Garden City Church

Jacob wrestles with God

2012-01-16T23:18:00.003-07:00

Genesis 33:24-32 records an amazing event in the life of Jacob. At a time when Jacob was fearing the coming of his brother Esau...sending gifts to him to "appease him" and sending his family to safety, Jacob is alone at night. A "man" comes to him and they wrestle all night. At daybreak the "man" tells Jacob to let him go. Jacob refuses until the "man" blesses him. In response, the "man" changes Jacobs name to "Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed" (v. 28). Jacob named the place where this occurred, "Peniel, saying, "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered" (v 30).

This is such a fascinating story! I don't know all of the meaning that God has loaded into this event. I suspect that one lesson is about wrestling with God in prayer and persisting. Jesus certainly taught us this in Luke 11:5-13 and Luke 18:1-8. In Luke 18:7-8 Jesus says, "now shall not God bring about justice for His elect, who cry to Him day and night...I tell you that He will bring about justice for them speedily..."

In Luke 11:8-10 Jesus teaches us to persist in prayer. He says to keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking...and we will receive and find and see the door opened!

The Resurrection

2011-04-26T15:00:00.002-07:00

"But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

Christ overcame the power of death! Death could not hold Him! He conquered the sting of death, which is sin (1 Cor 15:56), and God "gives us the victory" over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:56,57)!

So, let's live in this victory. "Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning" (1 Cor 15:34). "...be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor 15:58).

When Love Came Down

2010-12-08T09:32:00.002-07:00

In this Christmas season we are joyfully reminded of why Christ came into the world. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Jesus Christ came into the world revealing God the Father (John 14:9;1:18).

1 John 4:8 says that God is love. Jesus came to earth to demonstrate this love. He came to earth humbling Himself by becoming a man and submitted to death on the cross for our sakes (Philippians 2:5-8). In describing this incredible demonstration of grace Paul said in 2 Corinthians 8:9 that He became poor that we might become rich! For in Christ we are the children of God, heirs to God Himself (Romans 8:17)!

I love the song, "When Love Came Down," by Stuart Townend. In the first verse and chorus he writes:

When Love came down to earth and made His home with man
The hopeless found a hope, the sinner found a friend
Not to the powerful, but to the poor He came
And humble, hungry hearts were satisfied in Him

What joy, what peace has come to us
What hope, what help, what love

Amen!!

The Power of Giving Thanks

2010-11-19T14:08:00.002-07:00

What a great national holiday, Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is about giving thanks to God for what He has so graciously given us. In giving thanks we praise God as our Provider. Giving thanks to God reminds us that what we have is because of God's gracious provision.

Even when we approach God to ask Him for something, we are to start with giving Him thanks for what He has already done for us (Philippians 4:6). When I give thanks to God for my blessings, I grow in my appreciation for what I already have. It is no wonder that being thankful for what we have is a key to contentment and peace in our lives (Philippians 4:6,7,11-13). Notice in Philippians 4:11-13 that Paul connects contentment with the statement in verse 13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Now, that's power!

What is God's Name?

2010-09-28T12:54:00.002-07:00

When God called Moses to go to Egypt to lead Israel from captivity, Moses said to God (in Exodus 3:13): "Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you.' now they may say to me, 'What is His name?' What shall I say to them?" In verse 14, "God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" Then, in verse 15 He revealed Himself further: "The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is My name forever, and this is My memorial name to all generations."

The English word, LORD,used in this passage in many Bibles is actually, YHVH in the Hebrew (the original language of this text). This name is thought to be a derivation of "I AM THAT I AM." This phrase is thought to describe God's self existence, eternal nature, and unchanging nature. Some have said that the phrase, I AM THAT I AM, is a "...etc" type phrase. In other words it would be like saying, "I AM THAT I AM THAT I AM THAT I AM..." It is conceptually challenging for us to understand that God is eternal and eternally faithful! I agree with David that knowing God is "too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it" (Psalm 139:6). I need God's revelation to even start to try to understand in a small way His omnipresence (He is everywhere) and His omniscience (He is all-knowing) and His omnipotence (He is all powerful)!

David Inquired of the Lord

2010-08-24T16:41:00.002-07:00

A very important phrase is repeated in 2 Samuel about David. In 2 Samuel 2:1-2, "Then it came about afterwards that David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?" And the Lord said to him, "Go up." So David said, "Where shall I go up?" And He said, "To Hebron." So David went up there..."

David inquired of the Lord before he acted. When God answered him, David did according to what God had said. In 2 Samuel 5:19,20 and 5:23-25 we find David inquiring of the Lord, God answering him, and David obeying God.

The result of this relationship is described in 2 Samuel 5:10, "David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him."

New Wine in Old Wineskins?

2010-05-19T14:09:00.003-07:00

Matthew 9:16,17 - "But no one puts a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and a worse tear results. Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wineskins burst, and the wine pours out and the wineskins are ruined; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved."

Jesus addresses our tendency to believe that the key to fresh encounters with God is the religious activity that at one time was accompanied by the presence of God. In this context the practice of fasting seemed to accompany the Spirit-filled preaching of John the Baptist. So, the fasting by John's disciples must have been the key to the powerful moves of the Holy Spirit in John's preaching.

Such a mindset can cause such spiritual or religious activities to become a new orthodoxy or even devolve into superstition, both of which are devoid of God's Spirit. God wants us to hunger for His presence and pursue His will today. We need to keep seeking Him (Col 3:1,2), deep calling deep (Psalm 42:7). God is enthroned upon the praises (Hebrew = tehillah = singing a new song of praise) of His people (Psalm 22:3). The newness of the praise is tied to the continuing (fresh) experience of God's presence in the believer's life. God's fresh wine response of His presence truly does bless us.

He Stills the Storms

2010-05-11T14:09:00.002-07:00

In today's reading of the One Year Bible: Psalm 107:28-30 - "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven."

Being in the middle of a storm at sea is a very scary experience! Perhaps, we can understand the fear of the disciples on the boat with Jesus in the middle of the storm (Matthew 8:23-27). They cried out to the Lord to save them. And, He did! He commanded the storm to be still and the sea became calm. He demonstrated His authority and power in a way that identified Him with God as Psalm 107 describes. We should place definitely place our trust in Him and give Him glory!

Living Water

2010-05-05T09:56:00.002-07:00

In today's reading of the One Year Bible I love Jesus' description of the life we have in Him as He talks to the Samaritan woman: "Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water..." (John 4:13-15). I pray that many will respond to Jesus' invitation the way this Samaritan woman did..."Sir, give me this water."

Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves

2010-04-19T19:50:00.002-07:00

Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 10:16, "Behold, I send you out in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." He said this to His disciples as He was sending them out to preach that the "kingdom of heaven is at hand."
This warning and instruction is very applicable to us today.

As Christians we live in a hostile environment. The world has an agenda that is against us. We are attacked on multiple fronts. It should be no surprise to us. In this same context Jesus warned, "You will be hated by all because of My name...(v. 22). So, we must wise...shrewd and intentional. Our adversaries are strategic and relentless in their actions against us. We need to be alert and on guard against the attacks. And, we need to go on the offensive.

The gospel message is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes. We need to speak this powerful message. We need to live as Jesus' disciples. We need to be ready to give an answer to those who question our faith and way of life (1 Pet 3:15). We need to be active in our communities (including governmental activities), our schools, our neighborhood associations, our state and national governments. We should join with Paul going to individuals and to rulers (Acts 9:15). Time is flying by and the enemy is active. Let's rise up and engage!

God's Timing

2010-03-01T10:06:00.002-07:00

After Paul was commissioned by God in Acts 9:15 to "bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel," Paul went to Arabia for three years. Barnabas came and found in him in Tarsus to help him with the new work in Antioch (Acts 11). Then, in Acts 13:1-3 the prophets and teachers are fasting and praying. The Holy Spirit tells them to set apart Barnabas and Saul "for the work to which I have called them." So, Barnabas and Saul (Paul) go on what is known as the first missionary journey of Paul. In Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Silas start the second missionary journey. On this trip the Holy Spirit prohibited Paul and Silas to preach in Asia Minor (Acts 16:6). When they tried to go into Bithynia to preach the gospel, the Holy Spirit did not permit them (Acts 16:7).

Paul was commissioned and sent out by the Holy Spirit to Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel. That is very broad. It is also very straight forward. Yet, Paul was obey his charge from God according to God's timing and God's leading. It is far too easy to get busy working "for" God and yet fail to pursue His continued leading and timing. After Paul was prohibited from preaching the gospel in Bithynia, he received a vision of a man calling for him to "come over to Macedonia and help us" (Acts 16:9-10). By Paul yielding to the Holy Spirit's leading, he received word from God through a vision as to where he was to go and preach. When he obeyed this call, he bore fruit in Macedonia (Acts 16:14-40).

And, that is my desire...to bear fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:10). Even when we know what we are called by God to do, we must continue to seek God's will and direction and timing.

Back in the States

2010-02-19T17:41:00.002-07:00

I am back from Africa. I was in western Kenya for the first week and in Uganda for the second week. Once again, I feel like I am more the beneficiary than benefactor in this visit. I met a number of very hard-working and selfless individuals pursuing solutions for those in need of daily things like food and shelter and clothing...and in need of the Lord. These workers inspire me. They teach me. They are living in their faith in a selfless and very serving way.

A message I believe the Lord put on my heart for this visit was about unleashing the power of God's word through obedience. In both countries there is an abundance of banners and signs proclaiming "Jesus is Lord." Yet, the challenge (much like in the USA) is in living that beautiful confession and proclamation. Jesus' lordship is vital. God's word is powerful, living and active. Romans 1:16 says that the gospel is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes. God speaks words about our behavior in relationships and on the job, etc. When we obey His words, His power is released into the setting of those relationships. Much like the description in 1 Peter 3:1-2 (the godly wife who wins her husband without a word through obedience) people can be affected by God's power that is unleashed in our obedience to His words. A family is blessed when the husband is faithful to his wife. Children receive the powerful heritage of a stable home and family provided through this obedience. Many more areas could be identified. But, you get the idea. Let's trust in God and obey His word and watch what power is released to transform and bless others around us!

One Pearl of Great Value

2010-01-20T13:44:00.002-07:00

"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it" (Matthew 13:44-46).

What would we sell all to acquire? Jesus teaches us about valuing the kingdom of heaven. His kingdom is worth selling out for...joyfully! How much value do we place on the presence of God in our lives? How much is His reign and righteousness worth?

Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 - "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." God's presence brings life and life abundantly (John 10:10)! God's presence is full of His eternal glory! There is no greater worth!

The Abundant Goodness of God

2009-12-26T17:50:00.002-07:00

Psalm 145:4-7: "One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness."

As we look back on 2009 and forward to 2010, let us meditate on the awesome and glorious works of almighty God and lift up praise to His glorious name. Let us shout out praise for his abundant goodness and righteousness.

December 16, 2009

2009-12-17T09:57:00.002-07:00

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). In today's reading we find this passage that with so few words packs in so much meaning and application. "Do justice" is a repeated theme in the prophets... He describes it in the contrast with "wicked scales" and "a bag of deceitful weights"... Dishonest dealings to attain "treasures of wickedness" (Micah 6:10-11). "Love kindness" is also a repeated theme in the prophets...look out for the needs of the needy...be compassionate to those who are hurting. "Walk humbly with your God" is the yielded response to the lovingkindness and holiness and might of God Almighty. Obviously, volumes have been written in further describing each of these phrases in Micah 6:8. What a powerful verse to apply in our lives!

Tough Being a Prophet

2009-10-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 37:1-38:28 tells how King Zedekiah did not listen to the words of the Lord that He spoke through Jeremiah the prophet. In fact, when Jeremiah was obedient to the Lord and prophesied to the king, things did not go well for Jeremiah. He was arrested, beaten and thrown into the dungeon for many days. Jeremiah asks, "What wrong have I done to you or your servants or this people, that you have put me in prison" (37:18)? Then the king released him from prison and provided room and board for him.

Subsequently, when Jeremiah is prophesying to the people, some men with the king's knowledge seize Jeremiah and throw him into a cistern. There was no water in the cistern. But, there was mud. Jeremiah sank in the mud! Can you imagine the misery of this?

Hebrews 11:38 states of people like Jeremiah who were faithful prophets: they were "men of whom the world was not worthy." Amen! I pray for the courage and boldness of Jeremiah.

Restore us, O Lord

2009-10-10T19:48:00.003-07:00

"Restore us, O God; let Your face shine, that we may be saved" (Psalm 80:3,7,19).

This repeated cry of Psalm 80 needs to be our cry as a nation. Oh that God's face would shine over our land!

As is the case so many times in the One Year Bible, another selected reading of the day ties in: "Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel; take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness" (Proverbs 25:4,5). Let's pray for our nation and our leaders as 1 Timothy 2:1,2 says, "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."

Remember the Mighty Deeds of God

2009-10-05T21:30:00.002-07:00

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds" (Psalm 77:11-12).

David remembered the mighty works of God in his own life. He remembered how God empowered and enabled him to kill a lion and a bear as David protected his sheep. Drawing on those victories, he trusted God to empower him to defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 34-36).

It is so vital that we remember the might of our God and His many mighty works for His people. We can draw on the memory of those mighty works to be encouraged and confident in God, who is able to do the impossible. We can confidently approach His throne with our needs and our requests. For we remember how He powerfully came to the aid of His people in the past. We should also draw strength from remembering the ways He has delivered and provided for us!

Transferred to the Kingdom of Christ

2009-10-04T21:03:00.002-07:00

"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:13).

Sometimes we Christians forget this truth. As Christians we are in His kingdom. We are no longer under the dominion of darkness. We are delivered from its power and hold on us. "Let not sin therefore reign in our mortal body, to make you obey its passions" (Romans 8:12).

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:32).

2009-09-22T21:04:00.003-07:00

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us..." (Ephesians 1:7,8).

His lavish gift involved the shedding of His blood. Our redemption, the forgiveness of our trespasses, had a price...the blood of Christ...His death in our place. Hebrews 9:22 says "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Jesus died in our place. He shed His blood in payment for our sins. He truly has "lavished" His grace upon us!

2009-09-19T21:10:00.002-07:00

"For thus says the Lord God, the holy One of Israel, "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength." But you were unwilling, and you said, "No! We will flee upon horses"; therefore you shall flee away; and, "We will ride upon swift steeds"; therefore your pursuers shall be swift" (Isaiah 30:15-16).

We tend to do this...to place trust in what we own and in our own strategies. God calls us to repent of this. Repent...return to relying on Him...resting in Him...trusting in Him.

God, help us to look to You for our strength and for our deliverance. You are our mighty deliverer.

2009-09-18T09:54:00.002-07:00

"O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water" (Psalm 63:1).

I am finally back from the mountains of Glacier and my recent valley of disease. I can blog again!

I love David's yearning for God. He expresses as a desperate thirst for Him. I believe when we experience the presence of God as David we will also thirst for Him. We are overwhelmed by His glory and are astounded by His love. David says, "Because Your steadfast love is better than life" (Psalm 63:3). And, we hunger for even more of His presence.

Isaiah 6:1-3

2009-09-10T21:37:00.002-07:00

"In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up;and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above Him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory" (Isaiah 6:1-3).

I love this passage! The whole earth is full of God's glory...let's praise Him every day!

Trusting in Your Riches

2009-09-08T13:27:00.002-07:00

"But God will break you down forever; He will snatch and tear you from our tent; He will uproot you from the land of the living. The righteous shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, saying, "See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of His riches and sought refuge in his own destruction" (Psalm 52:5-7).

The description quoted above: "trusted in the abundance of His riches" reminds me of Luke 12:15 (NASB) - "...Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions."

We need to guard against this. It is a subtle trap to drift into trusting what you own rather than God, who has provided for us! It is easy to fall into a world of anxiety when what one owns starts to diminish...rust...decay...disappear as markets collapse... But, our lives do not consist ... do not depend on what we own. We depend on and place our trust in God.

Psalm 20:7,8 - "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright."

Our Sufficiency is from God

2009-08-29T07:17:00.002-07:00

"Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (2 Corinthians 3:4-6).

As believers in Christ we have confidence and boldness to live victoriously through Christ in us. We have no sufficiency in ourselves before God. Our sufficiency comes from God. God equips us and emboldens as ministers of life through the Holy Spirit He has given us. Notice the contrast between being ministers of the "letter" (the Law) versus being ministers of the Spirit: "For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (verse 6).

Jesus spoke of this in John 7:38-39: "Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." Now this He said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."

Deep Calls to Deep

2009-08-28T21:08:00.002-07:00

"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God" (Psalm 42:1). "Deep calls to deep at the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and Your waves have gone over me" (Psalm 42:7).

Such beautiful descriptions of our spirits longing for and calling out to God! God desires our hearts and the yearning and pleas of our hearts to Him.

I pray with David: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way" (Psalm 139:23-24). I want my heart and my ways to be totally Yours, O Lord.

The Promises of God are Yes

2009-08-27T09:54:00.002-07:00

"For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge" (2 Corinthians 1:20-22).

The promises of God are sure and steadfast. We are "fully assured that what God has promised, He was (and is) able to perform" (Romans 4:21). We know that our God is faithful for He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13). He is able to keep His promises and is faithful to keep His promises. He cannot lie--it's impossible for Him to lie (Hebrews 6:18). So, this hope in His promises we have as an anchor to our souls--"a hope both sure and steadfast" (Hebrews 6:19).

August 26, 2009

2009-08-26T13:53:00.002-07:00

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Praise God for being our Comforter! Notice that He does not comfort us simply for ourselves. He comforts us so that we may be a comfort to others. God many times works through people to bless and comfort other people. We are to take how we have been comforted and comfort others in the same way.

August 19, 2009

2009-08-19T14:32:00.003-07:00

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and all were made to drink of one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).

He accomplishes through His divine work what the flesh could never achieve.

I love 1 Corinthians 12:18 in the New American Standard Bible: "But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired." He has a design and purpose and gifting for each member of the body. He has placed each member just as He desired. Through His glorious design and love the members with their diversity of gifts become one healthy functional body to carry out His glorious purposes. This very important body is the church...built and loved by God (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 3:10; 4:1-16).

August 18, 2009

2009-08-18T16:18:00.002-07:00

1 Corinthians 11:17 - "But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse."

What stunning words! A church that assembles "not for the better but for the worse". In the case of the Corinthian church the Christians there carried their divisiveness into the assembly. So, instead of building each other up, they were tearing each other down. And, when they met to take the Lord's Supper, they did not "wait for one another" (1 Corinthians 11:33). Instead, they made it a self-serving, self-focused event ("each one goes ahead with his own meal" - verse 21). Rather than focusing on the loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ and on being united with their brethren in Christ (1 Corinthians 10:17), they pursued their own selfish interests. So, Paul said, "...it is not the Lord's Supper that you eat" (verse 20).

Remembering Jesus' great sacrifice for us should produce in us a deep gratitude and love for the Lord. This should also produce a deep and selfless love for His children.

August 17, 2009

2009-08-17T09:08:00.002-07:00

"Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God" (1 Corinthians 11:11-12).

God made man and woman interdependent on each other, not independent of each other. Thus, we are to honor each other. In Christ we understand this. Further, we recognize the words of Galatians 3:28-29: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise." We are joint heirs in Christ!

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). Amen.

August 15, 2009

2009-08-15T13:57:00.002-07:00

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (Psalm 34:7).

This reminds me of the account in 2 Kings 6:8-23 where Elisha and his servant are surrounded by enemy horses and chariots from Syria. The servant cries out in fear. Elisha responds: "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. Then Elisha prayed and said, "O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see." So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (verses 16,17).

God provided a great deliverance and victory for this man of God, Elisha (and Israel). He surrounded Elisha with angelic warriors...they delivered him. If God be for us, who can stand against us (Romans 8:31). "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God" (Psalm 20:7).

August 14, 2009

2009-08-14T11:24:00.002-07:00

"And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground" (Nehemiah 8:5,6).

Ezra lead Israel into the word of God and the people responded with worship of God. I love this response. The word of God should lead us to a greater reverence for and appreciation of God. I love the expressions of worship in verse 6. They spoke an "Amen, Amen" and lifted their hands in worship and bowed their heads in worship with their faces to the ground. One person described worship as: recognizing God for who He is and recognizing ourselves for who we are and responding accordingly. Appreciating the glory and holiness of God, we are amazed and grateful that He has made us His children in Christ Jesus even though we were so unworthy and defiled. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

August 13, 2009

2009-08-13T08:45:00.003-07:00

"Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up" (1 Corinthians 8:1). "For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idols temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died" (1 Corinthians 8:10,11).

While the words of this chapter have been misused by some to simply make others conform to their judgments or preferences, Paul certainly teaches us important principles about living in a loving and considerate way for our brothers and sisters in Christ who struggle with certain weaknesses. We should be sensitive to those things that cause someone to sin. With Paul we should also say that even if "food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat , lest I make my brother stumble" (1 Corinthians 8:13).

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3,4).

August 12, 2009

2009-08-12T06:27:00.002-07:00

"You are a hiding place for me; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with shouts of deliverance" (Psalm 32:7).

In the verses that precede these words in Psalm 32 David discusses his misery when he kept silent about his sin before God. When he confessed his sin, God forgave Him. In this David recognizes and praises God for being his hiding place. Interesting...he had tried to hide his sin from God and was in misery. When he opened up about his sin to God, God forgave him. The burden was lifted. His misery was relieved.

Hiding from God is not a place of security or peace. Trusting and hiding in God, we are "preserved from trouble" and are surrounded with "shouts of deliverance" (Psalm 32:7).

August 11, 2009

2009-08-11T07:20:00.002-07:00

1 Corinthians 7:17 - "Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him."

These words are so loaded. The verses that further elaborate. For example, if you were uncircumcised at the time of your call to Christ, don't seek to be circumcised (verses 18-19). It seems to me two calls of God are discussed in this passage: a call in life and a call to Christ. These calls points to God's having a purpose for each of us in our lives. God made us for a purpose. With David we can praise God with these words of Psalm 139:13,16: "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb" (v. 13) ... and... "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."

God's purpose for each of us is further described in 1 Corinthians 12:18 - "But as it is, God arranged the members of the body, each one of them, as He chose." We have a purpose and a place designed by God in what we do with our lives each day and in the body of Christ (the church).

O Lord, open our eyes to see all that you designed us to do and be faithful in doing those things by the strength that only You can provide.

August 10, 2009

2009-08-10T07:20:00.002-07:00

Well, I am back from vacation. I hope you have continued your reading in the One Year Bible. Today, I am struck again with the incredible words in 1 Corinthians 6:19,20: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

We were bought with a price...the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins. When Jesus arose from the dead and returned to His Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to us to empower us (2 Timothy 1:7,14;2 Corinthians 4:7), enlighten us (John 16:13), strengthen us (Romans 8:2-11), help and comfort us (John 14:26), help us in our praying (Romans 8:26-27) and assure us of eternal life (Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 5:5). We are the temple of the Holy Spirit...the dwelling place of God. What a great blessing and honor and a great responsibility! So, we are to give God glory in the way we conduct our lives. In our passage today we are told that fornication is a sin against our body and, thus, a sin against the very temple of God! So, with Paul we say and agree: "Flee from sexual immorality"..."glorify God in your body."

August 4, 2009

2009-08-04T13:37:00.002-07:00

Psalm 27:1 - "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:4 - "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple."

I love these verses and say amen. The Lord is my light and my salvation and my stronghold. I do desire to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life and gaze upon His beauty. I thank God the Father through Jesus Christ for drawing me to Himself.

August 3, 2009

2009-08-03T20:18:00.002-07:00

Josiah, the son of an unfaithful and wicked King Amon, began to reign at age 8 (2 Chronicles 34:1). He began to serve the Lord at age 16. At 16 he "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord..." (2 Chronicles 34:2). He began a spiritual overhaul of his country, getting rid of the numerous idols set up by his grandfather, Manasseh, and worshiped by his father.

He proceeded to restore Judah to the ways and laws of God. What a powerful man he became at 16! We should never underestimate the potential of our young people nor the powerful ways that God can use them!

August 2, 2009

2009-08-02T05:46:00.003-07:00

2 Chronicles 32:24,25: "In those days Hezekiah became sick, and was at the point of death, and he prayed to the Lord, and He answered him and gave him a sign. But Hezekiah did not make return ("didn't respond with true thanksgiving" - TLB version) according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud."

King Hezekiah had been faithful to God in his reign as king over Judah. Near the end he gets sick and is near death. He prays to God for healing and is healed and his life is extended 15 years! What follows is disappointing. He may have spoken the words of thanks (Isaiah 38:18). But, his life's response appears to have been one of pride (he shows off the wealth of his kingdom to the king of Babylon -Isaiah 39:1-4). Isaiah rebukes this pride and lack of gratitude.

We should always give praise and thanks to God for what He does and has done for us. We should always give Him the glory for His answers to our prayers. But, our lives should also be lived in a way that expresses our gratitude to Him.

"Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you" (Psalm 25:20,21)

August 1, 2009

2009-08-01T20:05:00.002-07:00

I love the heart of King Hezekiah in today's reading. His heart for God (2 Chronicles 31:21) produces in him a heart for others. He reaches out to his long lost relatives in the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (2 Chronicles 30:1). Many make fun (2 Chronicles 30:10) of his messengers inviting them to come back to Almighty God...to come to the Passover celebration in Jerusalem. Some humbled themselves and accepted the invitation (2 Chronicles 30:11).

This reminds me that my love for God is what produces in me a love for others. It reminds that even though many will refuse the gospel invitation, some will humble themselves and come to the Lord. It teaches me the source of unity in Judah's obedient actions was God Almighty (2 Chronicles 30:12)!

I love how Hezekiah interceded in prayer to God for Judah and Israel's imperfect keeping of the feast. "May the good Lord pardon everyone who sets his heart to seek God, the Lord, the God of his fathers, even though not according to the sanctuary's rules for cleanness. And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people" (2 Chronicles 30:19-20).

July 31, 2009

2009-07-31T19:05:00.002-07:00

Romans 14:7-8 - "For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's." These words are given in the context of handling differences in opinion with each other in Christ. When we put ourselves in the context of the Lord's service, we gain perspective in disputes. In serving the Lord we are sensitive to the needs and opinions of others. We certainly would not press differences of opinion simply for the sake of controlling others or winning the dispute.

We live in consideration of the weaknesses of one another. Paul demonstrated this in addressing the eating of meats that had been sacrificed to idols (a major stumbling point for those new Christians who had turned from the worship of those idols to follow Christ): "Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble" (1 Corinthians 8:13).

Paul warns in Romans 14:15 - "For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died." For we live to honor Christ!

July 30, 2009

2009-07-30T05:30:00.002-07:00

Psalm 23:1 - "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Such a comforting and powerful verse! This psalm describes the ways God is providing for us as our shepherd...providing for us in a tender and loving way...leading us through the trials and challenges of life...accompanying us through the "valley of the shadow of death."

Jesus said in John 10:11 - "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." He came that we "may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10)...that we may "dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23:6). Thank You, Lord!

July 29, 2009

2009-07-29T08:44:00.002-07:00

2 Chronicles 25:1-2 - "Amaziah was twenty five years old when he began to reign...And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart." What a statement! Doing what is right...but not with a whole heart. God has always wanted the heart of his people. The loyalties of the heart drive our actions. We see with King Amaziah his actions soon took a different direction than "what was right in the eyes of the Lord." In verse 14 we see him adopting the gods of the Edomites, worshipping them. His divided heart drives him in a direction away from and opposed to God.

Yes, as God told Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7 - "...For the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." So, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life" (Proverbs 4:23).

Once again in the New Testament reading for today I find a corresponding verse: Romans 12:1 - "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." That is a description of a life wholly devoted to God...prompted by a heart 100% given to God!

July 28, 2009

2009-07-28T06:56:00.002-07:00

I love the description of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 22:9 - "...who sought the Lord with all his heart." 2 Chronicles 17:4 described this further by saying he "sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel." Our pursuit of God is about our heart desiring the presence of God and the character of God in our lives. Jehoshaphat did this. He sought God like David did. David was described by God as a "man after His own heart" (Acts 13:22).

God, please help me to be a person after Your own heart.

July 27, 2009

2009-07-27T08:19:00.002-07:00

2 Chronicles 20:15 - "And He said, "Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.'" Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, fearing the imminent attack by the Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites, had "set his face to seek the Lord" (2 Chronicles 20:3) and he proclaimed a national fast. The nation assembled to seek help from God. They humbly sought the Lord, placing their trust not in horses or chariots, but in God Almighty. And, God answered with those incredible words in verse 15: "the battle is not yours but God's." He is saying: 'this is my fight now...just stand by and watch...' "see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf" (v 17).

What an incredible thing to have heard and to have seen!!

Jehoshaphat's words following this are thus well demonstrated: "Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established" (2 Chronicles 20:20). Amen and amen!

July 26, 2009

2009-07-27T08:09:00.003-07:00

Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." It is so easy for us to place our trust in the things we see and associate with strength on the earth. It is no wonder we so many times turn to our best strategies and devices before, or instead of, turning to God. Jesus said, "...with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). There are a number of things that are impossible for man. But, there is nothing that is impossible with God. So, where do we place our trust? What is our first course of action in response to a problem or in dealing with our daily lives?

Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

"Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear! All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer" (from the song, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus").

July 25, 2009

2009-07-27T07:56:00.004-07:00

2 Chronicles 16:9: "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him." Sometimes we may think or teach of God's omniscience (all-knowing) and omnipresence (His presence is everywhere) only in terms of judgment (He sees you when you sin or knows your bad thoughts). I love how this passage discusses these characteristics of God as providing "strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him."

David praised God for His omnipresence in Psalm 139:7-12. He recognized that God was with him even in the darkest of places: "even the darkness is not dark to you" (v. 12). What an incredible confidence we can have in our God who is faithful and able to deliver us!

July 24, 2009

2009-07-24T08:12:00.002-07:00

2 Chronicles 13:10: "But as for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken Him..." and then in verse 12: "Behold, God is with us at our head, and His priests with their battle trumpets to sound the call to battle against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you cannot succeed." These are the words of King Abijah, the king of Judah and son of Rehoboam, as he spoke to the people of Israel and their king, Jeroboam. Israel's 800,000 soldiers were about to do battle with Judah's 400,000 soldiers. 2 to 1 odds... Hmm... Seems good odds in such a battle. Yet, King Abijah spoke the truth. God Almighty was on his side!

Israel attacked anyway with its troops virtually surrounding Judah. Judah cries out to the Lord. God defeats Jeroboam and his army. 2 to 1? That is nothing before might of the Lord.

I love how so many times in the One Year Bible reading plan the New Testament verses reinforce the reading that day from the Old Testament. For example, today the New Testament reading is in Romans 8 and includes verse 31 that says: "What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" In fact, Romans 8:37 says: "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." In Christ Jesus we can walk in confidence of victory in our life's battles by the might of our almighty God!

July 23, 2009

2009-07-23T10:30:00.003-07:00

Welcome to the first post of this blog. My goal in this blog is to share Scripture from my daily reading of the One Year Bible in the English Standard Version along with a few of my comments on that Scripture.

2 Chronicles 9:23: "And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind." Solomon had asked God for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9). God gave him wisdom. We are told to pray, asking in faith, for wisdom (James 1:6). God will grant us wisdom (James 1:5). As Solomon was a blessing to those who sought to hear His wisdom from God, we too can be blessing to others. The wisdom from God is for sharing, not hording.