Scripture:
Because when all is said and done,
the last word is Immanuel—God-With-Us.
Isaiah 8:10b (MSG)
Observation:
In the midst of Isaiah's prophecy of coming hardship followed by a redeemer is this little nugget of simplicity and truth. Truly, the last word is "Immanuel." The miracle of God-with-us is the answer to each question, the solution to every problem, the hope for every failure. The presence of the Creator of the Universe, the sacrificial accommodation for our sin, the personification of mercy and grace that is Jesus are all we need to know!
Application:
How troubling to realize how accustomed I am to God's grace. I am so confident of His mercy that I often fail to consider where I would be without it. "There but for the grace of God..." is the most remarkable truth I can utter and yet it is a cliche, devoid of true meaning. The real truth is that God sent His son, sacrificially, not to be king, not to condemn, not to mete out punishment or retribution but to offer grace.
As one who claims to be a follower of Christ the last word must truly be "Immanuel." It must characterize my life--if God is truly with me, how will I act? Does my every-day-walking-around-life show my belief that God is with me? What do my habits look like to others? If God is truly with me, how will I speak? Are my words filled with truth? with graciousness? with compassion? What about my attitude? Does it demonstrate God-with-me? Do I exhibit patience and self-control? If God is truly with me, how will I think? Are my thoughts influenced by my confidence that God is with me?
It's easy to get caught up in the wrong culture--to embrace our Western/American ideals and values instead of those of the Christ-follower. I don't know into which camp he falls, but Tim Russert's dad, Big Russ, is credited with saying, "Blessed but not entitled." I love the truth of that and the reminder in it. God-with-us. Can you imagine? What blessing can possibly be greater? So how can I walk around acting as though I deserve things or consideration or whatever? I have Immanuel in my life. I am blessed beyond measure and that is the last word.
Prayer:
I can't imagine, Lord, the grace it takes to offer your Son. I cannot fathom what it is to give your people Immanuel and then watch us making such fools of ourselves as though we have somehow done it on our own. And I am one of the fools. Forgive me. I know I've done nothing to earn or deserve your astonishing grace.
It is my desire to live in such a way that others see You in me, to be so filled up with Jesus that His Spirit leaks from me. Be honored in my life. Be glorified in my actions, be lifted up in my words, be magnified in my thoughts. I am blessed beyond imagining but not entitled.
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O God.
Amen
Thursday July 10, 2008 by Keith
Title: How to live
Scripture:
Micah 6:7-8
7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Observation:
I am familiar with verse 8 because of a song that easily repeats in my mind. However, when I read the verse in context it has a much more serious tone.
Micah the prophet is warning Israel about how they are living.
The conclusion is, it doesn’t matter what you give (verse 7), but it’s about who you are. God cares most about our character - one that reflects Him. God desires for us to walk with him, to act justly and love mercy.
If I live a double life, one of hypocrisy, it really doesn’t matter what I bring to God… because He has shown me what is good and what He requires.
God’s people knew what was right yet they often chose the wrong life style.
Application:
When I look at my life, am I acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my Lord God?
It sure sounds easy, in fact it makes a great line for a catchy song. But, there is a strong reality that what God requires is much different than man’s or my own perception.
There is no greater example of one that lived a life of justice, mercy, and humility; that is Jesus Christ.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, that is my desire today, to live in His power, with him, and for Him.
Prayer:
Lord, to you be the glory for the great things you have done. Help me to see areas of my life you are not please with and repent of those things. Help me follow you, that I might please you. In Christ, so be it and amen
Scripture:
Micah 6:7-8
7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Observation:
I am familiar with verse 8 because of a song that easily repeats in my mind. However, when I read the verse in context it has a much more serious tone.
Micah the prophet is warning Israel about how they are living.
The conclusion is, it doesn’t matter what you give (verse 7), but it’s about who you are. God cares most about our character - one that reflects Him. God desires for us to walk with him, to act justly and love mercy.
If I live a double life, one of hypocrisy, it really doesn’t matter what I bring to God… because He has shown me what is good and what He requires.
God’s people knew what was right yet they often chose the wrong life style.
Application:
When I look at my life, am I acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my Lord God?
It sure sounds easy, in fact it makes a great line for a catchy song. But, there is a strong reality that what God requires is much different than man’s or my own perception.
There is no greater example of one that lived a life of justice, mercy, and humility; that is Jesus Christ.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, that is my desire today, to live in His power, with him, and for Him.
Prayer:
Lord, to you be the glory for the great things you have done. Help me to see areas of my life you are not please with and repent of those things. Help me follow you, that I might please you. In Christ, so be it and amen
Tuesday, July 8, 2008 by Bob
TITLE: Bridge of Love
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 5:2, He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. (NIV)
OBSERVATION: In Hebrews chapter 5, the author makes reference to the duties of the Israelite’s high priests. The author claims in verse 2 that high priests aren’t above reproach just because they have been chosen to administer sacrifices and gift offerings for the people. They too “are subject to weakness.” Yet when we read in the gospels about the attitude and behavior of the religious leaders and the high priest in the time of Christ, what we see is a holier than thou attitude in their dealings with the common people resulting from the sin of pride prevalent in their lives.
APPLICATION: This passage has great application for us today as well. In today’s culture many Christians often critically judge the behavior and beliefs of others in our community and our world with an attitude of superior virtue. It is so easy to use God’s Word as a weapon to pounce the conduct of others. Instead we need to be gentle in our response to those that are ignorant of the truth given to us through the grace of Christ. We need to remember that it is only through God’s mercy that we are not eternally condemned for our mistakes and failures.
PRAYER: Lord, forgive me in those times that I quickly judge the attitude and beliefs of others around me. Help me to control my critical opinions and instead to freely give your mercy and grace to others who differ from your truth. Help me to be a bridge of love from them to you.
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 5:2, He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. (NIV)
OBSERVATION: In Hebrews chapter 5, the author makes reference to the duties of the Israelite’s high priests. The author claims in verse 2 that high priests aren’t above reproach just because they have been chosen to administer sacrifices and gift offerings for the people. They too “are subject to weakness.” Yet when we read in the gospels about the attitude and behavior of the religious leaders and the high priest in the time of Christ, what we see is a holier than thou attitude in their dealings with the common people resulting from the sin of pride prevalent in their lives.
APPLICATION: This passage has great application for us today as well. In today’s culture many Christians often critically judge the behavior and beliefs of others in our community and our world with an attitude of superior virtue. It is so easy to use God’s Word as a weapon to pounce the conduct of others. Instead we need to be gentle in our response to those that are ignorant of the truth given to us through the grace of Christ. We need to remember that it is only through God’s mercy that we are not eternally condemned for our mistakes and failures.
PRAYER: Lord, forgive me in those times that I quickly judge the attitude and beliefs of others around me. Help me to control my critical opinions and instead to freely give your mercy and grace to others who differ from your truth. Help me to be a bridge of love from them to you.
Monday, July 7th, 2008 by Randy
TITLE:
“What God Wants!”
SCRIPTURE:
“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
This is a repeated theme in the Bible. It was first spoken by Samuel in response to King Saul’s disobedience, “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). Jesus himself quotes the prophets pointing out the hypocrisy of his day (Matthew 9:13; 12:7). Here Hosea calls out this same indictment from God “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, an acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings.” God never intended ceremonies to be an end in themselves. He established them to drawn his people to himself. Rituals are reminders. Even today, baptism and communion should never be a substitute for a true relationship with Christ.
While Israel “faithfully” sacrificed, they forget who they were sacrificing to. Their hearts were far from God as they fulfilled their duties of devotion. However, the Lord didn’t want the Israelites' rituals; he wanted them!!! This verse talks about two specific things God wants. First he “desires mercy.” The Hebrew word here is “Chesed” meaning “devotion or consistent love.” God wanted his people to have a love that lasted. Second, he wanted the “acknowledgement God.” This is more than mere mental assent. It refers to really knowing him. It could be translated “truth” –the truth of God. He wanted his people to relate to him, rather than to be religious about him.
APPLICATION:
What about my relationship with God? I grew up in the church. “Going through the motions” can be second nature. How often have I replaced “doing things” for God for a deeper walk with God? It is easy to get into a routine and allow my relationship with God to become a cliché. I don’t’ like it when I feel and act that way. I want to know God more. I desire to love him more every single day of my life. I want to fully follow him in all I do and say!
PRAYER:
Father, forgive me when I’ve allowed the rituals of routine to replace my love for You. You are God and there is no one like you. You are worthy of all my love and honor and praise. Please draw me closer to you, every single day. AMEN.
“What God Wants!”
SCRIPTURE:
“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
This is a repeated theme in the Bible. It was first spoken by Samuel in response to King Saul’s disobedience, “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). Jesus himself quotes the prophets pointing out the hypocrisy of his day (Matthew 9:13; 12:7). Here Hosea calls out this same indictment from God “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, an acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings.” God never intended ceremonies to be an end in themselves. He established them to drawn his people to himself. Rituals are reminders. Even today, baptism and communion should never be a substitute for a true relationship with Christ.
While Israel “faithfully” sacrificed, they forget who they were sacrificing to. Their hearts were far from God as they fulfilled their duties of devotion. However, the Lord didn’t want the Israelites' rituals; he wanted them!!! This verse talks about two specific things God wants. First he “desires mercy.” The Hebrew word here is “Chesed” meaning “devotion or consistent love.” God wanted his people to have a love that lasted. Second, he wanted the “acknowledgement God.” This is more than mere mental assent. It refers to really knowing him. It could be translated “truth” –the truth of God. He wanted his people to relate to him, rather than to be religious about him.
APPLICATION:
What about my relationship with God? I grew up in the church. “Going through the motions” can be second nature. How often have I replaced “doing things” for God for a deeper walk with God? It is easy to get into a routine and allow my relationship with God to become a cliché. I don’t’ like it when I feel and act that way. I want to know God more. I desire to love him more every single day of my life. I want to fully follow him in all I do and say!
PRAYER:
Father, forgive me when I’ve allowed the rituals of routine to replace my love for You. You are God and there is no one like you. You are worthy of all my love and honor and praise. Please draw me closer to you, every single day. AMEN.
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