Title: Faith in Christ
Scripture: Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Observation: Throughout Paul’s ministry we find that he was continuously persecuted by zealot Jews who detested the sect called The Way (Acts 24:14). Now in this passage we read that even some of the Jewish Christians persecuted Paul about the importance of following their long established Jewish traditions. But Paul would stand firm about where to place their trust. Paul realized that following the law to attain justification was not what God sought. Paul recognized the importance of placing his faith on one thing alone, the Son of God!
Application: In our culture today successes and achievements are based on the works we perform and the laws that we keep. In our society many boast about their accomplishments, whether secular or spiritual. But as Christians we need to do just the opposite; we need to submit ourselves to Christ, and to live by faith in Christ. This lifestyle transforms our hearts into one of humility and gratitude in the ‘one’ who deserves the honor and glory, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer: O Lord, forgive me when I attempt to achieve selfish praise through my own merits. Help me to remember that all good comes from you, and you deserve the honor and glory. Help me to base my faith and security on you alone. Lord, finally give me the courage to stand firm against those that might persuade me to rely on my own strength.
Monday, March 10th, 2008 by Randy
Title
Give us your poor!
Scripture
Give generously to him (the poor) and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV)
Observation
When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, God told them to help the poor. In fact, his desire was to have no poor among his people. Deuteronomy 15:4 says “However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you.” It could not be a land of promise unless even the least was satisfied.
God told them not to resent the needy, but to embrace each one with loving generosity. There is a Biblical principle that basically says we can only receive as we give. It here in this verse! God gives this promise to the giver. “Then, because of this, the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Wow!
Application
Sometimes I feel my giving is like my praying, I need to do more. It is too easy for me to rationalize away the poor and needy –after all, is it not their fault they’re in this situation? As I look around our community who do I need to help? It doesn’t always have to be physical poverty. This includes all kinds of hurts, emotional, relational and spiritual. How can New Hope Church be more generous? Are we entering a new phase in the life of our Body where God is giving us a new vision and desire to serve others? I hope so! What can I do to help someone in need, even today?
Prayer
Father, I want to help those in need. Forgive me for my selfishness. Sometimes I get too busy and preoccupied to see the needs around me. I want to be more genersous and giving. Fill me with your Spirit. Help me to reach out to others in your hame. AMEN.
Give us your poor!
Scripture
Give generously to him (the poor) and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV)
Observation
When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, God told them to help the poor. In fact, his desire was to have no poor among his people. Deuteronomy 15:4 says “However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you.” It could not be a land of promise unless even the least was satisfied.
God told them not to resent the needy, but to embrace each one with loving generosity. There is a Biblical principle that basically says we can only receive as we give. It here in this verse! God gives this promise to the giver. “Then, because of this, the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Wow!
Application
Sometimes I feel my giving is like my praying, I need to do more. It is too easy for me to rationalize away the poor and needy –after all, is it not their fault they’re in this situation? As I look around our community who do I need to help? It doesn’t always have to be physical poverty. This includes all kinds of hurts, emotional, relational and spiritual. How can New Hope Church be more generous? Are we entering a new phase in the life of our Body where God is giving us a new vision and desire to serve others? I hope so! What can I do to help someone in need, even today?
Prayer
Father, I want to help those in need. Forgive me for my selfishness. Sometimes I get too busy and preoccupied to see the needs around me. I want to be more genersous and giving. Fill me with your Spirit. Help me to reach out to others in your hame. AMEN.
Friday, March 7, by Nancy
Scripture:
He came back and found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, "Simon, you went to sleep on me? Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert, be in prayer, so you don't enter the danger zone without even knowing it. Don't be naive. Part of you is eager, ready for anything in God; but another part is as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." Mark 14:37-38
Observation:
It seems that on the night of Jesus' betrayal, he felt his humanness more than ever. As he considers the task he faces, he prays asking God, His Father, to take it away. He is in anguish and despair yet remains the Holy One, Messiah, choosing God's way over his own desires. In the midst of this struggle, he turns to his disciples, these men he has poured his life into. He turns to them for support and encouragement, to be lifted up, to be affirmed; but he finds them sleeping.
Application:
His words to Peter ring true in my life too. There are two sides of me--one eager to follow after what God has planned, one as lazy as an old dog by the fire! I want to live my life as the eager Christ-follower, ready to face whatever comes as I live in obedience. I want to so embrace that side that the other, the lazy and selfish one atrophies and melts away.
Prayer:
Jesus, I say today that I want to follow after you--to live my life committed to submissive obedience, to practice grace in my daily activities, to be characterized by your presence in me. Will you begin today to replace that dog-like, self-centered part of me with your goodness? Will you in your faithfulness and daily mercy fill me up with passion for you and your word so that it eclipses my selfish desires? Thank you for all you have done in my life--for blessings and gifts too many to name or even count. Your greatness and grace are more than I can understand. Amen.
He came back and found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, "Simon, you went to sleep on me? Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert, be in prayer, so you don't enter the danger zone without even knowing it. Don't be naive. Part of you is eager, ready for anything in God; but another part is as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." Mark 14:37-38
Observation:
It seems that on the night of Jesus' betrayal, he felt his humanness more than ever. As he considers the task he faces, he prays asking God, His Father, to take it away. He is in anguish and despair yet remains the Holy One, Messiah, choosing God's way over his own desires. In the midst of this struggle, he turns to his disciples, these men he has poured his life into. He turns to them for support and encouragement, to be lifted up, to be affirmed; but he finds them sleeping.
Application:
His words to Peter ring true in my life too. There are two sides of me--one eager to follow after what God has planned, one as lazy as an old dog by the fire! I want to live my life as the eager Christ-follower, ready to face whatever comes as I live in obedience. I want to so embrace that side that the other, the lazy and selfish one atrophies and melts away.
Prayer:
Jesus, I say today that I want to follow after you--to live my life committed to submissive obedience, to practice grace in my daily activities, to be characterized by your presence in me. Will you begin today to replace that dog-like, self-centered part of me with your goodness? Will you in your faithfulness and daily mercy fill me up with passion for you and your word so that it eclipses my selfish desires? Thank you for all you have done in my life--for blessings and gifts too many to name or even count. Your greatness and grace are more than I can understand. Amen.
Thursday March 6, 2008 by Keith
Title: Only One!
Scripture: “Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.” Deuteronomy 4:39
Observation: This statement seems like a no-brainer. God’s chosen people would have to know that the Lord is God and that there is no other!
Sometimes the most obvious things are missed. The Israelites who had innumerable examples of God, being God, still chose to sin and put other things in front of Him. They would worship man-made images/idols, lust after things, and ultimately loose heart that God is but one God.
Earlier in this chapter the Israelites are encouraged to remember all that God had done for their forefathers and for them. They are encouraged not to forget what happened to those that stopped worshiping God. And ultimately they were encouraged to observe God’s law, his commands that he gave because he loves them.
Application: How many times do I miss the obvious? This day, today, the Lord has made. How am I going to respond? Will I remember all that the Lord has done for me, will I remember what he’s done throughout history, and will I remember his law, his commands, His perfect Word?
Some days are better than others. Some days I act like there is a God and no other. However, I too have fallen into the trap of placing things before God. I might place my time, my family, my wants, my selfishness, and so on.
I like how this verse starts, “Acknowledge and take to heart…” First you need to acknowledge. Once you do that you take to heart. You can’t take it to heart until you full acknowledge the fact… then you are encouraged… then… It’s like you get it, that “this day that the LORD is God.”
Prayer: LORD God, I acknowledge you today! You alone are God. Help me to live for You. May I share with the world around me that You are God in heaven and on earth. Thanks for being such an awesome God!
Scripture: “Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.” Deuteronomy 4:39
Observation: This statement seems like a no-brainer. God’s chosen people would have to know that the Lord is God and that there is no other!
Sometimes the most obvious things are missed. The Israelites who had innumerable examples of God, being God, still chose to sin and put other things in front of Him. They would worship man-made images/idols, lust after things, and ultimately loose heart that God is but one God.
Earlier in this chapter the Israelites are encouraged to remember all that God had done for their forefathers and for them. They are encouraged not to forget what happened to those that stopped worshiping God. And ultimately they were encouraged to observe God’s law, his commands that he gave because he loves them.
Application: How many times do I miss the obvious? This day, today, the Lord has made. How am I going to respond? Will I remember all that the Lord has done for me, will I remember what he’s done throughout history, and will I remember his law, his commands, His perfect Word?
Some days are better than others. Some days I act like there is a God and no other. However, I too have fallen into the trap of placing things before God. I might place my time, my family, my wants, my selfishness, and so on.
I like how this verse starts, “Acknowledge and take to heart…” First you need to acknowledge. Once you do that you take to heart. You can’t take it to heart until you full acknowledge the fact… then you are encouraged… then… It’s like you get it, that “this day that the LORD is God.”
Prayer: LORD God, I acknowledge you today! You alone are God. Help me to live for You. May I share with the world around me that You are God in heaven and on earth. Thanks for being such an awesome God!
Tuesday, March 4th, 2008 by Bob
Title: Righteous Anger
Scripture: Mark 11:17
And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: "'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
Observation:
In this passage, Jesus enters the temple area and immediately becomes enraged over the money changers and merchants. He starts to turn over their tables and benches and chases them out of the temple courts. Can you visualize the commotion he caused on the temple steps? Then in anger Jesus proclaims that these merchants have turned God’s house of prayer into ‘a den of robbers.’ Very few times during his ministry was Jesus so infuriated that to the bystanders he must have seemed to have ‘gone out of control.’ Why was Jesus so mad? And was the degree of his anger justified?
A clue to the first question is hidden in his declaration that the merchants had made the temple into ‘a den of robbers.’ In the Jewish tradition, there were thieves, who stole petty items and committed misdemeanor level offenses, and then there were ‘robbers’ who committed felony offenses. Robbers were intentional about their theft, which always led to serious injury. The Hebrew word translated here was defined as violent, destroyer, or ravenous. Jesus realized that these merchants were doing more than stealing from the poor; they were taking part in the corruptive sacrificial system which God detested. Jesus was righteously angered because his Heavenly Father was angered. You see, Jesus loved what the Father loved and hated what the Father hated.
Application:
As a Christian I too know what our Heavenly Father loves and hates, and as a Christian it is easy for me to relish and love the things our Father loves. But in this world and in this community I also see things that the Father despises, and yet sometimes my feelings and emotions are lukewarm. Sometimes I become apathetic about the things that sadden our Lord, because I’ve become used to them, or just because I get lazy.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, forgive my apathy for the things in my life and around me that offend you. Create in me a love for your truth and a righteousness that angers at anything that rebels against you. Teach me to use this anger in constructive ways which will bring honor and glory to you.
Scripture: Mark 11:17
And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: "'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
Observation:
In this passage, Jesus enters the temple area and immediately becomes enraged over the money changers and merchants. He starts to turn over their tables and benches and chases them out of the temple courts. Can you visualize the commotion he caused on the temple steps? Then in anger Jesus proclaims that these merchants have turned God’s house of prayer into ‘a den of robbers.’ Very few times during his ministry was Jesus so infuriated that to the bystanders he must have seemed to have ‘gone out of control.’ Why was Jesus so mad? And was the degree of his anger justified?
A clue to the first question is hidden in his declaration that the merchants had made the temple into ‘a den of robbers.’ In the Jewish tradition, there were thieves, who stole petty items and committed misdemeanor level offenses, and then there were ‘robbers’ who committed felony offenses. Robbers were intentional about their theft, which always led to serious injury. The Hebrew word translated here was defined as violent, destroyer, or ravenous. Jesus realized that these merchants were doing more than stealing from the poor; they were taking part in the corruptive sacrificial system which God detested. Jesus was righteously angered because his Heavenly Father was angered. You see, Jesus loved what the Father loved and hated what the Father hated.
Application:
As a Christian I too know what our Heavenly Father loves and hates, and as a Christian it is easy for me to relish and love the things our Father loves. But in this world and in this community I also see things that the Father despises, and yet sometimes my feelings and emotions are lukewarm. Sometimes I become apathetic about the things that sadden our Lord, because I’ve become used to them, or just because I get lazy.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, forgive my apathy for the things in my life and around me that offend you. Create in me a love for your truth and a righteousness that angers at anything that rebels against you. Teach me to use this anger in constructive ways which will bring honor and glory to you.
Monday, March 3rd, 2008 by Randy
TITLE
One wish.
SCRIPTURE
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Mark 10:51 (NIV)
OBSERVATION
Jesus was on his way “up” to Jerusalem (Mark 10:32). One of the stopping places along the journey was Jericho, which by the way, was a popular resort city rebuilt by Herod the Great:-). As they were leaving town, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus shouted to him, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.” Jesus heard and asked “What do you want me to do for you?” Talk about the Genie being out of the bottle—here is Jesus asking this blind person for one wish, “What do you want me to do for you? For the record, blindness was considered a curse from God for sin (Jn 9:2). Bartimaeus didn’t ask for wealth or power --he simply wanted to see!
APPLICATION
I’m not sure how I would have responded if Jesus asked me “What do you want me to do for you?” For Blind Bartimaeus it was his physical sight. He was desperate to see. I often wonder how blind I am, spiritually speaking. Like this blind beggar, I’m a pauper, nothing to offer God. I know that I don’t see the kingdom the way I should. But, I want to see! I want to see God in all his fullness. I want to see things the way God see them. I want to see with spiritual eyes! How often do I miss the mark because of my blindness.
PRAYER
My prayer and plea, Lord Jesus, is that you would open my eyes that I might see. Help me to see you and know you more. Help me to see what you would have me to do and be. I want to fully follow you. AMEN.
One wish.
SCRIPTURE
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Mark 10:51 (NIV)
OBSERVATION
Jesus was on his way “up” to Jerusalem (Mark 10:32). One of the stopping places along the journey was Jericho, which by the way, was a popular resort city rebuilt by Herod the Great:-). As they were leaving town, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus shouted to him, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.” Jesus heard and asked “What do you want me to do for you?” Talk about the Genie being out of the bottle—here is Jesus asking this blind person for one wish, “What do you want me to do for you? For the record, blindness was considered a curse from God for sin (Jn 9:2). Bartimaeus didn’t ask for wealth or power --he simply wanted to see!
APPLICATION
I’m not sure how I would have responded if Jesus asked me “What do you want me to do for you?” For Blind Bartimaeus it was his physical sight. He was desperate to see. I often wonder how blind I am, spiritually speaking. Like this blind beggar, I’m a pauper, nothing to offer God. I know that I don’t see the kingdom the way I should. But, I want to see! I want to see God in all his fullness. I want to see things the way God see them. I want to see with spiritual eyes! How often do I miss the mark because of my blindness.
PRAYER
My prayer and plea, Lord Jesus, is that you would open my eyes that I might see. Help me to see you and know you more. Help me to see what you would have me to do and be. I want to fully follow you. AMEN.
February 28 By Keith
Title: Deadly Mistake
Scripture: Numbers 25: 1 & 5
1 While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women,
5 So Moses said to Israel's judges, "Each of you must put to death those of your men who have joined in worshiping the Baal of Peor."
Observation:
Israel, who is set apart to be God’s people begin to indulge in the filthiness of the world. The temptation was too much and they give into sexual immorality.
How different is this today? Jesus paid such a high price that whoever puts faith in him, are able to call themselves set apart.
Today men and women are being inundated with sexual temptations, lust, and so forth. How many godly men give in and indulge in this immorality with something that is clearly not of God?
Sex in and of itself is not bad. In fact it is good and created by God. It is only when man chooses to go outside of God’s great plans and choose his own or even worse those of pagans who do not know God.
Israel’s result was death! Each person that joined in this horrible sexual immorality was put to death (vs. 5). Why? They were leaders! They were God’s chosen ones! They were to be set apart! They were to leave a legacy! And one cannot do this while worshiping a false god.
Today’s men, particularly spiritual leaders, may not be killed. But there is a death. Their marriages and families can be destroyed. They can get physical diseases that lead to physical pain and even death. The mind is polluted and begins to rot… and worse their spiritual hunger dies.
Application:
This is a harsh reminder of the grave consequences of sin. Particularly sexual immorality. I am reminded of the temptation that surrounds me… but, also my brothers and sisters.
I need to be vigilant in my own life and I need to be a support to those around me.
Prayer: Father, thank you for Your Word. Thank you for being such an awesome God. I ask that you protect my eyes, my heart, and my mind from the enemy. I ask that you would use me to guard the hearts of other men. Let us worship you alone, the All-Sufficient God. amen
Scripture: Numbers 25: 1 & 5
1 While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women,
5 So Moses said to Israel's judges, "Each of you must put to death those of your men who have joined in worshiping the Baal of Peor."
Observation:
Israel, who is set apart to be God’s people begin to indulge in the filthiness of the world. The temptation was too much and they give into sexual immorality.
How different is this today? Jesus paid such a high price that whoever puts faith in him, are able to call themselves set apart.
Today men and women are being inundated with sexual temptations, lust, and so forth. How many godly men give in and indulge in this immorality with something that is clearly not of God?
Sex in and of itself is not bad. In fact it is good and created by God. It is only when man chooses to go outside of God’s great plans and choose his own or even worse those of pagans who do not know God.
Israel’s result was death! Each person that joined in this horrible sexual immorality was put to death (vs. 5). Why? They were leaders! They were God’s chosen ones! They were to be set apart! They were to leave a legacy! And one cannot do this while worshiping a false god.
Today’s men, particularly spiritual leaders, may not be killed. But there is a death. Their marriages and families can be destroyed. They can get physical diseases that lead to physical pain and even death. The mind is polluted and begins to rot… and worse their spiritual hunger dies.
Application:
This is a harsh reminder of the grave consequences of sin. Particularly sexual immorality. I am reminded of the temptation that surrounds me… but, also my brothers and sisters.
I need to be vigilant in my own life and I need to be a support to those around me.
Prayer: Father, thank you for Your Word. Thank you for being such an awesome God. I ask that you protect my eyes, my heart, and my mind from the enemy. I ask that you would use me to guard the hearts of other men. Let us worship you alone, the All-Sufficient God. amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)