christ Jesus. The genealogies point to the God of the nations and the God with a purpose. The lists of names show God's handy work and they show God's specific action. God is calling out for himself a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation who will worship Him through the blood of His Son; the Son who is the bearer of a better covenant.
Father, You have truly done great things. And You have done great things through Christ the God-man and through a list of oridnary men and women. Thank You for being involved in this world and in my life. Thank You for not abandoning me in my sin but sending Christ to redeem me. Thank You for not abandoning the nations but instead you sent Christ to be the King of all nations. Show me today what it is to live in the days of the better covenant. Show me Your glory shining through the nations as they worship the King.
In Jesus' Name
Amen
God is the God of the nations. God is the God with a plan to restore all things through Christ Jesus. The genealogies point to the God of the nations and the God with a purpose. The lists of names show God's handy work and they show God's specific action. God is calling out for himself a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation who will worship Him through the blood of His Son; the Son who is the bearer of a better covenant.
Father, You have truly done great things. And You have done great things through Christ the God-man and through a list of oridnary men and women. Thank You for being involved in this world and in my life. Thank You for not abandoning me in my sin but sending Christ to redeem me. Thank You for not abandoning the nations but instead you sent Christ to be the King of all nations. Show me today what it is to live in the days of the better covenant. Show me Your glory shining through the nations as they worship the King.
In Jesus' Name
Amen
Monday, November 12, 2007
Jesus is able to save to the uttermost
Hebrews 7:23-25, "The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."
Consider Jesus; He is our great high priest because He holds the power of an indestructible life. He is eternal and full of power. He has given Himself for you. He saves to the uttermost! No part of you is outside of His redemptive strength. No is is too big to be forgiven in Jesus. He is our intercessor. He lives for us.
Father, I thank You for Jesus. He is my permenant priest. He is my permenant salvation. He is my permenant intercessor. Thank You my God for providing so great of a salvation. You could have done a small scale thing in the quietness of time but You didn't. You sent Your Son who is full of glory to redeem me full of sin. Strengthen my faith in Christ. As You hold me in Your hand strengthen my grip on Christ. I long to honor my Savior. I desire to see my Savior. Come Lord Jesus.
Amen
Consider Jesus; He is our great high priest because He holds the power of an indestructible life. He is eternal and full of power. He has given Himself for you. He saves to the uttermost! No part of you is outside of His redemptive strength. No is is too big to be forgiven in Jesus. He is our intercessor. He lives for us.
Father, I thank You for Jesus. He is my permenant priest. He is my permenant salvation. He is my permenant intercessor. Thank You my God for providing so great of a salvation. You could have done a small scale thing in the quietness of time but You didn't. You sent Your Son who is full of glory to redeem me full of sin. Strengthen my faith in Christ. As You hold me in Your hand strengthen my grip on Christ. I long to honor my Savior. I desire to see my Savior. Come Lord Jesus.
Amen
Sunday, November 11, 2007
When God's Word is Forgotten
As I was reading today and thinking about the condition of Judah, the reform of Josiah, and the subsequent fall of the nation I could not help but think about the loss of Scripture. The king didn't know God's word. The people didn't know God's word. The priests didn't know God's word; for crying out loud that is ridiculous. The had found something better. They had filled up their lives with other things. The word of God didn't matter to them. May we return to a love for God and an appreciation of the Bible.
God, as we gather today as Your people give us a respect for Your word. Call us back to faithfulness where we are lacking. Give us strength to remain faithful where we are honoring You. You have revealed Yourself to us through Scripture in the power of the Spirit. Meet with us today. Show us the importance place of Scripture.
For Jesus
Amen
God, as we gather today as Your people give us a respect for Your word. Call us back to faithfulness where we are lacking. Give us strength to remain faithful where we are honoring You. You have revealed Yourself to us through Scripture in the power of the Spirit. Meet with us today. Show us the importance place of Scripture.
For Jesus
Amen
Friday, November 09, 2007
When a Generation Turns
2nd Kings 2:22, “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”
Is one generation punished for the sins of the previous? They are when led into sin themselves. When a father's sin leads his son into sin both deserve what they have earned. When the pattern is set and the pattern is sin there is punishment. That brings the great work of faith.
Hebrews 4:1, "Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened."
Hebrews 4:6-7, "Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,
“Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts.”
Hebrews 4:11, "Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience."
Hebrews 4:16, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Father, I am amazed this morning at Your living Word. The truth you spoke in the book of the law, the truth spoken through the book in the days of Josiah, and the truth spoken in the first century to the Hebrews is alive today. It is just as sharp as it does it's work. Master, do the work of calling us to repentance. Do the work of exposes our needs that we may run to Christ. Make us men who pray. Make us women who pray. Christ is what we need. He was tempted in everyway yet was without sin. Praise You Father and praise you Jesus. Make us faithful. Make us bold. Do your great work in us and turn this generation to You.
For Christ
Amen
Is one generation punished for the sins of the previous? They are when led into sin themselves. When a father's sin leads his son into sin both deserve what they have earned. When the pattern is set and the pattern is sin there is punishment. That brings the great work of faith.
Hebrews 4:1, "Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened."
Hebrews 4:6-7, "Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,
“Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts.”
Hebrews 4:11, "Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience."
Hebrews 4:16, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Father, I am amazed this morning at Your living Word. The truth you spoke in the book of the law, the truth spoken through the book in the days of Josiah, and the truth spoken in the first century to the Hebrews is alive today. It is just as sharp as it does it's work. Master, do the work of calling us to repentance. Do the work of exposes our needs that we may run to Christ. Make us men who pray. Make us women who pray. Christ is what we need. He was tempted in everyway yet was without sin. Praise You Father and praise you Jesus. Make us faithful. Make us bold. Do your great work in us and turn this generation to You.
For Christ
Amen
Thursday, November 08, 2007
One Generation to the Next
2 Kings 18:3-6: Hezekiah "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. 4 He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). 5 He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he held fast to the Lord. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses."
2 Kings 21:11-12: “Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done things more evil than all that the Amorites did, who were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols, 12 therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing upon Jerusalem and Judah such disaster that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle."
Manasseh was Hezekiah's son and they could not be any more different. One generation following God faithfully and the next generation is seen to be the most sinful of all generations. Christianity is always one generation away from shipwreck. We are one lazy generation away from apostasy.
Hebrews 3:12-15: "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 15 As it is said, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.'"
Father, give us great concern for Christ and for our brothers. Give us hearts that love all those that are in Christ Jesus. As we prepare for what we call revival, Lord stir our hearts to reach out to others. Open our eyes to see and love those with evil unbelieving hearts. May we become people who value a brother's exhortation. May we become a people who love enough to exhort one another. Hold us fast so that we may hold our original confidence firm to the end. May our hearts flame with a love for You. May our eyes glisten with the truth of Jesus Christ. May our mouths speak the truth in love. May our hands serve all the days of our lives.
For Jesus
Amen
2 Kings 21:11-12: “Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done things more evil than all that the Amorites did, who were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols, 12 therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing upon Jerusalem and Judah such disaster that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle."
Manasseh was Hezekiah's son and they could not be any more different. One generation following God faithfully and the next generation is seen to be the most sinful of all generations. Christianity is always one generation away from shipwreck. We are one lazy generation away from apostasy.
Hebrews 3:12-15: "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 15 As it is said, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.'"
Father, give us great concern for Christ and for our brothers. Give us hearts that love all those that are in Christ Jesus. As we prepare for what we call revival, Lord stir our hearts to reach out to others. Open our eyes to see and love those with evil unbelieving hearts. May we become people who value a brother's exhortation. May we become a people who love enough to exhort one another. Hold us fast so that we may hold our original confidence firm to the end. May our hearts flame with a love for You. May our eyes glisten with the truth of Jesus Christ. May our mouths speak the truth in love. May our hands serve all the days of our lives.
For Jesus
Amen
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Jesus our Helper
Hebrews 2:14-18, "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."
Pay attention to the Helper. Do not drift away from the Healer of your Soul. Christ has come to destroy the power of death. Christ has come to remove your fear of death. And He has done this by becoming like us. He is the victor and we are his. He lived the life of obedience. He drank the cup of God's wrath. He was tempted and suffered. He is a sure help for us.
Father, You are my great Lord and Master. You are full of love, holiness, and strength. Your wisdom is beyond my abilities to comprehend. I praise You. I praise You for so many things and I praise you specifically for Christ. What a wonderful gift; what a glorious gift. He is my salvation and my help. He is my priest who intercedes and my sacrifice for sins. Use me today to bring salvation to those I will see. Give me a warm heart and a caring face. May my contenance reflect my great salvation in Christ Jesus. Give me opportunities and boldness to take those opportunities. May this day bring You praise.
All for Christ
Amen
Pay attention to the Helper. Do not drift away from the Healer of your Soul. Christ has come to destroy the power of death. Christ has come to remove your fear of death. And He has done this by becoming like us. He is the victor and we are his. He lived the life of obedience. He drank the cup of God's wrath. He was tempted and suffered. He is a sure help for us.
Father, You are my great Lord and Master. You are full of love, holiness, and strength. Your wisdom is beyond my abilities to comprehend. I praise You. I praise You for so many things and I praise you specifically for Christ. What a wonderful gift; what a glorious gift. He is my salvation and my help. He is my priest who intercedes and my sacrifice for sins. Use me today to bring salvation to those I will see. Give me a warm heart and a caring face. May my contenance reflect my great salvation in Christ Jesus. Give me opportunities and boldness to take those opportunities. May this day bring You praise.
All for Christ
Amen
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Good quote
When all things seem against us,
To drive us to despair,
We know one gate is open
One ear will hear our prayer
(quoted by Martin Lloyd-Jones, On Spiritual Depression, 228).
To drive us to despair,
We know one gate is open
One ear will hear our prayer
(quoted by Martin Lloyd-Jones, On Spiritual Depression, 228).
Reasons to Rejoice in Jesus
This morning I hope the Spirit refreshes your soul with these spectacular characteristics of Christ:
- Jesus is God's Son and God speaks to you through His Son. Jesus came to be God's Word- God says through Christ, "I desire your salvation and I have paid your ransom."
- Jesus is the heir of all things. All things belong to Jesus and we are joint heirs with Him. Everything is His and we share in his abundance.
- The Father created the world through Jesus. Consider this, the Father brought all things into existence through Jesus. God is able through Jesus to save you and keep you.
- Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God. All that is amazing about the Father is in the Son. We do not look to a 2nd rate savior. Our Redeemer King is wonderful.
- Jesus is the exact imprint of God's nature. Jesus is God. Jesus is divine. All that the Father is the Son is also. Our Ransom is of eternal value.
- Jesus upholds the universe by the word of his power. All that is this universe is because of one word of Jesus Christ. Jesus speaks and it is infinite power.
- Jesus made purification for sins. Think of all that Jesus is and all that he does. Now, reflect on the fact that he made purification for your sins.
- Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Jesus is not condemned because of all my sins. Jesus is not condemned because of the sins of the world. Jesus has defeated, atoned for, put away, wiped away, dealt with, and made purification for all my sins. He has the best seat in God's presence and He is preparing a place for me.
Jesus is coming again to take me where he is and not so I can get a glimpse of it and return. Jesus is coming again for me so that where he is I may always be.
Praise the name of Jesus
Amen
Monday, November 05, 2007
He held fast to the Lord
2 Kings 18:5-8 "He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he held fast to the Lord. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses. 7 And the Lord was with him; wherever he went out, he prospered. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and would not serve him. 8 He struck down the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city."
Father, make me like Hezekiah, strengthen my trust in You. I long to hold fast to Christ. Do not let me depart from following Him. May I keep Your commandments and honor You with my life. Be with me Father. Wherever I go, be my guide. Whatever I may it be useful for building Your kingdom. Give me wisdom as I turn from the things of this world. Give me strength as I engage in spiritual warfare. I want to be Your man. I want to be a man who leads, serves, and builds up my wife, my family, and my church. Help me God to honor You.
In Jesus' name
Amen
Father, make me like Hezekiah, strengthen my trust in You. I long to hold fast to Christ. Do not let me depart from following Him. May I keep Your commandments and honor You with my life. Be with me Father. Wherever I go, be my guide. Whatever I may it be useful for building Your kingdom. Give me wisdom as I turn from the things of this world. Give me strength as I engage in spiritual warfare. I want to be Your man. I want to be a man who leads, serves, and builds up my wife, my family, and my church. Help me God to honor You.
In Jesus' name
Amen
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Why did Jesus die?
Jesus "gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14).
Jesus gave himself willingly and totally in order to redeem us. He is our ransom (1 Timothy 2:6) paid to the Father in order to bring us to the Father (1 Peter 3:18). The wondrously invisible and inaccessible God full of love sent His Son in order to redeem me. From ages past God uttered the decree that I would be His child. Though full of lawlessness and in need of purifying, though an enemy, God sent His Son for me. And the Son died.
The Son died for me securing my redemption. I was bought with a great price (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23), the life of Jesus. I am not my own. I belong to God. I've been purchased for the King. It is now my life's song to live for my Savior. I am to be a zealot. A zealot eager to sacrifice myself and my goods for the benefit and salvation of others. I am not a consumer I am a child of God for the glory of God and the praise of Christ Jesus.
I will praise Him!
Jesus gave himself willingly and totally in order to redeem us. He is our ransom (1 Timothy 2:6) paid to the Father in order to bring us to the Father (1 Peter 3:18). The wondrously invisible and inaccessible God full of love sent His Son in order to redeem me. From ages past God uttered the decree that I would be His child. Though full of lawlessness and in need of purifying, though an enemy, God sent His Son for me. And the Son died.
The Son died for me securing my redemption. I was bought with a great price (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23), the life of Jesus. I am not my own. I belong to God. I've been purchased for the King. It is now my life's song to live for my Savior. I am to be a zealot. A zealot eager to sacrifice myself and my goods for the benefit and salvation of others. I am not a consumer I am a child of God for the glory of God and the praise of Christ Jesus.
I will praise Him!
Friday, November 02, 2007
The whole truth matters
I'm sure you've noticed reading through 1st and 2nd Kings that there were many kings who did the wrong thing going against God's express commands. Then there was a few kings who did the right thing in obedience to God's express commands. But even the majority of these obedient kings still did not take down the high places. Obedience to God is difficult. We cannot do it on our own. Attempts to force obedience through commands or laws does not work either. What is required is a heart desirous of the knowledge of the truth. Obedience requires a willingness to hear the whole of God's truth. This wasn't the case among the leaders of Ephesus where Timothy was or in Crete where Titus was. The leaders wanted some of Scripture, they wanted their Jewish spin on Scripture, but they didn't want the whole truth of Scripture. In the same way that the people and the kings did not want to remove the high places in total obedience so too the people of Crete didn't want total obedience to the Word of God.
Father, give us hearts that want to hear and preach and live in accordance with Your whole council. Give us humility and boldness to deal with the disobedience in our hearts. Give us humility and boldness to deal with the disobedience in the hearts of fellow believers. Your word calls us to care and train up each other. Do not let us disobey. Your word calls us to disciple the nations. Do not let us disobey. Fill our days with a desire to walk with Christ. Give us hearts that break over disobedience and unbelief. Give us hearts that beat for the purpose of knowing Christ and making Him known. Show me my disobedience. Make me like Christ.
In Jesus' Name
Amen
Father, give us hearts that want to hear and preach and live in accordance with Your whole council. Give us humility and boldness to deal with the disobedience in our hearts. Give us humility and boldness to deal with the disobedience in the hearts of fellow believers. Your word calls us to care and train up each other. Do not let us disobey. Your word calls us to disciple the nations. Do not let us disobey. Fill our days with a desire to walk with Christ. Give us hearts that break over disobedience and unbelief. Give us hearts that beat for the purpose of knowing Christ and making Him known. Show me my disobedience. Make me like Christ.
In Jesus' Name
Amen
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The days are here
2 Timothy 4:2-4, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
The Spirit warned through Paul that days were coming when people would no longer want to hear what the Bible says but would instead seek out teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear. Those days are here and have been here for quite some time. What should be our response? Should we get angry and throw Bibles at those 'heathens'? We are told in 2 Timothy 4:2 to preach the word all the time in many ways with patience. Sound teaching is not a time machine that fast forwards the church overnight into maturity. Sound teaching is the cultivation of a garden. Sound teaching is long-term investment.
Father, give us endurance and patience. Give us a teachable spirit and the willingness to make the sacrifice of teaching others. Do not let us grow weary of doing good but focus us on Christ. He is the center of truth. He is truth. May all that I preach and all that is taught at Mambrino be biblical and out of a heart of love; love for Christ and love for the church. Show us the importance of preaching the Word and not the myths of humanity. Make us mature disciples who do the work of an evangelist. Make me a mature disciple who does the work of an evangelist. Stir our hearts to love Christ and serve this world.
In Christ Alone
Amen
The Spirit warned through Paul that days were coming when people would no longer want to hear what the Bible says but would instead seek out teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear. Those days are here and have been here for quite some time. What should be our response? Should we get angry and throw Bibles at those 'heathens'? We are told in 2 Timothy 4:2 to preach the word all the time in many ways with patience. Sound teaching is not a time machine that fast forwards the church overnight into maturity. Sound teaching is the cultivation of a garden. Sound teaching is long-term investment.
Father, give us endurance and patience. Give us a teachable spirit and the willingness to make the sacrifice of teaching others. Do not let us grow weary of doing good but focus us on Christ. He is the center of truth. He is truth. May all that I preach and all that is taught at Mambrino be biblical and out of a heart of love; love for Christ and love for the church. Show us the importance of preaching the Word and not the myths of humanity. Make us mature disciples who do the work of an evangelist. Make me a mature disciple who does the work of an evangelist. Stir our hearts to love Christ and serve this world.
In Christ Alone
Amen
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