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.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
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.
Friday, January 16, 2009
January 16. Vision, wisdom, false accusation & application of wisdom.
Readings: Gen 29:13-30:43, Ps 10:1-6; Prov 2:16-19; Matt 11:1-19
Genesis:
29:35. We need to remember as we go through the Bible that Judah(eventually a tribe) means "praise" !
30:37-42. I once heard a great sermon on this passage & I can't remember by who. But this is about vision & faith, not superstition. Jacob had the vision & he trusted God to supernaturally deliver. This is why we need vision as Christians. Not our own vision of what we desire, but vision of what we desire for God, because we are in tune with His will. We supply the vision & faith in the One who is able.
Psalm
It often seems the case that those who have no care for God seem to be better off than other & actually get away with it. Of course, we know that this will not always be the case. However, there are some key things here for us in our present situation today.
v1. It is often the case when we find ourselves in some trouble, that God seems to be distant, but we know that God is there, our ever-present help in times of need. He just wants us to turn to Him.
v4. With a poster campaign by the humanist society, claiming 'There is probably no God...' & the way the world gets on with life, the secularisation of society where some try to eliminate the presence of God in schools, business & politics we can see that this is definitely relevant. Perhaps this is why God is now shaking the very foundations of society.
These campaigns do not affect me in the slightest, nor should they affect any born-again Christian. I know the presence of God in my life moment by moment. I am fully-assured. And rather than stopping people thinking about God, it actually causes people to think about God! God really does work with any situation to bring glory to His name!
6. Oh yes, he will be moved & with calamity - God ensures it!
Proverbs
Solomon continues to extol the benefits of Godly wisdom. Here wisdom stops us from being tempted into sin.
Matthew
v4-5. Jesus provides not a long sermon or explanation of the gospel but evidence of the supernatural power of God, transforming people's lives. Jesus knew that this was what John the Baptist would have been expecting to hear, from his knowledge of the Scriptures.
John & Jesus were both falsely accused. It is the same today. There are many men and women who are truly anointed, godly & friends of God. Yet they too are criticised & accused of being from the devil by people within the church. It is true that we should not just accept anyone, but this is the wisdom spoken of in Proverbs 2:9 "Then you will understand righteousness & justice, equity & every good path."
Genesis:
29:35. We need to remember as we go through the Bible that Judah(eventually a tribe) means "praise" !
30:37-42. I once heard a great sermon on this passage & I can't remember by who. But this is about vision & faith, not superstition. Jacob had the vision & he trusted God to supernaturally deliver. This is why we need vision as Christians. Not our own vision of what we desire, but vision of what we desire for God, because we are in tune with His will. We supply the vision & faith in the One who is able.
Psalm
It often seems the case that those who have no care for God seem to be better off than other & actually get away with it. Of course, we know that this will not always be the case. However, there are some key things here for us in our present situation today.
v1. It is often the case when we find ourselves in some trouble, that God seems to be distant, but we know that God is there, our ever-present help in times of need. He just wants us to turn to Him.
v4. With a poster campaign by the humanist society, claiming 'There is probably no God...' & the way the world gets on with life, the secularisation of society where some try to eliminate the presence of God in schools, business & politics we can see that this is definitely relevant. Perhaps this is why God is now shaking the very foundations of society.
These campaigns do not affect me in the slightest, nor should they affect any born-again Christian. I know the presence of God in my life moment by moment. I am fully-assured. And rather than stopping people thinking about God, it actually causes people to think about God! God really does work with any situation to bring glory to His name!
6. Oh yes, he will be moved & with calamity - God ensures it!
Proverbs
Solomon continues to extol the benefits of Godly wisdom. Here wisdom stops us from being tempted into sin.
Matthew
v4-5. Jesus provides not a long sermon or explanation of the gospel but evidence of the supernatural power of God, transforming people's lives. Jesus knew that this was what John the Baptist would have been expecting to hear, from his knowledge of the Scriptures.
John & Jesus were both falsely accused. It is the same today. There are many men and women who are truly anointed, godly & friends of God. Yet they too are criticised & accused of being from the devil by people within the church. It is true that we should not just accept anyone, but this is the wisdom spoken of in Proverbs 2:9 "Then you will understand righteousness & justice, equity & every good path."
Thursday, January 15, 2009
January 15. An open heaven, fear God alone.
Sorry not had chance to write today's yet. But we have just had a wonderful house group at Gail's.
Just thinking back to yesterday's reading in Matthew. Jesus instructed the disciples to go and preach the gospel, doing signs & wonders. Jesus commission was to make disciples teaching what He taught them. This is one of those things.
Readings: Gen 27:30-29:12; Ps 9:13-20; Prov 2:11-15; Matt 10:21-42
Genesis
28:12-15. Here we see an open heaven & a picture of what a believer's relationship with heaven is like. This is the interaction of what a Christian who walks closely with God can enjoy, a two way exchange. When we pray & ask God to act this give us an idea of how the interaction works, where God sends His angels to carry out certain tasks.
Jesus made it clear in John 1:51 that He is the access to heaven. He is the means by which heaven comes down to us and by which we can go to heaven. He is the “ladder.”
16-17. It is possible to be in the presence of God & not know it. There are many times during a service that I experience the Lord's presence & yet others don't seem to. This is why we need to live a life of holiness, so that we are in tune with God.
He also uses the word 'place' something which I actually have a real problem with our use of to describe church. The church is a living organism, made up of individuals & not a church building. The use by Jacob indicates that he thought the location was significant in experiencing God's presence, rather than being able to experience the presence of God wherever we are.
Jacob describes what he has seen as the gate of heaven. Gates are very significant (including a mention of gates of death in Ps 9) they were very often where a city would congregate & speak of a place of access both in & out. Our minds can be seen as being gates & we are the guardian of the gates. If we allow certain things to enter our minds we give authority for them to be there. This is how the devil can bring influence into our lives, because we have allowed him access through the gate of our mind.
Matthew
Jesus here teaches us that God is the most important person in our life. This will sometimes be at the expense of the desires, thoughts, opinions of other people - no matter how close they are to us. We should fear God alone, for only He can destroy our souls. When He becomes our priority order starts to appear in our lives (and lots of really good stuff too!) BUT this can bring division, however this is right as we stand for the truth revealed in Him.
v32-33. Jesus says that He will not accept secret disciples. Further more when we think of what the opposite of deny is, affirm, confess, uphold etc - this is what we expect Jesus to do before the Father so to deny Him means that He will deny us.
I think that this is more than admitting we are Christians, but is actually doing the things He has asked us to do. As we have seen throughout Matthew, this is declaring the full gospel, including healing the sick, casting out demons.
When we say that these things do not happen today, we deny the full nature of Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today & forever.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
January 14. A stolen blessing, wise advise, an instruction to be followed?
Readings: Gen 26:12- 27:9, Ps 9:7-12, Prov 2:9-10, Matt 10:1-20
Genesis
26:12-27. God's blessing on Isaac is clearly evident.
v 28. The blessing was so obvious that others saw it. This is how it is supposed to be with Christians, but often you wouldn't know!
v29. Suddenly what can be negative behaviour towards God's people can turn to the realisation that in reality they too are blessed by being in their presence.
27. Here we see that there is a lot of deception which is undertaken to have Jacob blessed instead of Esau. Whilst it does not seem possible the God actually approves of this, it none the less accomplished God's will for Jacob was the chosen one for the continuation of the promise to Abraham.
Proverbs
v10. One of the battlegrounds in which we face Satan is in our minds. This is why we should meditate on His word. As we fill our minds with His wisdom, our hearts will be blessed too!
Matthew
This is some of the most practical teaching in the Bible. It provides a clear direction for evangelism, yet very few churches in the Western World teach this in its entirety. Yet in countries where the church is presently growing rapidly & in the face of persecution, this is their evangelism model. The difference is power! We cannot separate the gospel, as we understand it (salvation from sin & eternity in heaven) from the true gospel (salvation, healing, cleansing, casting out demons) which Jesus demonstrated & told His disciples (including those to follow) to do.
Genesis
26:12-27. God's blessing on Isaac is clearly evident.
v 28. The blessing was so obvious that others saw it. This is how it is supposed to be with Christians, but often you wouldn't know!
v29. Suddenly what can be negative behaviour towards God's people can turn to the realisation that in reality they too are blessed by being in their presence.
27. Here we see that there is a lot of deception which is undertaken to have Jacob blessed instead of Esau. Whilst it does not seem possible the God actually approves of this, it none the less accomplished God's will for Jacob was the chosen one for the continuation of the promise to Abraham.
Proverbs
v10. One of the battlegrounds in which we face Satan is in our minds. This is why we should meditate on His word. As we fill our minds with His wisdom, our hearts will be blessed too!
Matthew
This is some of the most practical teaching in the Bible. It provides a clear direction for evangelism, yet very few churches in the Western World teach this in its entirety. Yet in countries where the church is presently growing rapidly & in the face of persecution, this is their evangelism model. The difference is power! We cannot separate the gospel, as we understand it (salvation from sin & eternity in heaven) from the true gospel (salvation, healing, cleansing, casting out demons) which Jesus demonstrated & told His disciples (including those to follow) to do.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
January 13. A birthright sold cheaply, an attitude to adopt,
Readings: Gen 24:55-26:21; Ps 9:1-6, Prov 2:6-8, Matt 9:18-38
Genesis
24:
v60. What a great blessing. Do we believe in the power of blessing? How true this blessing would become.
25:
6. Abraham sent his sons away from Isaac to the east itno Arabia, to establsihe Isaac's unique identity.
22-23. Even before their birth we see that there is conflict between these twin boys.
26. As an indication of what would happen later in life we observe that Jacob grabs the heal of Esau, indicative of the birth-right he also grabbed.
28. Sibling rivalry developed.
v29-34. Oh, what Esau gives up & how easily. Esau was merely interested in his present desire. In fact there is a stern warning to us contained in Hebrews 12, that Christians should not throuw away their birthright. But yet how often when we are tempted by a sin of the present are we prepared to put our own inheritance in danger. These verses in Hebrews are some of the most worrying & challenging to the often misguided phrase 'once saved, always saved.'
26:
v1-6. Here is a test of faith, which I beleive Christians will face in the coming days. It often sees the most sensible thing to reach out for that which solves the problem, but God alone wants to be the one who solves our problems. If the ecomonmy is shaken as much as people think, then we need to be very careful what actions we take, it may lead us into something else which we trust in which is God. The purpose of His shaking is to remove those things which we trust in which are not Him.
v7. Isaac acts just like his father.
Psalm
The opens verses desribe how our attitude should be. One of thankfulness, full of devotion to Him, delaring His wonderful works, as we demonstrate His kingdom. Full of rejoicing & song. Now think, how far short of this mark am I?
Genesis
24:
v60. What a great blessing. Do we believe in the power of blessing? How true this blessing would become.
25:
6. Abraham sent his sons away from Isaac to the east itno Arabia, to establsihe Isaac's unique identity.
22-23. Even before their birth we see that there is conflict between these twin boys.
26. As an indication of what would happen later in life we observe that Jacob grabs the heal of Esau, indicative of the birth-right he also grabbed.
28. Sibling rivalry developed.
v29-34. Oh, what Esau gives up & how easily. Esau was merely interested in his present desire. In fact there is a stern warning to us contained in Hebrews 12, that Christians should not throuw away their birthright. But yet how often when we are tempted by a sin of the present are we prepared to put our own inheritance in danger. These verses in Hebrews are some of the most worrying & challenging to the often misguided phrase 'once saved, always saved.'
26:
v1-6. Here is a test of faith, which I beleive Christians will face in the coming days. It often sees the most sensible thing to reach out for that which solves the problem, but God alone wants to be the one who solves our problems. If the ecomonmy is shaken as much as people think, then we need to be very careful what actions we take, it may lead us into something else which we trust in which is God. The purpose of His shaking is to remove those things which we trust in which are not Him.
v7. Isaac acts just like his father.
Psalm
The opens verses desribe how our attitude should be. One of thankfulness, full of devotion to Him, delaring His wonderful works, as we demonstrate His kingdom. Full of rejoicing & song. Now think, how far short of this mark am I?
January 12. Rebekah, beauty in appearance & heart,
Readings: Gen 24:1-54, Psalm 8:1-9, Prov 2:1-5, Matt 8:28-9:17
Genesis
Abraham knew that finding the right wife for his son was very important because it was through their marriage that the nation of Israel would be birthed. v2&3, the thigh was considered an area of privacy & was associated with procreation.
v7. Here we see that an angel will go forth before the servant. Angels are often used by God as His messengers.
v12-14. The servant, like Abraham demonstrates an intimate relationship with God & here sets out how he would like God to guide him.
v15-16. It is my own daughter's birthday on 18th January & her name is Rebekah, deliberately spelled the same way as the original Hebrew. The name Rebekah means 'tying up or binding up' in the sense of captivating men by her beauty.
Rebekah was the Grand-daughter of Abraham's brother & in this passage we see how hard-working, sensitive & hospitable she is. The servant's prayer for guidance was very wise. He was asking God to show him the girl with the qualities required in Isaac's wife.
v26 &27. Praise & worship. We can learn a great deal from the servant's response. His first thought is to worship God & thank Him for His provision. It is very easy for us to lose sight of the One in whom we trust. Even when we have the greatest answer to prayer & the greatest victories, we can fail to give the glory to God. When people have been healed, they can lose their healing because they didn't worship God (trusting Him completely) nor give Him thanks.
v50. They knew instantly that this was the Lord's will & plan, it is amazing how when we pray for people they suddenly become receptive to the gospel. This is because our prayers actually cause a response from heaven & God will do whatever it takes to prepare them, Holy Spirit or angels. They also knew that there was no negotiation, because the Lord had decreed it!
Psalm.
I love to use Psalm's like this to worship God. When we look at creation our response should always be one of praise.
v3&4. David expresses his amazement that God is interested in a relationship, yet this was the ultimate purpose of everything He created.
Proverbs
Here we see some of the secrets to understanding God's word. Some of the revelation of scripture only comes spiritually. These are vital keys to developing the right relationship for God to open up the scriptures to us.
v1. Obedience - we cannot simply chose the verses which suit us. Store up, we are to meditate, understand & memorise verses into our very souls. The NKJV translates 'store' as 'treasure'.
v2. Listening carefully for God's voice from where wisdom comes. As we then combine wisdom & His word, it helps to give understanding.
v3. The word insight can also be translated 'discernment' - this is a spiritual, not a natural gift. Discernment is essential in gaining an understanding of scripture & is developed by a close relationship with God through worship.
v4. Here is proof that there are treasure in the Bible which not all will understand. This verse clearly indicates that there is effort required to seek it. Think back to the days of the gold rush or films of searching for hidden treasures & the consuming passion those have who want to find it. I can personally testify how wonderful some of the truths of scripture that have been revealed to me. It is when we commit to find them & search that God starts to give insight.
v5. Sometimes I get frustrated that others don't get some of the things I do, I'm nothing special, just a child of grace, but I have learned to follow these principles & it really does lead us into a greater understanding of God. But there is no quick fix & it does take a commitment on our part to allow God to transform us.
Matthew
8. In demonstrating the kingdom, Jesus showed us some scary stuff. Yet, I believe many are oppressed by demons or certainly under the influence. Those who have a supernatural ministry (which should be all believers) will recognise the type of prayer required to bring deliverance. Jesus ministry was however, rejected, probably through fear. When we start looking at the supernatural it takes us into a realm that makes us fearful & uncomfortable. But for Christians it should be the most natural thing, if we are citizens of heaven.
9. 11-12 I just love the way Jesus deals with the pharisees. Here Jesus is saying that He is here to meet peoples needs & is able to do so.
Genesis
Abraham knew that finding the right wife for his son was very important because it was through their marriage that the nation of Israel would be birthed. v2&3, the thigh was considered an area of privacy & was associated with procreation.
v7. Here we see that an angel will go forth before the servant. Angels are often used by God as His messengers.
v12-14. The servant, like Abraham demonstrates an intimate relationship with God & here sets out how he would like God to guide him.
v15-16. It is my own daughter's birthday on 18th January & her name is Rebekah, deliberately spelled the same way as the original Hebrew. The name Rebekah means 'tying up or binding up' in the sense of captivating men by her beauty.
Rebekah was the Grand-daughter of Abraham's brother & in this passage we see how hard-working, sensitive & hospitable she is. The servant's prayer for guidance was very wise. He was asking God to show him the girl with the qualities required in Isaac's wife.
v26 &27. Praise & worship. We can learn a great deal from the servant's response. His first thought is to worship God & thank Him for His provision. It is very easy for us to lose sight of the One in whom we trust. Even when we have the greatest answer to prayer & the greatest victories, we can fail to give the glory to God. When people have been healed, they can lose their healing because they didn't worship God (trusting Him completely) nor give Him thanks.
v50. They knew instantly that this was the Lord's will & plan, it is amazing how when we pray for people they suddenly become receptive to the gospel. This is because our prayers actually cause a response from heaven & God will do whatever it takes to prepare them, Holy Spirit or angels. They also knew that there was no negotiation, because the Lord had decreed it!
Psalm.
I love to use Psalm's like this to worship God. When we look at creation our response should always be one of praise.
v3&4. David expresses his amazement that God is interested in a relationship, yet this was the ultimate purpose of everything He created.
Proverbs
Here we see some of the secrets to understanding God's word. Some of the revelation of scripture only comes spiritually. These are vital keys to developing the right relationship for God to open up the scriptures to us.
v1. Obedience - we cannot simply chose the verses which suit us. Store up, we are to meditate, understand & memorise verses into our very souls. The NKJV translates 'store' as 'treasure'.
v2. Listening carefully for God's voice from where wisdom comes. As we then combine wisdom & His word, it helps to give understanding.
v3. The word insight can also be translated 'discernment' - this is a spiritual, not a natural gift. Discernment is essential in gaining an understanding of scripture & is developed by a close relationship with God through worship.
v4. Here is proof that there are treasure in the Bible which not all will understand. This verse clearly indicates that there is effort required to seek it. Think back to the days of the gold rush or films of searching for hidden treasures & the consuming passion those have who want to find it. I can personally testify how wonderful some of the truths of scripture that have been revealed to me. It is when we commit to find them & search that God starts to give insight.
v5. Sometimes I get frustrated that others don't get some of the things I do, I'm nothing special, just a child of grace, but I have learned to follow these principles & it really does lead us into a greater understanding of God. But there is no quick fix & it does take a commitment on our part to allow God to transform us.
Matthew
8. In demonstrating the kingdom, Jesus showed us some scary stuff. Yet, I believe many are oppressed by demons or certainly under the influence. Those who have a supernatural ministry (which should be all believers) will recognise the type of prayer required to bring deliverance. Jesus ministry was however, rejected, probably through fear. When we start looking at the supernatural it takes us into a realm that makes us fearful & uncomfortable. But for Christians it should be the most natural thing, if we are citizens of heaven.
9. 11-12 I just love the way Jesus deals with the pharisees. Here Jesus is saying that He is here to meet peoples needs & is able to do so.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
January 11. A test of faith, safety in righteousness, Jesus teaching us healing
Readings: Genesis 21:22 - 23:20, Psalm7:9-17, Prov 1:32-33, Matt 8:5-27
Genesis
22:1-14. Abraham's test of faith. This is an incredible testimony of obedience & faith. Imagine for a moment how you would feel in this situation. Those of us who are parents know what would have gone trough Abraham's mind here.
However, there are indications of his trust in God, who had promised to turn Isaac into a great nation. Abraham clearly had placed all his trust in the covenant God had made & that nothing is impossible for God. In verse 5, Abraham indicates that they will return from the mountain. However, what Abraham would not have known is how God was going to unfold the situation.
Often God tests our faith - faith requires trust in Him & His promised outcome but often without knowing the steps. Sometimes He leads us one step at a time - to test & build our faith. He had already done this with Abraham.
v18. Here is a Messianic reference, that Jesus would be a seed of Abraham who would bring salvation to the entire world.
Psalm
v9. God is all about righteousness. As he examines our minds & emotions, He looks for the attitudes of our hearts. Often we do things which we can justify to others, but perhaps the truth behind our motivation is somewhat different - but God knows. When we stay away from worshiping Him, it is God who misses out for our primary purpose is to worship Him & it is He who benefits.
v12. Repentance (changing the way we think) is one of the keys to righteousness. But God will deal with the Christian who refuses to repent. Repentance isn't a once only act for each time we disobey Him we are in rebellion.
v17. Our righteousness comes from God alone, we cannot make ourselves righteous, but He can put us right with Him. For this one reason alone we should live lives of thankfulness.
Proverbs
These verses continue the same them of the Psalm. As we grow into maturity we begin to learn of the dangers to us in the battle we are in, how to avoid those dangers or how to use the weapons we have, If we fail to mature (because we do not read the word for example) or we live lives of complacency we are fools & likely to fall into destruction. The only way to live safely is to listen to God, through His word or by His Holy Spirit.
Matthew
v7. Often we are prepared to pray for the sick, but from a distance. We can be afraid to pray for people physically, as we are actually commanded to do. In many cases, Jesus laid hands on people for their healing. This verse clearly indicated that that He was going to do with the Centurion's servant.
v8-10. The centurion then demonstrates great faith in God's ability & also the authority which Jesus had. This is the same power & authority which is in believer's today. Jesus was fully human & it was through the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus healed. He tells us that He could only do what He saw the Father do.
Whilst Jesus was able to pray for this man's healing, it was clearly the centurian's faith that moved God to act. As Christian's we carry great faith in the One who can do the impossible. When we lay hands on people we bring the kingdom to earth.
v15-17. Here we see a clearer picture of what Jesus came to do on earth. Firstly, do you notice that Jesus doesn't preach, so these miracles were not to authenticate what He was saying. The miracles were life changing acts in themselves. Jesus came to bring salvation, yes, but healing & deliverance too. At the cross He carried our sins, weaknesses & sicknesses. This is the gospel, the kingdom is for now, as well as eternity.
Genesis
22:1-14. Abraham's test of faith. This is an incredible testimony of obedience & faith. Imagine for a moment how you would feel in this situation. Those of us who are parents know what would have gone trough Abraham's mind here.
However, there are indications of his trust in God, who had promised to turn Isaac into a great nation. Abraham clearly had placed all his trust in the covenant God had made & that nothing is impossible for God. In verse 5, Abraham indicates that they will return from the mountain. However, what Abraham would not have known is how God was going to unfold the situation.
Often God tests our faith - faith requires trust in Him & His promised outcome but often without knowing the steps. Sometimes He leads us one step at a time - to test & build our faith. He had already done this with Abraham.
v18. Here is a Messianic reference, that Jesus would be a seed of Abraham who would bring salvation to the entire world.
Psalm
v9. God is all about righteousness. As he examines our minds & emotions, He looks for the attitudes of our hearts. Often we do things which we can justify to others, but perhaps the truth behind our motivation is somewhat different - but God knows. When we stay away from worshiping Him, it is God who misses out for our primary purpose is to worship Him & it is He who benefits.
v12. Repentance (changing the way we think) is one of the keys to righteousness. But God will deal with the Christian who refuses to repent. Repentance isn't a once only act for each time we disobey Him we are in rebellion.
v17. Our righteousness comes from God alone, we cannot make ourselves righteous, but He can put us right with Him. For this one reason alone we should live lives of thankfulness.
Proverbs
These verses continue the same them of the Psalm. As we grow into maturity we begin to learn of the dangers to us in the battle we are in, how to avoid those dangers or how to use the weapons we have, If we fail to mature (because we do not read the word for example) or we live lives of complacency we are fools & likely to fall into destruction. The only way to live safely is to listen to God, through His word or by His Holy Spirit.
Matthew
v7. Often we are prepared to pray for the sick, but from a distance. We can be afraid to pray for people physically, as we are actually commanded to do. In many cases, Jesus laid hands on people for their healing. This verse clearly indicated that that He was going to do with the Centurion's servant.
v8-10. The centurion then demonstrates great faith in God's ability & also the authority which Jesus had. This is the same power & authority which is in believer's today. Jesus was fully human & it was through the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus healed. He tells us that He could only do what He saw the Father do.
Whilst Jesus was able to pray for this man's healing, it was clearly the centurian's faith that moved God to act. As Christian's we carry great faith in the One who can do the impossible. When we lay hands on people we bring the kingdom to earth.
v15-17. Here we see a clearer picture of what Jesus came to do on earth. Firstly, do you notice that Jesus doesn't preach, so these miracles were not to authenticate what He was saying. The miracles were life changing acts in themselves. Jesus came to bring salvation, yes, but healing & deliverance too. At the cross He carried our sins, weaknesses & sicknesses. This is the gospel, the kingdom is for now, as well as eternity.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
January 10. Promise fulfilled, inheritance denied, kingdom for Jews & Gentiles established
Readings: Gen 19:23-21:21, Ps 7:1-8, Prov 1:28-31, Matt 7:13-8:4
Genesis
Now we see the destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah, the benchmark of all that is depraved.
v26. Carrying on from yesterday with what we often do when God warns us, here we see that Lot's wife looks back. This is one of the biggest dangers of the Christian life, that we return to our old way of life.
v31-36. Here we see how much the family had been corrupted by their time in Sodom, notice too how even though they had escaped, they seem to have obtained wine very quickly.
v36-38. Just like the descendants of Ishmael, the descendants of these sons will also become enemies of Israel.
Lot finishes up losing everything, all because of his love for the world. Heed the warning.
20:1-7. Here God intervenes to prevent Abimelech from interfering with God's plans. Sarah had not yet conceived, but as we see later was about to do so. Imagine the incredible doubt there would have been in the rest of Israel's history if sexual union had taken place.
11. Abraham's reply that he knew the fear of God was not in the place, was not actually true of himself. If he had feared the Lord in the true sense of trusting God for everything, he would not have taken some of the actions he did. He would not have trusted in his own efforts. Often we act ourselves in trusting God. It is a hard lesson to learn, I have painful experience & still live with consequences of my lack of faith & trust in God.
v17. Here is a demonstration of the new testament kingdom in operation. Here Abraham prays in the name of the Lord for healing.
21:9-10
Here are a couple of verses which actually give a nutshell answer to the trouble in the Middle East. It is all about inheritance, although it was God's plan for the inheritance to go through the line of Isaac. The descendants of Ishmael (the Arabs), feel that they have a claim to Israel as their inheritance.
Of course God still intended to bless those people & this is why Jesus came to bring salvation to both Jews & Gentiles.
Matthew
13-14. These 2 verses are quite profound. I think that these are verses which only the Holy Spirit can truly apply to us. Gates represent a way to enter into God's presence & these verses do not refer to the end of our lives but to our present life. I really wonder sometimes how easy salvation is - true it is purely by grace & not of ourselves, but to truly enter requires real effort & a complete change of heart & mind - that is true repentance. It is a seeking with all of our hearts, mind & will not just a bit. We can easily miss the gate is the message.
15-20. We are to bear fruit. That is why we are here. His kingdom brings fruit of lives set free. Unless we are truly born again we will not bear fruit
21-23 We can call ourselves Christians but yet be unknown by Jesus. These are some of the most frightening verses in the whole Bible. Unless we have a personal relationship (greater than that of our spouses or best friends) we will not be known by Him. This can only be developed by trusting in Him, making Him our Lord, doing His will & most importantly worshipping Him.' Do you truly have a personal relationship with Jesus?
24-29 A famous story but the importance is that only where we make Him Lord of our lives can we truly say we have the right & solid foundation. If we are off course, with Jesus not at the helm we are building on sand.
8:1-4. The law said that to touch a leper would make a man unclean. Here Jesus demonstrates the kingdom in that He touched the leper & healed Him. Jesus was here to set the captives free, He was not afraid to show compassion to what were in His day the outcasts of society.
Genesis
Now we see the destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah, the benchmark of all that is depraved.
v26. Carrying on from yesterday with what we often do when God warns us, here we see that Lot's wife looks back. This is one of the biggest dangers of the Christian life, that we return to our old way of life.
v31-36. Here we see how much the family had been corrupted by their time in Sodom, notice too how even though they had escaped, they seem to have obtained wine very quickly.
v36-38. Just like the descendants of Ishmael, the descendants of these sons will also become enemies of Israel.
Lot finishes up losing everything, all because of his love for the world. Heed the warning.
20:1-7. Here God intervenes to prevent Abimelech from interfering with God's plans. Sarah had not yet conceived, but as we see later was about to do so. Imagine the incredible doubt there would have been in the rest of Israel's history if sexual union had taken place.
11. Abraham's reply that he knew the fear of God was not in the place, was not actually true of himself. If he had feared the Lord in the true sense of trusting God for everything, he would not have taken some of the actions he did. He would not have trusted in his own efforts. Often we act ourselves in trusting God. It is a hard lesson to learn, I have painful experience & still live with consequences of my lack of faith & trust in God.
v17. Here is a demonstration of the new testament kingdom in operation. Here Abraham prays in the name of the Lord for healing.
21:9-10
Here are a couple of verses which actually give a nutshell answer to the trouble in the Middle East. It is all about inheritance, although it was God's plan for the inheritance to go through the line of Isaac. The descendants of Ishmael (the Arabs), feel that they have a claim to Israel as their inheritance.
Of course God still intended to bless those people & this is why Jesus came to bring salvation to both Jews & Gentiles.
Matthew
13-14. These 2 verses are quite profound. I think that these are verses which only the Holy Spirit can truly apply to us. Gates represent a way to enter into God's presence & these verses do not refer to the end of our lives but to our present life. I really wonder sometimes how easy salvation is - true it is purely by grace & not of ourselves, but to truly enter requires real effort & a complete change of heart & mind - that is true repentance. It is a seeking with all of our hearts, mind & will not just a bit. We can easily miss the gate is the message.
15-20. We are to bear fruit. That is why we are here. His kingdom brings fruit of lives set free. Unless we are truly born again we will not bear fruit
21-23 We can call ourselves Christians but yet be unknown by Jesus. These are some of the most frightening verses in the whole Bible. Unless we have a personal relationship (greater than that of our spouses or best friends) we will not be known by Him. This can only be developed by trusting in Him, making Him our Lord, doing His will & most importantly worshipping Him.' Do you truly have a personal relationship with Jesus?
24-29 A famous story but the importance is that only where we make Him Lord of our lives can we truly say we have the right & solid foundation. If we are off course, with Jesus not at the helm we are building on sand.
8:1-4. The law said that to touch a leper would make a man unclean. Here Jesus demonstrates the kingdom in that He touched the leper & healed Him. Jesus was here to set the captives free, He was not afraid to show compassion to what were in His day the outcasts of society.
Friday, January 9, 2009
January 9. Bedouin hospitality, stop worrying
Readings: Gen 18:1-19:22, Ps 6:6-10; Prov 1:24-27, Matt 6:25-7:12
Genesis
18:1-8 Here we see the culture of Abraham's Bedouin lifestyle, which still exists in this area today. The hospitality of a Bedouin is legendary. Here we are introduced to three men, identified as the Lord & two angels.
9-15 Unlike when Abraham laughed, the Lord rebukes Sarah firmly, perhaps because she was in persistent unbelief. Notice a statement which is used many times where unbelief is concerned "Is anything impossible for the Lord?" It easy for us to be lead into unbelief. We overcome unbelief by realising that nothing is impossible for Him.
16-33. Here we begin to understand the relationship that Abraham had with God. Firstly God reveals His plans & then Abraham is able to 'negotiate' with God. He was working in partnership with God. God overwhelming character is love & mercy. This shows how when we walk closely with God we can work in partnership with Him. It is then when prayers can be most effective.
Jesus said of His disciples, "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends." (John 15:15)
19:4,5. What depravity must have been in these men's hearts & minds, but actually isn't there a lot of our culture today exactly like it?
8. Lot's hospitality appears to go much further than expected as he offers his virgin daughters instead. I think there is probably a mixture of fear & pride here as he seeks to protect his visitors.
10,11. Here we see a demonstration of the power of angels. Believe it or not angels are with us today on assignment from God to undertake His instructions.
12-22 Here we have the warning given by the angels that Lot & his family are in grave danger & that they must escape the coming wrath. But we also see some typical reactions to God's warnings. Often we receive similar messages to get out of situations - not usually by angels (not that we can see anyway) but the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
14. Lot's son-in-laws laugh & think it is a joke. Some treat their Christian life carelessly - thinking that whatever they do it doesn't matter
16. Lot linger's - sometimes we like to put things off until later, sometimes our reasoning might be good, but if God tells us to go or act we should get on with it (otherwise wouldn't He say 'wait'?)
18-20. Doing it on our terms, sometimes we say 'OK God I'll do it but these are my conditions'.
Psalm
It sometimes is very easy to get extremely downcast & feel the Christian life is a slog but the answer is to get yourself up off the floor. He lifts us up when we reach out to Him. Prayer not only brings healing to our bodies but strength to our souls.
Proverbs
God is the one who calls out to those who need Him, but that is all He can do. He doesn't force His way into people's lives. So inevitably, without His help people will find terror, calamity, trouble & stress. Life is so much easier when we respond to God's call!
Matt.
v25-34. Like me you might be naturally prone to be a worrier. Apparently a large proportion of our country are worriers. In the current financial climate this will no doubt increase. There is even a worriers website (don't look it up!)
But here Jesus outlines one of the key principles of His kingdom. There is no need to worry, this is a command not to worry. Instead we are to completely trust God to meet our needs. This is faith - believing God will come through on His promises.
God wants us to be free from worry so that we can concentrate on seeking His kingdom as our no1 priority. Don't understand the kingdom? Seek it.. with all your heart. It is the same righteousness credited to Abram
Ch 7.
1-5. Jesus does not forbid healthy criticism, rebuke or condemnation of wrong doing. In fact, all of those things are scriptural to enable spiritual growth of the entire body of the church. It is the attitude of heart which looks for faults in others, which exist in ourselves but we do not admit that we too have those short comings. Then Jesus introduces some principles of His kingdom
7-12 Persistence. We are encouraged to ask God for more in this case Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit. We are told to eagerly desire the gifts of the Holy Spirit - we have to ask for them!
Genesis
18:1-8 Here we see the culture of Abraham's Bedouin lifestyle, which still exists in this area today. The hospitality of a Bedouin is legendary. Here we are introduced to three men, identified as the Lord & two angels.
9-15 Unlike when Abraham laughed, the Lord rebukes Sarah firmly, perhaps because she was in persistent unbelief. Notice a statement which is used many times where unbelief is concerned "Is anything impossible for the Lord?" It easy for us to be lead into unbelief. We overcome unbelief by realising that nothing is impossible for Him.
16-33. Here we begin to understand the relationship that Abraham had with God. Firstly God reveals His plans & then Abraham is able to 'negotiate' with God. He was working in partnership with God. God overwhelming character is love & mercy. This shows how when we walk closely with God we can work in partnership with Him. It is then when prayers can be most effective.
Jesus said of His disciples, "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends." (John 15:15)
19:4,5. What depravity must have been in these men's hearts & minds, but actually isn't there a lot of our culture today exactly like it?
8. Lot's hospitality appears to go much further than expected as he offers his virgin daughters instead. I think there is probably a mixture of fear & pride here as he seeks to protect his visitors.
10,11. Here we see a demonstration of the power of angels. Believe it or not angels are with us today on assignment from God to undertake His instructions.
12-22 Here we have the warning given by the angels that Lot & his family are in grave danger & that they must escape the coming wrath. But we also see some typical reactions to God's warnings. Often we receive similar messages to get out of situations - not usually by angels (not that we can see anyway) but the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
14. Lot's son-in-laws laugh & think it is a joke. Some treat their Christian life carelessly - thinking that whatever they do it doesn't matter
16. Lot linger's - sometimes we like to put things off until later, sometimes our reasoning might be good, but if God tells us to go or act we should get on with it (otherwise wouldn't He say 'wait'?)
18-20. Doing it on our terms, sometimes we say 'OK God I'll do it but these are my conditions'.
Psalm
It sometimes is very easy to get extremely downcast & feel the Christian life is a slog but the answer is to get yourself up off the floor. He lifts us up when we reach out to Him. Prayer not only brings healing to our bodies but strength to our souls.
Proverbs
God is the one who calls out to those who need Him, but that is all He can do. He doesn't force His way into people's lives. So inevitably, without His help people will find terror, calamity, trouble & stress. Life is so much easier when we respond to God's call!
Matt.
v25-34. Like me you might be naturally prone to be a worrier. Apparently a large proportion of our country are worriers. In the current financial climate this will no doubt increase. There is even a worriers website (don't look it up!)
But here Jesus outlines one of the key principles of His kingdom. There is no need to worry, this is a command not to worry. Instead we are to completely trust God to meet our needs. This is faith - believing God will come through on His promises.
God wants us to be free from worry so that we can concentrate on seeking His kingdom as our no1 priority. Don't understand the kingdom? Seek it.. with all your heart. It is the same righteousness credited to Abram
Ch 7.
1-5. Jesus does not forbid healthy criticism, rebuke or condemnation of wrong doing. In fact, all of those things are scriptural to enable spiritual growth of the entire body of the church. It is the attitude of heart which looks for faults in others, which exist in ourselves but we do not admit that we too have those short comings. Then Jesus introduces some principles of His kingdom
7-12 Persistence. We are encouraged to ask God for more in this case Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit. We are told to eagerly desire the gifts of the Holy Spirit - we have to ask for them!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
January 8.
Readings: Gen 15:7-17:27, Ps 6:1-5, Prov 1:20-23, Matt 6:5-24
Genesis
Here we see the beginning of events which would cause Israel a great deal of trouble (& still do). In Ch 15, here God outlines what will actually happen to the nation before it will inherit the land. He refers to the possession & slavery of their time in Egypt.
Then we read how Sarai gave her Egyptian slave Hagar to Abram & he result was that Ishmael was born. Sarai is very harsh in her treatment of Hagar & despite running away God sends her back to the mistreatment. Sometimes, despite what we have to put up with God places us in a location of His chosing & for His purposes. A similar promise is made to her in that He would multiply her offspring. However we have the warning in v12 'he will live at odds with all his brothers'.
I find it interesting that there is no rebuke from God for bearing a child with Hagar, although the history of Israel is that the consequences are everlasting. In ch 17, God re-affirms His promise by changing Abram's name to Abraham. As a sign of that covenant circumcision is introduced (ouch!) This was one way to make the nation holy (set apart) and show that they were special to God.
v17 we read the Abraham laughed - but not in a way which mocked God. This was the laughter of rejoicing as He trusted God to do something which was humanly impossible.
Psalm
Here the psalmist is almost begging God for mercy. Mercy is God's most loving quality but His anger is His most scary. There is a verse which says "what a terrible to fall into the hands of the living God". The psalmist knows that to suffer discipline under God's anger would be terrible. This psalm makes me realise how much we should fear God & want to please Him. We shouldn't live in fear because His grace & mercy come first, but He does deal angrily with those who oppose Him & when we think of the price of our forgiveness we should remember He could justifiable be angry when we treat forgiveness flippantly.
Proverbs
The wise man submits to the Lord's dicipline and those with wisdom stand out in the crowd.
Matthew
The core thing for me in this passage is that prayer is primarily for God's purposes not our own. I think we can all pray for some pretty selfish things at times. "God do this for me etc" Jesus teaches us the things we should pray for always begin with God & His purposes. Prayer allows us to give authority for God to act but the bit we forget is that the promise of answered prayer is when prayed in accordance with His will.
Asking God to give us a promotion might seem a valid prayer, but at what expense - less time to do His will for us & His church? If that is the case, is it valid? The question I then have is, if we get that job which reduces the time we can spend doing things for God, who has given the answer? God's will is always first!
It is not accident then, that Jesus goes on to discuss money. How often are our prayers about money things instead of God things. Eg. is our prayer "how can we set the opressed free in the name of Jesus?"
Genesis
Here we see the beginning of events which would cause Israel a great deal of trouble (& still do). In Ch 15, here God outlines what will actually happen to the nation before it will inherit the land. He refers to the possession & slavery of their time in Egypt.
Then we read how Sarai gave her Egyptian slave Hagar to Abram & he result was that Ishmael was born. Sarai is very harsh in her treatment of Hagar & despite running away God sends her back to the mistreatment. Sometimes, despite what we have to put up with God places us in a location of His chosing & for His purposes. A similar promise is made to her in that He would multiply her offspring. However we have the warning in v12 'he will live at odds with all his brothers'.
I find it interesting that there is no rebuke from God for bearing a child with Hagar, although the history of Israel is that the consequences are everlasting. In ch 17, God re-affirms His promise by changing Abram's name to Abraham. As a sign of that covenant circumcision is introduced (ouch!) This was one way to make the nation holy (set apart) and show that they were special to God.
v17 we read the Abraham laughed - but not in a way which mocked God. This was the laughter of rejoicing as He trusted God to do something which was humanly impossible.
Psalm
Here the psalmist is almost begging God for mercy. Mercy is God's most loving quality but His anger is His most scary. There is a verse which says "what a terrible to fall into the hands of the living God". The psalmist knows that to suffer discipline under God's anger would be terrible. This psalm makes me realise how much we should fear God & want to please Him. We shouldn't live in fear because His grace & mercy come first, but He does deal angrily with those who oppose Him & when we think of the price of our forgiveness we should remember He could justifiable be angry when we treat forgiveness flippantly.
Proverbs
The wise man submits to the Lord's dicipline and those with wisdom stand out in the crowd.
Matthew
The core thing for me in this passage is that prayer is primarily for God's purposes not our own. I think we can all pray for some pretty selfish things at times. "God do this for me etc" Jesus teaches us the things we should pray for always begin with God & His purposes. Prayer allows us to give authority for God to act but the bit we forget is that the promise of answered prayer is when prayed in accordance with His will.
Asking God to give us a promotion might seem a valid prayer, but at what expense - less time to do His will for us & His church? If that is the case, is it valid? The question I then have is, if we get that job which reduces the time we can spend doing things for God, who has given the answer? God's will is always first!
It is not accident then, that Jesus goes on to discuss money. How often are our prayers about money things instead of God things. Eg. is our prayer "how can we set the opressed free in the name of Jesus?"
January 7. Separation, righteousness & loving our enemies
Readings: Genesis 13:1-15:6, Ps 5:7-12, Prov 1:17-19, Matt 5:33- 6:4
Genesis
Abram & Lot separate. God's blessing upon them had been so great that they both had great wealth & possessions, so much so that it was causing strife amongst them. How true this still is today, some people are never seemingly satisfied even with the vast amounts they do have.
So there is an agreed separation of the land and they go their separate ways. There are various examples of groups or people going different ways to avoid the strife which seems to be building up. Perhaps this is God's mercy & plan to ensure that His will is carried out. We have so many denominations in this country, but yet generally the church is in a poor state. I'm not really well up on the history of most denominations & maybe God was in their foundation originally but when they evolve into something which separates from the main body of Christ they will never be effective.
13:10-11 Lot sees the land of the plain of Jordan & how attractive it looks. He turns his back on the promised land unaware of the dangers which lurked there. Often something worldly can look very attractive but in reality an attractive outside hides an evil inside.
13:14-17 God's promise to Abram. He could see & walk in the land of his inheritance but the promise to make his decedents as vast as dust would have to be believed by faith. Jesus was promised the lost as his inheritance. Around our church is the land but we have to believe in His power & seek to do His will for the inheritance. I've heard of a number of pastors who now have big churches, who started off with very few. But they preached, eyes closed, as though their church was full. This is faithful vision, not wishful thinking.
Chapter 14
After Lot is taken captive & then rescued by Abram, we see that God is given the glory for the victory. However in v 21, the temptation of the spoils of war was put before Abram, but Abram was faithful to the commitment made to God. It is easy to see something else other than God as our provider. God wants to be our provider, we need to be careful where our provisions come from & who is doing the offering.
Chapter 15
Here God repeats His promise to Abram to make his descendants vast in number, but Abram has doubts from a human perspective but Abram had trust in the Lord. (See Selwyn Hughes's thoughts on this.
Psalm
v10 Here is the Psalmists enthusiasm for God's cause & I often find the language strong but all the same tempting to use ourselves sometimes! Yet the psalmist has not got the entire revelation, he has not seen God's grace in action!
v11&12 It's wonderful when we give God control!
Prov
Those who are greedy for more,gained at whatever cost will be their own downfall. "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the who world, and loses his own soul?" Matt 16:26
Matthew
v33-37 This throws into question whether we should swear an oath in a court for an example. But that would actually make it that Jesus is adding a rule. What He is actually doing is saying that whatever we say is binding. The suggestion is that there are times where an oath was not kept. As Christians we should be above reproach & thoroughly trustworthy.
v38-48 The cost of true love. Jesus challenges the religious leaders with their various rules. He was here to show His Father's love which is extravagant & far reaching. That we should love our enemies really flies in the face of our carnality.
6:1-4 As Christians we are to please God. When we do anything it is for His glory. That also means we off Him the best of everything in terms of time, energy & resources. We can't pretend in front of God!
Genesis
Abram & Lot separate. God's blessing upon them had been so great that they both had great wealth & possessions, so much so that it was causing strife amongst them. How true this still is today, some people are never seemingly satisfied even with the vast amounts they do have.
So there is an agreed separation of the land and they go their separate ways. There are various examples of groups or people going different ways to avoid the strife which seems to be building up. Perhaps this is God's mercy & plan to ensure that His will is carried out. We have so many denominations in this country, but yet generally the church is in a poor state. I'm not really well up on the history of most denominations & maybe God was in their foundation originally but when they evolve into something which separates from the main body of Christ they will never be effective.
13:10-11 Lot sees the land of the plain of Jordan & how attractive it looks. He turns his back on the promised land unaware of the dangers which lurked there. Often something worldly can look very attractive but in reality an attractive outside hides an evil inside.
13:14-17 God's promise to Abram. He could see & walk in the land of his inheritance but the promise to make his decedents as vast as dust would have to be believed by faith. Jesus was promised the lost as his inheritance. Around our church is the land but we have to believe in His power & seek to do His will for the inheritance. I've heard of a number of pastors who now have big churches, who started off with very few. But they preached, eyes closed, as though their church was full. This is faithful vision, not wishful thinking.
Chapter 14
After Lot is taken captive & then rescued by Abram, we see that God is given the glory for the victory. However in v 21, the temptation of the spoils of war was put before Abram, but Abram was faithful to the commitment made to God. It is easy to see something else other than God as our provider. God wants to be our provider, we need to be careful where our provisions come from & who is doing the offering.
Chapter 15
Here God repeats His promise to Abram to make his descendants vast in number, but Abram has doubts from a human perspective but Abram had trust in the Lord. (See Selwyn Hughes's thoughts on this.
Psalm
v10 Here is the Psalmists enthusiasm for God's cause & I often find the language strong but all the same tempting to use ourselves sometimes! Yet the psalmist has not got the entire revelation, he has not seen God's grace in action!
v11&12 It's wonderful when we give God control!
Prov
Those who are greedy for more,gained at whatever cost will be their own downfall. "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the who world, and loses his own soul?" Matt 16:26
Matthew
v33-37 This throws into question whether we should swear an oath in a court for an example. But that would actually make it that Jesus is adding a rule. What He is actually doing is saying that whatever we say is binding. The suggestion is that there are times where an oath was not kept. As Christians we should be above reproach & thoroughly trustworthy.
v38-48 The cost of true love. Jesus challenges the religious leaders with their various rules. He was here to show His Father's love which is extravagant & far reaching. That we should love our enemies really flies in the face of our carnality.
6:1-4 As Christians we are to please God. When we do anything it is for His glory. That also means we off Him the best of everything in terms of time, energy & resources. We can't pretend in front of God!
Monday, January 5, 2009
January 6. Languages, Lies & Light
Readings: Gen 11:1-12:20, Ps 5:1-6, Prov 1:15-16, Matt 5:13-32
Genesis
v4. This was in direct contravention of God's command for the people to fill the whole world. In addition they wanted to build a tower which would protect them from any future flood - i.e. they did not believe God's promise not to flood the earth again. It is in the hearts of some men for their name to be glorified rather than God, therefore this is rebellion.
This tower is real, having been observed by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus.
v5-9. God does exactly what the people wanted to avoid - He scatters them. 'Nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them' - because gives man free will, He will not intervene. This is also for good, because man can also work very well & achieve great things. But in the same way where there are evil intents at play he can also cause great harm. Just think of some of the evils of the last 100 years or so.
God's confusion of the language was His act of grace to limit the combined power of evil which was beginning to take place. We still have some of this confusion today. Even though there are evil powers at work, they do not always join forces because of cultural differences etc. However, this will not always be the case, as there will be clear working together of evil in the last days especially against the nation of Israel.
Ch 12.
At the end of chapter 11 we are first introduced to Abram. At the start of chapter 12, we have God's great promise which is still valid today. God does protect Israel & history shows what happens to nations according to how they treat Israel. That God promises to create a nation from Abram, who at the age of 75 had no children is remarkable. Abram trusted in God for this promise.
v10. Abram's faith is tested by famine & this could be significant for Christians living in the last days. Instead of trusting in God to provide, Abram went to Egypt, but God had called him to Canaan. In the last days we read about financial systems requiring the mark of the beast. It is in these times when we will need to place our complete trust in God alone to provide. As God begins to shake the world economy He is looking for believers to live under the economy of heaven , which is faith.
Whilst God protected Abram in Egypt, he came away with problems, biggest of which was Hagar. She of course bore Ishmael & we can trace modern day issues with Israel to that very birth.
v13. The pact to lie about their relationship. Sometimes the devil can cause us to lie, no matter how right it seems at the time. God wants the truth at all times.
Psalm
Truth is at the heart of this psalm. God is merciful & always ready to forgive. He would rather we confess first thing in the morning than going through the day being proud & wicked.
Proverbs
Continues the warning from yesterday, in that we should avoid being led into sin by others. If we are easily led by certain people it is best to avoid them.
Matthew
v13. In the days of Jesus, salt was valuable. It was used to preserve - to prevent decay. As Christians we should prevent decay in society. It was used to flavour & our impact on others should flavour them with the kingdom of God.
14-16. We are to be the light in the darkness of the world. When Jesus lives in us we should illuminate & glow. Moses face shone when he had been in the presence of God. We too have that same access to His presence. And unlike Moses, whose glory began to fade & so had to cover his face, we are told that we are unveiled because to glory on us should not fade.
Genesis
v4. This was in direct contravention of God's command for the people to fill the whole world. In addition they wanted to build a tower which would protect them from any future flood - i.e. they did not believe God's promise not to flood the earth again. It is in the hearts of some men for their name to be glorified rather than God, therefore this is rebellion.
This tower is real, having been observed by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus.
v5-9. God does exactly what the people wanted to avoid - He scatters them. 'Nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them' - because gives man free will, He will not intervene. This is also for good, because man can also work very well & achieve great things. But in the same way where there are evil intents at play he can also cause great harm. Just think of some of the evils of the last 100 years or so.
God's confusion of the language was His act of grace to limit the combined power of evil which was beginning to take place. We still have some of this confusion today. Even though there are evil powers at work, they do not always join forces because of cultural differences etc. However, this will not always be the case, as there will be clear working together of evil in the last days especially against the nation of Israel.
Ch 12.
At the end of chapter 11 we are first introduced to Abram. At the start of chapter 12, we have God's great promise which is still valid today. God does protect Israel & history shows what happens to nations according to how they treat Israel. That God promises to create a nation from Abram, who at the age of 75 had no children is remarkable. Abram trusted in God for this promise.
v10. Abram's faith is tested by famine & this could be significant for Christians living in the last days. Instead of trusting in God to provide, Abram went to Egypt, but God had called him to Canaan. In the last days we read about financial systems requiring the mark of the beast. It is in these times when we will need to place our complete trust in God alone to provide. As God begins to shake the world economy He is looking for believers to live under the economy of heaven , which is faith.
Whilst God protected Abram in Egypt, he came away with problems, biggest of which was Hagar. She of course bore Ishmael & we can trace modern day issues with Israel to that very birth.
v13. The pact to lie about their relationship. Sometimes the devil can cause us to lie, no matter how right it seems at the time. God wants the truth at all times.
Psalm
Truth is at the heart of this psalm. God is merciful & always ready to forgive. He would rather we confess first thing in the morning than going through the day being proud & wicked.
Proverbs
Continues the warning from yesterday, in that we should avoid being led into sin by others. If we are easily led by certain people it is best to avoid them.
Matthew
v13. In the days of Jesus, salt was valuable. It was used to preserve - to prevent decay. As Christians we should prevent decay in society. It was used to flavour & our impact on others should flavour them with the kingdom of God.
14-16. We are to be the light in the darkness of the world. When Jesus lives in us we should illuminate & glow. Moses face shone when he had been in the presence of God. We too have that same access to His presence. And unlike Moses, whose glory began to fade & so had to cover his face, we are told that we are unveiled because to glory on us should not fade.
January 5. Promises & peace
Readings Gen 8:8-10:32, Psalm 4:1-8, Prov 1:10-14, Matt 4:21-5:12.
Genesis
8:13 God establishes a promise by apparently creating a new natural phenomenon of a rainbow. There is a great deal of significance about clouds in Scripture. We even read that the strength of God is in the clouds (Ps 68).
20-25. Here we can see that wine is an ancient fruit of the soil and Noah evidently drinks too much & removes his clothing. I'm not sure why Ham's actions result in a curse, but perhaps he was drawing attention to his father rather than covering up his shame like the other two. Often we take delight in mishaps which happen to others, instead of providing the support which should come out of brotherly love for each other.
Chapter 10. This list of names is very significant because it shows how the earth was re-populated after the flood. Some of the highlights here are in v 2&3, the sons of Japeth - these names are mentioned in Ezekiel's prophecy about the end times in Ez 38 & 39.
Nimrod in v 8 became the founder of nations such as Babylon & Nineveh which feature significantly in Israel's history.
Psalm
This would be a great psalm to read before we go to sleep. It is almost like a lullaby. God really does care for us to this level of detail. Nothing makes Him happier than when we have complete trust in Him, enough that all that is on our mind is left in His care. It is only God who can do this, many turn to other things such as alcohol or relaxation techniques, but only God can give real gladness in our hearts & only He is the basis for a peaceful mind.
Proverbs
Be careful who we associate with. This sadly includes other Christians who are more easily led in to sin. If we share in their compromise, our defence will be weakened & we will be more easily tempted. It can sometimes appear that those who live unholy lives have more success (and this is often the source of envy within us) but it is the prosperity of our souls which is the only thing which will have eternal value.
Matthew
4:23. The gospel of the Kingdom & the signs and wonders were inseparable. This is why the crowds came to Jesus, not to hear His words but because they had need for the miracles. In verse 24 we read they brought to Him those who were afflicted, diseased, in pain, the demon possessed, the epileptics & the paralysed. He healed them all.
If we have the same power within us as Jesus & the authority that went with it, surely we too should be the light on a hill which draws people with needs to us. Peoples needs today have not changed!
5:3 The poor in spirit is NOT a sign of weakness! It is actually a strength and is where our faith is such that we give ourselves entirely into God's hands. It is the same principle as we have in Psalm 4.
v6. The principle here is that God is looking for us to be hungry & thirsty for Him. We should never be satisfied in our walk with Him. We should want to be more & more like Jesus. Do we really have that hunger & thirst?
Genesis
8:13 God establishes a promise by apparently creating a new natural phenomenon of a rainbow. There is a great deal of significance about clouds in Scripture. We even read that the strength of God is in the clouds (Ps 68).
20-25. Here we can see that wine is an ancient fruit of the soil and Noah evidently drinks too much & removes his clothing. I'm not sure why Ham's actions result in a curse, but perhaps he was drawing attention to his father rather than covering up his shame like the other two. Often we take delight in mishaps which happen to others, instead of providing the support which should come out of brotherly love for each other.
Chapter 10. This list of names is very significant because it shows how the earth was re-populated after the flood. Some of the highlights here are in v 2&3, the sons of Japeth - these names are mentioned in Ezekiel's prophecy about the end times in Ez 38 & 39.
Nimrod in v 8 became the founder of nations such as Babylon & Nineveh which feature significantly in Israel's history.
Psalm
This would be a great psalm to read before we go to sleep. It is almost like a lullaby. God really does care for us to this level of detail. Nothing makes Him happier than when we have complete trust in Him, enough that all that is on our mind is left in His care. It is only God who can do this, many turn to other things such as alcohol or relaxation techniques, but only God can give real gladness in our hearts & only He is the basis for a peaceful mind.
Proverbs
Be careful who we associate with. This sadly includes other Christians who are more easily led in to sin. If we share in their compromise, our defence will be weakened & we will be more easily tempted. It can sometimes appear that those who live unholy lives have more success (and this is often the source of envy within us) but it is the prosperity of our souls which is the only thing which will have eternal value.
Matthew
4:23. The gospel of the Kingdom & the signs and wonders were inseparable. This is why the crowds came to Jesus, not to hear His words but because they had need for the miracles. In verse 24 we read they brought to Him those who were afflicted, diseased, in pain, the demon possessed, the epileptics & the paralysed. He healed them all.
If we have the same power within us as Jesus & the authority that went with it, surely we too should be the light on a hill which draws people with needs to us. Peoples needs today have not changed!
5:3 The poor in spirit is NOT a sign of weakness! It is actually a strength and is where our faith is such that we give ourselves entirely into God's hands. It is the same principle as we have in Psalm 4.
v6. The principle here is that God is looking for us to be hungry & thirsty for Him. We should never be satisfied in our walk with Him. We should want to be more & more like Jesus. Do we really have that hunger & thirst?
Sunday, January 4, 2009
January 4
Readings: Gen 7:1-9:7, Psalm 3:1-8, Proverbs 1:8-9, Matt 4:1-20
Genesis
The narrative of the flood is very descriptive & requires no explanation. Yesterday, we saw how the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove. In ch 8 verses 8-12, we read that Noah sent out a dove to test if the waters had receded sufficiently. He knew that the dove would only land if safe to do so. The dove is known to be very shy & unless things are right, it will not land. This is true of the Holy Spirit. He is easily grieved & unless conditions are right will not be able to settle.
v20. Here we read how Noah made sacrifice presumably out of thankfulness for God's provision. God found this to be a pleasing aroma.
Psalm 3
This psalm reminds us that God is our protection. Despite time when we feel that enemies surround us on every side (this isn't necessarily people, but often circumstances which overwhelm us). Despite being surrounded by enemies the psalmist was able to sleep because of his trust in God, who sustains us.
Proverbs
When we are children it often seems that our parents are nagging us, but then as we become parents ourselves we soon learn that our parents were right. If we followed what our parents told us we find that rather than being a weight around our neck they have brought good things to us such as morals etc.
Matthew
When we looked at Genesis a few days ago we saw the way in which the devil tempted Adam and Eve by questioning what God had told them. We said it was important to know the Bible & actually read for ourselves what it says rather than relying on what we think it says or what someone (e.g. a preacher) tells us it says.
Here the devil quotes Scripture which Jesus refutes with Scripture. It is not only important to check our verses but also ensure context & the whole picture is understood. Reading the Bible all the way through really helps to see the big picture.
Genesis
The narrative of the flood is very descriptive & requires no explanation. Yesterday, we saw how the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove. In ch 8 verses 8-12, we read that Noah sent out a dove to test if the waters had receded sufficiently. He knew that the dove would only land if safe to do so. The dove is known to be very shy & unless things are right, it will not land. This is true of the Holy Spirit. He is easily grieved & unless conditions are right will not be able to settle.
v20. Here we read how Noah made sacrifice presumably out of thankfulness for God's provision. God found this to be a pleasing aroma.
Psalm 3
This psalm reminds us that God is our protection. Despite time when we feel that enemies surround us on every side (this isn't necessarily people, but often circumstances which overwhelm us). Despite being surrounded by enemies the psalmist was able to sleep because of his trust in God, who sustains us.
Proverbs
When we are children it often seems that our parents are nagging us, but then as we become parents ourselves we soon learn that our parents were right. If we followed what our parents told us we find that rather than being a weight around our neck they have brought good things to us such as morals etc.
Matthew
When we looked at Genesis a few days ago we saw the way in which the devil tempted Adam and Eve by questioning what God had told them. We said it was important to know the Bible & actually read for ourselves what it says rather than relying on what we think it says or what someone (e.g. a preacher) tells us it says.
Here the devil quotes Scripture which Jesus refutes with Scripture. It is not only important to check our verses but also ensure context & the whole picture is understood. Reading the Bible all the way through really helps to see the big picture.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
January 3. The brooding wrath of God
January 3rd
Readings: Genesis 5:1 – 6:22, Psalm 2:7-12, Proverbs 1:7, Matthew 3:1-17
Genesis 5
The patriarchs living before the flood averaged a 900 year life span. After the flood, the average age span declined rapidly.
V24. Enoch is described as having walked with God & in Hebrews 11 is described as someone who pleased God.
Ch 6.
V3. Because of the corruption which had already become prevalent on the earth, God ordained the number of years a man would live.
V5 & 6. I think that we get to understand something of the profound sense of disappointment felt by God. These verses almost groan.
V8. Noah finds favour with God & throughout the Bible there are many others who do the same such as Moses & David.
V11-13. In Matthew 24:36-39, Jesus says that around the time of the day of the Day of the Lord it will be just as in the time of Noah. The corruption & violence of the earth will come to sudden end. This is why we should be ready at all times for the return of Jesus.
V14-16. God gives Noah precise detail for the construction of the ark, its shape would mean that it was difficult to capsize. I often wonder what people round about would have made of what Noah was doing. I can imagine Kevin McCloud from Grand Designs turning up every so often for an update!
V18. This is the first mention of a biblical covenant. God’s protection of Noah & his family throughout the flood is the first stage of the promise.
Psalm 2
Yesterday, in the first half of this Psalm we saw how rebellion against God is futile. He always wins. In the second part of the Psalm we are introduced to Jesus, who is given the Nations as an inheritance.
For this reason in verse 10 the psalmist gives some advice to the rulers of the world in verses 10-12.
“Serve the Lord with reverential awe, and rejoice with trembling” this is a command to us as well. But as is always the case with God, it brings wonderful blessing serving Him this way. As we saw Noah had favour with God serving Him wholeheartedly, remembering He is sovereign & majestic, and always rejoicing is the way to gain favour.
To disrespect Him or serve half-heartedly brings the wrath promised in verse 12.
Proverbs
1:7 This is a verse I committed to memory a long time ago. It is the key theme of Proverbs. It is not the terror of a tyrant, but the kind of awe & respect which will lead to obedience to Him who is wisest of all.
Matthew 3
I am sure like we would today, this man John, on a human level would be dismissed as a crank & people would have gone to scorn & laugh at him. But yet we read in verses 5&6 that people were flocking to him & being baptised. On the face of it, his message was not one of great oratory, but a simple call to repentance.
So what was it the drew the crowds? You will find the answer in Luke 1:15.
V8. A sign that we have been truly born again is the fruit that we bear. True regeneration causes us to hate sin. If we continuously return to the same sins again & again, then we have not truly repented. We need supernatural power to overcome sin.
V11. John clearly tells us that his baptism is one of repentance. Significant in that it means being immersed in water to symbolise death to our old way of life & being lifted up into new life. Jesus however, brings another baptism, one of the Holy Spirit & fire. This can be a controversial verse to many – but is perhaps best understood in the light of verse 8. Does what we have received from God when we were born again bring the fruit of the Spirit & fire. Does it produce in us what is expected? Am I on fire?
V12. Is the Holy Spirit working in us to burn up everything which hinders our walk with God? Is He taking what is good & purifying it?
V16. Notice the separation of events. Jesus receives the baptism of repentance & then the Holy Spirit comes down from heaven to rest upon Him. Here the word for ‘opened’ means to tear apart. This would not have been a quite, unnoticeable event. Whilst we would often like to think the Holy Spirit would work quietly behind the scenes, the Bible of depicts events involving the Holy Spirit as spectacular.
V17. Would we all like to receive such a commendation from God?
Readings: Genesis 5:1 – 6:22, Psalm 2:7-12, Proverbs 1:7, Matthew 3:1-17
Genesis 5
The patriarchs living before the flood averaged a 900 year life span. After the flood, the average age span declined rapidly.
V24. Enoch is described as having walked with God & in Hebrews 11 is described as someone who pleased God.
Ch 6.
V3. Because of the corruption which had already become prevalent on the earth, God ordained the number of years a man would live.
V5 & 6. I think that we get to understand something of the profound sense of disappointment felt by God. These verses almost groan.
V8. Noah finds favour with God & throughout the Bible there are many others who do the same such as Moses & David.
V11-13. In Matthew 24:36-39, Jesus says that around the time of the day of the Day of the Lord it will be just as in the time of Noah. The corruption & violence of the earth will come to sudden end. This is why we should be ready at all times for the return of Jesus.
V14-16. God gives Noah precise detail for the construction of the ark, its shape would mean that it was difficult to capsize. I often wonder what people round about would have made of what Noah was doing. I can imagine Kevin McCloud from Grand Designs turning up every so often for an update!
V18. This is the first mention of a biblical covenant. God’s protection of Noah & his family throughout the flood is the first stage of the promise.
Psalm 2
Yesterday, in the first half of this Psalm we saw how rebellion against God is futile. He always wins. In the second part of the Psalm we are introduced to Jesus, who is given the Nations as an inheritance.
For this reason in verse 10 the psalmist gives some advice to the rulers of the world in verses 10-12.
“Serve the Lord with reverential awe, and rejoice with trembling” this is a command to us as well. But as is always the case with God, it brings wonderful blessing serving Him this way. As we saw Noah had favour with God serving Him wholeheartedly, remembering He is sovereign & majestic, and always rejoicing is the way to gain favour.
To disrespect Him or serve half-heartedly brings the wrath promised in verse 12.
Proverbs
1:7 This is a verse I committed to memory a long time ago. It is the key theme of Proverbs. It is not the terror of a tyrant, but the kind of awe & respect which will lead to obedience to Him who is wisest of all.
Matthew 3
I am sure like we would today, this man John, on a human level would be dismissed as a crank & people would have gone to scorn & laugh at him. But yet we read in verses 5&6 that people were flocking to him & being baptised. On the face of it, his message was not one of great oratory, but a simple call to repentance.
So what was it the drew the crowds? You will find the answer in Luke 1:15.
V8. A sign that we have been truly born again is the fruit that we bear. True regeneration causes us to hate sin. If we continuously return to the same sins again & again, then we have not truly repented. We need supernatural power to overcome sin.
V11. John clearly tells us that his baptism is one of repentance. Significant in that it means being immersed in water to symbolise death to our old way of life & being lifted up into new life. Jesus however, brings another baptism, one of the Holy Spirit & fire. This can be a controversial verse to many – but is perhaps best understood in the light of verse 8. Does what we have received from God when we were born again bring the fruit of the Spirit & fire. Does it produce in us what is expected? Am I on fire?
V12. Is the Holy Spirit working in us to burn up everything which hinders our walk with God? Is He taking what is good & purifying it?
V16. Notice the separation of events. Jesus receives the baptism of repentance & then the Holy Spirit comes down from heaven to rest upon Him. Here the word for ‘opened’ means to tear apart. This would not have been a quite, unnoticeable event. Whilst we would often like to think the Holy Spirit would work quietly behind the scenes, the Bible of depicts events involving the Holy Spirit as spectacular.
V17. Would we all like to receive such a commendation from God?
Friday, January 2, 2009
January 2. Satan the destroyer
Readings: Gen 3:1 – 4:26, Psalm 2: 1-6, Proverbs 1:5-6, Matthew 2:1-23
Genesis 3
V1. It doesn’t take long before we see the arrival of Satan. His aim in life is to destroy or steal everything God has made or done. Here is God’s perfect creation & relationship with mankind but Satan comes to destroy. This is one reason why we need to be aware of his schemes (but not afraid) because he will always attempt to spoil our relationship with God. How often do we find that just after a time where we feel really close to God something happens which affects what has just happened.
V1 – 6. Two of Satan’s best weapons are doubt and lies. He will do his best to ensure that we do not know the truth. This is why it is essential to know what the word of God says, not what we think it says. This is why we must always check out the Scriptures as our ultimate authority. Notice too how temptation works – Satan suggests that there are benefits to them eating from the tree. How often do we justify something we know to be wrong because there are “benefits”. This is really disobedience & will always lead us into sin. The devil does the same with unbelief. For example, ‘Is God really interested in the minutest detail of your life?’ (Of course He is)
V 7-8. Sin will always lead to guilt. Guilt is an awareness of sin brought about by the Holy Spirit. It is God acting in mercy to point out that we have stepped out of line. It is possible to ignore guilt but eventually this leads to hardness of heart.
V 12-13. The blame game. This is our human nature to blame someone else, why do toddlers say ‘is wasn’t me’ when confronted with the crayon on the newly painted wall?. But God holds us personally responsible for our sin. Thank Him for His grace!
V15. This explains our daily conflict. We are in a war with the devil. The devil is not some mythical or comical figure but is our enemy. We need to know our enemy. The good news is that from the seed of woman Jesus was born. At Calvary He struck the head of Satan & so in Him we have victory.
V 17- 19. I’m not a fan of gardening or physical work come to that (I prefer brain work to manual work) but when I do anything in the garden I always think of these verses. It doesn’t really just mean physical work, but that life is much harder than it should be. God should be our provider. Life on earth differs to life in heaven, but as a result of sin. So sickness, death, poverty, hunger, sorrow, bondage, injustice etc are the consequences.
It was from these things that Jesus came to set us free. This is what it means for Jesus to bring His kingdom to earth. (See Isaiah 61)
V21. Even though God was angry, He was still gracious enough to provide clothing.
Chapter 4. Cain & Abel
V 1-8. This is a story of what is in the heart. Why was Abel’s sacrifice acceptable to God whereas Cain’s wasn’t? It was because of the motives in their hearts. God gives Cain some great advice in verse 7, which we do well to learn too. God tells Cain that sin is out to get him, but he must master it. We must master sin & with the power of the Holy Spirit & a right motive towards God we are able to do so.
Psalm 2
If we stand back once in a while & look at things as God sees them, we realise the futility of what the world does with life. We have the angry people, the greedy people, the dictators, the intellectuals, the atheists. All are going their own way and against God. But here we read that God laughs. God is in control & nothing or no one can come against Him. The only thing which moves God is heartfelt repentance & a desire to seek Him.
Proverbs 1
V 5&6. Congratulations, you are taking the right steps to becoming wise! This is a promise that as we read through the Bible in a year, your wisdom will increase & you will start to understand even some of the most difficult passages. In 1 Cor 2, Paul talks about the hidden wisdom of God, which God reveals by His Spirit. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit & give you the mind of Christ.
Matthew 2.
Notice again how quickly the devil is on the scene trying to kill Jesus through King Herod. Again the importance of a relationship with God where we hear His voice & then act in obedience is seen here. What if Joseph hadn’t followed the dream & escaped to Egypt?
Genesis 3
V1. It doesn’t take long before we see the arrival of Satan. His aim in life is to destroy or steal everything God has made or done. Here is God’s perfect creation & relationship with mankind but Satan comes to destroy. This is one reason why we need to be aware of his schemes (but not afraid) because he will always attempt to spoil our relationship with God. How often do we find that just after a time where we feel really close to God something happens which affects what has just happened.
V1 – 6. Two of Satan’s best weapons are doubt and lies. He will do his best to ensure that we do not know the truth. This is why it is essential to know what the word of God says, not what we think it says. This is why we must always check out the Scriptures as our ultimate authority. Notice too how temptation works – Satan suggests that there are benefits to them eating from the tree. How often do we justify something we know to be wrong because there are “benefits”. This is really disobedience & will always lead us into sin. The devil does the same with unbelief. For example, ‘Is God really interested in the minutest detail of your life?’ (Of course He is)
V 7-8. Sin will always lead to guilt. Guilt is an awareness of sin brought about by the Holy Spirit. It is God acting in mercy to point out that we have stepped out of line. It is possible to ignore guilt but eventually this leads to hardness of heart.
V 12-13. The blame game. This is our human nature to blame someone else, why do toddlers say ‘is wasn’t me’ when confronted with the crayon on the newly painted wall?. But God holds us personally responsible for our sin. Thank Him for His grace!
V15. This explains our daily conflict. We are in a war with the devil. The devil is not some mythical or comical figure but is our enemy. We need to know our enemy. The good news is that from the seed of woman Jesus was born. At Calvary He struck the head of Satan & so in Him we have victory.
V 17- 19. I’m not a fan of gardening or physical work come to that (I prefer brain work to manual work) but when I do anything in the garden I always think of these verses. It doesn’t really just mean physical work, but that life is much harder than it should be. God should be our provider. Life on earth differs to life in heaven, but as a result of sin. So sickness, death, poverty, hunger, sorrow, bondage, injustice etc are the consequences.
It was from these things that Jesus came to set us free. This is what it means for Jesus to bring His kingdom to earth. (See Isaiah 61)
V21. Even though God was angry, He was still gracious enough to provide clothing.
Chapter 4. Cain & Abel
V 1-8. This is a story of what is in the heart. Why was Abel’s sacrifice acceptable to God whereas Cain’s wasn’t? It was because of the motives in their hearts. God gives Cain some great advice in verse 7, which we do well to learn too. God tells Cain that sin is out to get him, but he must master it. We must master sin & with the power of the Holy Spirit & a right motive towards God we are able to do so.
Psalm 2
If we stand back once in a while & look at things as God sees them, we realise the futility of what the world does with life. We have the angry people, the greedy people, the dictators, the intellectuals, the atheists. All are going their own way and against God. But here we read that God laughs. God is in control & nothing or no one can come against Him. The only thing which moves God is heartfelt repentance & a desire to seek Him.
Proverbs 1
V 5&6. Congratulations, you are taking the right steps to becoming wise! This is a promise that as we read through the Bible in a year, your wisdom will increase & you will start to understand even some of the most difficult passages. In 1 Cor 2, Paul talks about the hidden wisdom of God, which God reveals by His Spirit. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit & give you the mind of Christ.
Matthew 2.
Notice again how quickly the devil is on the scene trying to kill Jesus through King Herod. Again the importance of a relationship with God where we hear His voice & then act in obedience is seen here. What if Joseph hadn’t followed the dream & escaped to Egypt?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
January 1. New Beginnings
Welcome to 2009 & a very happy New Year!
I'm disappointed not to have the One Year Bible's yet, but unfortunately Wesley Owen had run out of supplies. I have been chasing them almost daily & they have ordered directly from the publishers so as soon as I get them I will let you have one.
I do plan to use this site as often as possible just to put down my own thoughts as I go through the Bible myself. Hopefully some will find these thoughts useful & please feel free to add comments.
As far as I can, I will aim to publish the day before, so I will need to be one day ahead. But it will not be always possible everyday.
I hope you will be blessed, encouraged, challenged & changed as a result of your studies.
So here are the thoughts for today.
Readings Gen 1:1- 2:25, Psalm 1:1-6, Prov 1:1-4; Matt 1:1-25
Genesis 1
v3. Here is God's opening line "Let there be light" - Jesus is the light of the world. God sets out His intention at the very beginning - He wants to dispel the darkness
v11. God creates seeds as the form of reproduction. Seeds are a prominent feature of the Bible and God's kingdom. The parable of the sower is an important illustration of the word of God, which Jesus describes as seed.
Seed has to die first before it reproduces - something we too need to do. Die to our old nature & put on our brand new natures.
v20&24. The more I think about animals, birds & things that live in the sea, the more certain I am about creation. Only a creator can be behind the wonder of the animal kingdom.
I have tried a few times to see Ospreys but never successfully. But I am always amazed when you consider that they fly thousands of miles to Africa each year for winter but return each year to the same place to breed. Result of an accident? - I don't think so! Worship God for His creation!
v26. An indication of the Trinity. Notice the use of "us" and "our".
Gen 2
v3. God has set apart the Sabbath day - to be holy and for rest. Do you treat Sunday as holy (set aside for God) and do you take opportunity for rest?
v9. A key verse for the rest of the story of mankind! A tale of two trees. Tree of Life - associated with experiencing the life of God, including immortality.
The tree of knowledge of good and evil - represents self-rule & independence from God.
v17. The tree was the only one Adam was told not to eat from. Everything else in the garden was for him. The consequence of eating from it would be death. God's intention was for man to be immortal.
v24. At the very beginning, here God establishes marriage as His plan for a relationship between man and woman. This is in a covenant relationship made before any sexual intimacy takes place.
Because God finds marriage special & important (see Malachi 2) satan hates marriage & will do everything he can to destroy marriage & the very institution of marriage - between a man and a woman.
Psalm 1
v2 Learn to read God's word carefully, thoughtfully, prayerfully. Take one or two verses each day & think about them throughout the day. How can I apply this to my life?
v3 The benefits of a life rooted in scripture.
Matthew 1
The genealogy of Jesus. A seemingly long list of names. But as we read through the Bible we will see some of these characters.
v19 God chose well (as He always does). Joseph was a righteous man. He was in a right relationship with God & was therefore open to receiving a message from God. If we do not focus on getting our relationship right with God & developing holiness we will not always hear the voice of God.
v21 'because He will save the people from their sins' - the Greek word for 'save' is 'sozo'. This means ' to save, heal, cure, preserve, keep safe & sound, rescue from danger or destruction, deliver.'
I'm disappointed not to have the One Year Bible's yet, but unfortunately Wesley Owen had run out of supplies. I have been chasing them almost daily & they have ordered directly from the publishers so as soon as I get them I will let you have one.
I do plan to use this site as often as possible just to put down my own thoughts as I go through the Bible myself. Hopefully some will find these thoughts useful & please feel free to add comments.
As far as I can, I will aim to publish the day before, so I will need to be one day ahead. But it will not be always possible everyday.
I hope you will be blessed, encouraged, challenged & changed as a result of your studies.
So here are the thoughts for today.
Readings Gen 1:1- 2:25, Psalm 1:1-6, Prov 1:1-4; Matt 1:1-25
Genesis 1
v3. Here is God's opening line "Let there be light" - Jesus is the light of the world. God sets out His intention at the very beginning - He wants to dispel the darkness
v11. God creates seeds as the form of reproduction. Seeds are a prominent feature of the Bible and God's kingdom. The parable of the sower is an important illustration of the word of God, which Jesus describes as seed.
Seed has to die first before it reproduces - something we too need to do. Die to our old nature & put on our brand new natures.
v20&24. The more I think about animals, birds & things that live in the sea, the more certain I am about creation. Only a creator can be behind the wonder of the animal kingdom.
I have tried a few times to see Ospreys but never successfully. But I am always amazed when you consider that they fly thousands of miles to Africa each year for winter but return each year to the same place to breed. Result of an accident? - I don't think so! Worship God for His creation!
v26. An indication of the Trinity. Notice the use of "us" and "our".
Gen 2
v3. God has set apart the Sabbath day - to be holy and for rest. Do you treat Sunday as holy (set aside for God) and do you take opportunity for rest?
v9. A key verse for the rest of the story of mankind! A tale of two trees. Tree of Life - associated with experiencing the life of God, including immortality.
The tree of knowledge of good and evil - represents self-rule & independence from God.
v17. The tree was the only one Adam was told not to eat from. Everything else in the garden was for him. The consequence of eating from it would be death. God's intention was for man to be immortal.
v24. At the very beginning, here God establishes marriage as His plan for a relationship between man and woman. This is in a covenant relationship made before any sexual intimacy takes place.
Because God finds marriage special & important (see Malachi 2) satan hates marriage & will do everything he can to destroy marriage & the very institution of marriage - between a man and a woman.
Psalm 1
v2 Learn to read God's word carefully, thoughtfully, prayerfully. Take one or two verses each day & think about them throughout the day. How can I apply this to my life?
v3 The benefits of a life rooted in scripture.
Matthew 1
The genealogy of Jesus. A seemingly long list of names. But as we read through the Bible we will see some of these characters.
v19 God chose well (as He always does). Joseph was a righteous man. He was in a right relationship with God & was therefore open to receiving a message from God. If we do not focus on getting our relationship right with God & developing holiness we will not always hear the voice of God.
v21 'because He will save the people from their sins' - the Greek word for 'save' is 'sozo'. This means ' to save, heal, cure, preserve, keep safe & sound, rescue from danger or destruction, deliver.'
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)