TITLE: Grace in Action
SCRIPTURE: John 13:1, Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
OBSERVATION: I have always been intrigued by this passage, which reveals that during the last supper with his disciples, Jesus knew he would be giving his life for them, and he knew the Father had placed all power and authority into his hands. At that point Jesus had the power and authority to wipe out the puny leadership of the Sanhedrin and the Roman soldiers, and establish his kingdom here on earth. But instead, Jesus chose to follow the wishes of the Father, to administer grace and demonstrate ‘the full extent of his love.’ This obedience would result in Jesus suffering a violent death on the cross, and experiencing an unimaginable spiritual darkness with the weight of our sins on his shoulders.
APPLICATION: It’s been said that ‘grace’ is getting what we don’t deserve. Jesus’ willful death is an understatement of this definition. Jesus intended through this grace in action to demonstrate to us how we should extend grace to others as well. No matter what our education, or position, we should always follow Jesus’ example of demonstrating our grace as a basis of our love toward others. For grace without love is just service. But grace with love glorifies the Father.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank you for the inexpressible act of grace you lived out through your death on the cross for us. Because of this act we have a hope of being with you in heaven through eternity. Thank you for your example of what grace in action looks like, and pour out your love to us so that we can freely overflow it to others in our life.
Sunday, August 10th by Randy
TITLE:
“Pious Reponses”
SCRIPTURE: John 12: 4-6
[4] But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, [5] “Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages. * ” [6] He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
OBSERVATION:
Every Gospel has an account of a woman anointing Jesus. What amazing, is that they don’t all appear to be the same incidents. Jesus is “anointed for burial” by women who deeply cared for Him and wanted to serve Him. So as Jesus sat at a home in Bethany, Mary came and poured a costly bottle of perfume on his feet. The text says, the “house was filled with the fragrance.” This reminds me that whenever we do something for Jesus, the fragrance of service fills the air!!
This morning, what stood out to me was Judas’ reaction. Rather than supporting Mary’s act of submission, he objected and gave what I call a ‘pious response’ – “Why this waste? The perfume might have been sold and the money given to the poor!!” Here’s the kicker, he said that, not because he cared about the poor, but because he cared about the money!
APPLICATION:
So often religious people have “pious responses.” We hide our hidden motives. We give our ‘reasons’ while harboring resentful thoughts. What about my answers and excuses? How honest and straightforward am I? You see, I don’t think Judas’ biggest problem was his conflicted heart, but rather him trying to hide it. Personally, I’ve been turned off by church people who say the right thing, while thinking and plotting the wrong thing. I never want to be like Judas who tried to “look good”, while only thinking of himself. God would rather have me expose my struggling heart, than ‘fake it’ in order to look spiritual.
PRAYER:
Father, I want to be fully honest with you and others. Forgive me when I’ve tried to cover my mixed motives. Help me to admit my sin and allow you to change my heart. AMEN.
“Pious Reponses”
SCRIPTURE: John 12: 4-6
[4] But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, [5] “Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages. * ” [6] He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
OBSERVATION:
Every Gospel has an account of a woman anointing Jesus. What amazing, is that they don’t all appear to be the same incidents. Jesus is “anointed for burial” by women who deeply cared for Him and wanted to serve Him. So as Jesus sat at a home in Bethany, Mary came and poured a costly bottle of perfume on his feet. The text says, the “house was filled with the fragrance.” This reminds me that whenever we do something for Jesus, the fragrance of service fills the air!!
This morning, what stood out to me was Judas’ reaction. Rather than supporting Mary’s act of submission, he objected and gave what I call a ‘pious response’ – “Why this waste? The perfume might have been sold and the money given to the poor!!” Here’s the kicker, he said that, not because he cared about the poor, but because he cared about the money!
APPLICATION:
So often religious people have “pious responses.” We hide our hidden motives. We give our ‘reasons’ while harboring resentful thoughts. What about my answers and excuses? How honest and straightforward am I? You see, I don’t think Judas’ biggest problem was his conflicted heart, but rather him trying to hide it. Personally, I’ve been turned off by church people who say the right thing, while thinking and plotting the wrong thing. I never want to be like Judas who tried to “look good”, while only thinking of himself. God would rather have me expose my struggling heart, than ‘fake it’ in order to look spiritual.
PRAYER:
Father, I want to be fully honest with you and others. Forgive me when I’ve tried to cover my mixed motives. Help me to admit my sin and allow you to change my heart. AMEN.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 by Bob
TITLE: "Turning Completely to God"
SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 23:24-25
Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did — with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.
OBSERVATION: King Josiah was an unusual king during this period of Judah’s history. Most of the kings before him and after him, including his own sons were corrupt and sinful. But Josiah stood out like a diamond in the rough. During his short reign, Josiah removed all of the shrines and idols from the high places and burned them into powder. The bible said of Josiah that he turned to the LORD with all his heart, soul, and strength.
APPLICATION: The culture we live in today is similar in many respects to the promiscuous life-style of Judah during the days of King Josiah. In Central Oregon, where eight out of ten people are unchurched, those who turn to the LORD with all their heart, soul, and strength are rare and don’t ‘fit in.’ Periodically, we need a self-examination, to see what our idols are, those things that take us away from loving and worshiping the only true God. It might be your career, sport, hobby, or other obsession. Is there anything in your life that is keeping you from turning completely to God? What do you need to do to correct it?
PRAYER: Almighty Father, help me to clearly see the distractions and obsessions in my life that get in the way between you and I. Help me to shape my life in a way to bring you into the center of my day, every day. Grace my life with the fortitude to turn to you completely, with all my heart, soul, and strength.
SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 23:24-25
Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did — with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.
OBSERVATION: King Josiah was an unusual king during this period of Judah’s history. Most of the kings before him and after him, including his own sons were corrupt and sinful. But Josiah stood out like a diamond in the rough. During his short reign, Josiah removed all of the shrines and idols from the high places and burned them into powder. The bible said of Josiah that he turned to the LORD with all his heart, soul, and strength.
APPLICATION: The culture we live in today is similar in many respects to the promiscuous life-style of Judah during the days of King Josiah. In Central Oregon, where eight out of ten people are unchurched, those who turn to the LORD with all their heart, soul, and strength are rare and don’t ‘fit in.’ Periodically, we need a self-examination, to see what our idols are, those things that take us away from loving and worshiping the only true God. It might be your career, sport, hobby, or other obsession. Is there anything in your life that is keeping you from turning completely to God? What do you need to do to correct it?
PRAYER: Almighty Father, help me to clearly see the distractions and obsessions in my life that get in the way between you and I. Help me to shape my life in a way to bring you into the center of my day, every day. Grace my life with the fortitude to turn to you completely, with all my heart, soul, and strength.
Monday, August 4th, 2008 by Randy
TITLE:
“A Responsive Heart”
SCRIPTURE:
Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD. 2 Chronicles 34:27 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
At the age of 16, Josiah, the king of Judah, “began to seek God” (2 Chron 34:3). Even though he was just a teenager, he showed more godly leadership than most of his predecessors. His example reminds me that we should never let “age” hinder what God wants to do.
Yet the real turning point came when Hilkiah found the Book of the Law and gave it to Josiah. Josiah had been seeking God, but not with clear understanding. Many scholars believe this book they found may have been the book of Deuteronomy. In the past, God’s law had been discarded and ignored by the evil kings, but now God’s commands were made clear. How did Josiah respond? The Bible says that he his “heart was responsive” and he humbled himself before God. His heart change led to life change! He obeyed God’s word and tore down the false idols and reestablished God’s law.
APPLICATION:
Our hearts can “respond” to many things around us. God wants us to respond to Him! Just like Josiah, I need to have a responsive heart to the things of God. I need to be more committed to learning from God’s word and doing his will then every before. My notes make this important application…“reading God's Word is not enough; we must be willing to do what it says.” The Bible may not be “lost” in our day and age, but it might as well be, if I fail to read it and do what it says.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I want to know and do your will. May my heart to be responsive to you! AMEN.
“A Responsive Heart”
SCRIPTURE:
Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD. 2 Chronicles 34:27 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
At the age of 16, Josiah, the king of Judah, “began to seek God” (2 Chron 34:3). Even though he was just a teenager, he showed more godly leadership than most of his predecessors. His example reminds me that we should never let “age” hinder what God wants to do.
Yet the real turning point came when Hilkiah found the Book of the Law and gave it to Josiah. Josiah had been seeking God, but not with clear understanding. Many scholars believe this book they found may have been the book of Deuteronomy. In the past, God’s law had been discarded and ignored by the evil kings, but now God’s commands were made clear. How did Josiah respond? The Bible says that he his “heart was responsive” and he humbled himself before God. His heart change led to life change! He obeyed God’s word and tore down the false idols and reestablished God’s law.
APPLICATION:
Our hearts can “respond” to many things around us. God wants us to respond to Him! Just like Josiah, I need to have a responsive heart to the things of God. I need to be more committed to learning from God’s word and doing his will then every before. My notes make this important application…“reading God's Word is not enough; we must be willing to do what it says.” The Bible may not be “lost” in our day and age, but it might as well be, if I fail to read it and do what it says.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I want to know and do your will. May my heart to be responsive to you! AMEN.
Thursday July 31, 2008 by Keith
Scripture:
Isaiah 64 3 For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.
Observation:
Isaiah regularly speaks of the power of God - the LORD - Yaweh.
He reminds us that God is the Judge, Ruler, and Supreme Authority over all the earth. Who can escape Mighty God?
Application:
Then he notes in Isaiah 64:3, “when you did awesome things that we did not expect…”
That’s the testimony of who God is. He is far greater than our understanding, He can do far more than our plans can prepare, and certainly can do more than our greatest dreams.
When I think of my life, I think of New Hope Church… I want the Lord God to do awesome things that I don’t expect.
What will it take?
It says, “the Lord came down.” This is the answer to what lies ahead.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, would you come down like a fire on your Church. Would you surprise us by the awesome things only you can do? Prepare us Lord for what is ahead. May we, may I, put my whole trust in YOU. Come down, do awesome things, for your Kingdom, and for your glory. so be it and amen.
Isaiah 64 3 For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.
Observation:
Isaiah regularly speaks of the power of God - the LORD - Yaweh.
He reminds us that God is the Judge, Ruler, and Supreme Authority over all the earth. Who can escape Mighty God?
Application:
Then he notes in Isaiah 64:3, “when you did awesome things that we did not expect…”
That’s the testimony of who God is. He is far greater than our understanding, He can do far more than our plans can prepare, and certainly can do more than our greatest dreams.
When I think of my life, I think of New Hope Church… I want the Lord God to do awesome things that I don’t expect.
What will it take?
It says, “the Lord came down.” This is the answer to what lies ahead.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, would you come down like a fire on your Church. Would you surprise us by the awesome things only you can do? Prepare us Lord for what is ahead. May we, may I, put my whole trust in YOU. Come down, do awesome things, for your Kingdom, and for your glory. so be it and amen.
Tuesday, July 29 2008 by Bob
TITLE: Fruitful Compassion
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 58:4
Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.
OBSERVATION: Through the prophet Isaiah, God admonished the Israelites to rid themselves of their pretentious sacrifices and fasts which have no quality of love or adoration toward their LORD. He saw beyond the outward appearances of men, deep into their hearts where there existed quarreling and greed toward their fellow brothers and sisters. Isaiah further admonished the people by assuring them that they could not expect their God to hear their cries of help because their devotion to him was insincere. God desired hearts of compassion, love and action toward those in need, not just ‘lip service’, and occasional periods of superficial sacrifice.
APPLICATION: Across our nation more then 90% of our citizens believe that there is a God, but like the Israelites in the days of Isaiah, many in our country lack the righteous lifestyle that God really seeks from us. What is the condition of your heart? Does your life bear the fruit of compassion and care toward those in need? Do you give of your time and resources toward others in your community? How would God judge the sincerity of your walk with him?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive those times when my selfish needs takes a front seat to others in my life that are in need. Impart in me a heart of love that stems from you. Provide me a fruitful compassion to help others in my family, workplace, and community.
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 58:4
Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.
OBSERVATION: Through the prophet Isaiah, God admonished the Israelites to rid themselves of their pretentious sacrifices and fasts which have no quality of love or adoration toward their LORD. He saw beyond the outward appearances of men, deep into their hearts where there existed quarreling and greed toward their fellow brothers and sisters. Isaiah further admonished the people by assuring them that they could not expect their God to hear their cries of help because their devotion to him was insincere. God desired hearts of compassion, love and action toward those in need, not just ‘lip service’, and occasional periods of superficial sacrifice.
APPLICATION: Across our nation more then 90% of our citizens believe that there is a God, but like the Israelites in the days of Isaiah, many in our country lack the righteous lifestyle that God really seeks from us. What is the condition of your heart? Does your life bear the fruit of compassion and care toward those in need? Do you give of your time and resources toward others in your community? How would God judge the sincerity of your walk with him?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive those times when my selfish needs takes a front seat to others in my life that are in need. Impart in me a heart of love that stems from you. Provide me a fruitful compassion to help others in my family, workplace, and community.
Monday, July 28th, 2008 by Randy
TITLE:
“The Way of Balaam”
SCRIPTURE:
“They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.” 2 Peter 2:15 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
Peter uses the example of Balaam to show how religious leaders can use their position for personal gain. He writes that these people start out on the “straight way,” but they “wander off” to follow the way of Balaam. What is this “way of Balaam?”
Balaam was a sorcerer, hired by the pagan king, Balak, to curse Israel. At first, it looked like Balaam was an honest, God-fearing man. In fact, as you read his story, you’ll discover that he blessed Israel, rather than cursed them ( Nu 22-24 ). However, underneath his good nature and kind deeds were wrong motives. Peter says that he “loved the wages of wickedness.” The word "love" here is one of the few places in the New Testament where the word “agape” is used in negative way. Balaam "agaped" the wrong things. Frankly, he was more in love with his money than God's ministry. Utimately, he put himself first and it cost him his life (see Numbers 25:1-3; 31:16).
APPLICATION:
Motives are funny things! They are so easily skewed and masked by our desires to be right and to "look" right. Most people think their motives are pure. It’s our human default. The Bible says that only GOd really knows our hearts. What about my heart? What are my motives in ministry? I’d like to say that everything I do is for God. However, there are times where I know that I’m selfish. I’m more worried about my hurts and my rights. God wants me to let go of any gain for myself and give my life completely to him. My life verse is “For to me is Christ and to die is gain” Phil. 1:21. May that be true of me--to live only for Christ.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, forgive me when my motives are wrong. Purify my heart. May my desires never be for personal gain, but for You to receive all the glory and honor. May that be true, even today. AMEN.
“The Way of Balaam”
SCRIPTURE:
“They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.” 2 Peter 2:15 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
Peter uses the example of Balaam to show how religious leaders can use their position for personal gain. He writes that these people start out on the “straight way,” but they “wander off” to follow the way of Balaam. What is this “way of Balaam?”
Balaam was a sorcerer, hired by the pagan king, Balak, to curse Israel. At first, it looked like Balaam was an honest, God-fearing man. In fact, as you read his story, you’ll discover that he blessed Israel, rather than cursed them ( Nu 22-24 ). However, underneath his good nature and kind deeds were wrong motives. Peter says that he “loved the wages of wickedness.” The word "love" here is one of the few places in the New Testament where the word “agape” is used in negative way. Balaam "agaped" the wrong things. Frankly, he was more in love with his money than God's ministry. Utimately, he put himself first and it cost him his life (see Numbers 25:1-3; 31:16).
APPLICATION:
Motives are funny things! They are so easily skewed and masked by our desires to be right and to "look" right. Most people think their motives are pure. It’s our human default. The Bible says that only GOd really knows our hearts. What about my heart? What are my motives in ministry? I’d like to say that everything I do is for God. However, there are times where I know that I’m selfish. I’m more worried about my hurts and my rights. God wants me to let go of any gain for myself and give my life completely to him. My life verse is “For to me is Christ and to die is gain” Phil. 1:21. May that be true of me--to live only for Christ.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, forgive me when my motives are wrong. Purify my heart. May my desires never be for personal gain, but for You to receive all the glory and honor. May that be true, even today. AMEN.
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