Readings: Exodus 7:1-8:32; Ps 18:7-12; Prov 3:33-35; Matt 21:12-27
Genesis
7:3-5. I wonder why, when God clearly knew that Pharaoh's heart was hard & would not change, He did not just go straight for the Passover. Perhaps this was for a display of His glory to show both Israel & Egypt that He is God. Perhaps there was opportunity for Pharaoh to change his heart?
Psalm
Looking at the beginning of this Psalm, from yesterday I note the order. There is evidently a lot of distress & turmoil taking place in the Psalmist's life & yet his priority is worship (1-3). It is not easy in the storm to do this & yet this is a recognition of the one who is able. In v6, the Psalmist calls to the Lord in his distress. Then we pick up in today's reading the result of that cry. It is a bugbear of mine how the word 'awesome' is overused in modern English language. It is a word which should almost be reserved for God alone. Here we see the awesome power of God but the most stunning thing to realise is that this is at our disposal when we cry out to Him.
Matthew
v12-16. Here is some clear instruction from Jesus about what should take place in the temple. He is clearly enraged by the 'business affairs' taking place, but is delighted by the children who are cheering! More cheering & less day to day (notices???) business please!
18-22. The point of the fig tree is that it represents Israel, who looked the part but was not fruit bearing. No one would have expected fruit on this tree, it wasn't the season, the tree is in full leaf first, then the fruit comes. But we are to be ready to preach the word in season & out of season (2 Tim 4:2). Sometimes we are called to minister to others at times when it is not convenient or we don't feel ready, but in these times God enables us.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
January 27
Readings: Gen 46:28-48:22; Ps 16:7-11; Matt 17:14-18:9.
Psalm
v7 I find it very easy to lie awake at night worrying about something, yet here we read that it is the Lord who counsels us, even at night. If only we would learn to keep the Lord the focus of our minds. Satan will try to distract us, especially in difficult situations when we do need to focus on Him.
v9. What joy we find when we place our trust completely in God - He provides the security we need.
v11. We can have all these things in God when we allow Him control & enter into His presence through worship.
Proverbs.
If our wisdom comes from the Lord, who by His wisdom created the heavens, then what fantastic wisdom is on offer - if we can put in the effort we need to go & get it.
Matt
17:17 Jesus clearly expected the disciples to be able to heal the boy
v20. Jesus blamed their unbelief, from what I have read of healing revivals, and I know that in these things God is always soverign, but what seems to bring a breakthrough is that they believe God can do the impossible & then look for God to do the impossible in the every day.
It is part of God's nature to heal & was won for us on the cross, but do we believe it is for today? Those who start to believe & pusue it are the ones who have healing in their churches. There is nothing special about them, they just believe. Many of them pray for months for people, without seeing anything significant, but they still believe.
Psalm
v7 I find it very easy to lie awake at night worrying about something, yet here we read that it is the Lord who counsels us, even at night. If only we would learn to keep the Lord the focus of our minds. Satan will try to distract us, especially in difficult situations when we do need to focus on Him.
v9. What joy we find when we place our trust completely in God - He provides the security we need.
v11. We can have all these things in God when we allow Him control & enter into His presence through worship.
Proverbs.
If our wisdom comes from the Lord, who by His wisdom created the heavens, then what fantastic wisdom is on offer - if we can put in the effort we need to go & get it.
Matt
17:17 Jesus clearly expected the disciples to be able to heal the boy
v20. Jesus blamed their unbelief, from what I have read of healing revivals, and I know that in these things God is always soverign, but what seems to bring a breakthrough is that they believe God can do the impossible & then look for God to do the impossible in the every day.
It is part of God's nature to heal & was won for us on the cross, but do we believe it is for today? Those who start to believe & pusue it are the ones who have healing in their churches. There is nothing special about them, they just believe. Many of them pray for months for people, without seeing anything significant, but they still believe.
Monday, January 26, 2009
January 26. A son revealed, safety from the One how gives us all, the SON glorified.
A note from me. Unfortunately, due to computer problems & having to prepare a sermon, I have not been able to write the blog for the last few days. So rather than catch up, I'll start again!
Please let me know if you are reading it, as an encouragement.
Readings:Gen 41:1-46:27; Ps 16:1-6; Proverbs 3:17-18; Matt 16:21-17:13
Genesis
Go on, who read through to see the 'reveal' at the end of this story. Of course Joseph in Egypt is one of the greatest stories of the Bible & even amongst unbelievers is well known, perhaps thanks to the musical.
This is a story of focus on the Lord through the trial, knowing that the outcome would bring wonderful provision & glory to the God of Israel.
Psalm
This is my favourite Psalm of the moment, particularly in the current finicial climate, working for a company that is in the news every day.
v1&2. Lord I give up in the struggle, You iare in full control, everything I have is because of You!
v6. Yes for those who love God, there is a wonderful inheritance waiting for us, but even now we have a foretaste of what is to come.
Matt
16:23. In ysterday's reading, just verse 17, Jesus credits Peter with having revelation from heaven, now in this verse Jesus scorns him for thinking in man's terms. We are to create a culture within of only seeking God's will. When we make excuses or think we know best it dos not please God - we should never rely on His grace in these circumstances. It is all or nothing with God - we have to start thinking in line with His will.
17. I have to be honest & say that I have never fully understood this passage. It reveals Jesus in all His glory & it is something we should desire to see. There are those who saw the face of God throughout the Bible & it was through an intimate relationship with God. We come into His presence through true worship, prase & thanksgiving.
Please let me know if you are reading it, as an encouragement.
Readings:Gen 41:1-46:27; Ps 16:1-6; Proverbs 3:17-18; Matt 16:21-17:13
Genesis
Go on, who read through to see the 'reveal' at the end of this story. Of course Joseph in Egypt is one of the greatest stories of the Bible & even amongst unbelievers is well known, perhaps thanks to the musical.
This is a story of focus on the Lord through the trial, knowing that the outcome would bring wonderful provision & glory to the God of Israel.
Psalm
This is my favourite Psalm of the moment, particularly in the current finicial climate, working for a company that is in the news every day.
v1&2. Lord I give up in the struggle, You iare in full control, everything I have is because of You!
v6. Yes for those who love God, there is a wonderful inheritance waiting for us, but even now we have a foretaste of what is to come.
Matt
16:23. In ysterday's reading, just verse 17, Jesus credits Peter with having revelation from heaven, now in this verse Jesus scorns him for thinking in man's terms. We are to create a culture within of only seeking God's will. When we make excuses or think we know best it dos not please God - we should never rely on His grace in these circumstances. It is all or nothing with God - we have to start thinking in line with His will.
17. I have to be honest & say that I have never fully understood this passage. It reveals Jesus in all His glory & it is something we should desire to see. There are those who saw the face of God throughout the Bible & it was through an intimate relationship with God. We come into His presence through true worship, prase & thanksgiving.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
January 21. A dreamer find trouble; fearing God brings health; the fate of the weeds
Readings: Gen 37:1-38:30; Ps 12:1-5; Proverbs 3:7-8; Matt 13:36-58
Genesis
37:5 This was a dream which would sustain Joseph for all that happened to him over the years. God does speak through dreams, although not very often to me, but I do know the few times He has, it becomes deeply rooted within us. Dreams are very often prophetic & indeed the prophet Joel does tell us that there will be an increase in dreams in the last days. (See Acts 2)
Proverbs
Just as much as gaining wisdom from God is good for our souls, it is also good for our bodies too.
Matthew
This passage should really cause all Christians to 'pull our socks up'. Compassion for those who are set to be burned up at the end of their days should cause us to take action NOW.
Jesus again refers to the kingdom as treasure, that we would do all we can to obtain. I'm really getting the theme, it is all or nothing in our relationship with Jesus. Don't settle for mediocre.
One of the things which Jesus hated most was unbelief. Even He could not work miracles where there was an environment of unbelief, but we often create that same environment because we reduce the size & ability of God. "Ponder anew what the Almighty can do!"
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Jannuary 20.
Readings: Gen 36:1-43; Ps 11:4-7; Prov 3:5-6; Matt 13:10-35
Genesis
I'll confess to quick-skimming through these genealogies! But just be on the lookout for little snippets in between. In v24, we have detail of Anah who was found in the hot springs of the wilderness.
Psalm
Isn't it good to know that God is in complete control from heaven & watching our for us if we are righteousness, but being observed for future punishment if wicked.
Prov
What power there is in these two verses, probably most of us can quote these verses off the top of our heads, but do we really hold these verses as treasures. That small word ALL used in both verses demonstrates that these apply to every single moment of our lives.
Matt
v10-15 Again, Jesus tells us that there are secrets which only God can reveal. As we discover these secrets, it soon becomes apparent how little we know. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that these things are revealed.
Sadly, there are very clever & well respected theologians who actually have never had such revelations because they have actually become hardened to the truth. They simply do not see it but then try to say that those who have are mistaken. Once we have experienced the truth of these secrets we will never go back.
v18-23 Often we think of the parable of the sower as being about unbelievers, but actually here Jesus clearly is referring to "believers" and the things of the kingdom (v19). It is therefore, about how prepared we are to receive the things of the Kingdom.
v22 There are many Christians who go the way of the world & the so called pleasure the world offers, in the end (and I suspect most Christians do not realise how wealth affects them) they become choked & do not receive the riches of His word.
v23. Good ground is always ready to hear the things of the kingdom. Do you have a passion & hunger to receive the word in whatever form. The Internet is a fantastic source of sermons & talks, given by some great preachers - I would much rather listen to the things of the kingdom rather than secular music or bad news & attitudes!
v24-30. Continuing the theme of growth, Jesus also warns that the enemy is out to destroy growth in us. Remember this when he tempts you not to do the readings because he will, those are the tares we have to deal with.
29-33. 3 further illustrations of a small amount of faith when grown by God produces something much much bigger
A main kingdom principle is multiplication.
Genesis
I'll confess to quick-skimming through these genealogies! But just be on the lookout for little snippets in between. In v24, we have detail of Anah who was found in the hot springs of the wilderness.
Psalm
Isn't it good to know that God is in complete control from heaven & watching our for us if we are righteousness, but being observed for future punishment if wicked.
Prov
What power there is in these two verses, probably most of us can quote these verses off the top of our heads, but do we really hold these verses as treasures. That small word ALL used in both verses demonstrates that these apply to every single moment of our lives.
Matt
v10-15 Again, Jesus tells us that there are secrets which only God can reveal. As we discover these secrets, it soon becomes apparent how little we know. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that these things are revealed.
Sadly, there are very clever & well respected theologians who actually have never had such revelations because they have actually become hardened to the truth. They simply do not see it but then try to say that those who have are mistaken. Once we have experienced the truth of these secrets we will never go back.
v18-23 Often we think of the parable of the sower as being about unbelievers, but actually here Jesus clearly is referring to "believers" and the things of the kingdom (v19). It is therefore, about how prepared we are to receive the things of the Kingdom.
v22 There are many Christians who go the way of the world & the so called pleasure the world offers, in the end (and I suspect most Christians do not realise how wealth affects them) they become choked & do not receive the riches of His word.
v23. Good ground is always ready to hear the things of the kingdom. Do you have a passion & hunger to receive the word in whatever form. The Internet is a fantastic source of sermons & talks, given by some great preachers - I would much rather listen to the things of the kingdom rather than secular music or bad news & attitudes!
v24-30. Continuing the theme of growth, Jesus also warns that the enemy is out to destroy growth in us. Remember this when he tempts you not to do the readings because he will, those are the tares we have to deal with.
29-33. 3 further illustrations of a small amount of faith when grown by God produces something much much bigger
A main kingdom principle is multiplication.
Monday, January 19, 2009
January 18. Preparing for a re-union, being careful with the source of spiritual power.
Readings: Genesis 32:1-33:20; Ps 10:13-18; Prov 3:1-2; Matt 12:9-37
Genesis.
32:7 We can understand why Jacob was afraid
7-12. This is the same promise that Christians have, but are we humble in our approach to God or do we sometimes take His presence & protection as a right. Jacob has the attitude of worship.
24-32. Quite a well known passage in the bible, this represents Jacob's willingness to contend with God at his time of desperate need. Often God does not give us everything right away. We have to struggle & contend for the blessing. God is testing to see how much we really want His blessing in a certain area.
This is not the same as saying the Christian life is a hard struggle. The Christian life is one of growth in the knowledge of God & sometimes that growth comes for a struggle. If its all struggle & little growth for you, there is something wrong with your relationship, which predominately is about joy, peace & hope.
Psalm
v14. There are times when the wicked cannot be restrained by the righteous in society. Trust in God for ultimate justice become the only hope.
Proverbs
More reason to treasure God's law & commands.
Matthew
This is religion verses love. The leaders in the synagogue were merely interested in following rules rather than the purpose of God's law. God's law is about love, which Jesus demonstrates with this healing of the withered hand. Jesus had previously spoken about division, His actions challenged the control of the Pharisee's.
v22-24 Here we see their response to the challenge over their control & authority - they accused Jesus of being from the devil. There is no difference today with some elements of the wider church accusing those who operate in the spiritual gifts as being from Satan.
v25-29. Jesus counteracts what they were thinking by explaining that only God can drive out demons. Indeed one of the signs of the Kingdom of God is this ability (v28)
v30-32. There is real danger to our souls in attributing the Holy Spirit's work to Satan, so we have to be very discerning in these things.
v33-37. Our words reflect what is inside us. Our words do give us away & the power of the tongue is very great (both good & bad) see James 3:1-12.
Genesis.
32:7 We can understand why Jacob was afraid
7-12. This is the same promise that Christians have, but are we humble in our approach to God or do we sometimes take His presence & protection as a right. Jacob has the attitude of worship.
24-32. Quite a well known passage in the bible, this represents Jacob's willingness to contend with God at his time of desperate need. Often God does not give us everything right away. We have to struggle & contend for the blessing. God is testing to see how much we really want His blessing in a certain area.
This is not the same as saying the Christian life is a hard struggle. The Christian life is one of growth in the knowledge of God & sometimes that growth comes for a struggle. If its all struggle & little growth for you, there is something wrong with your relationship, which predominately is about joy, peace & hope.
Psalm
v14. There are times when the wicked cannot be restrained by the righteous in society. Trust in God for ultimate justice become the only hope.
Proverbs
More reason to treasure God's law & commands.
Matthew
This is religion verses love. The leaders in the synagogue were merely interested in following rules rather than the purpose of God's law. God's law is about love, which Jesus demonstrates with this healing of the withered hand. Jesus had previously spoken about division, His actions challenged the control of the Pharisee's.
v22-24 Here we see their response to the challenge over their control & authority - they accused Jesus of being from the devil. There is no difference today with some elements of the wider church accusing those who operate in the spiritual gifts as being from Satan.
v25-29. Jesus counteracts what they were thinking by explaining that only God can drive out demons. Indeed one of the signs of the Kingdom of God is this ability (v28)
v30-32. There is real danger to our souls in attributing the Holy Spirit's work to Satan, so we have to be very discerning in these things.
v33-37. Our words reflect what is inside us. Our words do give us away & the power of the tongue is very great (both good & bad) see James 3:1-12.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
January 17. Injustice ended, wise examples, hints of hidden things.
Readings: Genesis 31:1-55; Ps 10:7-12; Prov 2:20-22; Matt 11:20-12:28
Genesis
This gives us a real illustration of injustice. Poor Jacob really had been abused by Laban, who had deceived Jacob on numerous occasions. Jacob had been blessed by the Lord & we can see the jealousy of this in Laban & his sons.
I have often heard preachers say that it is easy for us to mourn with someone but much more difficult to rejoice with someone when God is blessing them. Is that true for you?
Clearly Leah & Rachel were caught in the middle & the theft of the idols may have been to ridicule Laban & their brothers - these gods were a very significant part of the inheritance. This is why they wanted them back.
Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where it seems that we are not appreciated & are even subject to abuse, bitterness or jealousy. Sometimes we are called in be in that place or situation by the Lord, but we should always listen to the voice of God calling us away.
Psalm
Continuing on from yesterday, this Psalm continues to look at the behaviour of the worldly person who have no concern about God. It is amazing how up to date this Psalm is, it could have been written by a news paper columnist! Sadly, in my experience, many people open their mouths & out comes cursing (swearing, blasphemy, words to tear down) lies & violence.
Jesus said that what comes out of our mouths reflects what is in our hearts.
Proverbs
I once heard a young girl say that her hero & role model was a 'celebrity' of no particular qualities or character! Our world puts different people on a pedestal who really have no right to be there. Unfortunately, these are the role models many people follow. For this reason we need to be careful with those whom we have influence on (e.g. children) that we teach them wisdom about the qualities they should look for in a role model. We should look to those who have a close relationship with Jesus & those of us who are leaders should be an example to others. Are we careful about the examples we set? Imagine the change in the hearts of children in our city if Kaka plays for Manchester City - he is the sort of role model we need, someone whose first priority is Jesus.
Matthew
11:20 Whilst miracles do happen, they will not necessarily result in repentance & salvation. The same is true of a gospel presentation - even where sometimes the person says they have given their hearts to Jesus. We must always look for fruit in a Christian - if there is none it is unlikely that a person is truly born-again.
Jesus condemns these cities for hardness of heart - yet sometimes believers can be in the same position - we fail to recognise when God moves in power & sometimes we actually attribute it to something else. Whilst many of the towns of the bible exist today, Capernaum does not. v23.
v25-27 The things of the Kingdom are so easy to understand that a child can grasp it, but yet to some of the wise & learned these things are hidden. There are secret things of the kingdom which are only revealed by God.
Many people study the scriptures for years or even go to Bible College, but never see the things of the Kingdom.
v28-30. This helps to explain the verses above - that it is when we trust completely in Jesus that we find it is not difficult to follow His commands, for we are empowered by the Spirit.
12:7. This helps to explain to us that God is not really interested in us going through the motions in a religious way of sinning & then turning up to confess. As we saw in the verses about the yoke, it is about a relationship with God. When we become a friend of Jesus we naturally sin less because we want to please Him.
This relies on His mercy, rather than the sacrifice which comes from us.
Genesis
This gives us a real illustration of injustice. Poor Jacob really had been abused by Laban, who had deceived Jacob on numerous occasions. Jacob had been blessed by the Lord & we can see the jealousy of this in Laban & his sons.
I have often heard preachers say that it is easy for us to mourn with someone but much more difficult to rejoice with someone when God is blessing them. Is that true for you?
Clearly Leah & Rachel were caught in the middle & the theft of the idols may have been to ridicule Laban & their brothers - these gods were a very significant part of the inheritance. This is why they wanted them back.
Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where it seems that we are not appreciated & are even subject to abuse, bitterness or jealousy. Sometimes we are called in be in that place or situation by the Lord, but we should always listen to the voice of God calling us away.
Psalm
Continuing on from yesterday, this Psalm continues to look at the behaviour of the worldly person who have no concern about God. It is amazing how up to date this Psalm is, it could have been written by a news paper columnist! Sadly, in my experience, many people open their mouths & out comes cursing (swearing, blasphemy, words to tear down) lies & violence.
Jesus said that what comes out of our mouths reflects what is in our hearts.
Proverbs
I once heard a young girl say that her hero & role model was a 'celebrity' of no particular qualities or character! Our world puts different people on a pedestal who really have no right to be there. Unfortunately, these are the role models many people follow. For this reason we need to be careful with those whom we have influence on (e.g. children) that we teach them wisdom about the qualities they should look for in a role model. We should look to those who have a close relationship with Jesus & those of us who are leaders should be an example to others. Are we careful about the examples we set? Imagine the change in the hearts of children in our city if Kaka plays for Manchester City - he is the sort of role model we need, someone whose first priority is Jesus.
Matthew
11:20 Whilst miracles do happen, they will not necessarily result in repentance & salvation. The same is true of a gospel presentation - even where sometimes the person says they have given their hearts to Jesus. We must always look for fruit in a Christian - if there is none it is unlikely that a person is truly born-again.
Jesus condemns these cities for hardness of heart - yet sometimes believers can be in the same position - we fail to recognise when God moves in power & sometimes we actually attribute it to something else. Whilst many of the towns of the bible exist today, Capernaum does not. v23.
v25-27 The things of the Kingdom are so easy to understand that a child can grasp it, but yet to some of the wise & learned these things are hidden. There are secret things of the kingdom which are only revealed by God.
Many people study the scriptures for years or even go to Bible College, but never see the things of the Kingdom.
v28-30. This helps to explain the verses above - that it is when we trust completely in Jesus that we find it is not difficult to follow His commands, for we are empowered by the Spirit.
12:7. This helps to explain to us that God is not really interested in us going through the motions in a religious way of sinning & then turning up to confess. As we saw in the verses about the yoke, it is about a relationship with God. When we become a friend of Jesus we naturally sin less because we want to please Him.
This relies on His mercy, rather than the sacrifice which comes from us.
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