2 Chronicles 12:12-14 (New International Version, ©2010)
12 Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the LORD’s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed, there was some good in Judah.
13 King Rehoboam established himself firmly in Jerusalem and continued as king. He was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel in which to put his Name. His mother’s name was Naamah; she was an Ammonite. 14 He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD.
This morning I was listening to the Bible on my ipod. Verse 14 struck me. Rehoboam did evil because he did not set his "heart on seeking the LORD". Wow! I have not set my heart on seeking the LORD. Sure I go to church, I give money, I teach Pioneer Club and I try to be a good person with varying degrees of success. However I don't SEEK the LORD that often. He get bits and pieces, here and there, when and if I have time or motivation.
In my meditation on this I'm reminded of Deut. 6:4-6, which is repeated by Jesus himself in Mathew 22:36-38 where he ads this is the GREATEST commandment. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
I take heart in verse 12 because when Rehoboam humbled himself, God was able to use him for good. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Confession means to agree with God that you have sinned. Admit you have broke His standard. You now repent and decide to turn from it. God will forgive.
I hope that someone may benefit from the lesson God taught me today from his Word.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Servanthood. What are your motives?
Philipians 2:3-4
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
This verse resides on my desk top. I put it there as a reminder to think of others as better than me. All too often I put ME on the throne of importance at the expense of relationships within my family.
This morning I reread the verses. The selfish ambition part is what struck me today. What are my motives. Is my humility real or just an act to save face infront of family, friends and church? My prayer is that it's real. My hope is the Holy Spirit will change me and teach me to love my family as I should.
After all this goes through my head, I read the following scripture for today's Bible study.
John 13:3-15 I encourage you to read the entire passage, but I only want to concentrate on the first three verses.
3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Verse 3: Jesus knew who he was. There was no question in His mind about his position with the disciples.
Verse 4: "so he got up" This tells me what is to follow is BECAUSE of who He is.
Verse 5: He washed and dryed their feet. In Bible times people wore sandles so feet got dirty fast in Isreal. Hosts would provide guests with water to wash or a servant of the house would wash the guest's feet. This was a menial task done by the lowest in the home.
Jesus. Master. Teacher. Rabbi. Son of God. Washed the disciple's feet to teach them that leaders must be servants. We as Fathers and Husbands are to serve our families. Not so we can get what we want, but to lead by Jesus' example.
I hope that someone will benefit from what the Lord is teaching me.
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
This verse resides on my desk top. I put it there as a reminder to think of others as better than me. All too often I put ME on the throne of importance at the expense of relationships within my family.
This morning I reread the verses. The selfish ambition part is what struck me today. What are my motives. Is my humility real or just an act to save face infront of family, friends and church? My prayer is that it's real. My hope is the Holy Spirit will change me and teach me to love my family as I should.
After all this goes through my head, I read the following scripture for today's Bible study.
John 13:3-15 I encourage you to read the entire passage, but I only want to concentrate on the first three verses.
3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Verse 3: Jesus knew who he was. There was no question in His mind about his position with the disciples.
Verse 4: "so he got up" This tells me what is to follow is BECAUSE of who He is.
Verse 5: He washed and dryed their feet. In Bible times people wore sandles so feet got dirty fast in Isreal. Hosts would provide guests with water to wash or a servant of the house would wash the guest's feet. This was a menial task done by the lowest in the home.
Jesus. Master. Teacher. Rabbi. Son of God. Washed the disciple's feet to teach them that leaders must be servants. We as Fathers and Husbands are to serve our families. Not so we can get what we want, but to lead by Jesus' example.
I hope that someone will benefit from what the Lord is teaching me.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Submission
Proverbs 3:3-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Why don't we submit? We don't really trust that God's way is better.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Why don't we submit? We don't really trust that God's way is better.
I won't step off a cliff because I know that gravity will pull me down and though the fall might be fun, that sudden stop at the end is going to hurt and has the potential to kill me.
Hebrew 11:24-26 Sin too is fun, but only for a short time. The end of it hurts and leads to death. Romans 6:23 23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
As we enter this CHRISTmas season, ask yourself if you really trust God.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Where do you live?
Hebrews 11:1-16
This is the famous "faith" chapter. I want to focus on verse 13 through the end of the chapter.
13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
When I read verse 13 I am humbled. These folks died having not received the promise, yet they knew it was coming and still had faith. They lived this life as a stranger here.
I think of my "instant" live. High speed internet is too slow. 65 miles an hour on the highway is too slow. I see something on the internet that I want, I buy it NOW with a credit card and then I am even tempted to spring for expedited shipping so I can have it NOW.
I am not living as a stranger in this world. My decisions are not based with eternity's values in view.
Consider this as we go through the CHRISTmas season. Start living as if this is not your home.
This is the famous "faith" chapter. I want to focus on verse 13 through the end of the chapter.
13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
When I read verse 13 I am humbled. These folks died having not received the promise, yet they knew it was coming and still had faith. They lived this life as a stranger here.
I think of my "instant" live. High speed internet is too slow. 65 miles an hour on the highway is too slow. I see something on the internet that I want, I buy it NOW with a credit card and then I am even tempted to spring for expedited shipping so I can have it NOW.
I am not living as a stranger in this world. My decisions are not based with eternity's values in view.
Consider this as we go through the CHRISTmas season. Start living as if this is not your home.
Monday, December 13, 2010
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)
In this Christmas season many people are writing to Santa about what they want. Kids are telling parents and spouces are hinting to one another of what they want for Christmas. But it won't last.
Many toys will be broken before the 25th is over. The rest will lose their luster and fail to bring the promised joy after an all too finite period of time.
Many toys will be broken before the 25th is over. The rest will lose their luster and fail to bring the promised joy after an all too finite period of time.
What does it mean to "Delight yourself in the Lord"? Marriage is an earthly image of the church's relationship with Jesus, so let's look at that relationship.
When you first met your spouce and an interest sparked, what did you do?
- You did some research and found out their name. What are the names of God? What do they mean and say about his character?
- You made time to spend with that person. When do you schedule time with God? Does he get what's left IF you feel like it?
- You talked with them. How often do you pray? Are your prayer merely gimmie lists?
These are just a few ideas you get your juices flowing.
"and he will give you the desires of your heart." This does not mean that God becomes your own personal servant and that He must start meeting your demands. What it means is that as you spend time with him YOU will change. Your DESIRES will change. In fact you will only find satisfaction in Him.
Consider on this as we enter this CHRISTmas Season. You will only be content when you find yourself content with the Lord.
Friday, December 10, 2010
God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise
1 Cor 1:18-31
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Using human logic the Christian faith is just not right. This CHRISTmas we celebrate and recognize the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Virgin birth? Foolishness. Impossible. On Good Friday we remember Christ's death ("normal"), but on Easter we celebrate that He is RISEN. Again, "foolishness to those who are perishing". It's not human logic though.
Isaiah 55:8-9 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
I just love verse 25. God foolishness is wiser than human wisdom. No comentary. Just like it.
26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him.
I grew up in a Christian home. Mom and Dad made their share of mistakes, but they were great examples for us kids and taught us to do right. As a result, from a human perspective, I was a "good kid". However being good is not good enough. We are born dead in sin. I know what I would be if Christ had not called me. I'd be lost. I'd be that guy you read about in the paper.
30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Christ is our righteousnes, holiness and redempton. It's not us. It's Him.
Add this to the list to praise God for as we enter this CHRISTmas season.
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Using human logic the Christian faith is just not right. This CHRISTmas we celebrate and recognize the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Virgin birth? Foolishness. Impossible. On Good Friday we remember Christ's death ("normal"), but on Easter we celebrate that He is RISEN. Again, "foolishness to those who are perishing". It's not human logic though.
Isaiah 55:8-9 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
I just love verse 25. God foolishness is wiser than human wisdom. No comentary. Just like it.
26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him.
I grew up in a Christian home. Mom and Dad made their share of mistakes, but they were great examples for us kids and taught us to do right. As a result, from a human perspective, I was a "good kid". However being good is not good enough. We are born dead in sin. I know what I would be if Christ had not called me. I'd be lost. I'd be that guy you read about in the paper.
30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Christ is our righteousnes, holiness and redempton. It's not us. It's Him.
Add this to the list to praise God for as we enter this CHRISTmas season.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Overcoming the World.
1 John 5:1-5
"1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,"
Remember when you first fell in love? That person was WONDERFUL and could't believe that they actually love you. Nothing was too much. Everything and anything was possible.
Love songs are written about climbing mountains, crossing seas and valleys and deserts just to be with the one we love. Yet then as time moves on we take our eyes of the them and back on ourselves. That person becomes a burden. The slightest inconvienience becomes and issue.
I think that parrallels our relationship with God. When we first realize how sinful we are we can't believe that we are loved. But as time wears on our attitude becomes one of "What have you done for me lately?" God's commands become suggestions or something we'll do when we have time or feel like it. After all God knows "I'm busy."
"4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."
All too often we are "busy" with the things of this world. We forget that God is GOD, and Jesus is his Son the Creator of all things. We're so wrapped up in work, school, hobbies and facebook that we don't have time for Him. We place ourselves above God. Only when we have faith in God and who He and who Jesus Christ is can we overcome the world.
Why can we overcome? Be Jesus did and our life is in him.
John 16:32-33
32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
In this busy CHRISTmas Season, remember Him in whom we put our faith.
"1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,"
Remember when you first fell in love? That person was WONDERFUL and could't believe that they actually love you. Nothing was too much. Everything and anything was possible.
Love songs are written about climbing mountains, crossing seas and valleys and deserts just to be with the one we love. Yet then as time moves on we take our eyes of the them and back on ourselves. That person becomes a burden. The slightest inconvienience becomes and issue.
I think that parrallels our relationship with God. When we first realize how sinful we are we can't believe that we are loved. But as time wears on our attitude becomes one of "What have you done for me lately?" God's commands become suggestions or something we'll do when we have time or feel like it. After all God knows "I'm busy."
"4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."
All too often we are "busy" with the things of this world. We forget that God is GOD, and Jesus is his Son the Creator of all things. We're so wrapped up in work, school, hobbies and facebook that we don't have time for Him. We place ourselves above God. Only when we have faith in God and who He and who Jesus Christ is can we overcome the world.
Why can we overcome? Be Jesus did and our life is in him.
John 16:32-33
32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
In this busy CHRISTmas Season, remember Him in whom we put our faith.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Colossians 2:13-14
Colossians 2:13-14
Read today's verses. Read them again. Read them again. That's what I had to do today before todays lesson hit me.
"13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. "
We've all had a loved ones pass away. How many of them, AFTER they were dead, planned their own funeral? How many picked out the flowers and the hymns? How many of them picked out their tombstone? Did they drive to the church and then the cemetary? No! They were dead. They could do nothing by themselves.
I WAS DEAD. There was absolutely nothing I could do about my sin situation. Therefore God made me alive with Christ. It wasn't me. It was God.
"He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. "
Because of Christ, God forgave my debt. It has been nailed to the cross. It is dead and therefore it is now helpless.
Romans 8:1-2 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
If you have never accepted Christ's payment for your sin I encourage you to talk to him in your own word and tell him. Admit you have sinned and accept his forgiveness. He will make you alive. What a great way it would be for you moving into this CHRISTmas Season know Him personally.
Read today's verses. Read them again. Read them again. That's what I had to do today before todays lesson hit me.
"13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. "
We've all had a loved ones pass away. How many of them, AFTER they were dead, planned their own funeral? How many picked out the flowers and the hymns? How many of them picked out their tombstone? Did they drive to the church and then the cemetary? No! They were dead. They could do nothing by themselves.
I WAS DEAD. There was absolutely nothing I could do about my sin situation. Therefore God made me alive with Christ. It wasn't me. It was God.
"He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. "
Because of Christ, God forgave my debt. It has been nailed to the cross. It is dead and therefore it is now helpless.
Romans 8:1-2 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
If you have never accepted Christ's payment for your sin I encourage you to talk to him in your own word and tell him. Admit you have sinned and accept his forgiveness. He will make you alive. What a great way it would be for you moving into this CHRISTmas Season know Him personally.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Trust in the Lord
Isaiah 26:2-4
Verse 3 says "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
We live in a very uncertain world. Trials and temptations abound. However we have to decide if we really believe God is God and that he really is in control. When we worry we deny God's sovereignty.
I am reminded of James 1:2-8 where we are told in verse 5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. " But we are also warned in verses 6-8 "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
So let's remember as were challenged in Isa 24:4 "Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. "
Verse 3 says "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
We live in a very uncertain world. Trials and temptations abound. However we have to decide if we really believe God is God and that he really is in control. When we worry we deny God's sovereignty.
I am reminded of James 1:2-8 where we are told in verse 5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. " But we are also warned in verses 6-8 "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
So let's remember as were challenged in Isa 24:4 "Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. "
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)