Tuesday, March 31, 2015
A Personal Concern
Last words #6
John 19:28-29 (NASB)
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, "I am thirsty."
29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth.
+++++++++++++++++++
Only after Jesus had accomplished His mission making forgiveness available for all people, only then did He express a word of personal anguish: "I thirst."
Again, this is another indication of His priorities!
Monday, March 30, 2015
Forsaken or Victorious?
Last words #5
Mark 15:33-34 (NASB)
33 When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour.
34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" which is translated, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
+++++++++++++++++++
After 3 hours of darkness Jesus cried out! Some see it as a cry of anguish and being forsaken by God. Some think He was referring to Psalm 22, which starts with those words but ends in victory!
With these words we see the real meaning of the cross. The Bible says that God cannot look upon sin. On the cross Jesus took on the sins of all humanity. He became sin for us. He did not become a sinner, but he took on Himself the penalty of all sins, so God had to turn His back. That explains the 3 hours of utter darkness!
He suffered that for me!
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Jesus' Care for His Mother
John 19:25-27
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
++++++++++++++++++
Last words # 4
We know that Jesus had at least 4 half brothers and 2 half sisters (Matthew 13:55-56). We hear nothing of Joseph after the visit to temple when Jesus was 12 (Luke 2). It appears that Joseph had died and Jesus as oldest son had assumed the care of his mother and maybe the brothers and sisters till they were grown. So even in death he continued his care of his mother, by entrusting her to his beloved disciple.
Even in death His concern was for those around Him! Seems like a good example for us to be concerned for others!
Friday, March 27, 2015
Forgiveness
Luke 23:39-43 (NASB)
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!"
40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41 "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!"
43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
+++++++++++++++
Both thieves joined the crowd in mocking Jesus. (Mt 27:44) "If you are the Christ, save Yourself and us!" But one of them came to his senses and turned to Jesus for forgiveness. Jesus promised a place in Paradise -- heaven!
It seems so simple! The thief recognized his wrong (confession) and turned to Jesus (repentance). Jesus responded with forgiveness and promise of Paradise (heaven).
The call is the same today. Confess, Repent and turn to Jesus. He will forgive today just as He did them. Our lives are changed when He forgives. We are different people. We will live for Him. The thief repented with his final breath. That chance may not come for you. If you have not turned to Jesus for forgiveness, why not today? Don't wait till the end! Today is the day of salvation!
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!"
40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41 "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!"
43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
+++++++++++++++
Both thieves joined the crowd in mocking Jesus. (Mt 27:44) "If you are the Christ, save Yourself and us!" But one of them came to his senses and turned to Jesus for forgiveness. Jesus promised a place in Paradise -- heaven!
It seems so simple! The thief recognized his wrong (confession) and turned to Jesus (repentance). Jesus responded with forgiveness and promise of Paradise (heaven).
The call is the same today. Confess, Repent and turn to Jesus. He will forgive today just as He did them. Our lives are changed when He forgives. We are different people. We will live for Him. The thief repented with his final breath. That chance may not come for you. If you have not turned to Jesus for forgiveness, why not today? Don't wait till the end! Today is the day of salvation!
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Father, forgive them!
Luke 23 33-38 (NASB)
33 When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.
34 But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.
35 And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One."
36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine,
37 and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!"
38 Now there was also an inscription above Him, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
+++++++++++++++++
Last words #2.
As Jesus hung on the cross He prayed for God's forgiveness on those who put Him there.
Who was included in that prayer?
The soldiers who did their job?
The priests who got Him sentenced?
Pilate & Herod?
The apostles who fled?
The curious crowd?
Yes, all those and more. There is a song, "Were you there?" Yes, we were there too, and Jesus prayed for us. Jesus died to pay the penalty of sins of all ages!
Thank Him today for His forgiveness. If you have not accepted it, today would be a great time to do just that.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
For this Reason!
John 12:27-32 (NASB)
Jesus is speaking:
27 "Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour.
28 "Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came out of heaven: "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."
29 So the crowd of people who stood by and heard it were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, "An angel has spoken to Him."
30 Jesus answered and said, "This voice has not come for My sake, but for your sakes.
31 "Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."
+++++++++++++++++++
LAST WORDS: My pastor is doing a sermon series on the last words of Jesus -- the things He said from the cross. I too have done such a series, so I thought it fitting that I do it here. I have chosen to add one and talk about the 8 last words. 7 from the cross and this one just before the cross.
In this passage we find the human side of Jesus expressing the agony of facing death for people who were rejecting Him. He asked himself if he should ask to be delivered from the death He knew was coming. He answered Himself: "No, for this purpose I came." Jesus came to die. The shadow of the cross was over the manger.
As we approach the celebration of the empty tomb, commonly called Easter, lets take a little time somewhere to think about the real meaning of it all. In the next week, I want to lead us in those thoughts as we contemplate that Jesus came to give His perfect life for the payment of our sin debt. This was a debt we cannot pay! Only He could! In John 14:6 He says, "I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father, EXCEPT through Me!"
+++ That is His purpose! Have you accepted His payment? If so, what is your purpose?
Jesus is speaking:
27 "Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour.
28 "Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came out of heaven: "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."
29 So the crowd of people who stood by and heard it were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, "An angel has spoken to Him."
30 Jesus answered and said, "This voice has not come for My sake, but for your sakes.
31 "Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."
+++++++++++++++++++
LAST WORDS: My pastor is doing a sermon series on the last words of Jesus -- the things He said from the cross. I too have done such a series, so I thought it fitting that I do it here. I have chosen to add one and talk about the 8 last words. 7 from the cross and this one just before the cross.
In this passage we find the human side of Jesus expressing the agony of facing death for people who were rejecting Him. He asked himself if he should ask to be delivered from the death He knew was coming. He answered Himself: "No, for this purpose I came." Jesus came to die. The shadow of the cross was over the manger.
As we approach the celebration of the empty tomb, commonly called Easter, lets take a little time somewhere to think about the real meaning of it all. In the next week, I want to lead us in those thoughts as we contemplate that Jesus came to give His perfect life for the payment of our sin debt. This was a debt we cannot pay! Only He could! In John 14:6 He says, "I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father, EXCEPT through Me!"
+++ That is His purpose! Have you accepted His payment? If so, what is your purpose?
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
TRUSTING GOD
Johan 1:17-2:4 (NASB)
17 And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.
2:1 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the stomach of the fish,
2 and he said,
"I called out of my distress to the LORD,
And He answered me.
I cried for help from the depth of Sheol:
You heard my voice.
3 "For You had case me into the deep
Into the heart of the seas,
And the current engulfed me.
All Your breakers and billows passed over me.
4 "So I said, 'I have been expelled from Your sight.
Nevertheless I will look again toward Your holy temple.'"
++++++++++++++++++++++
Jonah is reflecting on his plight when he ran from God's direction.
Because of his rebellion, he found himself in quite a situation!
In the belly of a specially prepared fish!
But Jonah came to his senses while there, and turned to God for help.
We will probably never find ourselves in the belly of a big fish, but we will no doubt find ourselves in a storm, sometimes brought on by our failures!
What will be our response? Hopefully we will follow Jonah's example and turn to God. When we commit ourselves to God through Jesus Christ, God has promised to never leave or forsake us. But He has not said we will not have problems. It is in the midst of those problems/storms that our faith is tested (proved). So when troubles arise (rather of our making or not) let us be quick to turn to God and see His answer. For Jonah it was to be spit out on dry ground -- any place is better than in the belly of a big fish!
Sometimes God's deliverance does not come the way we expect it, but it will come when we turn to Him. Remember, He is always there!
So whatever storm you may be going through, turn your heart toward God and watch Him deliver you! Have a God blessed day!
17 And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.
2:1 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the stomach of the fish,
2 and he said,
"I called out of my distress to the LORD,
And He answered me.
I cried for help from the depth of Sheol:
You heard my voice.
3 "For You had case me into the deep
Into the heart of the seas,
And the current engulfed me.
All Your breakers and billows passed over me.
4 "So I said, 'I have been expelled from Your sight.
Nevertheless I will look again toward Your holy temple.'"
++++++++++++++++++++++
Jonah is reflecting on his plight when he ran from God's direction.
Because of his rebellion, he found himself in quite a situation!
In the belly of a specially prepared fish!
But Jonah came to his senses while there, and turned to God for help.
We will probably never find ourselves in the belly of a big fish, but we will no doubt find ourselves in a storm, sometimes brought on by our failures!
What will be our response? Hopefully we will follow Jonah's example and turn to God. When we commit ourselves to God through Jesus Christ, God has promised to never leave or forsake us. But He has not said we will not have problems. It is in the midst of those problems/storms that our faith is tested (proved). So when troubles arise (rather of our making or not) let us be quick to turn to God and see His answer. For Jonah it was to be spit out on dry ground -- any place is better than in the belly of a big fish!
Sometimes God's deliverance does not come the way we expect it, but it will come when we turn to Him. Remember, He is always there!
So whatever storm you may be going through, turn your heart toward God and watch Him deliver you! Have a God blessed day!
Friday, March 20, 2015
Choose LIFE!
Deuteronomy 30:19-20
19 "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,
20 by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them."
++++++++++++++++++++
In Moses' farewell address to the people of Israel, he called them to a renewed commitment to the God who had brought them out of Egyptian bondage and brought them through the wilderness wanderings. He called them to draw near to God and obey Him. He called them to choose life!
Today we do not have the promise of a land of milk and honey, but we do have the promise of life if we choose to follow God. Jesus says He is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life". We are called to choose life by following Jesus. Faith in Him and dependance on Him is called for!
CHOOSE LIFE!
19 "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,
20 by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them."
++++++++++++++++++++
In Moses' farewell address to the people of Israel, he called them to a renewed commitment to the God who had brought them out of Egyptian bondage and brought them through the wilderness wanderings. He called them to draw near to God and obey Him. He called them to choose life!
Today we do not have the promise of a land of milk and honey, but we do have the promise of life if we choose to follow God. Jesus says He is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life". We are called to choose life by following Jesus. Faith in Him and dependance on Him is called for!
CHOOSE LIFE!
Thursday, March 19, 2015
God knows and loves you!
Psalm 139:4-6 (NASB)
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
5 You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
++++++++++++++++
God know all about you before anything happens!
And He still loves you! How great to be reminded of God's
love and care for us!
The psalm goes on to talk about God's care for us!
From the beginning to eternity, He loves us!
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
5 You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
++++++++++++++++
God know all about you before anything happens!
And He still loves you! How great to be reminded of God's
love and care for us!
The psalm goes on to talk about God's care for us!
From the beginning to eternity, He loves us!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Troubled?
James 1:2-4 (NASB)
2. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Romans 8:28
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.
+++++++++++++++
Indeed, things don't always work out like we planned! But as we trust God, He works out His purpose in our life. Sometimes He gives good things, sometimes He uses problems to build us into the person He desires.
Is something troubling you today? Look to see what God is doing. He is at work in each life to mold that person into the purpose He has for them. It may not be what you planned, but it will be good, because it comes through His love.
TRUST GOD IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES!
2. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Romans 8:28
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.
+++++++++++++++
Indeed, things don't always work out like we planned! But as we trust God, He works out His purpose in our life. Sometimes He gives good things, sometimes He uses problems to build us into the person He desires.
Is something troubling you today? Look to see what God is doing. He is at work in each life to mold that person into the purpose He has for them. It may not be what you planned, but it will be good, because it comes through His love.
TRUST GOD IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES!
Monday, March 16, 2015
Thinking about Easter!
Mark 10:33-34 (NASB)
33 Jesus said: "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles.
34 "They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and
three days later He will rise again."
++++++++++++++
What follows this pronouncement is the record of James and John asking for favored positions! While we see them as being rather selfish, I wounder if we are any less so. As we approach the time when we will celebrate the cross and empty tomb (called Easter) I wonder if we think as self centered as these two apostles? Do we just celebrate our victory, or do we take time to recognize the price Jesus paid for us?
Take time to think about it!
He is risen indeed!!! But it had a price!
33 Jesus said: "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles.
34 "They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and
three days later He will rise again."
++++++++++++++
What follows this pronouncement is the record of James and John asking for favored positions! While we see them as being rather selfish, I wounder if we are any less so. As we approach the time when we will celebrate the cross and empty tomb (called Easter) I wonder if we think as self centered as these two apostles? Do we just celebrate our victory, or do we take time to recognize the price Jesus paid for us?
Take time to think about it!
He is risen indeed!!! But it had a price!
Saturday, March 14, 2015
The church working together
Romans 12: 4-5, 10-13 (NASB)
4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,
5 so we, who are many are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
...
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,
13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
+++++++++++++++++
In this passage Paul compares the church (body of Christ) to the human body. Each part of the body doing its function makes for a healthy body. When one part is ill or just does not work, then the whole body is limited. So it is with the church. Each member of the church has a function to perform. As each one does his/her part, the whole is built up. Likewise, when a part does not work, then the whole is limited.
Think about it. What is your part in your church? Do you trust God in doing it?
4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,
5 so we, who are many are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
...
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,
13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
+++++++++++++++++
In this passage Paul compares the church (body of Christ) to the human body. Each part of the body doing its function makes for a healthy body. When one part is ill or just does not work, then the whole body is limited. So it is with the church. Each member of the church has a function to perform. As each one does his/her part, the whole is built up. Likewise, when a part does not work, then the whole is limited.
Think about it. What is your part in your church? Do you trust God in doing it?
Thursday, March 12, 2015
God's Glory in the Heavens
Psalm 19:1-6 (NASB)
1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
2 Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
4 There line has gone out through all the earth,
And their utterances to the end of the world.
In them He has placed a tent for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
In Romans chapter 1 Paul says God has revealed Himself through His creation.
This is the psalmist's version of it.
God indeed reveals Himself in the heavens. We need only to listen with our hearts and know there has to be a creator.
So as the saying goes: "Take time to smell the roses." Take time to see God in His creation!
When you see Him, give Him glory by simply thanking Him!
1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
2 Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
4 There line has gone out through all the earth,
And their utterances to the end of the world.
In them He has placed a tent for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
In Romans chapter 1 Paul says God has revealed Himself through His creation.
This is the psalmist's version of it.
God indeed reveals Himself in the heavens. We need only to listen with our hearts and know there has to be a creator.
So as the saying goes: "Take time to smell the roses." Take time to see God in His creation!
When you see Him, give Him glory by simply thanking Him!
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Study the Bible!
2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB)
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Study of the scripture involves time to meditate and seek the meaning of a passage. Then it requires the willingness to obey and put it into your life.
Daily take time not just to read a passage, but think on it, and be willing to accept it and obey it. Any such study must begin with prayer for God's leadership.
Above all, remember, the Word of God is His love letter to you! Of course love sometimes requires discipline (reproof and correction) as well as blessings. Read it as a personal letter -- not as a history book!
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Study of the scripture involves time to meditate and seek the meaning of a passage. Then it requires the willingness to obey and put it into your life.
Daily take time not just to read a passage, but think on it, and be willing to accept it and obey it. Any such study must begin with prayer for God's leadership.
Above all, remember, the Word of God is His love letter to you! Of course love sometimes requires discipline (reproof and correction) as well as blessings. Read it as a personal letter -- not as a history book!
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
An important question!
Matthew 16:13-16 (NASB)
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."
15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God."
++++++++++++++++++
Who is Jesus? That is a question for all of us! Is He Savior? Is He Lord? If so, then He is also Provider, Protector, Prince of Peace, etc. So today, personalize this question:
"Who do you say I am?"
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."
15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God."
++++++++++++++++++
Who is Jesus? That is a question for all of us! Is He Savior? Is He Lord? If so, then He is also Provider, Protector, Prince of Peace, etc. So today, personalize this question:
"Who do you say I am?"
Monday, March 09, 2015
Listen for the Good Shepherd
John 10:7-11, 14 (NASB)
7 So Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 "All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.
9 "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
....
14 "I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know me,"
++++++++++++++++++
Do you know the Shepherd? Are you listening to His voice. He comes and calls to give life. There are counterfeits, who only bring death! So listen for the Good Shepherd, who wants to give life abundantly!
7 So Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 "All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.
9 "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
....
14 "I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know me,"
++++++++++++++++++
Do you know the Shepherd? Are you listening to His voice. He comes and calls to give life. There are counterfeits, who only bring death! So listen for the Good Shepherd, who wants to give life abundantly!
Thursday, March 05, 2015
Trusting God
Psalm 22:1-5
1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
why art thou so far from helping me,
and from the words of my roaring?
2 O my God, I cry in the daytime,
but thou hearest not;
and in the night season, and am not silent.
3 But thou are holy,
O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
4 Our fathers trusted in thee:
they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.
5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered:
they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.
++++++++++++++++++
This is a special psalm! The first line is what Jesus said from the cross. Some feel he was exclaiming victory with these words, because this psalm ends in victory! Perhaps so!
But as I look at these opening verses, two things occur to me.
First is that these are the cries of one who prays but is seeming to get no answer. But he has hope because God has provided for his forefathers in their need. So it seems he is trusting God in the silence because of history.
The second thing that occurs to me is a question. Am I leaving a legacy that will cause my children to trust in God? Something to think about!
At any rate, we are challenged to trust God in the silence when it seems He does not hear our prayers. Indeed, we are assured in many places that He does, but sometimes His timing is not our timing, and we misunderstand Him. So lets trust Him and leave an example for others.
1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
why art thou so far from helping me,
and from the words of my roaring?
2 O my God, I cry in the daytime,
but thou hearest not;
and in the night season, and am not silent.
3 But thou are holy,
O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
4 Our fathers trusted in thee:
they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.
5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered:
they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.
++++++++++++++++++
This is a special psalm! The first line is what Jesus said from the cross. Some feel he was exclaiming victory with these words, because this psalm ends in victory! Perhaps so!
But as I look at these opening verses, two things occur to me.
First is that these are the cries of one who prays but is seeming to get no answer. But he has hope because God has provided for his forefathers in their need. So it seems he is trusting God in the silence because of history.
The second thing that occurs to me is a question. Am I leaving a legacy that will cause my children to trust in God? Something to think about!
At any rate, we are challenged to trust God in the silence when it seems He does not hear our prayers. Indeed, we are assured in many places that He does, but sometimes His timing is not our timing, and we misunderstand Him. So lets trust Him and leave an example for others.
Wednesday, March 04, 2015
The Life of Christ
Galatians 5:22-26 (NASB)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit,
26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
+++++++++++++++++++
Paul talks here about the life style the Spirit (God) wants to grow for us. As I reflect on it, this describes the life of Christ. If we belong to Him (have trusted Him as Savior) then we should be developing His life in ours. We cannot do that on our own. There is where God comes in. He works in us to produce the fruit He wants.
It is not a cafeteria, where we can pick and choose which fruit we want! God is at work to produce all of this in our lives. Some think there is one fruit (love) with 8 facets. However you see it, God is at work to develop your lifestyle so as to bring glory to Him!
The choice we have is to let Him do His work. So go forth and bear fruit!
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit,
26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
+++++++++++++++++++
Paul talks here about the life style the Spirit (God) wants to grow for us. As I reflect on it, this describes the life of Christ. If we belong to Him (have trusted Him as Savior) then we should be developing His life in ours. We cannot do that on our own. There is where God comes in. He works in us to produce the fruit He wants.
It is not a cafeteria, where we can pick and choose which fruit we want! God is at work to produce all of this in our lives. Some think there is one fruit (love) with 8 facets. However you see it, God is at work to develop your lifestyle so as to bring glory to Him!
The choice we have is to let Him do His work. So go forth and bear fruit!
Tuesday, March 03, 2015
Pursue God!
Proverbs 21:21 He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor.
++++++++++++++++++
As I read this verse, it jumped out at me. If we pursue righteousness (right standing with God) we will be led in good ways. Too often we simply pursue honor and are disappointed. The difference is the focus. Focus on God and He will "lead you in the way of righteousness" (Psalm 23). Focus on self and we lose even when the world thinks well of us!
What do we want? God's way or self deception? We will find what we seek!
++++++++++++++++++
As I read this verse, it jumped out at me. If we pursue righteousness (right standing with God) we will be led in good ways. Too often we simply pursue honor and are disappointed. The difference is the focus. Focus on God and He will "lead you in the way of righteousness" (Psalm 23). Focus on self and we lose even when the world thinks well of us!
What do we want? God's way or self deception? We will find what we seek!
Monday, March 02, 2015
Strength for the day!
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NASB)
29 He (God) gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might
He increases power.
30 Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
31 Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
+++++++++++++++++
Circumstances often seem to get us down! That is when we need to pause and seek God's strength and WAIT on Him. But waiting is not necessarily passive. Verse 31 is an illustration of what I call "Plodding". Note, when we wait on the LORD we will (1) mount up (soar) like eagles, (2) run, (3) walk. Sometimes that might mean just continuing in routine. Doing what is in front of you, and God will give you strength for the day and reveal new directions in His timing.
So whatever is happening in your life today, plod on and wait on the LORD! He will direct and strengthen you!
29 He (God) gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might
He increases power.
30 Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
31 Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
+++++++++++++++++
Circumstances often seem to get us down! That is when we need to pause and seek God's strength and WAIT on Him. But waiting is not necessarily passive. Verse 31 is an illustration of what I call "Plodding". Note, when we wait on the LORD we will (1) mount up (soar) like eagles, (2) run, (3) walk. Sometimes that might mean just continuing in routine. Doing what is in front of you, and God will give you strength for the day and reveal new directions in His timing.
So whatever is happening in your life today, plod on and wait on the LORD! He will direct and strengthen you!
