Thursday, October 31, 2013
Sabbatical
Thank you all for reading this blog.
I plan to take a sabbatical from writing. I feel that I need to focus on Bible study and building a closer relationship with Jesus personally. I plan to continue posting sermons, but I won't be doing regular blog posts for a while. May God bless you.
I plan to take a sabbatical from writing. I feel that I need to focus on Bible study and building a closer relationship with Jesus personally. I plan to continue posting sermons, but I won't be doing regular blog posts for a while. May God bless you.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Your Gentleness Makes Me Great
Your gentleness makes me great.
Psalm 18:35
Psalm 18:35
In this chapter, David is listing many of the things God has done
for him. God had trained his hands for war. He had blessed him for his
righteousness, and given Him victory over his enemies. However, I find this
phrase surprising. It seems like it doesn't really fit. This was the Old
Testament where it seems that gentleness was not as much of a virtue. So, I
examined this phrase more closely. The word "gentleness" also carries
the idea of humility, meekness and condescension. God is willing to humble
Himself and condescend to us make us great and bless us with abundance. Isn't
it amazing that the God of the universe is willing to do that?
Thank You, God, that You are willing to humble Yourself to bless
us. Thank You for the abundance You've blessed us with. Help us to appreciate
it and share it with others.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Power and Authority (Part 2)
Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You, who shows lovingkindness to thousands, but repays the iniquity of fathers into the bosom of their children after them, O great and mighty God. The Lord of hosts is His name; great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, giving to everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds; who has set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and even to this day both in Israel and among mankind; and You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day
Jer 32:17-20
Jer 32:17-20
Building on yesterday's theme: God is all powerful. He has made everything. There is nothing that is beyond His power or out of His control. I find it interesting that this passage include mention of His lovingkindness and of the fact that he repays iniquity of the parents to children. I've always struggled to understand this, but I believe it's very real. Children suffer because of the iniquity of their parents. It can be simply the result of their parents' wrong choice, but many times, it's more than that. They can be spiritually oppressed. It's only by the power of God that we can be freed from that. God's power is great enough to free us from those chains.
Lord, I thank You for Your great power. Thank You for your loving kindness. Thank You that Your power can free us from the bonds of iniquity.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Power and Authority (Part 1)
This is part 1 of a series on what the Bible has to say about power and authority. I'm beginning by reading all the verses that contain the word power. I've begun in the Old Testament, and I am amazed by the consistent theme of the word power. It's translated from numerous different Hebrew words, but in many of the verses, the theme is the same. Most verses refer to either God's power or man's power. The verses that refer to God's power often mention how great God's power is or how unlimited it is. The verses that refer to man's power usually either refer to how limited it is or how it comes from God.
The message is clear: all power comes from God. Any power we have is from God, and is controlled and limited by God. Even Satan's power is limited by God. This means that we have no reason to boast in ourselves. Whatever we are able to do is because of what we've been given.
Thank You, Lord, that You are all powerful. Thank You that we have access to that power because Your Spirit lives inside us. Help us to remember that we can do nothing without You. Help us to completely depend on You.
The message is clear: all power comes from God. Any power we have is from God, and is controlled and limited by God. Even Satan's power is limited by God. This means that we have no reason to boast in ourselves. Whatever we are able to do is because of what we've been given.
Thank You, Lord, that You are all powerful. Thank You that we have access to that power because Your Spirit lives inside us. Help us to remember that we can do nothing without You. Help us to completely depend on You.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
My Heritage Is Beautiful to Me
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.
Psalm 16:6
God has blessed me in a big way. The "lines" David is referring to seem to mean property lines or boundaries. In other words, God has given me a good property. He's blessed me with a good lot in life. This is so true. He's given me a Christian heritage. There are generations before me who have served God. What a blessing! This is something that is a help to me in so many ways.
However, I was made to wonder: what about the things in my heritage that aren't good. What about the witchcraft? What about the unhappy marriages? How do I deal with those type of things? They aren't beautiful. I'm sure that even the best heritages have some dark sides. Every human being has some failings. I believe that we need to look for the good in those before us and ask God to help us overcome the evil. He can help us break that bondage that those before us have had. He wants to give us freedom. He wants to bless us. He wants to break Satan's chain. However, this is not something that comes by accident. We need to seek God and ask Him to free us from the iniquity of those before us. If we don't, those things will continue to bind us.
Lord, I thank You for the blessing of a beautiful heritage, and I pray that You would deliver me from the iniquities of those before me. I want to live completely in Your freedom. I don't want to be bound by darkness and sin. I want to live a full, productive Christian life for You. Please show me any areas where I am not experiencing freedom in You. Help my family to all experience this freedom as well. Show me if there is anything in their lives that they need to be freed from. Thank You for the deliverance You've already given. I praise You for it.
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.
Psalm 16:6
God has blessed me in a big way. The "lines" David is referring to seem to mean property lines or boundaries. In other words, God has given me a good property. He's blessed me with a good lot in life. This is so true. He's given me a Christian heritage. There are generations before me who have served God. What a blessing! This is something that is a help to me in so many ways.
However, I was made to wonder: what about the things in my heritage that aren't good. What about the witchcraft? What about the unhappy marriages? How do I deal with those type of things? They aren't beautiful. I'm sure that even the best heritages have some dark sides. Every human being has some failings. I believe that we need to look for the good in those before us and ask God to help us overcome the evil. He can help us break that bondage that those before us have had. He wants to give us freedom. He wants to bless us. He wants to break Satan's chain. However, this is not something that comes by accident. We need to seek God and ask Him to free us from the iniquity of those before us. If we don't, those things will continue to bind us.
Lord, I thank You for the blessing of a beautiful heritage, and I pray that You would deliver me from the iniquities of those before me. I want to live completely in Your freedom. I don't want to be bound by darkness and sin. I want to live a full, productive Christian life for You. Please show me any areas where I am not experiencing freedom in You. Help my family to all experience this freedom as well. Show me if there is anything in their lives that they need to be freed from. Thank You for the deliverance You've already given. I praise You for it.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill
O Lord, who may abide in Your tent?
Who may dwell on Your holy hill?
He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness,
And speaks truth in his heart.
He does not slander with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
In whose eyes a reprobate is despised,
But who honors those who fear the Lord;
He swears to his own hurt and does not change;
He does not put out his money at interest,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken
Psalm 15
Who can dwell with God? The person who meets these requirements. When you read the list, it may seem impossible. This is a difficult list! How can we ever live up to it. The answer is, we cannot. Only when God lives in us and empowers us can we do it in His strength. A person who lives out these requirements will be unusual. They will stand out. They will truly be someone who point people to the amazing power of God.
Lord, help me to be this kind of person. Help me to be a person of integrity, transparency and truth. Help me to stand by my word even when it hurts. Help me not to take advantage of other people, but to be generous to them. Help me to do all these things for Your glory.
Who may dwell on Your holy hill?
He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness,
And speaks truth in his heart.
He does not slander with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
In whose eyes a reprobate is despised,
But who honors those who fear the Lord;
He swears to his own hurt and does not change;
He does not put out his money at interest,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken
Psalm 15
Who can dwell with God? The person who meets these requirements. When you read the list, it may seem impossible. This is a difficult list! How can we ever live up to it. The answer is, we cannot. Only when God lives in us and empowers us can we do it in His strength. A person who lives out these requirements will be unusual. They will stand out. They will truly be someone who point people to the amazing power of God.
Lord, help me to be this kind of person. Help me to be a person of integrity, transparency and truth. Help me to stand by my word even when it hurts. Help me not to take advantage of other people, but to be generous to them. Help me to do all these things for Your glory.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
They Are In Great Dread
There they are in great dread, for God is with the righteous generation.
Psalm 14:5
In the beginning of the chapter, David discusses how it seems like everyone has turned away from God, and there is no one left who serves God. But, then, it seems, he remembers the fear that wicked people live in. Even though they look bold and confident, it's not real. They don't have power against the righteous people because God protects them. Evil forces know and respect God's protection. When we are in God's will, He puts a hedge of protection around us just like He did for Job.
So, how can I be sure that I stay within that protection? How can I know that God is protecting me? How can I have the confidence of knowing God is empowering me?
Lord, thank You for your protection. Thank You that You are with the righteous. Help me to stay close to You and within that hedge of protection. Help me to never do anything that would allow evil to have access to my life. I praise You for the complete confidence and power that I can have through you. Help me not to fear evil but to have a proper fear and reverence for You.
Psalm 14:5
In the beginning of the chapter, David discusses how it seems like everyone has turned away from God, and there is no one left who serves God. But, then, it seems, he remembers the fear that wicked people live in. Even though they look bold and confident, it's not real. They don't have power against the righteous people because God protects them. Evil forces know and respect God's protection. When we are in God's will, He puts a hedge of protection around us just like He did for Job.
So, how can I be sure that I stay within that protection? How can I know that God is protecting me? How can I have the confidence of knowing God is empowering me?
Lord, thank You for your protection. Thank You that You are with the righteous. Help me to stay close to You and within that hedge of protection. Help me to never do anything that would allow evil to have access to my life. I praise You for the complete confidence and power that I can have through you. Help me not to fear evil but to have a proper fear and reverence for You.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
I Have Trusted in Your Steadfast Love
But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
Psalm 13:5,6
In the rest of this chapter, David is "complaining." He feels that God has forgotten him. His enemies were gaining the victory over him. Yet, he trusted in God's steadfast love. He knew God loved him, and He chose to sing praises to God in thankfulness instead of staying in that complaining frame of mind.
We too can make this choice. It's not always easy though. When I'm in a complaining frame of mind, it's hard for me to see the bright side. But, God's love never changes. Salvation still saves us. There is always a bright side even when we can't see it.
Lord, I praise You for Your steadfast love. Thank You that You love me even in my dark times. Thank You that You never fail me. Help me to remember that in the times when I feel like complaining more than praising. Help me to remember how bountifully You've dealt with me. Thank You that You never change. We can count on You to be the same all the time.
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
Psalm 13:5,6
In the rest of this chapter, David is "complaining." He feels that God has forgotten him. His enemies were gaining the victory over him. Yet, he trusted in God's steadfast love. He knew God loved him, and He chose to sing praises to God in thankfulness instead of staying in that complaining frame of mind.
We too can make this choice. It's not always easy though. When I'm in a complaining frame of mind, it's hard for me to see the bright side. But, God's love never changes. Salvation still saves us. There is always a bright side even when we can't see it.
Lord, I praise You for Your steadfast love. Thank You that You love me even in my dark times. Thank You that You never fail me. Help me to remember that in the times when I feel like complaining more than praising. Help me to remember how bountifully You've dealt with me. Thank You that You never change. We can count on You to be the same all the time.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
The Godly One Is Gone
Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.
Psalm 12:1
Right now I feel a little like David did. It seems that there aren't many godly people left. It feels like more people walk away from truth all the time. In many ways, our culture has forgotten all sense of right and wrong. Sin is celebrated. Even churches stand for things that are in direct conflict with the Bible. The politicians in this country seem to be blinded to truth.
Yet, I am not afraid or worried. In verse 5 of the same chapter, God says, "I will now arise... I will place him in the safety for which he longs." What a blessing! We can know we are safe in God's protection. When God arises, His enemies had better run. Theri evil cunning is no match for His omnipotence.
I thank You, Lord, that You will arise. Thank You for giving us the safety for which we long. Thank You that You know everything and are all powerful. We trust our lives to You and we are safe.
Psalm 12:1
Right now I feel a little like David did. It seems that there aren't many godly people left. It feels like more people walk away from truth all the time. In many ways, our culture has forgotten all sense of right and wrong. Sin is celebrated. Even churches stand for things that are in direct conflict with the Bible. The politicians in this country seem to be blinded to truth.
Yet, I am not afraid or worried. In verse 5 of the same chapter, God says, "I will now arise... I will place him in the safety for which he longs." What a blessing! We can know we are safe in God's protection. When God arises, His enemies had better run. Theri evil cunning is no match for His omnipotence.
I thank You, Lord, that You will arise. Thank You for giving us the safety for which we long. Thank You that You know everything and are all powerful. We trust our lives to You and we are safe.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
In the Lord I Take Refuge
In the Lord I take refuge;
Psalm 11:1
David had many difficulties. Much of his writing seems rather melancholy. He had the lonely position of king. He had many enemies. Even some of his own children turned against him. Yet, he took refuge in the Lord. He knew where to go when he was in trouble. That is something that I want to learn. I want to learn not to go it on my own. I am slowly learning that I can't do it alone. I need God always every step of the way. I need God's strength to win, and I need God's refuge and protection.
Lord, help me to depend on you. I want to surrender all the strengths You've given me. I want to realize that, without You, I am nothing. I ask for Your protection. Help me to make use of the refuge that You are for me..
Psalm 11:1
David had many difficulties. Much of his writing seems rather melancholy. He had the lonely position of king. He had many enemies. Even some of his own children turned against him. Yet, he took refuge in the Lord. He knew where to go when he was in trouble. That is something that I want to learn. I want to learn not to go it on my own. I am slowly learning that I can't do it alone. I need God always every step of the way. I need God's strength to win, and I need God's refuge and protection.
Lord, help me to depend on you. I want to surrender all the strengths You've given me. I want to realize that, without You, I am nothing. I ask for Your protection. Help me to make use of the refuge that You are for me..
Monday, October 14, 2013
What is Man?
What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?
Psalm 8:4
It's good to be reminded that we are not as great as we sometimes think we are. God is incomprehensibly greater than we are. Yet, He cares deeply about us. He could have abandoned us when the first humans chose to disobey and walk away from Him. Yet, He didn't. There have been countless times since then when almost all the people in the world have rejected Him and His plan. Yet, He works miracles through that remnant that trust Him and brings people back to Himself.
Lord, thank You for how much You care about us. Thank You for reaching out to us even though we do not deserve it. I pray that we could be the people that You use to bring mankind back to You. May we be the ones that You can use to send revival in our churches, in our country and in the world. I want to live a life that You can direct and use. I realize that this will be difficult, but I trust You to give me the strength and grace I need. I give my life to You.
And the son of man that You care for him?
Psalm 8:4
It's good to be reminded that we are not as great as we sometimes think we are. God is incomprehensibly greater than we are. Yet, He cares deeply about us. He could have abandoned us when the first humans chose to disobey and walk away from Him. Yet, He didn't. There have been countless times since then when almost all the people in the world have rejected Him and His plan. Yet, He works miracles through that remnant that trust Him and brings people back to Himself.
Lord, thank You for how much You care about us. Thank You for reaching out to us even though we do not deserve it. I pray that we could be the people that You use to bring mankind back to You. May we be the ones that You can use to send revival in our churches, in our country and in the world. I want to live a life that You can direct and use. I realize that this will be difficult, but I trust You to give me the strength and grace I need. I give my life to You.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
Encouraging Each Other
Encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:25
Most Christians agree that "the day [is] drawing near." Signs of the end times abound around us. This world is not turning into a better place. So, what are we doing about it? Are we complaining about politicians and taxes? What we really should be doing is encouraging each other. We should be building each other up, and helping those who are stumbling. We should be working together to remain strong in these difficult times. We are on God's side, and we are assured that He will win. Even though evil and darkness are becoming more powerful all time, this is only short lived. God uses the evil people in the world to fulfill His purposes. He cannot be thwarted! We cannot lose if we remain true to God.
Lord, help us to be encouraging each other. Help us not to be consumed by bickering, whining or complaining. Thank You that we can have absolute assurance that Your kingdom will prevail. Help us to trust You no matter how difficult times are. Help us to trust Your plan even we can can't see or understand it. Thank You for how much You love and care for us. Thank You for Your protection from evil. We praise You for Your absolute power and for the victory You've already won.
Hebrews 10:25
Most Christians agree that "the day [is] drawing near." Signs of the end times abound around us. This world is not turning into a better place. So, what are we doing about it? Are we complaining about politicians and taxes? What we really should be doing is encouraging each other. We should be building each other up, and helping those who are stumbling. We should be working together to remain strong in these difficult times. We are on God's side, and we are assured that He will win. Even though evil and darkness are becoming more powerful all time, this is only short lived. God uses the evil people in the world to fulfill His purposes. He cannot be thwarted! We cannot lose if we remain true to God.
Lord, help us to be encouraging each other. Help us not to be consumed by bickering, whining or complaining. Thank You that we can have absolute assurance that Your kingdom will prevail. Help us to trust You no matter how difficult times are. Help us to trust Your plan even we can can't see or understand it. Thank You for how much You love and care for us. Thank You for Your protection from evil. We praise You for Your absolute power and for the victory You've already won.
Monday, October 07, 2013
Heaven Itself
For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;
Hebrews 9:24
In this chapter, the writer was explaining how much better Christ's redemption was the the redemption in the Old Testament by the blood of animals. In the concluding verses, he tells us how Christ enters into heaven to represent us before God. How wonderful! What a blessing! Christ has gone into heaven to intercede for us. What amazing love. Not only did He give His life to save us, but also He intercedes for us and watches us.
Jesus, I thank You or dying to make atonement, for being the perfect Sacrifice for us. Thank You that You've entered into heaven. Thank You that we can join You there at the end of life.
Hebrews 9:24
In this chapter, the writer was explaining how much better Christ's redemption was the the redemption in the Old Testament by the blood of animals. In the concluding verses, he tells us how Christ enters into heaven to represent us before God. How wonderful! What a blessing! Christ has gone into heaven to intercede for us. What amazing love. Not only did He give His life to save us, but also He intercedes for us and watches us.
Jesus, I thank You or dying to make atonement, for being the perfect Sacrifice for us. Thank You that You've entered into heaven. Thank You that we can join You there at the end of life.
Sunday, October 06, 2013
Saturday, October 05, 2013
He Saves Us Forever
Jesus, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:24-25
Jesus is our High Priest forever. He has made atonement for our sins once and for all. He is perfect. He didn't offer a sacrifice. He gave Himself as a sacrifice because He loves us and wants to rescue us from our sin. Now He is in heaven interceding for us. What an amazing Saviour!
Thank You, Jesus, for being my perfect High Priest. Thank You for saving me. Thank You that you never sleep, you never fail and you never stop loving us. I want to give life back in gratefulness to You.
Hebrews 7:24-25
Jesus is our High Priest forever. He has made atonement for our sins once and for all. He is perfect. He didn't offer a sacrifice. He gave Himself as a sacrifice because He loves us and wants to rescue us from our sin. Now He is in heaven interceding for us. What an amazing Saviour!
Thank You, Jesus, for being my perfect High Priest. Thank You for saving me. Thank You that you never sleep, you never fail and you never stop loving us. I want to give life back in gratefulness to You.
Thursday, October 03, 2013
You Ought to Be Teachers
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
Hebrews 5:12-14
Do I have this problem that he's speaking of here? Would I rather relax and listen to a "feel good" sermon than speak about my faith. Listening and learning are very important. We may never stop learning. Yet, when God wants us to speak but we are content to listen, we are like big babies that never grew up. We need to be moving forward and making progress in our spiritual lives.
Lord, help me to grow in my Christian life as You want me to. Help me not to get stuck and the simple and easy. Instead, I want to grow to be more like You. I want to follow Your plan. I want to mature and learn to discern good and evil. I want to live my life for Your glory.
Hebrews 5:12-14
Do I have this problem that he's speaking of here? Would I rather relax and listen to a "feel good" sermon than speak about my faith. Listening and learning are very important. We may never stop learning. Yet, when God wants us to speak but we are content to listen, we are like big babies that never grew up. We need to be moving forward and making progress in our spiritual lives.
Lord, help me to grow in my Christian life as You want me to. Help me not to get stuck and the simple and easy. Instead, I want to grow to be more like You. I want to follow Your plan. I want to mature and learn to discern good and evil. I want to live my life for Your glory.
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Dealing Gently
He [a high priest] can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness;
Hebrews 5:2
God calls us to deal gently with the ignorant and misguided. These people need gentle guidance and teaching. They are not deliberately doing wrong. They simply don't understand. It's sometimes easy to be harsh or reproving. Yet, God wants us to lead them kindly. Jesus is a good example of this. He was very kind to those who were seeking. Yet, He very harshly reproved those who were knowingly going against what they knew.
This is also a challenge for us to follow the knowledge we have. God will honor us when we obey what we know, but He will judge us for turning against the truth we know. We have had much teaching about God and the Bible. So, we are very responsible.
Lord, help me to be gentle with those who are ignorant. Help me to be willing to speak against those who have turned against the truth they know. Give me wisdom to know that difference. Help me to know how best to reach all those around me for You.
Hebrews 5:2
God calls us to deal gently with the ignorant and misguided. These people need gentle guidance and teaching. They are not deliberately doing wrong. They simply don't understand. It's sometimes easy to be harsh or reproving. Yet, God wants us to lead them kindly. Jesus is a good example of this. He was very kind to those who were seeking. Yet, He very harshly reproved those who were knowingly going against what they knew.
This is also a challenge for us to follow the knowledge we have. God will honor us when we obey what we know, but He will judge us for turning against the truth we know. We have had much teaching about God and the Bible. So, we are very responsible.
Lord, help me to be gentle with those who are ignorant. Help me to be willing to speak against those who have turned against the truth they know. Give me wisdom to know that difference. Help me to know how best to reach all those around me for You.
Tuesday, October 01, 2013
Someone is Watching You
And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
Hebrews 4:13
If you were concerned that the NSA is watching you, God knows way more about you! There is nothing hidden from him. Everything is open: not only what we do but also what we think. He understands our motives and desires. Yet, if we have a relationship with Him, this is a comfort. He knows us intimately. He made us. He loves us and wants the best for us. He protects us and cares about us. He knows the future. So, having a benevolent God watching us is a blessing.
Thank You, God, for watching and knowing everything. Thank You that we can trust You unconditionally. We know that Your kingdom of truth will win and we are on Your side. I trust You completely with me life. Help me to surrender every part of it to You.
Hebrews 4:13
If you were concerned that the NSA is watching you, God knows way more about you! There is nothing hidden from him. Everything is open: not only what we do but also what we think. He understands our motives and desires. Yet, if we have a relationship with Him, this is a comfort. He knows us intimately. He made us. He loves us and wants the best for us. He protects us and cares about us. He knows the future. So, having a benevolent God watching us is a blessing.
Thank You, God, for watching and knowing everything. Thank You that we can trust You unconditionally. We know that Your kingdom of truth will win and we are on Your side. I trust You completely with me life. Help me to surrender every part of it to You.
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