Acts 13:36"For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep.
I love this verse in Acts chapter 13. it is so simple and profound at the same time. It says that David served God in his generation and then died. What is tells me is that God had a plan for David and he accomplished that during his time and then he died.
Understanding this passage is easy. In my lifetime God has placed me in America at this time to reach certain people and to accomplish certain goals. The hard part to actually seeing and doing the work. I have to my part by recognizing the needs of my generation and then putting forth the effort to work on it. I guess me even saying that I need to try and find the place to work is kind of silly because all around me there are hurting people that need to experience God’s love. I want to be the one that shows them that. I want to have that sentence in Acts written about me when I am dead. “Andy served God’s purposes in his generation and then died” I like that. It is simple and to the point.
Lord, help me to accomplish the work you have for me here. May I be able to accomplish your purposes in my generation. I want to see you work in me and through me so that your kingdom may be furthered.
Feburary 5th, 2008 by Bob
Title: What Are We Dependent On?
Scripture: Ex 40:36-37, In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out — until the day it lifted.
Observation: This last passage of the last chapter of the book of Exodus is exciting as it gives us a glimpse of how our Lord choose to lead his people through the desert for 40 years. But more importantly it reveals a dependency that God wanted for his people. God desired his chosen people to live each day looking toward him and trusting him with their very lives. Unfortunately it took the Israelites a complete generation to learn how to trust their God in this manner. Future history reveals that most of these Israelites wandering in the desert would not see the Promised Land; it would be held in reserve for their sons and daughters.
Application: In Malachi 3:6 our Father tells us, “I the LORD do not change.” That means that the same Creator who desired total dependence from the Israelites seeks it from us today. But we have been born into the wealthiest nation that has ever existed, and live in a comfortable community life-style that most people in the world cannot imagine. We have only to look among our neighbors, and maybe ourselves, to observe hearts of self-sufficiency and independence.
Is it possible to live here in Bend, Oregon, but with a heart totally dependent on our LORD? Yes it is possible but not easy. It requires a sincere daily walk with God through authentic prayer, reading of his Word, and a submissiveness that allows God’s truths to transform us. It requires a genuine thankfulness for the blessings God has given us, yet a separation from these things in a way that places God first in our lives.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the abundant blessings you have bestowed on our country, our community, and our families. Although we enjoy these riches, never let them be more important then you. Help us to wake up each morning looking toward you for wisdom, guidance, and strength. Help us to keep you as our First Love, and let it start with me.
Scripture: Ex 40:36-37, In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out — until the day it lifted.
Observation: This last passage of the last chapter of the book of Exodus is exciting as it gives us a glimpse of how our Lord choose to lead his people through the desert for 40 years. But more importantly it reveals a dependency that God wanted for his people. God desired his chosen people to live each day looking toward him and trusting him with their very lives. Unfortunately it took the Israelites a complete generation to learn how to trust their God in this manner. Future history reveals that most of these Israelites wandering in the desert would not see the Promised Land; it would be held in reserve for their sons and daughters.
Application: In Malachi 3:6 our Father tells us, “I the LORD do not change.” That means that the same Creator who desired total dependence from the Israelites seeks it from us today. But we have been born into the wealthiest nation that has ever existed, and live in a comfortable community life-style that most people in the world cannot imagine. We have only to look among our neighbors, and maybe ourselves, to observe hearts of self-sufficiency and independence.
Is it possible to live here in Bend, Oregon, but with a heart totally dependent on our LORD? Yes it is possible but not easy. It requires a sincere daily walk with God through authentic prayer, reading of his Word, and a submissiveness that allows God’s truths to transform us. It requires a genuine thankfulness for the blessings God has given us, yet a separation from these things in a way that places God first in our lives.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the abundant blessings you have bestowed on our country, our community, and our families. Although we enjoy these riches, never let them be more important then you. Help us to wake up each morning looking toward you for wisdom, guidance, and strength. Help us to keep you as our First Love, and let it start with me.
Feburary 4th, 2008 by Randy
Title: Seeing God's Grace
Scripture Acts 11:23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
Observation: The believers in Jerusalem heard that "something" was stirring a northern port city called Antioch. Non-Jews were coming to Christ. Concerned and curious, they sent Barnabas to check it out. The scriptures say that when he arrived he "saw evidence of the grace of God."
What did Barnabas see? We think of God's grace as an inward work of the heart, but here the Bible says that that he SAW God's grace. We know from the text, that new people were finding Christ and the church was growing spiritually and numerically. In fact, from this city of Antioch the Gospel would launched to the entire known world.
Application Wouldn't it be amazing if the grace of God was more visible in my life and in the life our church at New Hope? What would that look like? Antioch eventually overflowed to make and impact around the world. We are starting this series entitled, "OUTFLOW" at church. It is my Prayer that God would move and change our heart and lives in such a way that people will SEE God's grace in and through us.
Prayer Father, we need your grace! I need your grace. New Hope needs your grace. I ask that in the the coming days you would let us see you and your grace. Thank you for our faithfulness and love. AMEN.
Scripture Acts 11:23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
Observation: The believers in Jerusalem heard that "something" was stirring a northern port city called Antioch. Non-Jews were coming to Christ. Concerned and curious, they sent Barnabas to check it out. The scriptures say that when he arrived he "saw evidence of the grace of God."
What did Barnabas see? We think of God's grace as an inward work of the heart, but here the Bible says that that he SAW God's grace. We know from the text, that new people were finding Christ and the church was growing spiritually and numerically. In fact, from this city of Antioch the Gospel would launched to the entire known world.
Application Wouldn't it be amazing if the grace of God was more visible in my life and in the life our church at New Hope? What would that look like? Antioch eventually overflowed to make and impact around the world. We are starting this series entitled, "OUTFLOW" at church. It is my Prayer that God would move and change our heart and lives in such a way that people will SEE God's grace in and through us.
Prayer Father, we need your grace! I need your grace. New Hope needs your grace. I ask that in the the coming days you would let us see you and your grace. Thank you for our faithfulness and love. AMEN.
February 1, 2008 by Nancy
Scripture: Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet with water from it. Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water so that they will not die. Exodus 30:19-20
Observation: In the detailed instructions God included fo rthe tabernacle--its furnishings and ceremony--He included a basin for washing. Aaron and his sons were to wash inthe basin before they could enter God's presence. Ironically (if anything can be ironic when done by a purposeful God,) the basin was to be made out of the mirrors the women brought with them from Egypt.
Application: In a marvellously visual way, God showed His people, not for the last time, that He was more concerned with true cleansing than with appearance. It's true not only for the priest but also for me. Where am I keeping up appearances rather than seeking out healing and forgiveness? Where am I hiding my true self at the cost of embracing grace and wholeness?
Prayer: God, Forgive my foolishness, my folly at thinking I can pose with You. Instead, take my heart--own it and all that I keep there; become the center of my love and passion in life. Take my mind--make it Yours; renew it by Your grace, purify it and fill it wiht Your wisdom. Take my life--I offer it to You, to use as You see fit. Cleanse me of price and self. Fill those spaces with grace and compassion. Amen.
Observation: In the detailed instructions God included fo rthe tabernacle--its furnishings and ceremony--He included a basin for washing. Aaron and his sons were to wash inthe basin before they could enter God's presence. Ironically (if anything can be ironic when done by a purposeful God,) the basin was to be made out of the mirrors the women brought with them from Egypt.
Application: In a marvellously visual way, God showed His people, not for the last time, that He was more concerned with true cleansing than with appearance. It's true not only for the priest but also for me. Where am I keeping up appearances rather than seeking out healing and forgiveness? Where am I hiding my true self at the cost of embracing grace and wholeness?
Prayer: God, Forgive my foolishness, my folly at thinking I can pose with You. Instead, take my heart--own it and all that I keep there; become the center of my love and passion in life. Take my mind--make it Yours; renew it by Your grace, purify it and fill it wiht Your wisdom. Take my life--I offer it to You, to use as You see fit. Cleanse me of price and self. Fill those spaces with grace and compassion. Amen.
January 30, 2008 by Andy
Acts 6:10 “but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.”
In this passage Stephen is preaching the Word of God and he is arrested because of it. Once he gets arrested he ends up in a debate of sorts with the powers that be. In this debate we come across verse 10 where the scriptures say “but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.” This stands out for a couple reasons. The first is that Stephen had extraordinary wisdom and second that he was led by God.
I find the first comment about Stephen's wisdom so intriguing because it is in reference to Stephen's knowledge. When I read that I think of the work that Stephen put into learning about God. I am reminded of the effort that he put in in order to have this wisdom. I also find the second comment about the Spirit of God being there with equally intriguing.
There is a relationship to what I do to learn more about God and then God speaking through me. I know that I cannot do anything outside of God's help but I am also a believer in doing what I can and being faithful in my own study life. God wanted Stephen to learn and study so that he may gain Godly wisdom and to be able to give an account of his faith. I believe God desires that for my life also. God wants me to learn what I can so that I can gain wisdom and then he will be there to help me with what I don’t know. I must be faithful with my part.
Lord, may I always be pursuing knowledge of You. May I always do my part to learn what I can about you. Give me the knowledge and wisdom that can only come from you.
In this passage Stephen is preaching the Word of God and he is arrested because of it. Once he gets arrested he ends up in a debate of sorts with the powers that be. In this debate we come across verse 10 where the scriptures say “but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.” This stands out for a couple reasons. The first is that Stephen had extraordinary wisdom and second that he was led by God.
I find the first comment about Stephen's wisdom so intriguing because it is in reference to Stephen's knowledge. When I read that I think of the work that Stephen put into learning about God. I am reminded of the effort that he put in in order to have this wisdom. I also find the second comment about the Spirit of God being there with equally intriguing.
There is a relationship to what I do to learn more about God and then God speaking through me. I know that I cannot do anything outside of God's help but I am also a believer in doing what I can and being faithful in my own study life. God wanted Stephen to learn and study so that he may gain Godly wisdom and to be able to give an account of his faith. I believe God desires that for my life also. God wants me to learn what I can so that I can gain wisdom and then he will be there to help me with what I don’t know. I must be faithful with my part.
Lord, may I always be pursuing knowledge of You. May I always do my part to learn what I can about you. Give me the knowledge and wisdom that can only come from you.
Tuesday, January 29 2008 by Bob
Title "Let's Shout the Message!"
Scripture: Acts 5:20 "Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."
In Acts 5 Luke recalls a story of the apostles being arrested and placed in jail by the Jewish leaders. But in the middle of the night an angel of the Lord opened the jail doors. As they were being released the angel commanded them to go to the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life! Can you imagine what must have been going on in the apostle’s minds? Here an angel of the Lord frees the apostles from prison but then orders them to go back into the center of Jerusalem’s community where these Jewish leaders hang out, and proclaim the good news! Our Lord, through his messenger, had made the importance of this message clear. It was to be shouted from the steps of the temple courts for everyone to hear. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, has risen and in his resurrection we can have eternal life!
In the last 2000 years what has changed in this message? Has its truth changed? Or it significance? Has time eroded the value of this new life now that we are in the 21st century? Not one bit. In fact the same Lord who called on the apostles to preach this message on the temple courts has also called us to do the same as commanded in Matthew 28:18. How passionately are you sharing your new life?
O Lord, forgive my complacent attitude concerning your wonderful promise revealed in your good news. Forgive me for my lack of care for those who are lost without hope in a fallen world. Please give me a renewed passion to shout your promise of hope to everyone you bring to me.
Scripture: Acts 5:20 "Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."
In Acts 5 Luke recalls a story of the apostles being arrested and placed in jail by the Jewish leaders. But in the middle of the night an angel of the Lord opened the jail doors. As they were being released the angel commanded them to go to the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life! Can you imagine what must have been going on in the apostle’s minds? Here an angel of the Lord frees the apostles from prison but then orders them to go back into the center of Jerusalem’s community where these Jewish leaders hang out, and proclaim the good news! Our Lord, through his messenger, had made the importance of this message clear. It was to be shouted from the steps of the temple courts for everyone to hear. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, has risen and in his resurrection we can have eternal life!
In the last 2000 years what has changed in this message? Has its truth changed? Or it significance? Has time eroded the value of this new life now that we are in the 21st century? Not one bit. In fact the same Lord who called on the apostles to preach this message on the temple courts has also called us to do the same as commanded in Matthew 28:18. How passionately are you sharing your new life?
O Lord, forgive my complacent attitude concerning your wonderful promise revealed in your good news. Forgive me for my lack of care for those who are lost without hope in a fallen world. Please give me a renewed passion to shout your promise of hope to everyone you bring to me.
Monday, January 28, 2008 by Randy
Title: “I just can’t help it!!”
Scripture: Acts 4:20 says…For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Observation: Peter and John had just shared the hope of Jesus Christ and his resurrection. The Bible says that thousands believed what they had heard, while the Sadducees were “greatly disturbed” (Acts 4:1-3) Talk about a contrast of reactions! (The Sadducees were a Jewish sect which never believed in the resurrection). Well, as a result Peter and John were arrested and spent the night in jail. The next day they faced the “religious officials.” Filled with the Spirit, Peter boldly explained, telling them of Christ and the Good News. These leaders only had one thing to say – stop sharing!! That would be impossible! Peter and John replied, “…we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Application: How often am I sharing Christ and the Good News? Why am I not more excited about pointing people to Jesus? In my heart I know that it is the greatest news, the best news anyone can know and hear! I desire my love for God to spill out in my life so that I can say with the Apostles – I can’t help but speak what I’ve seen and heard about Christ!!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me for holding back in my witness for you. Even today, let me see the opportunities to share with others. In your grace, please give me a greater boldness and enthusiasm to be the testimony you want me to be. AMEN.
Scripture: Acts 4:20 says…For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Observation: Peter and John had just shared the hope of Jesus Christ and his resurrection. The Bible says that thousands believed what they had heard, while the Sadducees were “greatly disturbed” (Acts 4:1-3) Talk about a contrast of reactions! (The Sadducees were a Jewish sect which never believed in the resurrection). Well, as a result Peter and John were arrested and spent the night in jail. The next day they faced the “religious officials.” Filled with the Spirit, Peter boldly explained, telling them of Christ and the Good News. These leaders only had one thing to say – stop sharing!! That would be impossible! Peter and John replied, “…we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Application: How often am I sharing Christ and the Good News? Why am I not more excited about pointing people to Jesus? In my heart I know that it is the greatest news, the best news anyone can know and hear! I desire my love for God to spill out in my life so that I can say with the Apostles – I can’t help but speak what I’ve seen and heard about Christ!!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me for holding back in my witness for you. Even today, let me see the opportunities to share with others. In your grace, please give me a greater boldness and enthusiasm to be the testimony you want me to be. AMEN.
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