Acts 15:19
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Council at Jerusalem
19 “And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.
James, the half-brother of Jesus and leader of the early church at Jerusalem, made it clear that those who wanted to turn their lives over to the One True God, should not be made to jump through hoops. We, the church of the 21st century must be careful to follow this 1st century teaching.
It is not hard to trust Jesus! Don’t make it any more difficult than it need be.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
HUMBLED
Daniel 4:34-37
The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
The King’s Dream Comes True
34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up toward heaven, and I could think normally again! Then I gave praise to the Most High God; I gave honor and glory to him who lives forever. God's rule is forever, and his kingdom continues for all time. 35 People on earth are not truly important. God does what he wants with the powers of heaven and the people on earth. No one can stop his powerful hand or question what he does.
36 At that time I could think normally again, and God gave back my great honor and power and returned the glory to my kingdom. The people who advised me and the royal family came to me for help again. I became king again and was even greater and more powerful than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, give praise and honor and glory to the King of heaven. Everything he does is right and fair, and he is able to make proud people humble.
As the emperor of Babylonia, Nebuchadnezzar enjoyed years of dazzling military and economic achievements. But like so many other influential leaders who preceded and followed him, he fell prey to the illusion that it was he who had accomplished these things. Tragically, he failed to recognize that God had allowed him to rise to power. Daniel warned Nebuchadnezzar that he would be humbled unless he acknowledged the Most High. The king refused to follow Daniel’s wise counsel. Nebuchadnezzar lost everything for seven years until God restored him. Nebuchadnezzar never forgot the truth that the Most High alone does as He pleases.
The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
The King’s Dream Comes True
34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up toward heaven, and I could think normally again! Then I gave praise to the Most High God; I gave honor and glory to him who lives forever. God's rule is forever, and his kingdom continues for all time. 35 People on earth are not truly important. God does what he wants with the powers of heaven and the people on earth. No one can stop his powerful hand or question what he does.
36 At that time I could think normally again, and God gave back my great honor and power and returned the glory to my kingdom. The people who advised me and the royal family came to me for help again. I became king again and was even greater and more powerful than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, give praise and honor and glory to the King of heaven. Everything he does is right and fair, and he is able to make proud people humble.
As the emperor of Babylonia, Nebuchadnezzar enjoyed years of dazzling military and economic achievements. But like so many other influential leaders who preceded and followed him, he fell prey to the illusion that it was he who had accomplished these things. Tragically, he failed to recognize that God had allowed him to rise to power. Daniel warned Nebuchadnezzar that he would be humbled unless he acknowledged the Most High. The king refused to follow Daniel’s wise counsel. Nebuchadnezzar lost everything for seven years until God restored him. Nebuchadnezzar never forgot the truth that the Most High alone does as He pleases.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
THE ANCIENT OF DAYS
Daniel 7:9-14
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Daniel’s Vision of Four Beasts
9 I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, 10 and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened.
11 I continued to watch because I could hear the little horn’s boastful speech. I kept watching until the fourth beast was killed and its body was destroyed by fire. 12 The other three beasts had their authority taken from them, but they were allowed to live a while longer.
13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.
The Book of Daniel underscores the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms in contrast to the everlasting kingdom that will be ushered in by a man who receives authority, glory and sovereign power (v. 13-14) from the Ancient of Days. The affairs of people and nations may appear to be independent of God’s divine control, but regardless of how people rebel against the plan and purposes of God, He remains sovereign over the kingdoms of men. God will, one day, set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. It will endure forever, bringing all other kingdoms to an end. And the One who will reign over it … none other than Jesus Christ.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Daniel’s Vision of Four Beasts
9 I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, 10 and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened.
11 I continued to watch because I could hear the little horn’s boastful speech. I kept watching until the fourth beast was killed and its body was destroyed by fire. 12 The other three beasts had their authority taken from them, but they were allowed to live a while longer.
13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.
The Book of Daniel underscores the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms in contrast to the everlasting kingdom that will be ushered in by a man who receives authority, glory and sovereign power (v. 13-14) from the Ancient of Days. The affairs of people and nations may appear to be independent of God’s divine control, but regardless of how people rebel against the plan and purposes of God, He remains sovereign over the kingdoms of men. God will, one day, set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. It will endure forever, bringing all other kingdoms to an end. And the One who will reign over it … none other than Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
JUDGES
Psalm 82:2-4
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Psalm of Asaph.
2 “How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked?
3 “Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
4 Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.
In this week when there is a lot of focus on the nomination of a Supreme Court justice, consider what God has to say on the subject. The author of Psalm 82 describes a scene in which God chastises and challenges Israel’s judges.
Because of their role as God’s delegates and image-bearers, these men were referred to as “gods” (v. 6). Do we dare think of our Supreme Court justices that way today? Rather than defending the unjust and judging with partiality, they were accountable to defend the weak and fatherless and to protect the rights of the poor and oppressed. They were to exercise their power in a godly manner, a manner which would rescue the needy and deliver them from the domination of wicked individuals.
Will this be the debate we will hear over the nomination of our next Supreme Court justice?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Psalm of Asaph.
2 “How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked?
3 “Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
4 Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.
In this week when there is a lot of focus on the nomination of a Supreme Court justice, consider what God has to say on the subject. The author of Psalm 82 describes a scene in which God chastises and challenges Israel’s judges.
Because of their role as God’s delegates and image-bearers, these men were referred to as “gods” (v. 6). Do we dare think of our Supreme Court justices that way today? Rather than defending the unjust and judging with partiality, they were accountable to defend the weak and fatherless and to protect the rights of the poor and oppressed. They were to exercise their power in a godly manner, a manner which would rescue the needy and deliver them from the domination of wicked individuals.
Will this be the debate we will hear over the nomination of our next Supreme Court justice?
Friday, May 07, 2010
THE GEESE STORY
Genesis 2:18
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
18 Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
It’s amazing how much we can learn by observing what God has built into His creation. All of His creatures “relate” in some way to all of the others. Interpersonal relationships are a key aspect of life as a human being. From the beginning God spoke this fact. It was repeated centuries later as Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, emphasizing that we are all members of the same body.
Geese function in relationship. They increase their flying range by flying in their “V” formation. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the pack and another goose flies the point. Geese honk from behind to encourage those in front to keep up the pace. The followers cheer the leaders on. When a goose falls out of the formation, two other geese follow it down and provide help and support. They stay until the goose either recovers or dies.
We as people are so smart that we’ve figured out ways in which to succeed in isolation and competition. Imagine what we could accomplish if we were as artless as a flock of geese.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
18 Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
It’s amazing how much we can learn by observing what God has built into His creation. All of His creatures “relate” in some way to all of the others. Interpersonal relationships are a key aspect of life as a human being. From the beginning God spoke this fact. It was repeated centuries later as Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, emphasizing that we are all members of the same body.
Geese function in relationship. They increase their flying range by flying in their “V” formation. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the pack and another goose flies the point. Geese honk from behind to encourage those in front to keep up the pace. The followers cheer the leaders on. When a goose falls out of the formation, two other geese follow it down and provide help and support. They stay until the goose either recovers or dies.
We as people are so smart that we’ve figured out ways in which to succeed in isolation and competition. Imagine what we could accomplish if we were as artless as a flock of geese.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
RELATIONSHIPS THAT TRANSFORM
Exodus 17:10-13
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Israel Defeats the Amalekites
10 So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. 11 As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. 12 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.
The Bible repeatedly exhibits relationships that transform and bring about growth. Moses and Joshua, Jesus and the disciples, Paul and Barnabas, Paul and Timothy – all of these relationships provide illustrations of the manner in which mentors can help to build the future leaders. Today’s passage reveals how God affected Moses and Moses in turn affected the life of Joshua.
God inspired and empowered Moses to do great deeds on His behalf. Moses, in turn, commissioned Joshua to lead the people of Israel after his death. In each relationship instance, the life of the mentee was transformed. Think today about who has effected this same kind of transformation in your life. Are you working to pass on the wisdom of your experience to another?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Israel Defeats the Amalekites
10 So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. 11 As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. 12 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.
The Bible repeatedly exhibits relationships that transform and bring about growth. Moses and Joshua, Jesus and the disciples, Paul and Barnabas, Paul and Timothy – all of these relationships provide illustrations of the manner in which mentors can help to build the future leaders. Today’s passage reveals how God affected Moses and Moses in turn affected the life of Joshua.
God inspired and empowered Moses to do great deeds on His behalf. Moses, in turn, commissioned Joshua to lead the people of Israel after his death. In each relationship instance, the life of the mentee was transformed. Think today about who has effected this same kind of transformation in your life. Are you working to pass on the wisdom of your experience to another?
Monday, May 03, 2010
RELATIONSHIPS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST
Philemon 1:13-16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus
13 I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. 14 But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. 15 It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. 16 He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
Read Paul’s brief letter to Onesimus on Philemon’s behalf: Philemon.
The Paul-Onesimus-Philemon relationships describe principles needed within the Body of Christ. Underlying all of these principles is Paul’s plea for this slave owner to treat his slave with human dignity and brotherly love. Having abandoned the slave mentality in our social order today, should we not in our leader-follower, employer-employee, spousal-parent-children relationships, rise to this same level of respect for our brothers and sisters (fellow human beings) in the Body of Christ.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus
13 I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. 14 But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. 15 It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. 16 He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
Read Paul’s brief letter to Onesimus on Philemon’s behalf: Philemon.
The Paul-Onesimus-Philemon relationships describe principles needed within the Body of Christ. Underlying all of these principles is Paul’s plea for this slave owner to treat his slave with human dignity and brotherly love. Having abandoned the slave mentality in our social order today, should we not in our leader-follower, employer-employee, spousal-parent-children relationships, rise to this same level of respect for our brothers and sisters (fellow human beings) in the Body of Christ.
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