Isaiah 40:10-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
God Comforts His People
10 Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. 11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
When we look for the qualities necessary for a good leader, there is no better place to look than at God Himself. Isaiah describes the all-powerful God as One who has compassion for His people. God is not a divine dictator but rather a gracious Father. Without yielding His power and authority, He pours out His mercy and love. He is a good shepherd who gently guides His flock with greatness and goodness. This is the kind of leader we can trust. This is the kind of leader whom we can willingly surrender control over our lives.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
MEASURING UP
1 Timothy 3:1-7
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Leaders in the Church
1 This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position.” 2 So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6 An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.
As we scan the qualifications for leaders in the church, we find character qualities that would fit well for a leader in any environment. One with their life in balance, both in public and in private (family), would qualify to serve in the board room, the classroom or the community room.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, we are each called to leadership. While no one measures up perfectly to the leadership qualifications in this passage, everyone should strive to achieve these lofty standards.
Where is it that you are called to be a leader for Christ and how well are you measuring up to these biblical qualifications?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Leaders in the Church
1 This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position.” 2 So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6 An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.
As we scan the qualifications for leaders in the church, we find character qualities that would fit well for a leader in any environment. One with their life in balance, both in public and in private (family), would qualify to serve in the board room, the classroom or the community room.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, we are each called to leadership. While no one measures up perfectly to the leadership qualifications in this passage, everyone should strive to achieve these lofty standards.
Where is it that you are called to be a leader for Christ and how well are you measuring up to these biblical qualifications?
Friday, March 27, 2009
RIGHT MOTIVES
1 Chronicles 29:16-19
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
David’s Prayer of Praise
16 “O Lord our God, even this material we have gathered to build a Temple to honor your holy name comes from you! It all belongs to you! 17 I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously. 18 “O Lord, the God of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, make your people always want to obey you. See to it that their love for you never changes. 19 Give my son Solomon the wholehearted desire to obey all your commands, laws, and decrees, and to do everything necessary to build this Temple, for which I have made these preparations.”
Following God’s instructions, David gathered the materials needed to build the Temple … God’s House. It didn’t matter to David that he would not be allowed to be the builder. This honor would pass to his son Solomon. When David offered his prayer of praise for the work, we hear words from his heart. He was making the preparations not out of some sense of duty but rather out of obedience. His motivation was God centered. David’s prayer for his son and for the nation was that they would all have right motives … “…make your people always want to obey you.” (emphasis mine).
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
David’s Prayer of Praise
16 “O Lord our God, even this material we have gathered to build a Temple to honor your holy name comes from you! It all belongs to you! 17 I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously. 18 “O Lord, the God of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, make your people always want to obey you. See to it that their love for you never changes. 19 Give my son Solomon the wholehearted desire to obey all your commands, laws, and decrees, and to do everything necessary to build this Temple, for which I have made these preparations.”
Following God’s instructions, David gathered the materials needed to build the Temple … God’s House. It didn’t matter to David that he would not be allowed to be the builder. This honor would pass to his son Solomon. When David offered his prayer of praise for the work, we hear words from his heart. He was making the preparations not out of some sense of duty but rather out of obedience. His motivation was God centered. David’s prayer for his son and for the nation was that they would all have right motives … “…make your people always want to obey you.” (emphasis mine).
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
BLOWN IT
Psalm 32:1-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Psalm of David.
1 Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
2 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,
whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
3 When I refused to confess my sin,
my body wasted away,
and I groaned all day long.
4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.
My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.
Interlude
5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you
and stopped trying to hide my guilt.
I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”
And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
Interlude
6 Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,
that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.
7 For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.
Interlude
8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”
10 Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
11 So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
Every one of us can look back at our lives and find a point where we have blown it. Is our integrity gone forever? Absolutely not! Integrity is having a Godly standard … a moral center … which integrates ones behavior. When that standard is violated, it is recognized as sin. The sin is confessed … restitution is made … forgiveness is sought … the Godly standard is reconfirmed.
Integrity does not require perfection. David was far from perfect but he consistently held to the Godly standard. Psalm 32, 40 and 51 revealed that sin broke David’s heart. He pleaded for forgiveness … took his lumps … learned and grew. God referred to him as a man who walked with a heart of integrity (1st Kings 9:4).
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Psalm of David.
1 Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
2 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,
whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
3 When I refused to confess my sin,
my body wasted away,
and I groaned all day long.
4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.
My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.
Interlude
5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you
and stopped trying to hide my guilt.
I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”
And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
Interlude
6 Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,
that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.
7 For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.
Interlude
8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”
10 Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
11 So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
Every one of us can look back at our lives and find a point where we have blown it. Is our integrity gone forever? Absolutely not! Integrity is having a Godly standard … a moral center … which integrates ones behavior. When that standard is violated, it is recognized as sin. The sin is confessed … restitution is made … forgiveness is sought … the Godly standard is reconfirmed.
Integrity does not require perfection. David was far from perfect but he consistently held to the Godly standard. Psalm 32, 40 and 51 revealed that sin broke David’s heart. He pleaded for forgiveness … took his lumps … learned and grew. God referred to him as a man who walked with a heart of integrity (1st Kings 9:4).
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
FOR HIS EYES ONLY
Matthew 6:1-4
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Teaching about Giving to the Needy
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
There is a song lyric which says, “Only what you do for Christ will last.”
In Matthew 6, Jesus repeats this teaching three times. Relating to giving, praying and fasting, He teaches the standard of private devotion vs. public display. When our motivation is public recognition, Jesus classifies our giving … praying … fasting … as hypocrisy.
Let your devotion be ‘For His Eyes Only’! Don’t worry about others seeing what you have done. If God decides to give you recognition on this side of eternity, let that be His doing, not your goal. Set your motivation on pleasing Almighty God. That is what will reap the eternal reward.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Teaching about Giving to the Needy
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
There is a song lyric which says, “Only what you do for Christ will last.”
In Matthew 6, Jesus repeats this teaching three times. Relating to giving, praying and fasting, He teaches the standard of private devotion vs. public display. When our motivation is public recognition, Jesus classifies our giving … praying … fasting … as hypocrisy.
Let your devotion be ‘For His Eyes Only’! Don’t worry about others seeing what you have done. If God decides to give you recognition on this side of eternity, let that be His doing, not your goal. Set your motivation on pleasing Almighty God. That is what will reap the eternal reward.
Monday, March 23, 2009
DEMONSTRATING INTEGRITY
1 Timothy 4:15-16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
The actions of a believer in Jesus Christ have a far greater impact on others than what the believer has to say. If you fail to play by the rules, you will lose the respect of those around you. It won’t matter how good a game you talk.
We must integrate Christian principles into the fabric of every aspect of our lives. Having done so, we should make progress in living out those principles every day. That may be easier on bright days but the real test comes when clouds roll in … when darkness invades. “Stay true to what is right…” no matter how difficult the situation.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
The actions of a believer in Jesus Christ have a far greater impact on others than what the believer has to say. If you fail to play by the rules, you will lose the respect of those around you. It won’t matter how good a game you talk.
We must integrate Christian principles into the fabric of every aspect of our lives. Having done so, we should make progress in living out those principles every day. That may be easier on bright days but the real test comes when clouds roll in … when darkness invades. “Stay true to what is right…” no matter how difficult the situation.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
TALKING AND WALKING
Matthew 23:1-4
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. 4 They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.
To be ethical is to have a defined standard of right and wrong … good and evil. For the Christian, the standard is the Bible … the Word of God.
To be moral is to live according to the ethical standard of right and wrong … good and evil, which you have embraced. The Christian with morality lives by the standards laid out in the Word of God.
When our lives integrate the ethical standard and the moral practice, we have integrity. We not only talk the talk, we walk the walk!
Jesus called the teachers and Pharisees who only had the talk and not the walk hypocrites. Hypocrisy … the opposite of integrity.
LORD, help me not be a hypocrite!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. 4 They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.
To be ethical is to have a defined standard of right and wrong … good and evil. For the Christian, the standard is the Bible … the Word of God.
To be moral is to live according to the ethical standard of right and wrong … good and evil, which you have embraced. The Christian with morality lives by the standards laid out in the Word of God.
When our lives integrate the ethical standard and the moral practice, we have integrity. We not only talk the talk, we walk the walk!
Jesus called the teachers and Pharisees who only had the talk and not the walk hypocrites. Hypocrisy … the opposite of integrity.
LORD, help me not be a hypocrite!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
BEYOND YOUR CAPABILITY
Isaiah 6:1-7
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Isaiah’s Cleansing and Call
1 It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!
The whole earth is filled with his glory!”
4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.
5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”
Isaiah, upon seeing the majesty of the LORD, quickly realized that his sin … his lack of integrity … was his undoing. “It’s all over! I am doomed…”, he said. To be undone is to disintegrate. Isaiah experienced a personal disintegration in the face of God’s perfect integration.
To integrate something is to put something together in a unified whole. The word integrity suggests a person whose life is whole or wholesome … someone whose got it all together.
It took a touch from the LORD to put Isaiah back together. The same is true for you and me. It is beyond our personal capability to get our lives together. It takes the touch of the Master’s hand. It takes Jesus to be made whole.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Isaiah’s Cleansing and Call
1 It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!
The whole earth is filled with his glory!”
4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.
5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”
Isaiah, upon seeing the majesty of the LORD, quickly realized that his sin … his lack of integrity … was his undoing. “It’s all over! I am doomed…”, he said. To be undone is to disintegrate. Isaiah experienced a personal disintegration in the face of God’s perfect integration.
To integrate something is to put something together in a unified whole. The word integrity suggests a person whose life is whole or wholesome … someone whose got it all together.
It took a touch from the LORD to put Isaiah back together. The same is true for you and me. It is beyond our personal capability to get our lives together. It takes the touch of the Master’s hand. It takes Jesus to be made whole.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
PERFECT INTEGRITY
Hebrews 13:8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Jesus will never let us down. His promises are as good as His unchangeable character!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Jesus will never let us down. His promises are as good as His unchangeable character!
Monday, March 16, 2009
EYES ON YOU
1 Samuel 12:1-4
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Samuel’s Farewell Address
1 Then Samuel addressed all Israel: “I have done as you asked and given you a king. 2 Your king is now your leader. I stand here before you—an old, gray-haired man—and my sons serve you. I have served as your leader from the time I was a boy to this very day. 3 Now testify against me in the presence of the Lord and before his anointed one. Whose ox or donkey have I stolen? Have I ever cheated any of you? Have I ever oppressed you? Have I ever taken a bribe and perverted justice? Tell me and I will make right whatever I have done wrong.”
4 “No,” they replied, “you have never cheated or oppressed us, and you have never taken even a single bribe.”
Whatever your position, from the pulpit to the pew; from the board room to the back dock; from the principal’s office to the cafeteria; from the head of household to the household caretaker; as one who claims Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are being watched for your honesty and integrity. Always let your business dealings be above reproach.
King Samuel, at the end of his leadership of Israel, offered the people repayment if they ever found his dealings questionable. None did. Samuel stands as the great example of integrity.
Would you be willing to make the same offer as Samuel? Would the people you have touched through your years be able to find no fault in your interactions? Is there restitution you need to make … wrongs you need to ask forgiveness … fences you need to mend?
Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your remembrance anything you need to make right and purpose to do it at your earliest opportunity.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Samuel’s Farewell Address
1 Then Samuel addressed all Israel: “I have done as you asked and given you a king. 2 Your king is now your leader. I stand here before you—an old, gray-haired man—and my sons serve you. I have served as your leader from the time I was a boy to this very day. 3 Now testify against me in the presence of the Lord and before his anointed one. Whose ox or donkey have I stolen? Have I ever cheated any of you? Have I ever oppressed you? Have I ever taken a bribe and perverted justice? Tell me and I will make right whatever I have done wrong.”
4 “No,” they replied, “you have never cheated or oppressed us, and you have never taken even a single bribe.”
Whatever your position, from the pulpit to the pew; from the board room to the back dock; from the principal’s office to the cafeteria; from the head of household to the household caretaker; as one who claims Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are being watched for your honesty and integrity. Always let your business dealings be above reproach.
King Samuel, at the end of his leadership of Israel, offered the people repayment if they ever found his dealings questionable. None did. Samuel stands as the great example of integrity.
Would you be willing to make the same offer as Samuel? Would the people you have touched through your years be able to find no fault in your interactions? Is there restitution you need to make … wrongs you need to ask forgiveness … fences you need to mend?
Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your remembrance anything you need to make right and purpose to do it at your earliest opportunity.
Friday, March 13, 2009
WHERE MY HELP COMES FROM
Deuteronomy 8:10-14a, 18a
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Call to Remember and Obey
10 When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. 11 “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. 12 For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, 13 and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! 14 Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, … 18 Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, …
We have been looking at biblical humility all week. The more successful … powerful … prosperous … we become, the more difficult humility becomes. We must constantly be reminded … remind ourselves … that God is the source of all our blessings.
Remember where your help comes from. Your help comes from the LORD … not from your own abilities. Even those abilities … talents … spiritual gifts … come from the LORD!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Call to Remember and Obey
10 When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. 11 “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. 12 For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, 13 and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! 14 Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, … 18 Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, …
We have been looking at biblical humility all week. The more successful … powerful … prosperous … we become, the more difficult humility becomes. We must constantly be reminded … remind ourselves … that God is the source of all our blessings.
Remember where your help comes from. Your help comes from the LORD … not from your own abilities. Even those abilities … talents … spiritual gifts … come from the LORD!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING
Proverbs 25:27
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
27 It’s not good to eat too much honey,
and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself.
Solomon was a man of great wisdom and great wealth. His kingly position brought him great honor. Solomon could make decisions, delegate action to others, occupy the corner office … run the show. It could have been very easy for Solomon to get the big head.
Solomon’s wisdom helped him understand that too much of a good thing is dangerous. Honey is good to taste and health wise, good for you. But too much honey can make you sick and make you sick of it.
When you do good, it is unnecessary to seek honor for yourself. It will come on its own. Seeking too much honor will make folks sick of you.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
27 It’s not good to eat too much honey,
and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself.
Solomon was a man of great wisdom and great wealth. His kingly position brought him great honor. Solomon could make decisions, delegate action to others, occupy the corner office … run the show. It could have been very easy for Solomon to get the big head.
Solomon’s wisdom helped him understand that too much of a good thing is dangerous. Honey is good to taste and health wise, good for you. But too much honey can make you sick and make you sick of it.
When you do good, it is unnecessary to seek honor for yourself. It will come on its own. Seeking too much honor will make folks sick of you.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
FLAUNTING DISQUALIFIES
Numbers 12:1-8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Complaints of Miriam and Aaron
1 While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married a Cushite woman. 2 They said, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t he spoken through us, too?” But the Lord heard them. 3 (Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.)
4 So immediately the Lord called to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam and said, “Go out to the Tabernacle, all three of you!” So the three of them went to the Tabernacle. 5 Then the Lord descended in the pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the Tabernacle. “Aaron and Miriam!” he called, and they stepped forward. 6 And the Lord said to them, “Now listen to what I say:
“If there were prophets among you, I, the Lord, would reveal myself in visions. I would speak to them in dreams. 7 But not with my servant Moses. Of all my house, he is the one I trust. 8 I speak to him face to face, clearly, and not in riddles! He sees the Lord as he is. So why were you not afraid to criticize my servant Moses?”
Inspired by God (and not himself), Moses wrote the Law. We have the first five books of the Bible … from God … through Moses.
There is a dilemma with the virtue of humility. When we start thinking we have attained it … we have lost it! How do we avoid this trap?
Does the parenthetical statement in verse three disqualify Moses from being humble? No! Rather it speaks to his humility. Moses statement in verse three is not the main thought. It is only a side thought. Moses leaves the main thought to God (vs. 6-8).
If there is any lifting up to be done (and there is), we are to lift up Christ. Leave any lifting up of self to God.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Complaints of Miriam and Aaron
1 While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married a Cushite woman. 2 They said, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t he spoken through us, too?” But the Lord heard them. 3 (Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.)
4 So immediately the Lord called to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam and said, “Go out to the Tabernacle, all three of you!” So the three of them went to the Tabernacle. 5 Then the Lord descended in the pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the Tabernacle. “Aaron and Miriam!” he called, and they stepped forward. 6 And the Lord said to them, “Now listen to what I say:
“If there were prophets among you, I, the Lord, would reveal myself in visions. I would speak to them in dreams. 7 But not with my servant Moses. Of all my house, he is the one I trust. 8 I speak to him face to face, clearly, and not in riddles! He sees the Lord as he is. So why were you not afraid to criticize my servant Moses?”
Inspired by God (and not himself), Moses wrote the Law. We have the first five books of the Bible … from God … through Moses.
There is a dilemma with the virtue of humility. When we start thinking we have attained it … we have lost it! How do we avoid this trap?
Does the parenthetical statement in verse three disqualify Moses from being humble? No! Rather it speaks to his humility. Moses statement in verse three is not the main thought. It is only a side thought. Moses leaves the main thought to God (vs. 6-8).
If there is any lifting up to be done (and there is), we are to lift up Christ. Leave any lifting up of self to God.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
NEITHER WEAK OR PASSIVE
Matthew 11:28-30
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Rest for the Weary
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Humility is often misunderstood. In the self-centered world, humility is viewed as weakness and/or passivity. It is neither.
From a biblical point of view, humility is disciplined strength and others-centered power.
Jesus always exhibited a humble character. Whether healing a child, clearing the temple or washing His disciples feet, Jesus’ humility was evident in His submission to the authority of His Father and His perfect obedience to His Father’s will.
Jesus was the most humble man who ever lived … and the perfect example for the believer.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Rest for the Weary
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Humility is often misunderstood. In the self-centered world, humility is viewed as weakness and/or passivity. It is neither.
From a biblical point of view, humility is disciplined strength and others-centered power.
Jesus always exhibited a humble character. Whether healing a child, clearing the temple or washing His disciples feet, Jesus’ humility was evident in His submission to the authority of His Father and His perfect obedience to His Father’s will.
Jesus was the most humble man who ever lived … and the perfect example for the believer.
Monday, March 09, 2009
HUMILITY CHECK
Philippians 2:5-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Have the Attitude of Christ
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Three qualities, demonstrated by Christ, the Christian should model:
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Have the Attitude of Christ
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Three qualities, demonstrated by Christ, the Christian should model:
- Avoid flaunting position or power, rather be the servant (vs. 6-7)
- Avoid imposing your will, rather be obedient to God (v. 8)
- Avoid grabbing for power or position, rather let God lift you up (vs. 9-11)
How is your humility check today?
Friday, March 06, 2009
YOU CAN TRUST GOD
Proverbs 3:5-6
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
“That employee could hardly miss the message – his value is tied to his performance; the performance must always improve and mistakes will not be tolerated. Jesus Christ says, ‘I want none of that. I don’t want my people to be terrified slaves. I don’t want them to think I love them because of what they can do for me. I want them to know I love them for who they are – the adopted sons and daughters of God, my brothers and sisters. And I don’t want them to fear being thrown out on the street for whatever reason; I want them to know they are my family forever’” (p. 107). *
God tells us we can trust Him and He sent Jesus Christ to the Cross to prove it!
* From Who Are You When No One’s Looking? By Bill Hybels. Copyright © 1987 by Bill Hybels.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
“That employee could hardly miss the message – his value is tied to his performance; the performance must always improve and mistakes will not be tolerated. Jesus Christ says, ‘I want none of that. I don’t want my people to be terrified slaves. I don’t want them to think I love them because of what they can do for me. I want them to know I love them for who they are – the adopted sons and daughters of God, my brothers and sisters. And I don’t want them to fear being thrown out on the street for whatever reason; I want them to know they are my family forever’” (p. 107). *
God tells us we can trust Him and He sent Jesus Christ to the Cross to prove it!
* From Who Are You When No One’s Looking? By Bill Hybels. Copyright © 1987 by Bill Hybels.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
WHY DEPEND ON GOD?
Genesis 3:1-6
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Man and Woman Sin
1 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”
2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”
4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”
6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.
Let’s learn and not make the same mistake Adam and Eve made.
First, don’t underestimate Satan’s power. He is very crafty. He will try to make you doubt God’s Word. He will try to make you doubt who you are in Christ. Next, don’t be fooled by a distortion of God’s Word. What God actually said (Genesis 2:16-17) is close to Satan’s statement, yet different enough to reverse what God meant. Next, Satan goes further and contradicts God’s Word. Compare 3:4 with 2:17. Then, Satan implies that God is withholding something precious and essential from His people, making Adam and Eve question whether they can depend on God.
At this point, Satan backs away and lets the couples human instinct kick in. There was nothing wrong with Eve’s observation skills (good for food, pleasing to the eye, gain wisdom). It was simply the wrong way … a way forbidden by God … a way that walked away from dependence on God.
“For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” – 1st John 2:16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Man and Woman Sin
1 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”
2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”
4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”
6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.
Let’s learn and not make the same mistake Adam and Eve made.
First, don’t underestimate Satan’s power. He is very crafty. He will try to make you doubt God’s Word. He will try to make you doubt who you are in Christ. Next, don’t be fooled by a distortion of God’s Word. What God actually said (Genesis 2:16-17) is close to Satan’s statement, yet different enough to reverse what God meant. Next, Satan goes further and contradicts God’s Word. Compare 3:4 with 2:17. Then, Satan implies that God is withholding something precious and essential from His people, making Adam and Eve question whether they can depend on God.
At this point, Satan backs away and lets the couples human instinct kick in. There was nothing wrong with Eve’s observation skills (good for food, pleasing to the eye, gain wisdom). It was simply the wrong way … a way forbidden by God … a way that walked away from dependence on God.
“For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” – 1st John 2:16
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
SIN IS A CHOICE
Genesis 3:2-7
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Man and Woman Sin
2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”
4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”
6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.
Adam and Eve could never claim that they didn’t know. God’s instructions were clear and they were able to repeat the commandment … an indication of their understanding.
Adam and Eve chose to disobey God.
Sin continues to be a choice. We have God’s instructions. Any claim of ignorance is only an excuse. Like Adam and Eve, we succumb to the enticement, knowing that we are going against what God has said. We want what we want more than we want to be right with God.
Resisting the devil … not yielding to temptation … submitting to the authority of God … is a full time job. Thank God for the second Adam … Jesus Christ … who leaves us a much better example to follow than the first Adam. Where the first Adam failed, Jesus was completely successful. He lived without sin! Hebrews 4:15
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Man and Woman Sin
2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”
4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”
6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.
Adam and Eve could never claim that they didn’t know. God’s instructions were clear and they were able to repeat the commandment … an indication of their understanding.
Adam and Eve chose to disobey God.
Sin continues to be a choice. We have God’s instructions. Any claim of ignorance is only an excuse. Like Adam and Eve, we succumb to the enticement, knowing that we are going against what God has said. We want what we want more than we want to be right with God.
Resisting the devil … not yielding to temptation … submitting to the authority of God … is a full time job. Thank God for the second Adam … Jesus Christ … who leaves us a much better example to follow than the first Adam. Where the first Adam failed, Jesus was completely successful. He lived without sin! Hebrews 4:15
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
FALSE TEACHERS
Jeremiah 23:16, 21-22
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
16 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to his people:
“Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you,
filling you with futile hopes.
They are making up everything they say.
They do not speak for the Lord! …
21 “I have not sent these prophets,
yet they run around claiming to speak for me.
I have given them no message,
yet they go on prophesying.
22 If they had stood before me and listened to me,
they would have spoken my words,
and they would have turned my people
from their evil ways and deeds.
How can you tell? How can you identify a false teacher? Treasury workers are able to identify the counterfeit by having an intimate knowledge of the real. “…the LORD of Heaven’s Armies…” gives us four qualities of a truth teacher. They:
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
16 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to his people:
“Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you,
filling you with futile hopes.
They are making up everything they say.
They do not speak for the Lord! …
21 “I have not sent these prophets,
yet they run around claiming to speak for me.
I have given them no message,
yet they go on prophesying.
22 If they had stood before me and listened to me,
they would have spoken my words,
and they would have turned my people
from their evil ways and deeds.
How can you tell? How can you identify a false teacher? Treasury workers are able to identify the counterfeit by having an intimate knowledge of the real. “…the LORD of Heaven’s Armies…” gives us four qualities of a truth teacher. They:
- Are sent by God
- Have received their message from God
- Speak God’s Word
- Confront sin
Monday, March 02, 2009
DEMONSTRATING STRONG FAITH
John 11:39-44
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Raising of Lazarus
39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them.
But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”
40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”
Martha was there, as was Mary and the crowd of mourners. They had followed Jesus and the mourning sisters to the tomb where Lazarus had been buried four days earlier. When they arrived, for the benefit of the crowd present, Jesus spoke to His Father. He could have simply called Lazarus from the dead. Instead, Jesus demonstrated dependence on God.
“Father, thank you for hearing me.”
In our faith walk, as believers, it is important to demonstrate our faith that others may see and also believe.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Raising of Lazarus
39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them.
But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”
40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”
Martha was there, as was Mary and the crowd of mourners. They had followed Jesus and the mourning sisters to the tomb where Lazarus had been buried four days earlier. When they arrived, for the benefit of the crowd present, Jesus spoke to His Father. He could have simply called Lazarus from the dead. Instead, Jesus demonstrated dependence on God.
“Father, thank you for hearing me.”
In our faith walk, as believers, it is important to demonstrate our faith that others may see and also believe.
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