Read Acts 12.
Meditate on the passage answering the following questions:
1. What does this tell me about God and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. What lesson can I learn from this passage?
3. What particular sin does it warn me against?
4. What verse, phrase or single word can I take with me for the day?
Pray
Today's reading was a very familiar story. Of the many things that I could have noticed (persecution, angels, Peter's astonishment, Rhoda, etc.), the part that stands out to me today was verse 5 and 12. The church was gathered to pray. When was the last time you gathered with the church to pray, let alone pray fervently. Was it when the church was without a pastor? Or, was it when the church was in a financial crisis? Maybe it was when the pastor asked us to pray for the mission team?
I am guessing that my own self was seen in this passage. I am not always in prayer. And I like the church gathered on that occasion don't always believe that God answered the prayer. I think it is that doubt that causes me to value prayer less and less. I have excuses (God's will is going to happen any way. So why pray?)
I wonder if our prayer meetings always had a crisis to pray for would there be more people. Since becoming a pastor, I have had more requests from people to just cancel Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting. I wonder if the guilt of this service being on the schedule and people's inability to attend drives this request, or is it simply we don't have room for prayer so why have a meeting. It is by far the least attended meeting of the church, but does that make it the least important.
I remember prayer meetings as a child. I remember listening to people like Mr. Elliot, my dad, Mr. Cooley, and other men pray from the depths of their souls. I bring my kids to prayer meetings hoping they will hear men and women praying and seeking God's face and will. I wonder if the people that night prayed silently or aloud? Did everyone pray or just those who felt led? Whatever was going on God heard the prayers of those saints. He responded in a way they expected the least. I am guessing they prayed for a fair judge, or Peter's defense of the gospel. I am certain they prayed for his release, but they did not expect it to come this way. I wonder if prayer meetings have become stale because we pray the same things, expecting the same results. What if we are missing God's answer because it isn't our dream.
Pray fervently for your pastor. Pray fervently for your teachers. Pray fervently for your church. Pray fervently for your family. Pray fervently for the lost.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Jesus Standing at the Right Hand of God
Read Acts 7.
Meditate on the passage answering the following questions:
1. What does this tell me about God and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. What lesson can I learn from this passage?
3. What particular sin does it warn me against?
4. What verse, phrase or single word can I take with me for the day?
Pray
As I read today's passage I was overwhelmed with the sense of God's care and intervention in the lives of His people. Stephen shares, with men who know the Bible, the stories of the nation of Israel. How God guided them, protected them, stopped them, allowed them, and overall was in complete control. I think Stephen, full of the Spirit, got it. He wasn't worried about what to say, or how others might perceive what he said, or even whether he hurt people's "feelings". He truly believed God to be in control, and that whatever happened was part of God's plan.
This is not a free license for Christians to say whatever they want. Remember, Stephen was a man full of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we sin with our words because they are spoken in the flesh and not from the Spirit. I think the best question we can ask is if I say this will I find Christ standing? Or, will He be turning in shame?
Obviously, Stephen spoke nothing that opposed Scripture. He did not beat them, but simply reminded them what they already knew God's word to be saying. I believe they were cut to the quick for the same reason people in sin are cut to the quick when the pastor talks about their particular sin. There are typically two reactions to someone confronting sin. They either turn and repent, or they turn and destroy.
It is my prayer today that God will give me boldness to say the truth. And I pray that God will grant me the strength to stand firm in His word. I need to learn to follow Him and not man. Will you stand for Jesus? He stands for you before the throne of God.
Meditate on the passage answering the following questions:
1. What does this tell me about God and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. What lesson can I learn from this passage?
3. What particular sin does it warn me against?
4. What verse, phrase or single word can I take with me for the day?
Pray
As I read today's passage I was overwhelmed with the sense of God's care and intervention in the lives of His people. Stephen shares, with men who know the Bible, the stories of the nation of Israel. How God guided them, protected them, stopped them, allowed them, and overall was in complete control. I think Stephen, full of the Spirit, got it. He wasn't worried about what to say, or how others might perceive what he said, or even whether he hurt people's "feelings". He truly believed God to be in control, and that whatever happened was part of God's plan.
This is not a free license for Christians to say whatever they want. Remember, Stephen was a man full of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we sin with our words because they are spoken in the flesh and not from the Spirit. I think the best question we can ask is if I say this will I find Christ standing? Or, will He be turning in shame?
Obviously, Stephen spoke nothing that opposed Scripture. He did not beat them, but simply reminded them what they already knew God's word to be saying. I believe they were cut to the quick for the same reason people in sin are cut to the quick when the pastor talks about their particular sin. There are typically two reactions to someone confronting sin. They either turn and repent, or they turn and destroy.
It is my prayer today that God will give me boldness to say the truth. And I pray that God will grant me the strength to stand firm in His word. I need to learn to follow Him and not man. Will you stand for Jesus? He stands for you before the throne of God.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Full of Faith and the Holy Spirit
Read Acts 6.
Meditate on the passage answering the following questions:
1. What does this tell me about God and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. What lesson can I learn from this passage?
3. What particular sin does it warn me against?
4. What verse, phrase or single word can I take with me for the day?
Pray
In today's passage we see the beginning of the deacons (servants, busboys, waiters) of the church. But in light of the questions, one phrase stands out. And it clearly stood out to the writer of Acts because he highlights Stephen. The phrase the stands out is, "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,". We then see another phrase describing the same man again in verse 8, "And Stephen, full of grace and power,". This man Stephen was full of faith, the Holy Spirit, grace, and power.
Obviously all of these come from being full of the Holy Spirit. No one could debate him. He appeared like an angel to the Council. He was brought up on false charges based on jealousy and hatred. What I learn about God and life in this passage, is that apart from God there is nothing. The filling of the Spirit in my life, fills it with grace and power. It is a full faith in the Spirit of God.
I know that often I attempt to do more in this like on my own than I ought. In this article I believe Francis Schaeffer gets the problem right. It is often us working in the flesh and not the Spirit. Let us learn to be full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.
O Lord God, I pray not so much for graces as for the Spirit himself, because I feel His absence, and act by own spirit in everything. Give me not weak desires but the power of His presence, for this is the surest way to have all His graces, and when I have the seal I have the impression also; He can heal, help, quicken, humble suddenly and easily, can work grace and life effectually, and being eternal He can give grace eternally.
Save me from great hindrances, from being content with a little measure of the Spirit, from thinking Thou wilt not give me more. When I feel my lack of Him, light up life and faith, for when I lose Thee I am either in the dark and cannot see Thee, or Satan and my natural abilities content me with a little light, so that I seek no further for the Spirit of life.
Teach me then what to do. Should I merely humble myself and not stir up my heart? Should I meditate and use all means to bring Him near, not being contented by one means, but rust Him to give me a blessing by the use of all, depending only upon, and waiting always for, Thy light, by use of means? Is it a duty or an error to pray and look for the fullness of the Spirit in me? Am I mistaken in feeling I am empty of the Spirit because I do not sense His presence within, when all the time I am most empty and could be more full by faith in Christ? Was the fullness of the Spirit in the apostles chiefly a power, giving them subsistence outside themselves in Christ, in whom was their life and joy?
Teach me to find and know fullness of the Spirit only in Jesus.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
(The Valley of Vision "God the Spirit", pg 29)
Meditate on the passage answering the following questions:
1. What does this tell me about God and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. What lesson can I learn from this passage?
3. What particular sin does it warn me against?
4. What verse, phrase or single word can I take with me for the day?
Pray
In today's passage we see the beginning of the deacons (servants, busboys, waiters) of the church. But in light of the questions, one phrase stands out. And it clearly stood out to the writer of Acts because he highlights Stephen. The phrase the stands out is, "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,". We then see another phrase describing the same man again in verse 8, "And Stephen, full of grace and power,". This man Stephen was full of faith, the Holy Spirit, grace, and power.
Obviously all of these come from being full of the Holy Spirit. No one could debate him. He appeared like an angel to the Council. He was brought up on false charges based on jealousy and hatred. What I learn about God and life in this passage, is that apart from God there is nothing. The filling of the Spirit in my life, fills it with grace and power. It is a full faith in the Spirit of God.
I know that often I attempt to do more in this like on my own than I ought. In this article I believe Francis Schaeffer gets the problem right. It is often us working in the flesh and not the Spirit. Let us learn to be full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.
O Lord God, I pray not so much for graces as for the Spirit himself, because I feel His absence, and act by own spirit in everything. Give me not weak desires but the power of His presence, for this is the surest way to have all His graces, and when I have the seal I have the impression also; He can heal, help, quicken, humble suddenly and easily, can work grace and life effectually, and being eternal He can give grace eternally.
Save me from great hindrances, from being content with a little measure of the Spirit, from thinking Thou wilt not give me more. When I feel my lack of Him, light up life and faith, for when I lose Thee I am either in the dark and cannot see Thee, or Satan and my natural abilities content me with a little light, so that I seek no further for the Spirit of life.
Teach me then what to do. Should I merely humble myself and not stir up my heart? Should I meditate and use all means to bring Him near, not being contented by one means, but rust Him to give me a blessing by the use of all, depending only upon, and waiting always for, Thy light, by use of means? Is it a duty or an error to pray and look for the fullness of the Spirit in me? Am I mistaken in feeling I am empty of the Spirit because I do not sense His presence within, when all the time I am most empty and could be more full by faith in Christ? Was the fullness of the Spirit in the apostles chiefly a power, giving them subsistence outside themselves in Christ, in whom was their life and joy?
Teach me to find and know fullness of the Spirit only in Jesus.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
(The Valley of Vision "God the Spirit", pg 29)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Putting God to the Test
Read Acts 5.
Meditate on the passage answering the following questions:
1. What does this tell me about God and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. What lesson can I learn from this passage?
3. What particular sin does it warn me against?
4. What verse, phrase or single word can I take with me for the day?
Pray
In this passage we see how God responds to those who challenge Him. In the first section of Acts 5. We note that Ananias and Sapphira felt that they could challenge God with their words. They claimed one thing when the reality was quite different. How many times have we fooled man with our words, but we knew the truth was quite different. We so badly want to impress people that we forget that God sees the heart and knows the truth. Obviously the result of Ananias and Sapphira's challenge to God ended in their death.
But as Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." We see that brought awe and wonder to the church. If only we learned to fear God like that early church did, maybe we wouldn't challenge God with our behavior.
In the next section, we once again see the religious leaders of the day challenge God's new covenant. They are still not comfortable with these people who speak of Jesus, whom they killed. They want to silence them like they thought they had Jesus. And once again, we see God perform the miraculous. God cannot be stopped. And the people who truly love God cannot be stopped. These men, even after imprisonment, are back in public preaching about Christ. We should learn that we cannot remain silent, but we must stand and speak God's truth.
In the final section of Chapter 5, we see that Gamaliel recognizes that God should not be challenged. If these men are truly of God, they can't be stopped. But if they are not of God, God alone will bring an end to their message. As Christians, we need to stop trying to speak from our wisdom and let God and His word stand in front.
Almighty God in Heaven,
Today, let us seek your face. Let us stop challenging you and your divine nature at every turn. May we look to you to be our defender. May we stand for the truth of your word and not let others tell us how to stand. God where we have sinned in our selfish ways forgive us. When we assert our weakness (thinking it to be greater than you) forgive us. Lord, when we say we are giving our whole selves to you, may it not be for public approval, but a total giving of ourselves. May we not hold anything back, and when we do please forgive us. "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Please forgive us as we seek your face.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Meditate on the passage answering the following questions:
1. What does this tell me about God and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. What lesson can I learn from this passage?
3. What particular sin does it warn me against?
4. What verse, phrase or single word can I take with me for the day?
Pray
In this passage we see how God responds to those who challenge Him. In the first section of Acts 5. We note that Ananias and Sapphira felt that they could challenge God with their words. They claimed one thing when the reality was quite different. How many times have we fooled man with our words, but we knew the truth was quite different. We so badly want to impress people that we forget that God sees the heart and knows the truth. Obviously the result of Ananias and Sapphira's challenge to God ended in their death.
But as Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." We see that brought awe and wonder to the church. If only we learned to fear God like that early church did, maybe we wouldn't challenge God with our behavior.
In the next section, we once again see the religious leaders of the day challenge God's new covenant. They are still not comfortable with these people who speak of Jesus, whom they killed. They want to silence them like they thought they had Jesus. And once again, we see God perform the miraculous. God cannot be stopped. And the people who truly love God cannot be stopped. These men, even after imprisonment, are back in public preaching about Christ. We should learn that we cannot remain silent, but we must stand and speak God's truth.
In the final section of Chapter 5, we see that Gamaliel recognizes that God should not be challenged. If these men are truly of God, they can't be stopped. But if they are not of God, God alone will bring an end to their message. As Christians, we need to stop trying to speak from our wisdom and let God and His word stand in front.
Almighty God in Heaven,
Today, let us seek your face. Let us stop challenging you and your divine nature at every turn. May we look to you to be our defender. May we stand for the truth of your word and not let others tell us how to stand. God where we have sinned in our selfish ways forgive us. When we assert our weakness (thinking it to be greater than you) forgive us. Lord, when we say we are giving our whole selves to you, may it not be for public approval, but a total giving of ourselves. May we not hold anything back, and when we do please forgive us. "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Please forgive us as we seek your face.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Unwilling to Come
Read Matthew 22.
Meditate on the passage answering the following questions:
1. What does this tell me about God and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. What lesson can I learn from this passage?
3. What particular sin does it warn me against?
4. What verse, phrase or single word can I take with me for the day?
Pray
I remember all the "chaos" that seemed to surround Cara and her mom while they were preparing for our wedding day. The invitations were sent out, RSVP's came in, and we were shocked at some who came and others who stayed away. We understood many could not come because of distance, but it was still a special day. I can't even imagine what it would have been like if those we invited refused to come. I can only imagine how devastated both Cara and I would have been. Yet, clearly there are those who will reject Christ's invitation.
From the context, we know that Jesus is talking to the Jews who would reject Him to fulfill the prophecy (the stone the builders rejected). We are joyous benefactors of this rejection of Christ. You see we are the ones that Christ now summons to His banquet. He calls us from our filth to join Him for eternity.
One thing that does stand out to me from this particular passage is that some will come in the wrong clothes. It is, no doubt, those who think they belong (i.e. said a prayer, walked an aisle, emotionally moved, performed miracles, etc.) but have never truly followed Christ. They want the party without the costume.
We must, as Paul said in Philippians, "work out your salvation in fear and trembling." Is your faith in God or a prayer? Is your faith in Christ or in a deed? Is your faith in the precious blood or in a story?
Oh God in heaven, Hear our prayers and take heed to show us where we have fallen from you. Lord, search our hearts and see if there be any unclean way in them. My heart is full of sin and disease, areas where I have trusted self or love for you, areas that keep me from seeking your face. God help me to know that you are my Savior. Keep me in your word and focused on your face.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Meditate on the passage answering the following questions:
1. What does this tell me about God and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. What lesson can I learn from this passage?
3. What particular sin does it warn me against?
4. What verse, phrase or single word can I take with me for the day?
Pray
I remember all the "chaos" that seemed to surround Cara and her mom while they were preparing for our wedding day. The invitations were sent out, RSVP's came in, and we were shocked at some who came and others who stayed away. We understood many could not come because of distance, but it was still a special day. I can't even imagine what it would have been like if those we invited refused to come. I can only imagine how devastated both Cara and I would have been. Yet, clearly there are those who will reject Christ's invitation.
From the context, we know that Jesus is talking to the Jews who would reject Him to fulfill the prophecy (the stone the builders rejected). We are joyous benefactors of this rejection of Christ. You see we are the ones that Christ now summons to His banquet. He calls us from our filth to join Him for eternity.
One thing that does stand out to me from this particular passage is that some will come in the wrong clothes. It is, no doubt, those who think they belong (i.e. said a prayer, walked an aisle, emotionally moved, performed miracles, etc.) but have never truly followed Christ. They want the party without the costume.
We must, as Paul said in Philippians, "work out your salvation in fear and trembling." Is your faith in God or a prayer? Is your faith in Christ or in a deed? Is your faith in the precious blood or in a story?
Oh God in heaven, Hear our prayers and take heed to show us where we have fallen from you. Lord, search our hearts and see if there be any unclean way in them. My heart is full of sin and disease, areas where I have trusted self or love for you, areas that keep me from seeking your face. God help me to know that you are my Savior. Keep me in your word and focused on your face.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Worship the Lamb
Read Matthew 21.
Meditate on the passage answering the following questions:
1. What does this tell me about God and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. What lesson can I learn from this passage?
3. What particular sin does it warn me against?
4. What verse, phrase or single word can I take with me for the day?
Pray
As I read today's passage, I wondered how many of us have truly worshiped God as we ought. Would we stand and shout and sing praises to our Lord, or would we be more worried about a building and the profit i can bring in? We see clearly that God is not to be mocked or confused with the world's system.
The contrast in this passage is very apparent. One group, possibly some of the same people, sing praises and welcome Christ (the Messiah) to the city like a King. The other group is shouting (not to the King) and drawing attention to themselves and their goods. What a great comparison of church worship today. I have sat in churches that clearly pointed to the cross and Jesus (the King of Kings), and I have sat in churches where the clear emphasis was the band.
I think the thing we learn about Jesus (the Son of God) is that He is a jealous God. He does not share His glory or praise or house of worship with anyone. The lesson and sin we must be wary of is once again too much focus on self. I think Jesus makes it quite clear that we come to worship not sell our wares. We come to worship Him not a worship team (or pastor). We come to pray not gossip. We come to build up the body of Christ not destroy it. Why do you come to church?
The verse that stands out to me today is verse 13, "And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer'; but you are making it a robber's den." Again, my question for myself today is, "What am I doing when I come to the house of God?"
Glorious God, It is the flame of my life to worship thee, the crown and glory of my soul to adore thee, heavenly pleasure to approach thee. Give me power by thy Spirit to help me worship now, that I may forget the world, be brought into fullness of life, be refreshed, comforted, blessed. Give me knowledge of thy goodness that I might not be over-awed by thy greatness; give me Jesus, Son of Man, Son of God, that I might not be terrified, but be drawn near with filial love, with holy boldness. He is my mediator, brother, interpreter, branch, daysman, Lamb; Him I glorify, in Him I am set on high.
Crowns to give I have none, but what thou hast given I return, content to feel that everything is mine when it is thine, and the more fully mine when I have yielded it to thee. Let me live wholly to my Saviour, free from distractions, from carking care, from hindrances to the pursuit of the narrow way. I am pardoned through the blood of Jesus, give me a new sense of it, continue to pardon me by it, may I come every day to the fountain, and every day be washed anew, that I may worship thee always in spirit and truth.
In Jesus name, Amen.
(The Valley of Vision "Worship", pg 196)
Meditate on the passage answering the following questions:
1. What does this tell me about God and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. What lesson can I learn from this passage?
3. What particular sin does it warn me against?
4. What verse, phrase or single word can I take with me for the day?
Pray
As I read today's passage, I wondered how many of us have truly worshiped God as we ought. Would we stand and shout and sing praises to our Lord, or would we be more worried about a building and the profit i can bring in? We see clearly that God is not to be mocked or confused with the world's system.
The contrast in this passage is very apparent. One group, possibly some of the same people, sing praises and welcome Christ (the Messiah) to the city like a King. The other group is shouting (not to the King) and drawing attention to themselves and their goods. What a great comparison of church worship today. I have sat in churches that clearly pointed to the cross and Jesus (the King of Kings), and I have sat in churches where the clear emphasis was the band.
I think the thing we learn about Jesus (the Son of God) is that He is a jealous God. He does not share His glory or praise or house of worship with anyone. The lesson and sin we must be wary of is once again too much focus on self. I think Jesus makes it quite clear that we come to worship not sell our wares. We come to worship Him not a worship team (or pastor). We come to pray not gossip. We come to build up the body of Christ not destroy it. Why do you come to church?
The verse that stands out to me today is verse 13, "And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer'; but you are making it a robber's den." Again, my question for myself today is, "What am I doing when I come to the house of God?"
Glorious God, It is the flame of my life to worship thee, the crown and glory of my soul to adore thee, heavenly pleasure to approach thee. Give me power by thy Spirit to help me worship now, that I may forget the world, be brought into fullness of life, be refreshed, comforted, blessed. Give me knowledge of thy goodness that I might not be over-awed by thy greatness; give me Jesus, Son of Man, Son of God, that I might not be terrified, but be drawn near with filial love, with holy boldness. He is my mediator, brother, interpreter, branch, daysman, Lamb; Him I glorify, in Him I am set on high.
Crowns to give I have none, but what thou hast given I return, content to feel that everything is mine when it is thine, and the more fully mine when I have yielded it to thee. Let me live wholly to my Saviour, free from distractions, from carking care, from hindrances to the pursuit of the narrow way. I am pardoned through the blood of Jesus, give me a new sense of it, continue to pardon me by it, may I come every day to the fountain, and every day be washed anew, that I may worship thee always in spirit and truth.
In Jesus name, Amen.
(The Valley of Vision "Worship", pg 196)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The Last Shall be First
Read Matthew 20
Have you ever thought something good (receive an award, be recognized, etc.) was going to happen to you and it didn't? Do you remember how you felt? You probably felt a lot like the workers in this story. You were mad or upset. You had your own little pity party. As I read this passage today, I was reminded that God is a good God. His offer is the same to all, and all receive it the same way by following Him.
This sin that I think we so over and over in this passage is pride and self-centeredness. From the workers in the vineyard to the disciples arguing, and the people quieting the blind men, everyone wanted what they thought they deserved. The workers who had worked all day figured they would receive more. And being a parable I could see how in heaven there will be some who will think they have a bigger and better spot than others. Clearly, this was what James and John thought. "We have followed Christ from the beginning, so we deserve the best seat in the house." The people didn't want to share the Messiah (miracle worker) with two blind beggars, they wanted the attention to themselves.
The lesson to learn today is that pride only stands in the way of my relationship with Christ. Let us all confess our sin of pride, and stop trying to be the greatest by the world's standards. "And whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Our Heavenly Father, we thank you that Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost, to be a ransom for us. Without His shed blood we have no chance for eternal life. Help me to set aside my petty differences with my fellow man. Help me not to elevate myself, but remain humbly before your throne. Lord, help me to serve others and not myself. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Have you ever thought something good (receive an award, be recognized, etc.) was going to happen to you and it didn't? Do you remember how you felt? You probably felt a lot like the workers in this story. You were mad or upset. You had your own little pity party. As I read this passage today, I was reminded that God is a good God. His offer is the same to all, and all receive it the same way by following Him.
This sin that I think we so over and over in this passage is pride and self-centeredness. From the workers in the vineyard to the disciples arguing, and the people quieting the blind men, everyone wanted what they thought they deserved. The workers who had worked all day figured they would receive more. And being a parable I could see how in heaven there will be some who will think they have a bigger and better spot than others. Clearly, this was what James and John thought. "We have followed Christ from the beginning, so we deserve the best seat in the house." The people didn't want to share the Messiah (miracle worker) with two blind beggars, they wanted the attention to themselves.
The lesson to learn today is that pride only stands in the way of my relationship with Christ. Let us all confess our sin of pride, and stop trying to be the greatest by the world's standards. "And whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Our Heavenly Father, we thank you that Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost, to be a ransom for us. Without His shed blood we have no chance for eternal life. Help me to set aside my petty differences with my fellow man. Help me not to elevate myself, but remain humbly before your throne. Lord, help me to serve others and not myself. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Daily Thought From God's Word
Using the following format, I plan to use the rest of this year to help us get into a daily habit of reading and meditating on God's word. We will read a passage, answer some questions and then pray. I hope that you will take the time to answer the questions for yourself. I will post my answers and write out my prayer for that day.
Read Matthew 19.
Meditate on the passage answering the following questions:
1. What does this tell me about God and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. What lesson can I learn from this passage?
3. What particular sin does it warn me against?
4. What verse, phrase or single word can I take with me for the day?
Pray
Today, as I have read this passage, I have learned that God has a plan for life. But man, being so focused on himself, does not see how good this plan is for him. God has allowed us to be consumed with our selfishness. He allows divorce (not His plan), He allows people to turn and reject Him.
In our self-centered lives we want what makes us comfortable. Looking at the culture, we know that divorce was easy to obtain. And clearly, the rich young ruler figured salvation would be easy, also. With man marriage is difficult and salvation is impossible.
Unless we are willing to forsake our lives, our possessions, our families, our self, we cannot truly follow God. This is a difficult statement today as it was then. The disciples were concerned about their own eternal life. How much more should we?
I believe the sin that dominates this passage is self (pride). We want divorces to make us happy. We want to brag that we can keep the commandment, but not follow Christ. We want the easy road, that I (self) can accomplish. I want to provide for myself, so that I might brag about how I accomplished salvation.
The clear point is that we cannot do this for it is impossible for man. It is only possible through faith in Christ.
The phrase I intend to reflect on today is Matthew 19:26.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for obtaining salvation through the shed blood of Christ. It is through this blood that salvation was made possible. It is nothing I have done, and for that I am most thankful. Help me today, to be content with Your plan for my life. In Jesus name, Amen.
Blessed Lord Jesus,
Before thy cross I kneel and see the heinousness of my sin, my iniquity that caused thee to be 'made a curse', the evil that excites the severity of divine wrath. Show me the enormity of my guilt by the crown of thorns, the pierced hands and feet, the bruised body, the dying cries. Thy blood is the blood of incarnate God, its worth infinite, its value beyond all thought.
Infinite must be the evil and guilt that demands such a price. Sin is my malady, my monster, my foe, my viper, born in my birth, alive in my life, strong in my character, dominating my faculties, following me as a shadow, intermingling with my every thought, my chain that holds me captive in the empire of my soul. Sinner that I am, why should the sun give me light, the air supply breath, the earth bear my tread, its fruits nourish me, its creatures subserve my ends?
Yet thy compassions yearn over me, thy heart hastens to my rescue, thy love endured my curse, thy mercy bore my deserved stripes. Let me walk humbly in the lowest depths of humiliation, bathed in thy blood, tender of conscience, triumphing gloriously as an heir of salvation.
(The Valley of Vision, "The Precious Blood", pg. 41)
Read Matthew 19.
Meditate on the passage answering the following questions:
1. What does this tell me about God and the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. What lesson can I learn from this passage?
3. What particular sin does it warn me against?
4. What verse, phrase or single word can I take with me for the day?
Pray
Today, as I have read this passage, I have learned that God has a plan for life. But man, being so focused on himself, does not see how good this plan is for him. God has allowed us to be consumed with our selfishness. He allows divorce (not His plan), He allows people to turn and reject Him.
In our self-centered lives we want what makes us comfortable. Looking at the culture, we know that divorce was easy to obtain. And clearly, the rich young ruler figured salvation would be easy, also. With man marriage is difficult and salvation is impossible.
Unless we are willing to forsake our lives, our possessions, our families, our self, we cannot truly follow God. This is a difficult statement today as it was then. The disciples were concerned about their own eternal life. How much more should we?
I believe the sin that dominates this passage is self (pride). We want divorces to make us happy. We want to brag that we can keep the commandment, but not follow Christ. We want the easy road, that I (self) can accomplish. I want to provide for myself, so that I might brag about how I accomplished salvation.
The clear point is that we cannot do this for it is impossible for man. It is only possible through faith in Christ.
The phrase I intend to reflect on today is Matthew 19:26.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for obtaining salvation through the shed blood of Christ. It is through this blood that salvation was made possible. It is nothing I have done, and for that I am most thankful. Help me today, to be content with Your plan for my life. In Jesus name, Amen.
Blessed Lord Jesus,
Before thy cross I kneel and see the heinousness of my sin, my iniquity that caused thee to be 'made a curse', the evil that excites the severity of divine wrath. Show me the enormity of my guilt by the crown of thorns, the pierced hands and feet, the bruised body, the dying cries. Thy blood is the blood of incarnate God, its worth infinite, its value beyond all thought.
Infinite must be the evil and guilt that demands such a price. Sin is my malady, my monster, my foe, my viper, born in my birth, alive in my life, strong in my character, dominating my faculties, following me as a shadow, intermingling with my every thought, my chain that holds me captive in the empire of my soul. Sinner that I am, why should the sun give me light, the air supply breath, the earth bear my tread, its fruits nourish me, its creatures subserve my ends?
Yet thy compassions yearn over me, thy heart hastens to my rescue, thy love endured my curse, thy mercy bore my deserved stripes. Let me walk humbly in the lowest depths of humiliation, bathed in thy blood, tender of conscience, triumphing gloriously as an heir of salvation.
(The Valley of Vision, "The Precious Blood", pg. 41)
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