Today’s passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezekiel%201-6&version=NASB
Ezekiel was a prophet to Judah during the time of exile. His name means strengthened by God. It certainly was an appropriate name, because Ezekiel was definitely going to need strength from God. If you thought Jeremiah had a tough job as a prophet, wait until you learn about Ezekiel. God asked him to do some pretty crazy things – almost like performance art or street theater – to illustrate to the exiles the judgment that would come upon Jerusalem. For example, Ezekiel was made mute, and God would only open his mouth to prophesy. This illustrated God’s divine interaction in using Ezekiel as His watchman and mouthpiece. God asks Ezekiel to illustrate the coming famine by eating unclean food, something a priest would find despicable. God also asks Ezekiel to shave his head in order to illustrate coming judgment and destruction through fire, or the sword, or being bound or scattered in the wind. In using the razor on his head and his face, Ezekiel, once again was asked to do something that was considered shameful for a priest. This was pretty radical stuff that would require a supernatural strength. Ezekiel’s response is one of faithful obedience, but that faithful obedience was only possible because Ezekiel was strengthened by God. Once again, we see that God equips those he sends.
We often forget who equips us for obedience. It is He who equips us to take that step of faith or to conquer that stronghold in our lives. It is He who dwells in us and gives us power to do all things. In and of ourselves we have no power, no strength, no courage to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to him. We can’t use our own weakness as an excuse for not battling the sin in our lives or for shrinking away at a chance to boldly declare His good news. He supplies the power source! Ask Him today to build a strength in you for faithful obedience. And trust in Him to guide you as you follow Him.
Todays post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Unfailing Compassion - Amazing Hope
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations%203-5&version=NIV
As we continue in Lamentations and I consider what to write, I keep coming back to the fact that there is so much beauty, such grace, mercy, and comfort in the following passage that there is little I could add (As if I could add anything that would make God's Word better!). So instead a want to draw your attention to these words and I pray over everyone who reads this blog that the truth of them would settle in your hearts. I pray that you would know that there is never a time when you have done something so terrible that God can't and won't forgive. I pray that you would know that while God will allow you to feel consequences of your sin, he is not a God who punishes sin. Rather, he offers new mercy and compassion because he is a God of restoration and redemption. I pray that each of us knows that even though we will fail and be foolish - and we will very often, whe can always return to God and receive mercy and compassion. I pray that you would each put your weight fully down on these truths, trust in our amazing merciful God, and put your hope in him.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
As we continue in Lamentations and I consider what to write, I keep coming back to the fact that there is so much beauty, such grace, mercy, and comfort in the following passage that there is little I could add (As if I could add anything that would make God's Word better!). So instead a want to draw your attention to these words and I pray over everyone who reads this blog that the truth of them would settle in your hearts. I pray that you would know that there is never a time when you have done something so terrible that God can't and won't forgive. I pray that you would know that while God will allow you to feel consequences of your sin, he is not a God who punishes sin. Rather, he offers new mercy and compassion because he is a God of restoration and redemption. I pray that each of us knows that even though we will fail and be foolish - and we will very often, whe can always return to God and receive mercy and compassion. I pray that you would each put your weight fully down on these truths, trust in our amazing merciful God, and put your hope in him.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Lament
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations%201-2&version=NIV
Today we begin the book of Lamentations. Lamentations is exactly what the name of the book indicates - it is a lament, an expression of sorrow, grief, regret by the Israelites about their circumstances. But more than that, they are lamenting their God-defying sin and covenant breaking rebellion because this is the root of their woes. It is this that lead them to this pit in which they now find themselves. Quite frankly, they are a people who have hit rock bottom.
Perhaps you can relate to the Israelites in their lament. Maybe you find yourself today in a very tough circumstances that sadly resulted from your own God-defying sin and rebellion. Or maybe you've been there before. maybe you are wondering how you could have gotten so far away and so messed up and wondering where to go from here. If so, join the Israelites in their lament, for that is the proper response.
Acknowledgement of your sin and heart-felt contrition are the proper response when we find ourselves in a pit that we ourselves have dug. But note, my friends, that heart-felt contrition is not a type of contrition that is momentary or a simple resignation to doing things God's way for a while until things have improved. It is the type of contrition that turns your completely around and has your running - not walking- straight towards God. Where do you go from here? You run to the cross of Christ.
Or maybe you are watching someone who is on their way to hitting rock bottom and it is very painful to watch. Take heart and be encouraged. God often allows his children to hit the bottom so that they will reach up and grab hold of his hand so he can pull them out. The best thing you can do for this person is to continue to love them - don't rescue but speak truth. And then pray and don't ever give up hope because with God, all things are possible.
The best thing to remember, whether it is you or someone else that is feeling the consequences of their sin and rebellion is that the story doesn't end here. Lamentations is only a part of the story of God's children. It is not the end of the story, but a new beginning. It marks the beginning of a turning back to god. Lamenting over one's sin marks the beginning of restoration. Trust in God's mercy and faithfulness for you or the one you love, no matter how things look right now. Run to the cross and see what God will do tomorrow.
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, our double minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." - James 4:7-10.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Today we begin the book of Lamentations. Lamentations is exactly what the name of the book indicates - it is a lament, an expression of sorrow, grief, regret by the Israelites about their circumstances. But more than that, they are lamenting their God-defying sin and covenant breaking rebellion because this is the root of their woes. It is this that lead them to this pit in which they now find themselves. Quite frankly, they are a people who have hit rock bottom.
Perhaps you can relate to the Israelites in their lament. Maybe you find yourself today in a very tough circumstances that sadly resulted from your own God-defying sin and rebellion. Or maybe you've been there before. maybe you are wondering how you could have gotten so far away and so messed up and wondering where to go from here. If so, join the Israelites in their lament, for that is the proper response.
Acknowledgement of your sin and heart-felt contrition are the proper response when we find ourselves in a pit that we ourselves have dug. But note, my friends, that heart-felt contrition is not a type of contrition that is momentary or a simple resignation to doing things God's way for a while until things have improved. It is the type of contrition that turns your completely around and has your running - not walking- straight towards God. Where do you go from here? You run to the cross of Christ.
Or maybe you are watching someone who is on their way to hitting rock bottom and it is very painful to watch. Take heart and be encouraged. God often allows his children to hit the bottom so that they will reach up and grab hold of his hand so he can pull them out. The best thing you can do for this person is to continue to love them - don't rescue but speak truth. And then pray and don't ever give up hope because with God, all things are possible.
The best thing to remember, whether it is you or someone else that is feeling the consequences of their sin and rebellion is that the story doesn't end here. Lamentations is only a part of the story of God's children. It is not the end of the story, but a new beginning. It marks the beginning of a turning back to god. Lamenting over one's sin marks the beginning of restoration. Trust in God's mercy and faithfulness for you or the one you love, no matter how things look right now. Run to the cross and see what God will do tomorrow.
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, our double minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." - James 4:7-10.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Friday, August 27, 2010
Jeremiah 51-52
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2051-52&version=ESV
In Jeremiah chapter 52, we read of the fall of Israel, the temple being burned, and the exile of the people of Babylon.
How painful this must have been for the people of Judah. In fact, the next two days we will read the book of Lamentations. A book in which Jeremiah laments what has happened to Israel.
But in the midst of these trying times for Israel, God never forgot His people. From the time of renewal that would come 70 years later, as Jeremiah 29:10-14 prophesied, to the time of Ezra and Nehemiah when the wall and temple of Jerusalem were rebuilt, to the time of Christ when God provided a savior for the Jews and for all mankind, God has never forgotten His people.
We as Christians often have had, are having, or will have difficult times in our lives. Of that, Scripture tells us to be certain.
But as Christians we can also be certain of another great truth that Scripture asserts:
"...for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was written by Russ Shellhamer.
In Jeremiah chapter 52, we read of the fall of Israel, the temple being burned, and the exile of the people of Babylon.
How painful this must have been for the people of Judah. In fact, the next two days we will read the book of Lamentations. A book in which Jeremiah laments what has happened to Israel.
But in the midst of these trying times for Israel, God never forgot His people. From the time of renewal that would come 70 years later, as Jeremiah 29:10-14 prophesied, to the time of Ezra and Nehemiah when the wall and temple of Jerusalem were rebuilt, to the time of Christ when God provided a savior for the Jews and for all mankind, God has never forgotten His people.
We as Christians often have had, are having, or will have difficult times in our lives. Of that, Scripture tells us to be certain.
But as Christians we can also be certain of another great truth that Scripture asserts:
"...for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was written by Russ Shellhamer.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Jeremiah 49-50
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2049-50&version=ESV
Jeremiah 50:33-34 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: The people of Israel are oppressed, and the people of Judah with them. All who took them captive have held them fast; they refuse to let them go. Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name. He will surely plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, but unrest to the inhabitants of Babylon."
In chapter 50, we read of the judgment of Babylon. It is interesting that even though God used Babylon for His purposes in disciplining Israel, He still took note of how Babylon was vicious and cruel to His people. And that He promised to redeem them from Babylon, and He did.
This is a truth that holds true for us today as well. The Lord has redeemed us and has promised us a better life with Him. The world is a cruel place, especially towards Christians who stand up for their faith and are active in proclaiming the Gospel to the world.
We may not reap the better life, in terms of earthly tranquility and peace on this earth, yet we will fully inherit the better life in heaven. But while we are here on earth, we who are Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit who gives us peace when we are going through trials and tribulations. So that even if our lives from an outward perspective to the world are mundane, not exciting in their eyes, involve self-denial from fleshly desires, we have an inner peace from the Holy Spirit that we are trying to live lives that are glorifying to God.
Babylon is reaping what it sowed. As Paul wrote in Galatians 6:7-8:
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Babylon sowed to the flesh and reaped destruction. So friends, I ask you today, what are you sowing to? The desires of the flesh or to the desires of the Spirit?
The fall of Babylon is a strong warning to us and our nation. God in His sovereignty can cause even the mightiest nations to fall. Let us pray that our people and nation would turn back to God and be spared a similar fate as that of Babylon.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Jeremiah 50:33-34 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: The people of Israel are oppressed, and the people of Judah with them. All who took them captive have held them fast; they refuse to let them go. Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name. He will surely plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, but unrest to the inhabitants of Babylon."
In chapter 50, we read of the judgment of Babylon. It is interesting that even though God used Babylon for His purposes in disciplining Israel, He still took note of how Babylon was vicious and cruel to His people. And that He promised to redeem them from Babylon, and He did.
This is a truth that holds true for us today as well. The Lord has redeemed us and has promised us a better life with Him. The world is a cruel place, especially towards Christians who stand up for their faith and are active in proclaiming the Gospel to the world.
We may not reap the better life, in terms of earthly tranquility and peace on this earth, yet we will fully inherit the better life in heaven. But while we are here on earth, we who are Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit who gives us peace when we are going through trials and tribulations. So that even if our lives from an outward perspective to the world are mundane, not exciting in their eyes, involve self-denial from fleshly desires, we have an inner peace from the Holy Spirit that we are trying to live lives that are glorifying to God.
Babylon is reaping what it sowed. As Paul wrote in Galatians 6:7-8:
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Babylon sowed to the flesh and reaped destruction. So friends, I ask you today, what are you sowing to? The desires of the flesh or to the desires of the Spirit?
The fall of Babylon is a strong warning to us and our nation. God in His sovereignty can cause even the mightiest nations to fall. Let us pray that our people and nation would turn back to God and be spared a similar fate as that of Babylon.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Jeremiah 46-48
Todays passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah%2046-48&version=NASB
In chapter 46-48, Jeremiah describes God’s coming judgment on Egypt, Philistia, Moab. He has referred to God often during these prophesies as the Lord of Hosts. The International Standard Bible Dictionary says that the “meaning of the title is that all created agencies and forces are under the leadership or dominion of Yahweh, who made and maintains them (Genesis 2:1 Isaiah 45:12). It is used to express Yahweh's great power.” So, as Jeremiah refers to the Lord of Hosts, he is saying that God, who created all armies and their leaders, has absolute power over them. Whether they liked it or not, the actions of the Babylonian army were used by God as part of his plan. Their battle plans were not a surprise to God, he created that army, he was in control, and He used them to bring judgment on Egypt, Philistia and Moab.
In today’s world, we have some pretty scary leaders out there, with some pretty scary armies. Take comfort in the knowledge that God is in control. He will use them to fulfill His perfect plan as well.
Of course that doesn’t excuse us from action. It is still our responsibility to pray for the leaders of our world. It is still our responsibility to get educated and vote for our own leaders. It is still our responsibility to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves and to pray for guidance in doing so. But, at the end of the day, we serve the Lord of Hosts. He is in control and His plan is perfect and nothing can thwart His plan.
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
In chapter 46-48, Jeremiah describes God’s coming judgment on Egypt, Philistia, Moab. He has referred to God often during these prophesies as the Lord of Hosts. The International Standard Bible Dictionary says that the “meaning of the title is that all created agencies and forces are under the leadership or dominion of Yahweh, who made and maintains them (Genesis 2:1 Isaiah 45:12). It is used to express Yahweh's great power.” So, as Jeremiah refers to the Lord of Hosts, he is saying that God, who created all armies and their leaders, has absolute power over them. Whether they liked it or not, the actions of the Babylonian army were used by God as part of his plan. Their battle plans were not a surprise to God, he created that army, he was in control, and He used them to bring judgment on Egypt, Philistia and Moab.
In today’s world, we have some pretty scary leaders out there, with some pretty scary armies. Take comfort in the knowledge that God is in control. He will use them to fulfill His perfect plan as well.
Of course that doesn’t excuse us from action. It is still our responsibility to pray for the leaders of our world. It is still our responsibility to get educated and vote for our own leaders. It is still our responsibility to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves and to pray for guidance in doing so. But, at the end of the day, we serve the Lord of Hosts. He is in control and His plan is perfect and nothing can thwart His plan.
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
jeremiah 41-45
Todays Passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah%2041-15&version=NIV
Jeremiah 42:7 “At the end of ten days the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah.”
Finally, in chapter 42, the Judeans come to Jeremiah and they seem to have had a heart change. They ask Jeremiah to pray for a word from the Lord and they assure him that they are ready to be obedient – whether it is good or bad.
If I were Jeremiah, my heart would have leapt! This was what he had been yearning for! The disobedience of the Judeans had brought Jeremiah to tears and finally, they were ready to listen.
Those 10 days must have felt like eternity to our weeping prophet. I can’t help but wonder why those 10 days were necessary. Was God giving his people time to prepare their hearts for obedience? Was God using this time to remind both his prophet and his people that God responds in his own perfect timing? Or maybe God just wanted to draw Jeremiah into an even deeper relationship with Him as he sought a response from the Lord. Perhaps it was a combination of the three. Regardless of the reason, Jeremiah sets a wonderful example of someone who patiently waits on the Lord for guidance.
You see, God has his reasons for asking us to wait. Sometimes we never figure out what those reasons are, and we just have to trust in his infinite wisdom. Often, when I’m writing this blog, I BEG for guidance, hoping for a quick word from God so I can write my blog and move on to the next item on my checklist for the day. Sometimes I read and pray and study for hours trying to write a simple one page blog. It may be a little frustrating at the time, but at the end of the day, I realize how much He has taught me through my reading and studying and praying. I realize that all He is doing is trying to spend time with me. I realize that even though I just wanted a quick word from him, He wanted a long conversation with me. I realize that He just wants me to spend time the revealed Word of God so that my tiny mind might just catch a glimpse of just how ginormous his love for me is. We can’t command a word from Him like a genie in a bottle, but we can seek Him with all our hearts and trust in Him for guidance in His perfect timing and in His perfect way.
A couple of things to think about: Have you ever asked for a word from God, sat for few minutes waiting for an answer and given up, only to do what you had planned to do in the first place? What was the result? Have you ever sought guidance from the Lord and found it only after a journey that brought you closer to Him. Care to share on the blog? Click the link below and let us know your thoughts! Take a moment to thank Him for the lessons you’ve learned and the journeys that He’s guided you though.
Todays post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Jeremiah 42:7 “At the end of ten days the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah.”
Finally, in chapter 42, the Judeans come to Jeremiah and they seem to have had a heart change. They ask Jeremiah to pray for a word from the Lord and they assure him that they are ready to be obedient – whether it is good or bad.
If I were Jeremiah, my heart would have leapt! This was what he had been yearning for! The disobedience of the Judeans had brought Jeremiah to tears and finally, they were ready to listen.
Those 10 days must have felt like eternity to our weeping prophet. I can’t help but wonder why those 10 days were necessary. Was God giving his people time to prepare their hearts for obedience? Was God using this time to remind both his prophet and his people that God responds in his own perfect timing? Or maybe God just wanted to draw Jeremiah into an even deeper relationship with Him as he sought a response from the Lord. Perhaps it was a combination of the three. Regardless of the reason, Jeremiah sets a wonderful example of someone who patiently waits on the Lord for guidance.
You see, God has his reasons for asking us to wait. Sometimes we never figure out what those reasons are, and we just have to trust in his infinite wisdom. Often, when I’m writing this blog, I BEG for guidance, hoping for a quick word from God so I can write my blog and move on to the next item on my checklist for the day. Sometimes I read and pray and study for hours trying to write a simple one page blog. It may be a little frustrating at the time, but at the end of the day, I realize how much He has taught me through my reading and studying and praying. I realize that all He is doing is trying to spend time with me. I realize that even though I just wanted a quick word from him, He wanted a long conversation with me. I realize that He just wants me to spend time the revealed Word of God so that my tiny mind might just catch a glimpse of just how ginormous his love for me is. We can’t command a word from Him like a genie in a bottle, but we can seek Him with all our hearts and trust in Him for guidance in His perfect timing and in His perfect way.
A couple of things to think about: Have you ever asked for a word from God, sat for few minutes waiting for an answer and given up, only to do what you had planned to do in the first place? What was the result? Have you ever sought guidance from the Lord and found it only after a journey that brought you closer to Him. Care to share on the blog? Click the link below and let us know your thoughts! Take a moment to thank Him for the lessons you’ve learned and the journeys that He’s guided you though.
Todays post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Sunday, August 22, 2010
A God of His Word
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2024-25;%202%20Chronicles%2036&version=NIV
Today we read that Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem, removed all the treasures from the temple, took all Jerusalem into exile, including taking Jehoiachin captive. The significance here is that this all happened "as the Lord had declared" (vs. 24). Isaiah prophesied this would occur 115 years earlier, when it seemed unlikely as Assyria was the stronger threat at that time (Isaiah 39). Jeremiah also prophesied about this event (Jer. 15:13-14; 17:3; 20:5; 27:16;27:16; 28:3).
The lesson we learn from this fulfillment of prophecy, in case we haven't laid hold of this yet, is that God is a God of his word. The question is, do you believe that? Does your faith-life reflect that? Do you live and pray as though you know God is the God that he says that he is and that he will do the things he says he will do? Or do you live and pray as if you hope God is all of those things he claims to be - that is is all of those things you've heard and/or read that he is?
I pray, friends, that you would continue to press on in reading God's Word and letting his truth settle down deep in your soul. I pray that you would go before God not as a hopeful beggar, but a confident child of the King that applies God's word and truth to your circumstances and rests because you know the one in whom you place your faith. I pray that you would have a faith that takes God at his word.
Blessings to you my friends!
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Today we read that Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem, removed all the treasures from the temple, took all Jerusalem into exile, including taking Jehoiachin captive. The significance here is that this all happened "as the Lord had declared" (vs. 24). Isaiah prophesied this would occur 115 years earlier, when it seemed unlikely as Assyria was the stronger threat at that time (Isaiah 39). Jeremiah also prophesied about this event (Jer. 15:13-14; 17:3; 20:5; 27:16;27:16; 28:3).
The lesson we learn from this fulfillment of prophecy, in case we haven't laid hold of this yet, is that God is a God of his word. The question is, do you believe that? Does your faith-life reflect that? Do you live and pray as though you know God is the God that he says that he is and that he will do the things he says he will do? Or do you live and pray as if you hope God is all of those things he claims to be - that is is all of those things you've heard and/or read that he is?
I pray, friends, that you would continue to press on in reading God's Word and letting his truth settle down deep in your soul. I pray that you would go before God not as a hopeful beggar, but a confident child of the King that applies God's word and truth to your circumstances and rests because you know the one in whom you place your faith. I pray that you would have a faith that takes God at his word.
Blessings to you my friends!
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Jeremiah 38-40; Psalms 74, 79
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2038-40;%20Psalm%2074,%20Psalm%2079&version=ESV
Poor Jeremiah. He has already been imprisoned. Now in chapter 38, Jeremiah is lowered down into the cistern of Malchiah, in which there was no water but only mud, and Scripture says Jeremiah sank in the mud.
Jeremiah has been continually preaching a message of repentance to Judah, yet the people refuse to listen. He is urging and pleading for them to repent, but they continue in their ways. Worse than that, they are abusive to Jeremiah. Imprisoning him, and now lowering him into a cistern full of mud. As we continue on reading the book of Jeremiah, we will read that he will be further persecuted.
There are so many parallels to what Jeremiah experienced versus what believers often experience when we proclaim the Gospel to unbelievers. Unbelievers often don't want to hear the message. They deride they message. And they often persecute the messenger.
Scripture says we are to be the messenger. We should be faithful in the proclamation and delivery of the Gospel to the World. We should not worry about the results. Now we should pray for those that we have shared with, but God is sovereign and He will direct their hearts and not us.
Jeremiah is an example of a faithful servant. He is unlike many televangelists today with their ministries of the thousands, and huge buildings. He rested on the Word of God. A fruitful ministry is not based on the size of the ministry. It is a fruitful ministry is faithful to the Word of God. And in every account, Jeremiah's ministry was a faithful ministry.
I love how the Lord provided a way of rescue for Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 1:18-19, the Lord told Jeremiah,
"And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you.”
In this instance, the Lord provided Ebed-melech to help Jeremiah out of the pit. Scripture says,
" Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the house of the king, to a wardrobe in the storehouse, and took from there old rags and worn-out clothes, which he let down to Jeremiah in the cistern ropes. Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, "Put the rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes." Jeremiah did so. Then they drew Jeremiah up with ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard."
(Jeremiah 38:11-13)
This picture reminds me so much of the picture of Psalm 40. In Psalm 40, the psalmist writes,
"He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure."
(Psalm 40:2)
The Lord keeps His promises. Jeremiah was faithful to the Lord and the Lord protected him just as He said he would.
We, as Christians, should strive to live obedient lives like Jeremiah. It may not always be fun, in fact, we are promised suffering in the Scripture, but as Paul writes so eloquently in the book of Romans,
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. "
Romans 8:18
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Poor Jeremiah. He has already been imprisoned. Now in chapter 38, Jeremiah is lowered down into the cistern of Malchiah, in which there was no water but only mud, and Scripture says Jeremiah sank in the mud.
Jeremiah has been continually preaching a message of repentance to Judah, yet the people refuse to listen. He is urging and pleading for them to repent, but they continue in their ways. Worse than that, they are abusive to Jeremiah. Imprisoning him, and now lowering him into a cistern full of mud. As we continue on reading the book of Jeremiah, we will read that he will be further persecuted.
There are so many parallels to what Jeremiah experienced versus what believers often experience when we proclaim the Gospel to unbelievers. Unbelievers often don't want to hear the message. They deride they message. And they often persecute the messenger.
Scripture says we are to be the messenger. We should be faithful in the proclamation and delivery of the Gospel to the World. We should not worry about the results. Now we should pray for those that we have shared with, but God is sovereign and He will direct their hearts and not us.
Jeremiah is an example of a faithful servant. He is unlike many televangelists today with their ministries of the thousands, and huge buildings. He rested on the Word of God. A fruitful ministry is not based on the size of the ministry. It is a fruitful ministry is faithful to the Word of God. And in every account, Jeremiah's ministry was a faithful ministry.
I love how the Lord provided a way of rescue for Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 1:18-19, the Lord told Jeremiah,
"And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you.”
In this instance, the Lord provided Ebed-melech to help Jeremiah out of the pit. Scripture says,
" Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the house of the king, to a wardrobe in the storehouse, and took from there old rags and worn-out clothes, which he let down to Jeremiah in the cistern ropes. Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, "Put the rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes." Jeremiah did so. Then they drew Jeremiah up with ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard."
(Jeremiah 38:11-13)
This picture reminds me so much of the picture of Psalm 40. In Psalm 40, the psalmist writes,
"He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure."
(Psalm 40:2)
The Lord keeps His promises. Jeremiah was faithful to the Lord and the Lord protected him just as He said he would.
We, as Christians, should strive to live obedient lives like Jeremiah. It may not always be fun, in fact, we are promised suffering in the Scripture, but as Paul writes so eloquently in the book of Romans,
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. "
Romans 8:18
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Jeremiah 35-37
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2035-37&version=ESV
The book of Jeremiah has so many great stories. Stories that are historically and theologically true.
Jeremiah chapter 36 is one of my favorite chapters in the book of Jeremiah.
In chapter 36, the Lord tells Jeremiah:
"Take a scroll and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel and Judah and all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah until today. It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the disaster that I intend to do to them, so that every one may turn from his evil way, and that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin."
(Jeremiah 36:2-3)
So Jeremiah called Baruch, his secretary, and dictated to him the words that the Lord had spoken to him. Jeremiah told Baruch to go to the house of the Lord and speak these words to them, that
"It may be that their plea for mercy will come before the LORD, and that every one will turn from his evil way, for great is the anger and wrath that the LORD has pronounced against this people."
(Jeremiah 36:7)
While Baruch was at the house of the Lord, some officials from King Jehoiakim heard him and said that these words should be read to the king. So the scroll was taken to the king. Look at how much contempt the king had for the Word of the Lord:
"It was the ninth month, and the king was sitting in the winter house, and there was a fire burning in the fire pot before him. As Jehudi read three or four columns, the king would cut them off with a knife and throw them into the fire in the fire pot, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the fire pot. Yet neither the king nor any of his servants who heard all these words was afraid, nor did they tear their garments. Even when Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. And the king commanded Jerahmeel the king’s son and Seraiah the son of Azriel and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel to seize Baruch the secretary and Jeremiah the prophet, but the LORD hid them."
(Jeremiah 36:22-26)
The king was so brazen that he burned the Word of the Lord in the fire. I love how the Lord responded:
The Lord preserves his Word. His Word is indestructible. Today's culture ignores the Word of God. The History Channel and books like the Davinci Code have tried to show that the Bible is historically inaccurate, inconsistent, or is missing books. National Geographic and others say why don't we include the Gospel of Judas and Gospel of Thomas as part of the Canon of Scripture.
Friends, I can't address all of those issues today. But know that the Bible we have is the Word of God. It is the revelation that God has given us. The world may try to discredit God's Word and to show that it is not indestructible.
But let's look at what the Lord Jesus said about the Word of God:
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."
(Matthew 24:35)
(Hebrews 13:8)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
The book of Jeremiah has so many great stories. Stories that are historically and theologically true.
Jeremiah chapter 36 is one of my favorite chapters in the book of Jeremiah.
In chapter 36, the Lord tells Jeremiah:
"Take a scroll and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel and Judah and all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah until today. It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the disaster that I intend to do to them, so that every one may turn from his evil way, and that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin."
(Jeremiah 36:2-3)
So Jeremiah called Baruch, his secretary, and dictated to him the words that the Lord had spoken to him. Jeremiah told Baruch to go to the house of the Lord and speak these words to them, that
"It may be that their plea for mercy will come before the LORD, and that every one will turn from his evil way, for great is the anger and wrath that the LORD has pronounced against this people."
(Jeremiah 36:7)
While Baruch was at the house of the Lord, some officials from King Jehoiakim heard him and said that these words should be read to the king. So the scroll was taken to the king. Look at how much contempt the king had for the Word of the Lord:
"It was the ninth month, and the king was sitting in the winter house, and there was a fire burning in the fire pot before him. As Jehudi read three or four columns, the king would cut them off with a knife and throw them into the fire in the fire pot, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the fire pot. Yet neither the king nor any of his servants who heard all these words was afraid, nor did they tear their garments. Even when Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. And the king commanded Jerahmeel the king’s son and Seraiah the son of Azriel and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel to seize Baruch the secretary and Jeremiah the prophet, but the LORD hid them."
(Jeremiah 36:22-26)
The king was so brazen that he burned the Word of the Lord in the fire. I love how the Lord responded:
" Now after the king had burned the scroll with the words that Baruch wrote at Jeremiah’s dictation, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: "Take another scroll and write on it all the former words that were in the first scroll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah has burned. And concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah you shall say, 'Thus says the LORD, You have burned this scroll, saying, "Why have you written in it that the king of Babylon will certainly come and destroy this land, and will cut off from it man and beast?" Therefore thus says the LORD concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah: He shall have none to sit on the throne of David, and his dead body shall be cast out to the heat by day and the frost by night. And I will punish him and his offspring and his servants for their iniquity. I will bring upon them and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem and upon the people of Judah all the disaster that I have pronounced against them, but they would not hear.'" Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah, who wrote on it at the dictation of Jeremiah all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them."
(Jeremiah 36:27-32)The Lord preserves his Word. His Word is indestructible. Today's culture ignores the Word of God. The History Channel and books like the Davinci Code have tried to show that the Bible is historically inaccurate, inconsistent, or is missing books. National Geographic and others say why don't we include the Gospel of Judas and Gospel of Thomas as part of the Canon of Scripture.
Friends, I can't address all of those issues today. But know that the Bible we have is the Word of God. It is the revelation that God has given us. The world may try to discredit God's Word and to show that it is not indestructible.
But let's look at what the Lord Jesus said about the Word of God:
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."
(Matthew 24:35)
"If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—"
(John 10:35)
Scripture can not be broken. It is indestructible. We can trust that what the Word says about Jesus Christ and His Character to be true.
Praise be to God!!!!
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."(Hebrews 13:8)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Jeremiah 32-34
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2032-34&version=ESV
Jeremiah 32 is a great chapter in which Jeremiah obeys the Lord, even though at the time he is doing so, he doesn't know why he is doing what the Lord is asking him to do.
How often times that is the same for us!! When the Lord tells us through His Word to do something, we are to obey. We may not understand why, but if it is coming from God's Word we can trust that we are doing the right thing.
In Jeremiah chapter 32, the Lord tells Jeremiah to go and buy a field from his cousin, Hanamel. I know Jeremiah was probably thinking, "Lord why should I buy a field here? You have said that you are going to ravage Jerusalem and Judah. Why would I buy a field that is going to be taken over by the Babylonians?" (This is what I think he might have been thinking.)
But Jeremiah obeyed, even though he did not have all the facts. He bought the land. And later in the chapter the Lord revealed to Jeremiah why he was to buy the land.
Listen to how the Lord answered Jeremiah:
"Now therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning this city of which you say, 'It is given into the hand of the king of Babylon by sword, by famine, and by pestilence': Behold, I will gather them from all the countries to which I drove them in my anger and my wrath and in great indignation. I will bring them back to this place, and I will make them dwell in safety. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul. For thus says the LORD: Just as I have brought all this great disaster upon this people, so I will bring upon them all the good that I promise them. Fields shall be bought in this land of which you are saying, 'It is a desolation, without man or beast; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.' Fields shall be bought for money, and deeds shall be signed and sealed and witnessed, in the land of Benjamin, in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, in the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the Shephelah, and in the cities of the Negeb; for I will restore their fortunes, declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 32:36-44)
I love the Lord's answer. He tells Jeremiah that fields will be bought for money and that He will restore their fortunes. But more than that, the Lord re-affirms the New Covenant with the people of Israel, that Jeremiah wrote in Jeremiah 31:31-34. He tells the people He will not turn away from doing good to them. He would put the fear of Him in their hearts so that they would not turn away from Him. And, the Lord said He would rejoice in doing them good!!
The Lord wants to do us good!! When we are disobedient, we should expect discipline from the Lord. The people of Judah were experiencing His discipline. But note how gracious God is: He is the one who initiates the turning of the people back to Him.
The Lord said: "Just as I have brought all this great disaster upon this people, so I will bring upon them all the good that I promise them."
God's Word is true. If we disobey we should expect discipline. However, the Lord is gracious. Sometimes we are not disciplined in the manner we might expect. Never take for granted the Lord's mercy and grace. If you are not disciplined in a severe manner, take that as an act of kindness of the Lord towards you. Don't test God. Repent when you disobey and turn back to Him.
Jeremiah trusted in the Word of the Lord, even though he did not understand why he was buying the land until later. We probably will experience the same thing in our lives, although probably not quite as dramatic as what Jeremiah experienced. We may walk in obedience to the Word of the Lord, and then later, God may reveal to us what He planned for us.
Friends, trust in the Lord. Obey Him. Wait on Him. As Isaiah wrote:
"Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock."
(Isaiah 26:4)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Jeremiah 32 is a great chapter in which Jeremiah obeys the Lord, even though at the time he is doing so, he doesn't know why he is doing what the Lord is asking him to do.
How often times that is the same for us!! When the Lord tells us through His Word to do something, we are to obey. We may not understand why, but if it is coming from God's Word we can trust that we are doing the right thing.
In Jeremiah chapter 32, the Lord tells Jeremiah to go and buy a field from his cousin, Hanamel. I know Jeremiah was probably thinking, "Lord why should I buy a field here? You have said that you are going to ravage Jerusalem and Judah. Why would I buy a field that is going to be taken over by the Babylonians?" (This is what I think he might have been thinking.)
But Jeremiah obeyed, even though he did not have all the facts. He bought the land. And later in the chapter the Lord revealed to Jeremiah why he was to buy the land.
Listen to how the Lord answered Jeremiah:
"Now therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning this city of which you say, 'It is given into the hand of the king of Babylon by sword, by famine, and by pestilence': Behold, I will gather them from all the countries to which I drove them in my anger and my wrath and in great indignation. I will bring them back to this place, and I will make them dwell in safety. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul. For thus says the LORD: Just as I have brought all this great disaster upon this people, so I will bring upon them all the good that I promise them. Fields shall be bought in this land of which you are saying, 'It is a desolation, without man or beast; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.' Fields shall be bought for money, and deeds shall be signed and sealed and witnessed, in the land of Benjamin, in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, in the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the Shephelah, and in the cities of the Negeb; for I will restore their fortunes, declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 32:36-44)
I love the Lord's answer. He tells Jeremiah that fields will be bought for money and that He will restore their fortunes. But more than that, the Lord re-affirms the New Covenant with the people of Israel, that Jeremiah wrote in Jeremiah 31:31-34. He tells the people He will not turn away from doing good to them. He would put the fear of Him in their hearts so that they would not turn away from Him. And, the Lord said He would rejoice in doing them good!!
The Lord wants to do us good!! When we are disobedient, we should expect discipline from the Lord. The people of Judah were experiencing His discipline. But note how gracious God is: He is the one who initiates the turning of the people back to Him.
The Lord said: "Just as I have brought all this great disaster upon this people, so I will bring upon them all the good that I promise them."
God's Word is true. If we disobey we should expect discipline. However, the Lord is gracious. Sometimes we are not disciplined in the manner we might expect. Never take for granted the Lord's mercy and grace. If you are not disciplined in a severe manner, take that as an act of kindness of the Lord towards you. Don't test God. Repent when you disobey and turn back to Him.
Jeremiah trusted in the Word of the Lord, even though he did not understand why he was buying the land until later. We probably will experience the same thing in our lives, although probably not quite as dramatic as what Jeremiah experienced. We may walk in obedience to the Word of the Lord, and then later, God may reveal to us what He planned for us.
Friends, trust in the Lord. Obey Him. Wait on Him. As Isaiah wrote:
"Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock."
(Isaiah 26:4)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Jeremiah 30-31
Today's passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah%2030-31&version=NIV
Chapter 30 opens up with a positive theme: the theme of restoration. It is a message of hope, healing and rebuilding. But God wants to do more than just restore the fortunes of his people and bring them back to the land of milk and honey. He wants to restore the relationship. In verse 30:22, He says “And you shall be my people and I will be your God.”
God has used this phrase a lot throughout the Old Testament. What does it mean to you to be a part of God’s people, with Him as your God? To me, it means developing a relationship based on faith, love, surrender & obedience.
Faith – Faith in his promises, in his grace and in his salvation.
Love - His amazing love for us. Love so amazing that He sent His son to die on the cross for our sins that we might be saved. Love that is deeper and wider than we can imagine.
Surrender – giving up control; trusting him to take the reigns of my life. Inquiring of Him for guidance and help and acknowledging that His wisdom is beyond ours.
Obedience - A desire and commitment to obedience. Obedience is part of our love relationship with God. God wants us to follow the example of Jesus and live a life that is holy and righteous. Obedience means joining God in his kingdom work - serving Him and serving others so that He may be glorified. It is a product of love, rather than fear.
A few years ago, I found myself in need of restoration. I needed God to take control of my life and rebuild my faith. I needed Him to plant in me a desire for obedience and service. How is a relationship like this built? Just like any other relationship. Through time. I began spending time with God again. It started out with a few weak prayers and some Sunday visits to church and has grown into a new life for me. It’s a life of prayer, praise, & worship. He’s given me church family where I can fellowship with other believers and study His Word. He’s blessed me with opportunities to serve Him and others. Together, we are still working on our relationship constantly. It’s a process that I am so glad that He is committed to. I am his child and He is my God and the love that He lavishes upon me is greater than anything I can possibly even imagine. It’s so amazing that He –mighty God, architect of the universe, author of life – it’s so amazing that He would even would want a relationship with me. I thank Him for being a God of restoration.
Today's blog submitted by Kelly Coxe
Chapter 30 opens up with a positive theme: the theme of restoration. It is a message of hope, healing and rebuilding. But God wants to do more than just restore the fortunes of his people and bring them back to the land of milk and honey. He wants to restore the relationship. In verse 30:22, He says “And you shall be my people and I will be your God.”
God has used this phrase a lot throughout the Old Testament. What does it mean to you to be a part of God’s people, with Him as your God? To me, it means developing a relationship based on faith, love, surrender & obedience.
Faith – Faith in his promises, in his grace and in his salvation.
Love - His amazing love for us. Love so amazing that He sent His son to die on the cross for our sins that we might be saved. Love that is deeper and wider than we can imagine.
Surrender – giving up control; trusting him to take the reigns of my life. Inquiring of Him for guidance and help and acknowledging that His wisdom is beyond ours.
Obedience - A desire and commitment to obedience. Obedience is part of our love relationship with God. God wants us to follow the example of Jesus and live a life that is holy and righteous. Obedience means joining God in his kingdom work - serving Him and serving others so that He may be glorified. It is a product of love, rather than fear.
A few years ago, I found myself in need of restoration. I needed God to take control of my life and rebuild my faith. I needed Him to plant in me a desire for obedience and service. How is a relationship like this built? Just like any other relationship. Through time. I began spending time with God again. It started out with a few weak prayers and some Sunday visits to church and has grown into a new life for me. It’s a life of prayer, praise, & worship. He’s given me church family where I can fellowship with other believers and study His Word. He’s blessed me with opportunities to serve Him and others. Together, we are still working on our relationship constantly. It’s a process that I am so glad that He is committed to. I am his child and He is my God and the love that He lavishes upon me is greater than anything I can possibly even imagine. It’s so amazing that He –mighty God, architect of the universe, author of life – it’s so amazing that He would even would want a relationship with me. I thank Him for being a God of restoration.
Today's blog submitted by Kelly Coxe
Monday, August 16, 2010
Jeremiah 23-29
Todays passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah%2023-29&version=NIV
In our passage today, we see Jeremiah go head to head with Hananiah in a battle of the prophets. Hananiah, who claims to be speaking the word of the Lord, preaches peace within 2 years and Jeremiah was preaching a need for repentance & 70 years in exile.
In our society today, we are inundated with false teachings. People from all walks of life are claiming to have “The Truth”, but the Bible tells us that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
A recent example of a Hollywood version of false teaching is the new movie, Eat, Pray, Love. The basic message of the movie/book is that we can all ditch our responsibilities and commitments to seek what we think will fulfill us. The book starts off with Elizabeth walking away from her marriage after she hears a word from god that she can ditch her husband. Through her journey, she finds herself embracing a religion that basically says – you don’t need God…you are a god. You have the power in you to fulfill your purpose and all of your own desires.
The Bible teaches us that God is the source of all that we ARE and all that we HAVE. Our strength comes from the Holy Spirit, not from ourselves. We are sinners who need a Savior. We can’t save ourselves. God sent his son that we may have abundant life and it saddens me to think about how many people read the book or saw the movie and have been seduced by these lies.
With so much false information on the internet, in movies and books, in churches, & in classrooms how can we arm ourselves with the truth? Ignorance is not an excuse – we have full access to the Word of God that is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16). The Word of God provides us with a filter for the words of man. We cannot just rely on our pastors and teachers to spoon feed lessons to us (there are some pretty famous preachers out there who do not handle the Word accurately), but we must know how to study the word ourselves. Kay Arthur taught me how to read the Bible in her book Lord, Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 days where she teaches using inductive Bible study.
Some suggestions using this method include:
- Begin with prayer asking for wisdom as you study His Word
- Observe the text, reading it slowly and out loud, taking time to mark key words and frequently repeated phrases
- Ask questions using the 5 W’s and the H – who, what, where, when, how and why.
- Look for lists, comparisons or contrasts
- Note expressions of time
- Identify chapter themes
- Remember – context is king! Don’t just read a verse and try to analyze it – make sure you read the surrounding verses and keep in mind cultural and historical context.
- Don’t base your conviction on an obscure passage that is not easy to understand
- Use a concordance to do word studies and find the word in the original Hebrew or Greek
- End with prayer asking God to show you how to apply the truths you learned to your own life and then commit to correction where needed.
These are just a few tips on how to study your Bible. Those of you who are persevering through with the Bible in a year challenge – keep it up! Let God show you truth in His Word. JOY comes, not from putting yourself first, but Jesus first, then others, then yourself (yes – KSBJ this morning :) ***). Pray that God will continue to build your enthusiasm for the treasure of His Word!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
A Visit to the Potter's House
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2018-22&version=NIV
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ‘Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.’ So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as it seemed best for him.
Then the word of the Lord came to me: ‘O house of Israel, can I not do the same with you as this potter does?’ declares the Lord. ‘Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.’ - Jeremiah 18:1-6
Take the above words and substitute your name in place of ‘house of Israel’. Through our adoption by the bold of Christ we are part of the house of Israel and these words apply directly to our lives. With that in mind, let’s talk a little about Jeremiah’s visit to the potter’s house, what he saw, and the words God spoke to him.
First, note that God didn’t give directions to the potter’s house or say which potter. That makes me conclude that Jeremiah was well-acquainted with this potter. Perhaps he was the village potter, or perhaps he was the potter God knew Jeremiah commissioned to make his pots because Jeremiah knew exactly where to go. Either way, I am thinking that the potter was a master craftsman. It could be likely that people could look at a piece of pottery and recognize his hand-work by the quality and craftsmanship. It just makes sense that God would send him to a master-craftsman, an artist, to make he point clear.
Jeremiah says that he saw the potter working at the wheel. I imagine he watched him for a while. Perhaps God whispered to him to note the care that the potter used in making the pot. He may have noted the creativity that went into each piece. As he watches, picture him seeing the potter shake his head, mumbling under his breath in disappointment when he notices that the pot was marred. This was not what he intended the pot to be.
This master-craftsman wouldn’t dream of selling a pot that was marred. This pot, after all, represents him – his work, his skill, his expertise, his creativity. He doesn’t just throw away the clay and start over, for he knows the clay still has value and that it is still usable. He recognizes that the clay has the potential to become everything he dreamed it would be when he started. He knows that this clay can be shaped into a pot that is usable, a pot that is strong, a pot that is a reflection of his work and therefore a reflection of him.
Instead, the craftsman lovingly begins the process of reshaping the pot. It very carefully and gently cups his hands around it as it spins on his wheel. He patiently applies the right kind of pressure at the right time. His eyes shine as the pot begins to take shape, because his vision for everything the pot would be is beginning to form. He is a master-craftsman, and he is creating a masterpiece.
Our sovereign God is wise, my friends. Trust him - He is a master-craftsman who has a vision for your life. You are safe in his hands as they lovingly shaped you. Let him have his way with you – he is making you into work that reflects Him.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ‘Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.’ So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as it seemed best for him.
Then the word of the Lord came to me: ‘O house of Israel, can I not do the same with you as this potter does?’ declares the Lord. ‘Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.’ - Jeremiah 18:1-6
Take the above words and substitute your name in place of ‘house of Israel’. Through our adoption by the bold of Christ we are part of the house of Israel and these words apply directly to our lives. With that in mind, let’s talk a little about Jeremiah’s visit to the potter’s house, what he saw, and the words God spoke to him.
First, note that God didn’t give directions to the potter’s house or say which potter. That makes me conclude that Jeremiah was well-acquainted with this potter. Perhaps he was the village potter, or perhaps he was the potter God knew Jeremiah commissioned to make his pots because Jeremiah knew exactly where to go. Either way, I am thinking that the potter was a master craftsman. It could be likely that people could look at a piece of pottery and recognize his hand-work by the quality and craftsmanship. It just makes sense that God would send him to a master-craftsman, an artist, to make he point clear.
Jeremiah says that he saw the potter working at the wheel. I imagine he watched him for a while. Perhaps God whispered to him to note the care that the potter used in making the pot. He may have noted the creativity that went into each piece. As he watches, picture him seeing the potter shake his head, mumbling under his breath in disappointment when he notices that the pot was marred. This was not what he intended the pot to be.
This master-craftsman wouldn’t dream of selling a pot that was marred. This pot, after all, represents him – his work, his skill, his expertise, his creativity. He doesn’t just throw away the clay and start over, for he knows the clay still has value and that it is still usable. He recognizes that the clay has the potential to become everything he dreamed it would be when he started. He knows that this clay can be shaped into a pot that is usable, a pot that is strong, a pot that is a reflection of his work and therefore a reflection of him.
Instead, the craftsman lovingly begins the process of reshaping the pot. It very carefully and gently cups his hands around it as it spins on his wheel. He patiently applies the right kind of pressure at the right time. His eyes shine as the pot begins to take shape, because his vision for everything the pot would be is beginning to form. He is a master-craftsman, and he is creating a masterpiece.
Our sovereign God is wise, my friends. Trust him - He is a master-craftsman who has a vision for your life. You are safe in his hands as they lovingly shaped you. Let him have his way with you – he is making you into work that reflects Him.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Devouring the Word
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah%2014-17&version=NIV
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God almighty. – Jeremiah 15:16
Let’s take a closer look at the above verse. First, through a word study, we can learn that ‘came’ literally means ‘were found’ – likely referring to the discovery of the book of the law that we’ve read about. What did Jeremiah do with the book of the law when it was found? Another word study will tell us that ‘I ate them’ means ‘I digested them, I assimilated them, I made them a part of me.’ So the book of the Law – God’s word – is found, and Jeremiah doesn’t just read them, but he digests them, takes them in, they become planted in his mind and in his heart.
We can learn from Jeremiah – and should – to not just read the Word as words on paper, but rather Words directly from the Lord our God. We are told that the word is alive and active, and so these words from God that we read every day are actively applied to each individual heart and life.
But, I’m sure we could all say that we have struggled with reading the word of God. I know for myself, there was a time when it was a chore – something I felt obligated to do. I certainly wasn’t devouring them, but rather just grazing on them a little, not sure if they were quite what I was hungry for.
That has changed for me though. I related now to the desire to feed on the word of God – to eat until I am satisfied. If you struggle with wanting to read God’s word or feeling like you are really getting anything out of it, let me encourage you to stay the course and press on. God will develop in you not only an acquired taste for his word, but a strong craving for it. Below are what some steps to creating these healthy eating habits:
Come hungry to the table of the Lord.
It is hard to have room left for the word of God when you’ve been feeding and filling yourself on other things. Isaiah 55:2 says “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare”. We all have an emptiness inside of us, an unexplainable longing that calls out to be filled. The problem is we seek to fill that longing in places and sources that do not satisfy – they only fill us for a while and then we are hungry again and go back to the source of false bread to be filled again. If we continue in this pattern what occurs is that we are never fully satisfied, yet we do not hunger for the Word. We must seek to fill those longings first through the Word of God – and we will be satisfied.
Be bold enough to make special requests
Any chef that is worth his muster wants those who eat his food to be delighted, satisfied, and be returning customers. God is no different. If you want to develop the habit, boldly ask God to help you. Ask God to create in you a hunger for his word and for you to find no satisfaction that even begins to compare in other places. Ask him to make his word irresistible to your soul so that you cannot help but to return to it again and again. I guarantee this is a prayer God will answer, because it is his perfect will for you hunger for and feed on his word. Boldly as him to serve it up in a way that keeps you coming back.
Savor every bite and morsel and try new flavors.
Scripture says that ‘ALL scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work’ – 2 Timothy 3:16-17. If we only continue to graze on the word, or gulp it down while we are on the run, or just eat the parts that are familiar, then we miss the beauty in the entire meal. God has laid out a gourmet meal filled with rich and satisfying food. Slow down, savor each word, meditate on it, seek to taste new things in the word of God.
Devour the word, my friends, eat and be filled. Digest the Word, assimilate it, let it become a part of you.
Care to share? What helped you develop the hunger for the word of God?
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God almighty. – Jeremiah 15:16
Let’s take a closer look at the above verse. First, through a word study, we can learn that ‘came’ literally means ‘were found’ – likely referring to the discovery of the book of the law that we’ve read about. What did Jeremiah do with the book of the law when it was found? Another word study will tell us that ‘I ate them’ means ‘I digested them, I assimilated them, I made them a part of me.’ So the book of the Law – God’s word – is found, and Jeremiah doesn’t just read them, but he digests them, takes them in, they become planted in his mind and in his heart.
We can learn from Jeremiah – and should – to not just read the Word as words on paper, but rather Words directly from the Lord our God. We are told that the word is alive and active, and so these words from God that we read every day are actively applied to each individual heart and life.
But, I’m sure we could all say that we have struggled with reading the word of God. I know for myself, there was a time when it was a chore – something I felt obligated to do. I certainly wasn’t devouring them, but rather just grazing on them a little, not sure if they were quite what I was hungry for.
That has changed for me though. I related now to the desire to feed on the word of God – to eat until I am satisfied. If you struggle with wanting to read God’s word or feeling like you are really getting anything out of it, let me encourage you to stay the course and press on. God will develop in you not only an acquired taste for his word, but a strong craving for it. Below are what some steps to creating these healthy eating habits:
Come hungry to the table of the Lord.
It is hard to have room left for the word of God when you’ve been feeding and filling yourself on other things. Isaiah 55:2 says “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare”. We all have an emptiness inside of us, an unexplainable longing that calls out to be filled. The problem is we seek to fill that longing in places and sources that do not satisfy – they only fill us for a while and then we are hungry again and go back to the source of false bread to be filled again. If we continue in this pattern what occurs is that we are never fully satisfied, yet we do not hunger for the Word. We must seek to fill those longings first through the Word of God – and we will be satisfied.
Be bold enough to make special requests
Any chef that is worth his muster wants those who eat his food to be delighted, satisfied, and be returning customers. God is no different. If you want to develop the habit, boldly ask God to help you. Ask God to create in you a hunger for his word and for you to find no satisfaction that even begins to compare in other places. Ask him to make his word irresistible to your soul so that you cannot help but to return to it again and again. I guarantee this is a prayer God will answer, because it is his perfect will for you hunger for and feed on his word. Boldly as him to serve it up in a way that keeps you coming back.
Savor every bite and morsel and try new flavors.
Scripture says that ‘ALL scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work’ – 2 Timothy 3:16-17. If we only continue to graze on the word, or gulp it down while we are on the run, or just eat the parts that are familiar, then we miss the beauty in the entire meal. God has laid out a gourmet meal filled with rich and satisfying food. Slow down, savor each word, meditate on it, seek to taste new things in the word of God.
Devour the word, my friends, eat and be filled. Digest the Word, assimilate it, let it become a part of you.
Care to share? What helped you develop the hunger for the word of God?
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Friday, August 13, 2010
Jeremiah 10-13
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2010-13&version=ESV
Jeremiah 13:23: " Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil."
Jeremiah just cuts to the quick doesn't he? He is telling the people of Judah that they are natural born sinners. It is their nature to do evil, and that to change without the help of God is not going to happen.
Just like one can not change his or her skin color, or can a animal change the color of its spots, neither can we change our sin nature.
But praise be to God that He has made us a new creation in Christ, for those who have believed in His Son's saving work on the cross and have applied it personally to themselves.
Martin Luther called Christians "simultaneously saint and sinner" because he redefines "saint" as a forgiven sinner. We are called saints not because we change into something different but because our relationship with God changes as a result of God's grace. Luther said: "The saints are sinners, too, but they are forgiven and absolved."
Let us always remember that we are sinners, and never lose sight of that. And let us always remember that we are saints in Christ, and never lose sight of that as well.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Jeremiah 13:23: " Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil."
Jeremiah just cuts to the quick doesn't he? He is telling the people of Judah that they are natural born sinners. It is their nature to do evil, and that to change without the help of God is not going to happen.
Just like one can not change his or her skin color, or can a animal change the color of its spots, neither can we change our sin nature.
But praise be to God that He has made us a new creation in Christ, for those who have believed in His Son's saving work on the cross and have applied it personally to themselves.
Martin Luther called Christians "simultaneously saint and sinner" because he redefines "saint" as a forgiven sinner. We are called saints not because we change into something different but because our relationship with God changes as a result of God's grace. Luther said: "The saints are sinners, too, but they are forgiven and absolved."
Let us always remember that we are sinners, and never lose sight of that. And let us always remember that we are saints in Christ, and never lose sight of that as well.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Jeremiah 7-9
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%207-9&version=ESV
Jeremiah 9:23-24: "Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD."
Jeremiah 9:23-24 are some of my favorite verses. The focus of these verses is on the Lord. That is where our focus always needs to be.
It is as John the Baptist said in John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease."
But let's look at the context of these verses. In chapters 7, 8, and 9 - Jeremiah is continuing to detail the woes and sins of Israel and Judah.
In chapter 7 we read that the people of Judah, not just the evil kings of Israel, have offered their children as sacrifices in the fire. This is such a detestable act.
Continuing on in chapter 8, we read about how the people are backslidden, and how they refuse to repent and return to the Lord.
In chapter 9, verse 1 Jeremiah writes, " Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!"
It is from this verse that many people have referred to Jeremiah as "The Weeping Prophet." But Jeremiah does more than weep for the people, he perseveres and encourages them to repent of their ways and return to the Lord. The ESV Study Bible says, perhaps a more accurate name for Jeremiah, would be "The Persevering Prophet."
This leads us up to Jeremiah 9:23-24. In verse 22, Jeremiah wrote, "Speak, "Thus declares the LORD: 'The dead bodies of men shall fall like dung upon the open field, like sheaves after the reaper, and none shall gather them.'" Then we come to these great 2 verses.
So what is the connection? My study Bible has a great not on this. It reads, "The truly wise man learns what God teaches; he knows why Judah will fall and is grieved and humbled by that knowledge; thus he will not boast in his wisdom. Knowing God means knowing his steadfast love (covenant faithfulness), justice (right judgment), and righteousness (right behavior, esp. in keeping his promises)."
The Apostle Paul references these verses when he writes in 1 Corinthians 1:31, "so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
What about y'all? Who or what do you boast in? Your job? It comes from the Lord. Your health? It comes from the Lord. Your relationships? They come from the Lord. Your possessions? They come from the Lord and He enables you to use them.
Paul also speaks of boasting about the Lord again in one of my favorite passages.
Galatians 6:14 says, "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."
As we live in the Church Age, we have the completed Canon Scripture. We know more of God's revelation to us than Jeremiah did, as we have access to the New Testament, whereas he did not.
So, when we boast of God, let's boast of His steadfast love, justice and righteousness, and let us also boast in the cross of Christ, in which Jesus Christ showed His steadfast love and justice to us!!
Meditate on these verses today. Jeremiah 9:23-24 would be a good set of verses to know and memorize.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Jeremiah 9:23-24: "Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD."
Jeremiah 9:23-24 are some of my favorite verses. The focus of these verses is on the Lord. That is where our focus always needs to be.
It is as John the Baptist said in John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease."
But let's look at the context of these verses. In chapters 7, 8, and 9 - Jeremiah is continuing to detail the woes and sins of Israel and Judah.
In chapter 7 we read that the people of Judah, not just the evil kings of Israel, have offered their children as sacrifices in the fire. This is such a detestable act.
Continuing on in chapter 8, we read about how the people are backslidden, and how they refuse to repent and return to the Lord.
In chapter 9, verse 1 Jeremiah writes, " Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!"
It is from this verse that many people have referred to Jeremiah as "The Weeping Prophet." But Jeremiah does more than weep for the people, he perseveres and encourages them to repent of their ways and return to the Lord. The ESV Study Bible says, perhaps a more accurate name for Jeremiah, would be "The Persevering Prophet."
This leads us up to Jeremiah 9:23-24. In verse 22, Jeremiah wrote, "Speak, "Thus declares the LORD: 'The dead bodies of men shall fall like dung upon the open field, like sheaves after the reaper, and none shall gather them.'" Then we come to these great 2 verses.
So what is the connection? My study Bible has a great not on this. It reads, "The truly wise man learns what God teaches; he knows why Judah will fall and is grieved and humbled by that knowledge; thus he will not boast in his wisdom. Knowing God means knowing his steadfast love (covenant faithfulness), justice (right judgment), and righteousness (right behavior, esp. in keeping his promises)."
The Apostle Paul references these verses when he writes in 1 Corinthians 1:31, "so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
What about y'all? Who or what do you boast in? Your job? It comes from the Lord. Your health? It comes from the Lord. Your relationships? They come from the Lord. Your possessions? They come from the Lord and He enables you to use them.
Paul also speaks of boasting about the Lord again in one of my favorite passages.
Galatians 6:14 says, "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."
As we live in the Church Age, we have the completed Canon Scripture. We know more of God's revelation to us than Jeremiah did, as we have access to the New Testament, whereas he did not.
So, when we boast of God, let's boast of His steadfast love, justice and righteousness, and let us also boast in the cross of Christ, in which Jesus Christ showed His steadfast love and justice to us!!
Meditate on these verses today. Jeremiah 9:23-24 would be a good set of verses to know and memorize.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Jeremiah 4-6
Todays passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah%204-6&version=NIV
It's your turn to blog! Jeremiah's message from God is a message of repentance and we see that God is looking for true authentic repentance from his people. As you read chapters 4-6, reflect on what it means to truly repent. Take inventory of your own life and ask God to reveal any areas of your life where repentance is needed. Pray that he will help you prepare your heart for true repentance. Share your thought on the blog by clicking the link below.
It's your turn to blog! Jeremiah's message from God is a message of repentance and we see that God is looking for true authentic repentance from his people. As you read chapters 4-6, reflect on what it means to truly repent. Take inventory of your own life and ask God to reveal any areas of your life where repentance is needed. Pray that he will help you prepare your heart for true repentance. Share your thought on the blog by clicking the link below.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Todays passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah%201-3&version=NIV
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
You’re not an accident, a coincidence, or a mistake. You’re not a stroke of luck, a fluke, a twist of fate, a chance happening, or a product of karma, You’re not useless, worthless, insignificant or a waste. you’re more than just a biological, genetic, scientific wonder.
As a child of God, you were lovingly, purposefully, and miraculously created to glorify God. He might not have called you to the life of a prophet, like Jeremiah, but he definitely created you for a specific purpose.
Generally speaking, the Bible is filled with instructions on God’s will for our lives. As Christ followers our purpose is to live a life that glorifies Him – that’s 1 Corinthians 10:31. Matthew 5:14-16 says that you are the light of the world. And that you are to let that light shine before men, so that they can see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Ephesians 2:10 says that you are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, works that God prepared in advance for you to do. Matthew 28:19-20 says that we are to go and make disciples and teach them to obey.
You might be asking, “What about my specific purpose? Does God have something special for me?”. If you are beating your head up against a wall, struggling in a search to figure out what you specific purpose in life is, I suggest you stop. Pricilla Shirer always says that the best way to get to know God’s will for your life is to get to know God. In other words, develop a relationship with Him and let him reveal your purpose to you in his way and in his time. Live your life seeking Him, worshipping Him, and communicating with Him through His Word and prayer. Continually ask Him to guide you so that you can live your life in accordance to what you learn about Him. Specific purpose comes through allowing God to lead you through your daily walk through life. But you can’t hear his voice and understand his instructions unless you know Him. It might start out as something small that grows into something that you never expected, but it all starts with just one small step – a step of faith that allows the Lord to lead you in your daily life.
Jeremiah’s calling was a difficult one. The message of repentance would not be well received and he would endure much persecution through his life. But, you will see as you read on, that Jeremiah knew the Word of God and he knew God - his theology came straight from the Law, the Psalms and other scriptural passages. This relationship with God is what allowed Jeremiah to persevere in his difficult calling.
Take inventory of your relationship with God. Do you know who He is? Are you spending time getting to know Him so that you can get to know His voice as He leads you in your calling? Make time to draw near to Him through His Word and through prayer so that you may better understand how to live your daily life inside of his will. You have significance beyond what you can imagine through Him. Allow Him to work through you.
Todays post submitted by Kelly Coxe
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
You’re not an accident, a coincidence, or a mistake. You’re not a stroke of luck, a fluke, a twist of fate, a chance happening, or a product of karma, You’re not useless, worthless, insignificant or a waste. you’re more than just a biological, genetic, scientific wonder.
As a child of God, you were lovingly, purposefully, and miraculously created to glorify God. He might not have called you to the life of a prophet, like Jeremiah, but he definitely created you for a specific purpose.
Generally speaking, the Bible is filled with instructions on God’s will for our lives. As Christ followers our purpose is to live a life that glorifies Him – that’s 1 Corinthians 10:31. Matthew 5:14-16 says that you are the light of the world. And that you are to let that light shine before men, so that they can see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Ephesians 2:10 says that you are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, works that God prepared in advance for you to do. Matthew 28:19-20 says that we are to go and make disciples and teach them to obey.
You might be asking, “What about my specific purpose? Does God have something special for me?”. If you are beating your head up against a wall, struggling in a search to figure out what you specific purpose in life is, I suggest you stop. Pricilla Shirer always says that the best way to get to know God’s will for your life is to get to know God. In other words, develop a relationship with Him and let him reveal your purpose to you in his way and in his time. Live your life seeking Him, worshipping Him, and communicating with Him through His Word and prayer. Continually ask Him to guide you so that you can live your life in accordance to what you learn about Him. Specific purpose comes through allowing God to lead you through your daily walk through life. But you can’t hear his voice and understand his instructions unless you know Him. It might start out as something small that grows into something that you never expected, but it all starts with just one small step – a step of faith that allows the Lord to lead you in your daily life.
Jeremiah’s calling was a difficult one. The message of repentance would not be well received and he would endure much persecution through his life. But, you will see as you read on, that Jeremiah knew the Word of God and he knew God - his theology came straight from the Law, the Psalms and other scriptural passages. This relationship with God is what allowed Jeremiah to persevere in his difficult calling.
Take inventory of your relationship with God. Do you know who He is? Are you spending time getting to know Him so that you can get to know His voice as He leads you in your calling? Make time to draw near to Him through His Word and through prayer so that you may better understand how to live your daily life inside of his will. You have significance beyond what you can imagine through Him. Allow Him to work through you.
Todays post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Monday, August 9, 2010
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zephaniah+1&version=NIV
ZEPHANIAH
Zephaniah is yet another powerful prophesy of the coming judgment of God and the ultimate redemption of His people. A holy God cannot tolerate sin, and it is especially troubling when that sin is committed by those who claim to know Him and keep His ways. Israel’s fate is a foregone conclusion; their waywardness has earned them God’s wrath. If this were the end of the story, Israel would have nothing to hope for. However, God does not allow this to be the end of the story. Zephaniah makes it clear that His plan of redemption for His people will not be thwarted. Ultimately, repentance will come, the punishment will cease, and the faithful will be restored.
Under the new covenant of Jesus Christ, we understand that God works His redemption with each of us individually. However, it’s difficult to say that He still does not render judgment upon us collectively much in the way He dealt with Israel. As I witness the daily headlines in the news, I seriously worry about how out of step our nation is becoming with respect to God’s ways and the consequences that will affect all of us if the nation strays. We as a church must take every opportunity to show our nation and its leaders the wisdom in seeking God’s will. To do this, we ourselves must boldly and without apology live our lives according to God’s will. And most importantly, we must speak the truth in love. If there can only be one single defining attribute of a Christian, it must be love. It must be love. It must, it must be love.
Chad
ZEPHANIAH
Zephaniah is yet another powerful prophesy of the coming judgment of God and the ultimate redemption of His people. A holy God cannot tolerate sin, and it is especially troubling when that sin is committed by those who claim to know Him and keep His ways. Israel’s fate is a foregone conclusion; their waywardness has earned them God’s wrath. If this were the end of the story, Israel would have nothing to hope for. However, God does not allow this to be the end of the story. Zephaniah makes it clear that His plan of redemption for His people will not be thwarted. Ultimately, repentance will come, the punishment will cease, and the faithful will be restored.
Under the new covenant of Jesus Christ, we understand that God works His redemption with each of us individually. However, it’s difficult to say that He still does not render judgment upon us collectively much in the way He dealt with Israel. As I witness the daily headlines in the news, I seriously worry about how out of step our nation is becoming with respect to God’s ways and the consequences that will affect all of us if the nation strays. We as a church must take every opportunity to show our nation and its leaders the wisdom in seeking God’s will. To do this, we ourselves must boldly and without apology live our lives according to God’s will. And most importantly, we must speak the truth in love. If there can only be one single defining attribute of a Christian, it must be love. It must be love. It must, it must be love.
Chad
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Tear Your Robe
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2022-23;%202%20Chronicles%2034-35&version=NIV
Today we read of King Josiah - one who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. It amazes me that from such a young age - from the word we can assume he was 16 years old - he began to seek God. Such wisdom from one so young! What was interesting to me is that while somehow he obviously knew of God and the ways of God, he was almost ignorant of what the book of the law said. Was this because only the priests read the book? Perhaps. But certainly the would have taught it to the people. I think it was more likely because so many previous generations turned away from God, that knowledge of what God's law said was practically inialated.
The word of God as written in the book of the law most certainly pierced the heart of Josiah, for the word says he tore his clothes when he read it. Many interpreters think that the book of the law was either a partical or complete version of Deuteronomy. This means that certainly Josiah read about the blessings that come with obedience and the curses that come from disobedience. Josiah knew immediately that his nation was in trouble. He recognized that the Isralites had for generations disregarded God's law. He knew and believed that God was a just God, and that disaster for his nation, especially without total reform, would mean total distruction. Josiah commited everything in him to bring about this reformation, but to no avail. He and his nation would suffer the effects of the disobedience of previous generations.
As I read this, I wondered how long our great national would walk in disobedience until people became ignornat of the law. I wondered how long our nation will survive before it faces great disaster. I wondered what we can do as Christians. I believe the answer is in knowing and proclaiming BOLDLY the Word of God to all we meet. We MUST NOT be ashamed of the gospel despite cultural pressure. We MUST NOT allow the culture to twist the word of God or make it into 'just a story' when it has the power to save, the power to change lives, when we know that the Word is God!
It is time that our robes be tornnand our lives dedicated to teaching generations about Christ.
Are you willing to be a Josiah?
Today we read of King Josiah - one who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. It amazes me that from such a young age - from the word we can assume he was 16 years old - he began to seek God. Such wisdom from one so young! What was interesting to me is that while somehow he obviously knew of God and the ways of God, he was almost ignorant of what the book of the law said. Was this because only the priests read the book? Perhaps. But certainly the would have taught it to the people. I think it was more likely because so many previous generations turned away from God, that knowledge of what God's law said was practically inialated.
The word of God as written in the book of the law most certainly pierced the heart of Josiah, for the word says he tore his clothes when he read it. Many interpreters think that the book of the law was either a partical or complete version of Deuteronomy. This means that certainly Josiah read about the blessings that come with obedience and the curses that come from disobedience. Josiah knew immediately that his nation was in trouble. He recognized that the Isralites had for generations disregarded God's law. He knew and believed that God was a just God, and that disaster for his nation, especially without total reform, would mean total distruction. Josiah commited everything in him to bring about this reformation, but to no avail. He and his nation would suffer the effects of the disobedience of previous generations.
As I read this, I wondered how long our great national would walk in disobedience until people became ignornat of the law. I wondered how long our nation will survive before it faces great disaster. I wondered what we can do as Christians. I believe the answer is in knowing and proclaiming BOLDLY the Word of God to all we meet. We MUST NOT be ashamed of the gospel despite cultural pressure. We MUST NOT allow the culture to twist the word of God or make it into 'just a story' when it has the power to save, the power to change lives, when we know that the Word is God!
It is time that our robes be tornnand our lives dedicated to teaching generations about Christ.
Are you willing to be a Josiah?
Friday, August 6, 2010
Comfort
"http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nahum+1
The book of Nahum is written to the people of Ninevah and to the people of Judah. It is pronounces God’s judgment on and the impending destruction of the city for her oppression, cruelty, idolatry and wickedness. Ninevah is the capital of Assyria and the people of Judah – God’s chosen people – suffered under extreme cruelty in Assyria. Because of this, the book of Nahum would be a comfort to God’s people (consequently, the name ‘Nahum’ actually means comfort).
As I began reading, I could see the comfort brought through this prophecy, for Nahum reminded the people that God was a God who was jealous for his people, a refuge for those who trust in him. They were reminded that God would not let the guilty go unpunished – that he is a just God. They are reminded that God is sovereign and his righteous and just kingdom would triumph.
There’s a lesson for us here. The lesson is about our view of God in the midst of persecution, trial, tragedy, pain, and unexplainable circumstances. The lesson is about the importance of knowing and remembering the character of God – for it was in remembering this that comfort was found for the people of Judah. It is knowing and remembering who God is – that he is sovereign, wise, just, loving, faithful, a comforter, provider, ever-present refuge and strength – that helps us to press on through any circumstance. Not only do we have comfort, but knowing and trusting and putting our faith fully down on God takes our situation and response and makes it into a testament. When we turn to and rest in the character of God when we don’t know how to make sense of our world, then God is able to take our lives and our faiths in the midst of the storm and make them a testament for his glory. It is here where he begins to make beauty from our ashes.
This week a received two separate e-mails that demonstrate exactly what I described above. These two precious families are facing circumstances that are unexplainable - circumstances that punch you in the gut and drop you to your knees. And yet their faith in the character of their God – their intimate knowledge of all that he is – is so absolutely beautiful. This, I believe, is what believing God is all about. So I’ll share and let the stories speak on their own.
The first came from a precious friends of mine (I changed the names) – the situation explains itself – they wrote it together and their faith is astounding:
"Its with tender hearts that we write to you to tell you that our first ultrasound yesterday showed us that Sue was carrying twins. They should have been about 10 weeks; however we found them without a heartbeat, without blood flow, and the size of about 6-1/2 weeks. She will be admitted for surgery on Friday morning. I (Sue) praise God for TWO blessings He gave us, and for giving us the opportunity to know that we had twins. If I had miscarried prior to our appointment we may not have known. I also thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to have surgery (required because of the twins) done that will spare me of a painful, both physically and emotionally, miscarriage of two. I thank God for Bob who was very strong yesterday and even made me laugh. Before long, we were home having dinner, and playing what gospel songs we knew on the guitar (more like making noise). The night before, my dear friend came over, and taught me a song on the guitar. Its an old old church song, you may remember it. Its not sung much anymore. God is so good....God is soo good..God is sooo good, He's so good to me....
So, on the way home from the hospital yesterday, I had this sweet sweet song ringing in my ears and in my heart, because although its a sad time for us, God is still SO GOOD, and we praise Him for giving us just another way we can potentially reach out to someone else, as this situation is more common than anyone appreciates.
The father is so good. All day yesterday He reminded me that I (Bob) did not have to be strong, because He was strong enough. These are some of the words the Lord spoke to me yesterday; "I am your strong tower, I am your rock, I am enough, I am good, I am soverign, I am love." It was those truths that brought me through the day yesterday and are keeping me going today. The Lord gives and takes away; however my heart, my soul, and everything I am will cry out, blessed be the name of my Lord.
We also thank YOU so much for your sweet love. We are so blessed to know you and have you in our lives. The mourning will not last long, and we await what more the Lord has to give.
PS: I really like how Habakuk pulls through:
"When I heard it, my stomach did flips. I stammered and stuttered. My bones turned to water. I staggered and stumbled. I sit back and wait for Doomsday to descend on our attackers. Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I'm singing joyful praise to GOD. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on GOD's Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!" 3:16-19
The second e-mail comes from a father and husband whose wife (a mom of teenagers) has a brain tumor. If there is no miracle, she will die – likely within days. It is one of the strongest statements of faith and hope I have ever read:
So many of you are praying for our family during these sacred times. A time when Heaven and Earth intersect. Many are asking "what can we do, how can we pray?"... Two thoughts come to mind as I consider those questions.
First, "Wait on the Lord". His Word is filled with references like Ps 130:5 "I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." Pray Is 40:31 "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Pray for His peace and protection in the waiting.
Second, be in awe and worship at the "life force" God breathes into each of us. In Gen 2, when He "breathed the breath of life" into man, it was no small thing. I clearly see the miracle of "life itself" in my wife. Yes, she is a fighter; yes she has an incredible will to live... However, it is God that breathed that "life force" into her. It is His Spirit that keeps her going... Until His time... Until He calls her home, we simply wait on Him - in awe and worship."
My friends, I believe with all of my heart that this is the type of faith that pleases God – it is a faith that does not shrink back and be destroyed, but believes and is saved. I want you to know that you can have that type of faith. You only need to chase after God with everything in you. He will be the builder of that faith. Although it is my hope that we don’t, I believe that some day we will all face some circumstance that is so hard to understand. My question to you is where will you run? My prayer for you is that you run straight into the arms of God because you know exactly who your God is – for it is only in his arms you can find true comfort.
I ask you to keep these families in your prayers – God knows their names.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
The book of Nahum is written to the people of Ninevah and to the people of Judah. It is pronounces God’s judgment on and the impending destruction of the city for her oppression, cruelty, idolatry and wickedness. Ninevah is the capital of Assyria and the people of Judah – God’s chosen people – suffered under extreme cruelty in Assyria. Because of this, the book of Nahum would be a comfort to God’s people (consequently, the name ‘Nahum’ actually means comfort).
As I began reading, I could see the comfort brought through this prophecy, for Nahum reminded the people that God was a God who was jealous for his people, a refuge for those who trust in him. They were reminded that God would not let the guilty go unpunished – that he is a just God. They are reminded that God is sovereign and his righteous and just kingdom would triumph.
There’s a lesson for us here. The lesson is about our view of God in the midst of persecution, trial, tragedy, pain, and unexplainable circumstances. The lesson is about the importance of knowing and remembering the character of God – for it was in remembering this that comfort was found for the people of Judah. It is knowing and remembering who God is – that he is sovereign, wise, just, loving, faithful, a comforter, provider, ever-present refuge and strength – that helps us to press on through any circumstance. Not only do we have comfort, but knowing and trusting and putting our faith fully down on God takes our situation and response and makes it into a testament. When we turn to and rest in the character of God when we don’t know how to make sense of our world, then God is able to take our lives and our faiths in the midst of the storm and make them a testament for his glory. It is here where he begins to make beauty from our ashes.
This week a received two separate e-mails that demonstrate exactly what I described above. These two precious families are facing circumstances that are unexplainable - circumstances that punch you in the gut and drop you to your knees. And yet their faith in the character of their God – their intimate knowledge of all that he is – is so absolutely beautiful. This, I believe, is what believing God is all about. So I’ll share and let the stories speak on their own.
The first came from a precious friends of mine (I changed the names) – the situation explains itself – they wrote it together and their faith is astounding:
"Its with tender hearts that we write to you to tell you that our first ultrasound yesterday showed us that Sue was carrying twins. They should have been about 10 weeks; however we found them without a heartbeat, without blood flow, and the size of about 6-1/2 weeks. She will be admitted for surgery on Friday morning. I (Sue) praise God for TWO blessings He gave us, and for giving us the opportunity to know that we had twins. If I had miscarried prior to our appointment we may not have known. I also thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to have surgery (required because of the twins) done that will spare me of a painful, both physically and emotionally, miscarriage of two. I thank God for Bob who was very strong yesterday and even made me laugh. Before long, we were home having dinner, and playing what gospel songs we knew on the guitar (more like making noise). The night before, my dear friend came over, and taught me a song on the guitar. Its an old old church song, you may remember it. Its not sung much anymore. God is so good....God is soo good..God is sooo good, He's so good to me....
So, on the way home from the hospital yesterday, I had this sweet sweet song ringing in my ears and in my heart, because although its a sad time for us, God is still SO GOOD, and we praise Him for giving us just another way we can potentially reach out to someone else, as this situation is more common than anyone appreciates.
The father is so good. All day yesterday He reminded me that I (Bob) did not have to be strong, because He was strong enough. These are some of the words the Lord spoke to me yesterday; "I am your strong tower, I am your rock, I am enough, I am good, I am soverign, I am love." It was those truths that brought me through the day yesterday and are keeping me going today. The Lord gives and takes away; however my heart, my soul, and everything I am will cry out, blessed be the name of my Lord.
We also thank YOU so much for your sweet love. We are so blessed to know you and have you in our lives. The mourning will not last long, and we await what more the Lord has to give.
PS: I really like how Habakuk pulls through:
"When I heard it, my stomach did flips. I stammered and stuttered. My bones turned to water. I staggered and stumbled. I sit back and wait for Doomsday to descend on our attackers. Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I'm singing joyful praise to GOD. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on GOD's Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!" 3:16-19
The second e-mail comes from a father and husband whose wife (a mom of teenagers) has a brain tumor. If there is no miracle, she will die – likely within days. It is one of the strongest statements of faith and hope I have ever read:
So many of you are praying for our family during these sacred times. A time when Heaven and Earth intersect. Many are asking "what can we do, how can we pray?"... Two thoughts come to mind as I consider those questions.
First, "Wait on the Lord". His Word is filled with references like Ps 130:5 "I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." Pray Is 40:31 "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Pray for His peace and protection in the waiting.
Second, be in awe and worship at the "life force" God breathes into each of us. In Gen 2, when He "breathed the breath of life" into man, it was no small thing. I clearly see the miracle of "life itself" in my wife. Yes, she is a fighter; yes she has an incredible will to live... However, it is God that breathed that "life force" into her. It is His Spirit that keeps her going... Until His time... Until He calls her home, we simply wait on Him - in awe and worship."
My friends, I believe with all of my heart that this is the type of faith that pleases God – it is a faith that does not shrink back and be destroyed, but believes and is saved. I want you to know that you can have that type of faith. You only need to chase after God with everything in you. He will be the builder of that faith. Although it is my hope that we don’t, I believe that some day we will all face some circumstance that is so hard to understand. My question to you is where will you run? My prayer for you is that you run straight into the arms of God because you know exactly who your God is – for it is only in his arms you can find true comfort.
I ask you to keep these families in your prayers – God knows their names.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
2 Chronicles 32-33
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Chronicles 32-33&version=ESV
In 2 Chronicles 33 we we return to another bad king. Manasseh.
Manasseh was very wicked, let's read of some of his evil doings:
"And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel. For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had broken down, and he erected altars to the Baals, and made Asherahs, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them. And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, "In Jerusalem shall my name be forever." And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. And he burned his sons as an offering in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and used fortune-telling and omens and sorcery, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking him to anger. " (2 Chronicles 32:2-6)
How wicked is that? Burning your own sons as an offering. Many of y'all maybe saying, yeah, yeah, another wicked king, we have read this before. But let's read on.
"The LORD spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they paid no attention. Therefore the LORD brought upon them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh with hooks and bound him with chains of bronze and brought him to Babylon. And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God." (2 Chronicles 32:10-13)
Manasseh knew what he did was wrong. He pleaded to the Lord, and the Lord heard his cry. Friends, the story gets better - let's read on:
"And he took away the foreign gods and the idol from the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built on the mountain of the house of the LORD and in Jerusalem, and he threw them outside of the city. He also restored the altar of the LORD and offered on it sacrifices of peace offerings and of thanksgiving, and he commanded Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel. Nevertheless, the people still sacrificed at the high places, but only to the LORD their God." (2 Chronicles 32:15-17)
Friends, this is an example of true biblical repentance. Repentance is a gift from God.
2 Timothy 2:25 says, "....God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth"
When Manasseh repented, first it says he knew the Lord was God. God led him to a knowledge of truth. Then as a result of a changed mind towards God, there was a change in the heart which leads to changed life.
This is what repentance means. To turn from our sin and to turn to God. To stop walking in our sin and to strive to walk in obedience.
I hear so many people say, "I sinned and I repented, and I am OK with God now." Really? Has your repentance led you to forsake the behavior or act that caused you to sin in the first place? If not, one really needs to look and see if it is a false repentance.
I heard one pastor say, if 5 birds are on a pole and three decided to fly off it, well there are still five birds on the pole."
What that means is, action must follow when some one says they have repented. Yes, repentance means a changed mind. But a truly changed mind will cause us to reflect on how we are living, and thus will cause us to change the patterns of our lives that are not pleasing to God when we repent to Him.
Thank God to day for repentance. Ask Him to give you true repentance. Live a repentant, obedient, and faithful life in Christ!!
"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." (2 Corinthians 7:14)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
In 2 Chronicles 33 we we return to another bad king. Manasseh.
Manasseh was very wicked, let's read of some of his evil doings:
"And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel. For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had broken down, and he erected altars to the Baals, and made Asherahs, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them. And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, "In Jerusalem shall my name be forever." And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. And he burned his sons as an offering in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and used fortune-telling and omens and sorcery, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking him to anger. " (2 Chronicles 32:2-6)
How wicked is that? Burning your own sons as an offering. Many of y'all maybe saying, yeah, yeah, another wicked king, we have read this before. But let's read on.
"The LORD spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they paid no attention. Therefore the LORD brought upon them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh with hooks and bound him with chains of bronze and brought him to Babylon. And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God." (2 Chronicles 32:10-13)
Manasseh knew what he did was wrong. He pleaded to the Lord, and the Lord heard his cry. Friends, the story gets better - let's read on:
"And he took away the foreign gods and the idol from the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built on the mountain of the house of the LORD and in Jerusalem, and he threw them outside of the city. He also restored the altar of the LORD and offered on it sacrifices of peace offerings and of thanksgiving, and he commanded Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel. Nevertheless, the people still sacrificed at the high places, but only to the LORD their God." (2 Chronicles 32:15-17)
Friends, this is an example of true biblical repentance. Repentance is a gift from God.
2 Timothy 2:25 says, "....God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth"
When Manasseh repented, first it says he knew the Lord was God. God led him to a knowledge of truth. Then as a result of a changed mind towards God, there was a change in the heart which leads to changed life.
This is what repentance means. To turn from our sin and to turn to God. To stop walking in our sin and to strive to walk in obedience.
I hear so many people say, "I sinned and I repented, and I am OK with God now." Really? Has your repentance led you to forsake the behavior or act that caused you to sin in the first place? If not, one really needs to look and see if it is a false repentance.
I heard one pastor say, if 5 birds are on a pole and three decided to fly off it, well there are still five birds on the pole."
What that means is, action must follow when some one says they have repented. Yes, repentance means a changed mind. But a truly changed mind will cause us to reflect on how we are living, and thus will cause us to change the patterns of our lives that are not pleasing to God when we repent to Him.
Thank God to day for repentance. Ask Him to give you true repentance. Live a repentant, obedient, and faithful life in Christ!!
"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." (2 Corinthians 7:14)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
2 Kings 20-21
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2020-21&version=ESV
In chapter 20 of 2 Kings we read of Hezekiah's illness, recovery, and then fall.
Isaiah had come to Hezekiah and told him to get his house in order because he was going to die. Hezekiah pleaded with the Lord, and the Lord granted him 15 more years of life. I am not doing the account justice. Please read chapter 20 to read how gracious God was with Hezekiah.
Almost immediately after this, Hezekiah became prideful. As the passage below can describe much better than I:
"At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. And Hezekiah welcomed them, and he showed them all his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them. Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah, and said to him, "What did these men say? And from where did they come to you?" And Hezekiah said, "They have come from a far country, from Babylon." 15He said, "What have they seen in your house?" And Hezekiah answered, "They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them." Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of the LORD: Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the LORD. And some of your own sons, who shall be born to you, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon." (2 Kings 20:12-18)
Why did Hezekiah do this? I don't really know. We all would like to think that we would not do something like this. But reflect back on your life. Has there ever been a time where the Lord has delivered you from a problem and while you were thankful to the Lord, your devotion to the Lord and thankfulness to Him as the days and weeks past started to wane?
I think this happened with Hezekiah. He read his own press-clippings, to use a 21st century term. And the thing I find most shocking is Hezekiah's last statement:
"The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good." For he thought, "Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days?" (2 Kings 20:19)
That is such a brazen statement. Hezekiah just said, I don't care what the repercussions of my actions on later generations will be, because it won't happen on my watch. Whoa!!! Heaven help us that we don't repeat the same attitude of Hezekiah.
And then thing that is so shocking about this is that Hezekiah was one of the good kings. One of the very best in fact.
2 Kings 18:5 says, "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him."
While he trusted in the Lord, once again, we have evidence of the fallen and sinful nature of man. Only Jesus Christ was perfect and sinless.
We all will sin in this life. But our lives should not be bent toward sin. Our hearts should be tender toward the leanings and guidance of the Holy Spirit. It becomes more and more tender as we read the Word and the Holy Spirit impresses those truths from Scripture on our hearts.
Dr. Young has said before he keeps short accounts with God. He strives to live a life of repentance, confession, and obedience each day. I have really strived to do this as well.
By doing this, we don't prevent ourselves from never sinning again. But when we do sin, we go to the Cross, have Jesus wash our sins and remove them with His blood, and restore our relationship with Him on a daily basis.
Hezekiah, was a great king. But like Solomon, he had a tragic ending. I know of one friend of mine, a very dear friend of mine whose goal in life is to finish well. To live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and finish well.
No matter what you have done in the past, it is never too late to turn or return to the Lord. Turn to Him today in repentance and faith. And if you are a believer, turn to Him and ask Him to give you the strength to obey Him, honor Him, and finish well!!!
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
In chapter 20 of 2 Kings we read of Hezekiah's illness, recovery, and then fall.
Isaiah had come to Hezekiah and told him to get his house in order because he was going to die. Hezekiah pleaded with the Lord, and the Lord granted him 15 more years of life. I am not doing the account justice. Please read chapter 20 to read how gracious God was with Hezekiah.
Almost immediately after this, Hezekiah became prideful. As the passage below can describe much better than I:
"At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. And Hezekiah welcomed them, and he showed them all his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them. Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah, and said to him, "What did these men say? And from where did they come to you?" And Hezekiah said, "They have come from a far country, from Babylon." 15He said, "What have they seen in your house?" And Hezekiah answered, "They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them." Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of the LORD: Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the LORD. And some of your own sons, who shall be born to you, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon." (2 Kings 20:12-18)
Why did Hezekiah do this? I don't really know. We all would like to think that we would not do something like this. But reflect back on your life. Has there ever been a time where the Lord has delivered you from a problem and while you were thankful to the Lord, your devotion to the Lord and thankfulness to Him as the days and weeks past started to wane?
I think this happened with Hezekiah. He read his own press-clippings, to use a 21st century term. And the thing I find most shocking is Hezekiah's last statement:
"The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good." For he thought, "Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days?" (2 Kings 20:19)
That is such a brazen statement. Hezekiah just said, I don't care what the repercussions of my actions on later generations will be, because it won't happen on my watch. Whoa!!! Heaven help us that we don't repeat the same attitude of Hezekiah.
And then thing that is so shocking about this is that Hezekiah was one of the good kings. One of the very best in fact.
2 Kings 18:5 says, "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him."
While he trusted in the Lord, once again, we have evidence of the fallen and sinful nature of man. Only Jesus Christ was perfect and sinless.
We all will sin in this life. But our lives should not be bent toward sin. Our hearts should be tender toward the leanings and guidance of the Holy Spirit. It becomes more and more tender as we read the Word and the Holy Spirit impresses those truths from Scripture on our hearts.
Dr. Young has said before he keeps short accounts with God. He strives to live a life of repentance, confession, and obedience each day. I have really strived to do this as well.
By doing this, we don't prevent ourselves from never sinning again. But when we do sin, we go to the Cross, have Jesus wash our sins and remove them with His blood, and restore our relationship with Him on a daily basis.
Hezekiah, was a great king. But like Solomon, he had a tragic ending. I know of one friend of mine, a very dear friend of mine whose goal in life is to finish well. To live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and finish well.
No matter what you have done in the past, it is never too late to turn or return to the Lord. Turn to Him today in repentance and faith. And if you are a believer, turn to Him and ask Him to give you the strength to obey Him, honor Him, and finish well!!!
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Isaiah 64-66
Todays passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+64-66&version=NIV
The end of Isaiah is such a beautiful picture of hope for those who are faithful. The world we live in now is a fallen world and we often find trouble in this world. But in Isaiah we get a glimpse of another world – a new heaven and a new earth. A world with no suffering, no death, no weeping, no condemnation, no evil. Instead there will be harmony, happiness, rejoicing and worship. Praise the Lord, that we are made righteous in the blood of Christ and that we will soon be welcomed to the home of righteousness (2 Peter 2:13).
Take some time to meditate on that hope. Take some time to praise God for who He is what He does for you.
The end of Isaiah is such a beautiful picture of hope for those who are faithful. The world we live in now is a fallen world and we often find trouble in this world. But in Isaiah we get a glimpse of another world – a new heaven and a new earth. A world with no suffering, no death, no weeping, no condemnation, no evil. Instead there will be harmony, happiness, rejoicing and worship. Praise the Lord, that we are made righteous in the blood of Christ and that we will soon be welcomed to the home of righteousness (2 Peter 2:13).
Take some time to meditate on that hope. Take some time to praise God for who He is what He does for you.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Isaiah 59-63
Todays passage - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah%2059-63&version=NIV
Isaiah 63:1 Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? "It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save."
Someone whom I love dearly has not accepted Christ as his Savior. He believes that our salvation comes from ourselves…from our works…you know, if we are good, we go to heaven. I’ve spent many nights on my knees in tears with my heart breaking, praying that God would intervene in his life. That He would take drastic measures. That He would show Himself in bold and amazing ways. That God would orchestrate the details of his life so that he can’t turn right or left without seeing His glory. That He would transform this man into a man who knows that God sent His only son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins so that we may have eternal life with Him (John 3:16).
I pray and I pray and I pray. Sometimes I get frustrated. Sometimes Satan fills my head with lies…He’s never going to change. He’s too stuck in his ways. He’s too stubborn to surrender to God.
But God is a God of transformation. He is a God who is mighty to save (Isaiah 63:1). He is a persistent God who desires that all are saved and come to a knowledge of truth (1 Tim 2:4).
I recently learned about a guy named Brian Welch. He was a founding member of the heavy metal rock n roll band called Korn. This band pretty much stands against everything godly. Welch was so addicted to drugs, alcohol, sleeping pills, and antidepressants that his life was out of control and miserable. He sang in anger about violence, sex, hate and drugs. And then, a friend invited him to church where he learned about God’s amazing saving grace & forgiveness. He checked himself into a hotel with nothing but his Bible and underwent a painful week of rehab. A week later, he checked himself out free from his addictions. He quit his band Korn, walking away from fame and fortune and is now a devoted dad and Christ follower.
All because someone, instead of giving up on him, invited him to church. All because someone did not buy the lie that God could never transform him. All because someone was faithful in believing that God IS mighty to save.
In the greatness of his own strength, in his own righteousness, He IS MIGHTY to save. If you’ve been reading the Old Testament with us, you’ve seen this time and again. God goes to great measures to offer life to His people. He doesn’t just make some half-hearted, weak attempt at an offer. He’s defeated armies, and slain giants, and parted seas, and turned water to blood, and sent manna from the sky and raised the dead. He can reveal himself to anybody at anytime and in anyway – with Samuel, he simply used an audible voice; with Job, he showed up in the storm; with Saul, he used dreams; with Moses, he used the burning bush; and my personal favorite – with Baalam, he spoke through a donkey!
God is mighty to SAVE. We cannot rescue our loved ones from a life without God. It’s up to the power of God through the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of others. If He can reveal Himself through a donkey, if He can transform this Brian Welch guy, I think he can transform anyone. And He can. He transformed me after all. He IS MIGHTY TO SAVE.
Friends, if you know someone who hasn’t accepted Jesus Christ as their one and only Savior, stand firm in the knowledge that He is mighty to save and continue to faithfully pray for your loved one. Rest in the knowledge that God hears your prayers and that He is at work. Please let us know on the blog if we can pray for a loved one. You don’t even have to say who if you don’t want to…God knows who they are.
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Isaiah 63:1 Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? "It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save."
Someone whom I love dearly has not accepted Christ as his Savior. He believes that our salvation comes from ourselves…from our works…you know, if we are good, we go to heaven. I’ve spent many nights on my knees in tears with my heart breaking, praying that God would intervene in his life. That He would take drastic measures. That He would show Himself in bold and amazing ways. That God would orchestrate the details of his life so that he can’t turn right or left without seeing His glory. That He would transform this man into a man who knows that God sent His only son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins so that we may have eternal life with Him (John 3:16).
I pray and I pray and I pray. Sometimes I get frustrated. Sometimes Satan fills my head with lies…He’s never going to change. He’s too stuck in his ways. He’s too stubborn to surrender to God.
But God is a God of transformation. He is a God who is mighty to save (Isaiah 63:1). He is a persistent God who desires that all are saved and come to a knowledge of truth (1 Tim 2:4).
I recently learned about a guy named Brian Welch. He was a founding member of the heavy metal rock n roll band called Korn. This band pretty much stands against everything godly. Welch was so addicted to drugs, alcohol, sleeping pills, and antidepressants that his life was out of control and miserable. He sang in anger about violence, sex, hate and drugs. And then, a friend invited him to church where he learned about God’s amazing saving grace & forgiveness. He checked himself into a hotel with nothing but his Bible and underwent a painful week of rehab. A week later, he checked himself out free from his addictions. He quit his band Korn, walking away from fame and fortune and is now a devoted dad and Christ follower.
All because someone, instead of giving up on him, invited him to church. All because someone did not buy the lie that God could never transform him. All because someone was faithful in believing that God IS mighty to save.
In the greatness of his own strength, in his own righteousness, He IS MIGHTY to save. If you’ve been reading the Old Testament with us, you’ve seen this time and again. God goes to great measures to offer life to His people. He doesn’t just make some half-hearted, weak attempt at an offer. He’s defeated armies, and slain giants, and parted seas, and turned water to blood, and sent manna from the sky and raised the dead. He can reveal himself to anybody at anytime and in anyway – with Samuel, he simply used an audible voice; with Job, he showed up in the storm; with Saul, he used dreams; with Moses, he used the burning bush; and my personal favorite – with Baalam, he spoke through a donkey!
God is mighty to SAVE. We cannot rescue our loved ones from a life without God. It’s up to the power of God through the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of others. If He can reveal Himself through a donkey, if He can transform this Brian Welch guy, I think he can transform anyone. And He can. He transformed me after all. He IS MIGHTY TO SAVE.
Friends, if you know someone who hasn’t accepted Jesus Christ as their one and only Savior, stand firm in the knowledge that He is mighty to save and continue to faithfully pray for your loved one. Rest in the knowledge that God hears your prayers and that He is at work. Please let us know on the blog if we can pray for a loved one. You don’t even have to say who if you don’t want to…God knows who they are.
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Word of the Day
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2054-58&version=NIV
I believe that God has a very specific word that he wants to speak to you today. Perhaps it's a word of encouragement, maybe one of instruction, it could be one that will bring you joy or peace you've been searching for. His word to you today could directly speak to your circumstances. It may be a word that will help you press on and persevere. He may have a promise for you today. Or perhaps he wants to tell you something that will reveal Himself to you and deepen your faith in him. It could be that he needs to speak a harder word of conviction to you or that he wants to whisper sweet words of love. I don't know what the word is he has for you, but I know he has one.
How do I know this? Because His Word tells me two things. It tells me that the Word of God IS God - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." - John 1:1. It also tells me that every time his word goes out it accomplishes a specific purpose. Listen to Isaiah 55:10-11:
"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return voice but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
Hebrews 4:12 tells us the same truth:
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitude of the heart."
One of the things I love about the written Word of God is that I can read a verse today and you can read the same verse, and God will use the exact same words to tell us each something very personal and specific for our individual life, circumstance, or faith. That is because the Word of God is God. It is alive and active because our God is the living God who actively works in the heart of each of his children. The Spirit of the living God is in you, taking the words that you read and applying them in a very personal way to your heart.
Every day, friends, God has a word for you. If you want to hear from God, you must be near to God. If you want to hear from God, you must put yourself in a the position for him to speak - spend time with him, sit in stillness, ask him to open your heart and mind, read his word and allow it to pour into your heart. Open your eyes to what God has to say to you this day.
I will end by sharing with you a personal way these truths have touched my prayer life and faith in hopes that you begin to understand why I am so certain God has a word for you each day. Isaiah 55:10-11 has become part of my daily prayers during my quiet time. My favorite thing to do is just to spend some time asking God to speak to me through his Spirit and his Word. I confess my belief in the fact that God has a very specific word for me that day - that I know that he can take whatever scripture is in my devotional and apply it very specifically to my heart and life - and I ask him to do that. Sometimes I just sit in silence once I've prayed that - and sometimes God will plant a verse in my heart that I will pray back to him without me even realizing he has planted it. I have to tell you that more often then not when he does that I will open up my devotional and the scripture for the day is the very one God just planted in my heart. There is no way that can happen and me not walk away changed. There is no way that can happen and me not know and believe that God's word IS alive, active, and purposeful. There is no way I can not walk away from that without an increase in faith, in peace, in fear and reverence of God. There is no way I can walk away from that without being totally humbled by God's love. There is no way I can walk away from that and not worship.
Friends, I pray that today and every day you would draw near to God through Word and prayer and hear the very special words he has for your life that day. I pray Isaiah 55:2-3 over each one who would read this blog today. I pray that he would give you a hunger for that which satisfies. I pray that you would listen to him, eat what is good, and be filled with the riches of fare. I pray that you would give ear and come to him; hear him, and that your soul would live. Amen and Amen!
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
I believe that God has a very specific word that he wants to speak to you today. Perhaps it's a word of encouragement, maybe one of instruction, it could be one that will bring you joy or peace you've been searching for. His word to you today could directly speak to your circumstances. It may be a word that will help you press on and persevere. He may have a promise for you today. Or perhaps he wants to tell you something that will reveal Himself to you and deepen your faith in him. It could be that he needs to speak a harder word of conviction to you or that he wants to whisper sweet words of love. I don't know what the word is he has for you, but I know he has one.
How do I know this? Because His Word tells me two things. It tells me that the Word of God IS God - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." - John 1:1. It also tells me that every time his word goes out it accomplishes a specific purpose. Listen to Isaiah 55:10-11:
"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return voice but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
Hebrews 4:12 tells us the same truth:
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitude of the heart."
One of the things I love about the written Word of God is that I can read a verse today and you can read the same verse, and God will use the exact same words to tell us each something very personal and specific for our individual life, circumstance, or faith. That is because the Word of God is God. It is alive and active because our God is the living God who actively works in the heart of each of his children. The Spirit of the living God is in you, taking the words that you read and applying them in a very personal way to your heart.
Every day, friends, God has a word for you. If you want to hear from God, you must be near to God. If you want to hear from God, you must put yourself in a the position for him to speak - spend time with him, sit in stillness, ask him to open your heart and mind, read his word and allow it to pour into your heart. Open your eyes to what God has to say to you this day.
I will end by sharing with you a personal way these truths have touched my prayer life and faith in hopes that you begin to understand why I am so certain God has a word for you each day. Isaiah 55:10-11 has become part of my daily prayers during my quiet time. My favorite thing to do is just to spend some time asking God to speak to me through his Spirit and his Word. I confess my belief in the fact that God has a very specific word for me that day - that I know that he can take whatever scripture is in my devotional and apply it very specifically to my heart and life - and I ask him to do that. Sometimes I just sit in silence once I've prayed that - and sometimes God will plant a verse in my heart that I will pray back to him without me even realizing he has planted it. I have to tell you that more often then not when he does that I will open up my devotional and the scripture for the day is the very one God just planted in my heart. There is no way that can happen and me not walk away changed. There is no way that can happen and me not know and believe that God's word IS alive, active, and purposeful. There is no way I can not walk away from that without an increase in faith, in peace, in fear and reverence of God. There is no way I can walk away from that without being totally humbled by God's love. There is no way I can walk away from that and not worship.
Friends, I pray that today and every day you would draw near to God through Word and prayer and hear the very special words he has for your life that day. I pray Isaiah 55:2-3 over each one who would read this blog today. I pray that he would give you a hunger for that which satisfies. I pray that you would listen to him, eat what is good, and be filled with the riches of fare. I pray that you would give ear and come to him; hear him, and that your soul would live. Amen and Amen!
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Total Fulfillment
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2049-53&version=NIV
I wish I had more – more time and more knowledge because the passages we are reading today are crucial when it comes down to the determination of whether Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah. Today’s passages are filled with Messianic prophecies - "Messianic," meaning that they speak about an "anointed one" - a special person anointed by God - to carry out work ordained by God. As Christians we believe that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Bible's Messianic promises. Perhaps the Bible's most famous Messianic passages are found in Isaiah, chapter 53.
I encourage you to search out these passages for yourself. Dig deeper into the Word of God, see the perfection in how every word of prophecy spoken in Isaiah concerning the Servant is fulfilled through Christ in the New Testament. If you do so, you will receive immense return on your investment of time. You will gain because God will reveal himself and teach you through his word. You gain because the power of the Holy Spirit to reveal God to you isn’t in the writings in this blog, but it is powerfully infused in the inspired, alive and active Word of God. You gain because you have an answer for the hope that you have that is beyond a basic understanding. You gain weapons to fight with as we enter what is believed by myself and many others to be a critical time for Christians. It is a time when we must know what we believe, what we stand on, and why. It is a time when we must know truth so that we are not lead astray.
So I encourage you to search out answers – I am providing you with some resources. The first is a list of Messianic prophecies in the book of Isaiah from the web page aboutbibleprophecy.com. If you click got to the page that I linked here and click on the link for each, you will receive a fuller explanation of what this prophecies means and how it is fulfilled. The second is a list of all the Messianic prophecies found in Scripture. The Old Testament reference is the prophecy, the New Testament reference is its fulfillment. Again, I encourage you to study, read, and let this knowledge be planted in your heart and your mind.
http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/isaiah.htm
Isaiah 49:6
God's salvation would reach the ends of the earth
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah foreshadowed the virgin birth of Jesus
Isaiah 40:1-5,9
The Messiah would be preceded by a messenger
Isaiah 35:4-6
He would perform miracles
Isaiah 9:6-7
There would be a son called God
Isaiah 53:1-3
The Messiah would be rejected
Isaiah 50:6
Jesus was spat upon and beaten
Isaiah 53:7
God's servant would be silent before his accusers
Isaiah 53:4-6
God's servant would die for our sins
Isaiah 53:12
God's servant would be "numbered with the transgressors"
Isaiah 53:9
God's servant would be buried in a rich man's tomb
Isaiah 49:13-17
God will never forget the children of Israel
Isaiah 45:1
Babylon's gates would open for Cyrus
Isaiah 13:19
Babylon's kingdom would be overthrown, permanently
Isaiah 14:23
Babylon would be reduced to swampland
The Old Testament verses are the prophecy; the New Testament verses proclaim the fulfillment. Check them all out for yourself!
• Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23)
• A descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 22:18; Matthew 1:1; Galatians 3:16)
• Of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10; Luke 3:23, 33; Hebrews 7:14)
• Of the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Matthew 1:1)
• Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4-7)
• Taken to Egypt (Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:14-15)
• Herod´s killing of the infants (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:16-18)
• Anointed by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Matthew 3:16-17)
• Heralded by the messenger of the Lord (John the Baptist) (Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 3:1-3)
• Would perform miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6; Matthew 9:35)
• Would preach good news (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:14-21)
• Would minister in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1; Matthew 4:12-16) Would cleanse the Temple (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 21:12-13)
• Would first present Himself as King 173,880 days from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem (Daniel 9:25; Matthew 21:4-11)
• Would enter Jerusalem as a king on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:4-9)
• Would be rejected by Jews (Psalm 118:22; I Peter 2:7)
• Die a humiliating death (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53) involving:
1. rejection (Isaiah 53:3; John 1:10-11; 7:5,48)
2. betrayal by a friend (Psalm 41:9; Luke 22:3-4; John 13:18)
3. sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12; Matthew 26:14-15)
4. silence before His accusers (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:12-14)
5. being mocked (Psalm 22: 7-8; Matthew 27:31)
6. beaten (Isaiah 52:14; Matthew 27:26)
7. spit upon (Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 27:30)
8. piercing His hands and feet (Psalm 22:16; Matthew 27:31)
9. being crucified with thieves (Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 27:38)
10. praying for His persecutors (Isaiah 53:12; Luke 23:34)
11. piercing His side (Zechariah 12:10; John 19:34)
12. given gall and vinegar to drink (Psalm 69:21, Matthew 27:34, Luke 23:36)
13. no broken bones (Psalm 34:20; John 19:32-36)
14. buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57-60)
15. casting lots for His garments (Psalm 22:18; John 19:23-24)
• Would rise from the dead!! (Psalm 16:10; Mark 16:6; Acts 2:31)
• Ascend into Heaven (Psalm 68:18; Acts 1:9)
• Would sit down at the right hand of God (Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3)
I pray my friends, that you will study and go deeper. I pray that you have gained new knowledge of God this day – one that takes grows your faith. I pray that if you don’t know Christ, He has been revealed to you this day as the One, the True, the LIVING God! I pray that if you have any questions, you will e-mail me at cbart1231@aol.com.
I wish I had more – more time and more knowledge because the passages we are reading today are crucial when it comes down to the determination of whether Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah. Today’s passages are filled with Messianic prophecies - "Messianic," meaning that they speak about an "anointed one" - a special person anointed by God - to carry out work ordained by God. As Christians we believe that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Bible's Messianic promises. Perhaps the Bible's most famous Messianic passages are found in Isaiah, chapter 53.
I encourage you to search out these passages for yourself. Dig deeper into the Word of God, see the perfection in how every word of prophecy spoken in Isaiah concerning the Servant is fulfilled through Christ in the New Testament. If you do so, you will receive immense return on your investment of time. You will gain because God will reveal himself and teach you through his word. You gain because the power of the Holy Spirit to reveal God to you isn’t in the writings in this blog, but it is powerfully infused in the inspired, alive and active Word of God. You gain because you have an answer for the hope that you have that is beyond a basic understanding. You gain weapons to fight with as we enter what is believed by myself and many others to be a critical time for Christians. It is a time when we must know what we believe, what we stand on, and why. It is a time when we must know truth so that we are not lead astray.
So I encourage you to search out answers – I am providing you with some resources. The first is a list of Messianic prophecies in the book of Isaiah from the web page aboutbibleprophecy.com. If you click got to the page that I linked here and click on the link for each, you will receive a fuller explanation of what this prophecies means and how it is fulfilled. The second is a list of all the Messianic prophecies found in Scripture. The Old Testament reference is the prophecy, the New Testament reference is its fulfillment. Again, I encourage you to study, read, and let this knowledge be planted in your heart and your mind.
http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/isaiah.htm
Isaiah 49:6
God's salvation would reach the ends of the earth
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah foreshadowed the virgin birth of Jesus
Isaiah 40:1-5,9
The Messiah would be preceded by a messenger
Isaiah 35:4-6
He would perform miracles
Isaiah 9:6-7
There would be a son called God
Isaiah 53:1-3
The Messiah would be rejected
Isaiah 50:6
Jesus was spat upon and beaten
Isaiah 53:7
God's servant would be silent before his accusers
Isaiah 53:4-6
God's servant would die for our sins
Isaiah 53:12
God's servant would be "numbered with the transgressors"
Isaiah 53:9
God's servant would be buried in a rich man's tomb
Isaiah 49:13-17
God will never forget the children of Israel
Isaiah 45:1
Babylon's gates would open for Cyrus
Isaiah 13:19
Babylon's kingdom would be overthrown, permanently
Isaiah 14:23
Babylon would be reduced to swampland
The Old Testament verses are the prophecy; the New Testament verses proclaim the fulfillment. Check them all out for yourself!
• Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23)
• A descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 22:18; Matthew 1:1; Galatians 3:16)
• Of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10; Luke 3:23, 33; Hebrews 7:14)
• Of the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Matthew 1:1)
• Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4-7)
• Taken to Egypt (Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:14-15)
• Herod´s killing of the infants (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:16-18)
• Anointed by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Matthew 3:16-17)
• Heralded by the messenger of the Lord (John the Baptist) (Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 3:1-3)
• Would perform miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6; Matthew 9:35)
• Would preach good news (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:14-21)
• Would minister in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1; Matthew 4:12-16) Would cleanse the Temple (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 21:12-13)
• Would first present Himself as King 173,880 days from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem (Daniel 9:25; Matthew 21:4-11)
• Would enter Jerusalem as a king on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:4-9)
• Would be rejected by Jews (Psalm 118:22; I Peter 2:7)
• Die a humiliating death (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53) involving:
1. rejection (Isaiah 53:3; John 1:10-11; 7:5,48)
2. betrayal by a friend (Psalm 41:9; Luke 22:3-4; John 13:18)
3. sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12; Matthew 26:14-15)
4. silence before His accusers (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:12-14)
5. being mocked (Psalm 22: 7-8; Matthew 27:31)
6. beaten (Isaiah 52:14; Matthew 27:26)
7. spit upon (Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 27:30)
8. piercing His hands and feet (Psalm 22:16; Matthew 27:31)
9. being crucified with thieves (Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 27:38)
10. praying for His persecutors (Isaiah 53:12; Luke 23:34)
11. piercing His side (Zechariah 12:10; John 19:34)
12. given gall and vinegar to drink (Psalm 69:21, Matthew 27:34, Luke 23:36)
13. no broken bones (Psalm 34:20; John 19:32-36)
14. buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57-60)
15. casting lots for His garments (Psalm 22:18; John 19:23-24)
• Would rise from the dead!! (Psalm 16:10; Mark 16:6; Acts 2:31)
• Ascend into Heaven (Psalm 68:18; Acts 1:9)
• Would sit down at the right hand of God (Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3)
I pray my friends, that you will study and go deeper. I pray that you have gained new knowledge of God this day – one that takes grows your faith. I pray that if you don’t know Christ, He has been revealed to you this day as the One, the True, the LIVING God! I pray that if you have any questions, you will e-mail me at cbart1231@aol.com.
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