1 Peter 2:24
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Suffering with Christ
24 He personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
and live for what is right.
By his wounds
you are healed.
It was easy to wrap my head … my heart … my faith around the end of this verse going into surgery. The Lord woke me more focused on the beginning. Have I been living "…dead to sin…"? No! Is that why I had to suffer another surgery? Truly, I don’t know. There is the question in scripture about whether a sickness is due to personal sin … generational sin … or whether it is for God’s glory.
There are consequences to the sins we commit. If I am not living …dead to sin…, I best be ready for the wages of sin.
God is due the glory for ALL that has been accomplished in my life over the years I have lived with this tumor. He continues to receive the glory today!
Let me live only for what is right.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
REMEMBER
Romans 15:25-27
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Travel Plans
25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.
There is a phrase I remember hearing as I grew up in my family. Remember those who brought you over. It is used in the context of honor given to your parents, elders or ancestors. We should never forget the sacrifices made by them on our behalf.
The Apostle Paul was participating in this practice as he returned to Jerusalem with a gift for the believers there.
Who was responsible for bringing you the Good News? What have you done to say thank you to them? Remember those who brought you over.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Travel Plans
25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.
There is a phrase I remember hearing as I grew up in my family. Remember those who brought you over. It is used in the context of honor given to your parents, elders or ancestors. We should never forget the sacrifices made by them on our behalf.
The Apostle Paul was participating in this practice as he returned to Jerusalem with a gift for the believers there.
Who was responsible for bringing you the Good News? What have you done to say thank you to them? Remember those who brought you over.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
TRUST GOD
Isaiah 30:1-3
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Judah’s Worthless Treaty with Egypt
1 “What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,”
says the LORD.
“You make plans that are contrary to mine.
You make alliances not directed by my Spirit,
thus piling up your sins.
2 For without consulting me,
you have gone down to Egypt for help.
You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection.
You have tried to hide in his shade.
3 But by trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated,
and by depending on him, you will be disgraced.
Living, planning, setting goals without consulting God is a strategy doomed to failure. God must be the foundation upon which you build your plans and the first consideration in the development of your life purpose.
The wisdom writer put it this way: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Judah’s Worthless Treaty with Egypt
1 “What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,”
says the LORD.
“You make plans that are contrary to mine.
You make alliances not directed by my Spirit,
thus piling up your sins.
2 For without consulting me,
you have gone down to Egypt for help.
You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection.
You have tried to hide in his shade.
3 But by trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated,
and by depending on him, you will be disgraced.
Living, planning, setting goals without consulting God is a strategy doomed to failure. God must be the foundation upon which you build your plans and the first consideration in the development of your life purpose.
The wisdom writer put it this way: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
PLANNING FOR ETERNITY
Proverbs 6:6-8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Lessons for Daily Life
6 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
Learn from their ways and become wise!
7 Though they have no prince
or governor or ruler to make them work,
8 they labor hard all summer,
gathering food for the winter.
The wisdom writer and other Bible passages show us examples from the animal kingdom which would be good for we humans to follow. In daily living, it is good to be prepared for a rainy day. They will surely come.
It is even more important that we plan and act now in preparation for the days we will spend in eternity. Unlike daily living where we may have a tomorrow to adjust our plan, catch up on our rainy day preparation, we won’t have another chance when we face eternity. Do it now!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Lessons for Daily Life
6 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
Learn from their ways and become wise!
7 Though they have no prince
or governor or ruler to make them work,
8 they labor hard all summer,
gathering food for the winter.
The wisdom writer and other Bible passages show us examples from the animal kingdom which would be good for we humans to follow. In daily living, it is good to be prepared for a rainy day. They will surely come.
It is even more important that we plan and act now in preparation for the days we will spend in eternity. Unlike daily living where we may have a tomorrow to adjust our plan, catch up on our rainy day preparation, we won’t have another chance when we face eternity. Do it now!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
THE PLAN OF GOD
Isaiah 37:26
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Isaiah Predicts Judah’s Deliverance
26 “But have you not heard?
I decided this long ago.
Long ago I planned it,
and now I am making it happen.
I planned for you to crush fortified cities
into heaps of rubble.
Although the people of Israel often looked at their circumstances and questioned whether the Lord knew what He was doing, God affirmed through His prophets that He knew exactly what He was doing. God’s involvement in our lives is not reactive but purposeful and deliberate. His timing is perfect and His purpose cannot be thwarted. God’s sovereign intentions exceed the boundaries of time and are consistent with the perfection of His character.
The Father’s plan is best!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Isaiah Predicts Judah’s Deliverance
26 “But have you not heard?
I decided this long ago.
Long ago I planned it,
and now I am making it happen.
I planned for you to crush fortified cities
into heaps of rubble.
Although the people of Israel often looked at their circumstances and questioned whether the Lord knew what He was doing, God affirmed through His prophets that He knew exactly what He was doing. God’s involvement in our lives is not reactive but purposeful and deliberate. His timing is perfect and His purpose cannot be thwarted. God’s sovereign intentions exceed the boundaries of time and are consistent with the perfection of His character.
The Father’s plan is best!
Monday, November 09, 2009
GOD KNOWS OUR FUTURE
Genesis 3:15
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Man and Woman Sin
15 And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring.
He will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
From the garden, God knew the end. He knew that there would be hostility, a continuing struggle between the serpent (Satan) and Eve’s offspring (Christ). God knew that Satan would inflict a blow on Christ’s head (the Cross) but Christ would rise and strike the final blow, striking Satan’s heel in the final judgment. God knew.
God also knows everything you and I will face. He knows each trial and he knows each joy. All we need to do is trust God with our outcome just as we trust Him with the eternal outcome.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Man and Woman Sin
15 And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring.
He will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
From the garden, God knew the end. He knew that there would be hostility, a continuing struggle between the serpent (Satan) and Eve’s offspring (Christ). God knew that Satan would inflict a blow on Christ’s head (the Cross) but Christ would rise and strike the final blow, striking Satan’s heel in the final judgment. God knew.
God also knows everything you and I will face. He knows each trial and he knows each joy. All we need to do is trust God with our outcome just as we trust Him with the eternal outcome.
Friday, November 06, 2009
THE PEOPLE WILL FOLLOW
2 Chronicles 34:29-32
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Josiah’s Religious Reforms
29 Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 30 And the king went up to the Temple of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, along with the priests and the Levites—all the people from the greatest to the least. There the king read to them the entire Book of the Covenant that had been found in the LORD’s Temple. 31 The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the LORD’s presence. He pledged to obey the LORD by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul. He promised to obey all the terms of the covenant that were written in the scroll. 32 And he required everyone in Jerusalem and the people of Benjamin to make a similar pledge. The people of Jerusalem did so, renewing their covenant with God, the God of their ancestors.
There is a line in the football movie, “Remember the Titans.” It says something like ‘followship reflects leadership’. As a leader, King Josiah led all the priests, civil leaders and people in pledging to obey the Lord. They followed.
The nation will follow a leader who follows after God! Let’s pray that we will have leaders like King Josiah (2nd Chronicles 34-35).
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Josiah’s Religious Reforms
29 Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 30 And the king went up to the Temple of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, along with the priests and the Levites—all the people from the greatest to the least. There the king read to them the entire Book of the Covenant that had been found in the LORD’s Temple. 31 The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the LORD’s presence. He pledged to obey the LORD by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul. He promised to obey all the terms of the covenant that were written in the scroll. 32 And he required everyone in Jerusalem and the people of Benjamin to make a similar pledge. The people of Jerusalem did so, renewing their covenant with God, the God of their ancestors.
There is a line in the football movie, “Remember the Titans.” It says something like ‘followship reflects leadership’. As a leader, King Josiah led all the priests, civil leaders and people in pledging to obey the Lord. They followed.
The nation will follow a leader who follows after God! Let’s pray that we will have leaders like King Josiah (2nd Chronicles 34-35).
Thursday, November 05, 2009
THE LEARNING-GROWTH PROCESS
Colossians 1:9-10
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer
9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
The Apostle Paul indicates in these verses that learning God’s will and growing in His grace is a process rather than an instantaneous act. He is speaking to the Church at Colossi, believers, yet he says “… give you complete knowledge … give you spiritual wisdom and understanding … you will grow as you learn…”.
We are not finished products. God is still working on us. Let us purpose in our hearts to study more so we might grow faster … in His time.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer
9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
The Apostle Paul indicates in these verses that learning God’s will and growing in His grace is a process rather than an instantaneous act. He is speaking to the Church at Colossi, believers, yet he says “… give you complete knowledge … give you spiritual wisdom and understanding … you will grow as you learn…”.
We are not finished products. God is still working on us. Let us purpose in our hearts to study more so we might grow faster … in His time.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
LEARN FROM PAST FAILURES
Zechariah 1:2-6
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Call to Return to the LORD
2 “I, the LORD, was very angry with your ancestors. 3 Therefore, say to the people, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.’ 4 Don’t be like your ancestors who would not listen or pay attention when the earlier prophets said to them, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Turn from your evil ways, and stop all your evil practices.’
5 “Where are your ancestors now? They and the prophets are long dead. 6 But everything I said through my servants the prophets happened to your ancestors, just as I said. As a result, they repented and said, ‘We have received what we deserved from the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. He has done what he said he would do.’”
Having lived through the 60’s and the civil rights struggles of our nation, one of the concerns was always if we push too hard for what is right, the responses would be over reaction and greater repression. Thankfully that concern did not become reality. Now, almost 50 years later, we are seeing separationist thought resurface. We see it in politics, race and in a place where it never went away … worship. Take a look around your place of worship this week. With a few exceptions and a few tokens, we are acting and looking separated.
When we do unify as the Body of Christ, we see how wonderful things are when we come together. The Kairos Prison Ministry team we had this past weekend is a wonderful reminder from the Lord of how He wants us to love each other and serve together.
Like Israel, I’m afraid we are in danger of failing to learn lessons from past failures. “Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Call to Return to the LORD
2 “I, the LORD, was very angry with your ancestors. 3 Therefore, say to the people, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.’ 4 Don’t be like your ancestors who would not listen or pay attention when the earlier prophets said to them, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Turn from your evil ways, and stop all your evil practices.’
5 “Where are your ancestors now? They and the prophets are long dead. 6 But everything I said through my servants the prophets happened to your ancestors, just as I said. As a result, they repented and said, ‘We have received what we deserved from the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. He has done what he said he would do.’”
Having lived through the 60’s and the civil rights struggles of our nation, one of the concerns was always if we push too hard for what is right, the responses would be over reaction and greater repression. Thankfully that concern did not become reality. Now, almost 50 years later, we are seeing separationist thought resurface. We see it in politics, race and in a place where it never went away … worship. Take a look around your place of worship this week. With a few exceptions and a few tokens, we are acting and looking separated.
When we do unify as the Body of Christ, we see how wonderful things are when we come together. The Kairos Prison Ministry team we had this past weekend is a wonderful reminder from the Lord of how He wants us to love each other and serve together.
Like Israel, I’m afraid we are in danger of failing to learn lessons from past failures. “Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.”
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
YET TO COME
1 Peter 1:10-12
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Hope of Eternal Life
10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
Just as with the Old Testament prophets, we want to know more about things which were spoken of but have not yet come to pass. We are curious about the last days, the judgment seat, the final battle … eternity. God gave the prophets the what they were to say in their day. He gave John the Revelator the words he was to write. Then God closed the Book and tells us to watch and wait. We are to observe the signs and always be ready.
Much is yet to come!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Hope of Eternal Life
10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
Just as with the Old Testament prophets, we want to know more about things which were spoken of but have not yet come to pass. We are curious about the last days, the judgment seat, the final battle … eternity. God gave the prophets the what they were to say in their day. He gave John the Revelator the words he was to write. Then God closed the Book and tells us to watch and wait. We are to observe the signs and always be ready.
Much is yet to come!
Monday, November 02, 2009
TO THIS DAY
Judges 2:1-3
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The LORD’s Messenger Comes to Bokim
1 The angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said to the Israelites, “I brought you out of Egypt into this land that I swore to give your ancestors, and I said I would never break my covenant with you. 2 For your part, you were not to make any covenants with the people living in this land; instead, you were to destroy their altars. But you disobeyed my command. Why did you do this? 3 So now I declare that I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you.”
Israel’s enemies remain a thorn in their side to this day. The failure to obey, several thousand years before, is still causing them trouble. There are consequences to sin. Peace in the Middle East has not been attained. “Their gods…”, the Islamic nations are and will continue to be troublesome for these people who failed to obey the Lord’s command.
Should we expect any less when we fail to obey God? Israel is God’s chosen nation … the nation through which He sent the Savior Jesus Christ. If they are subject to years of punishment for disobedience, should we, a Christian nation expect any less when we fail to faithfully follow God’s Word? Solutions will never come through government. God calls for His people to turn from their wicked ways and humbly seek His face. Only then will God heal this land.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The LORD’s Messenger Comes to Bokim
1 The angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said to the Israelites, “I brought you out of Egypt into this land that I swore to give your ancestors, and I said I would never break my covenant with you. 2 For your part, you were not to make any covenants with the people living in this land; instead, you were to destroy their altars. But you disobeyed my command. Why did you do this? 3 So now I declare that I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you.”
Israel’s enemies remain a thorn in their side to this day. The failure to obey, several thousand years before, is still causing them trouble. There are consequences to sin. Peace in the Middle East has not been attained. “Their gods…”, the Islamic nations are and will continue to be troublesome for these people who failed to obey the Lord’s command.
Should we expect any less when we fail to obey God? Israel is God’s chosen nation … the nation through which He sent the Savior Jesus Christ. If they are subject to years of punishment for disobedience, should we, a Christian nation expect any less when we fail to faithfully follow God’s Word? Solutions will never come through government. God calls for His people to turn from their wicked ways and humbly seek His face. Only then will God heal this land.
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