Scripture
Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord. Acts 7:57
Observation
These are the final moments in the life of one of the first Christian martyrs. The men Stephen was speaking to were the great and mighty men of their day and nation. They knew the Scriptures and should have been among the first to recognize Jesus and come to Him.
It was because they knew that Stephen was telling them the truth and that the truth did not agree with their own pet ideas and theories that they became so enraged that they committed murder.
Application
My first response to this story is one of amazement. After rejecting Jesus and putting Him to death on the cross, God sends another message of truth to them through the preaching of Stephen. God is not attempting to condemn them, I believe He is trying to save them.
My second response is to wonder if I could ever be guilty of this same thing. Stephen described them as “uncircumcised in heart”. In order words, he acknowledged they were different from the world in the outside, but not on the inside.
One of the conditions to be saved is first to hear the Gospel. Paul said, "How can they be saved except first they hear?" and then again, "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God."
Prayer
Lord, please help me to never close my ears to the truth. Sometimes it might be hard to hear it, but I know deep down it is the only thing that will help me.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Jan 30 2009 Ex 25-27, Acts 6
Scripture
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. Exodus 25:8
Observation
After God had delivered Israel from their four hundred years of Egyptian slavery,Moses had led them to Mount Sinai. While they were camped at the base of the mountain, God had given Moses the law, and along with it instructions for the building of the tabernacle.
As the Israelites were given the Ten Commandments, I am sure it must have brought conviction to their hearts. Isn’t that what the Law does; convict sinful hearts? But God doesn’t stop there. He immediately gives them the sanctuary; a place where they can go to find forgiveness and atonement. Isn't that interesting...law and grace even in the Old Testament.
The reason stated for the sanctuary; “that I might dwell among them” has always implied that it was for God’s benefit. I suppose that is true, God wanted to be among His people. But since God is omniscient, the sanctuary had to be, at least to some extent, for Israel’s benefit. They knew very little about God, so God sets a schoolhouse in their midst so they can learn about him.
Application
It seems to me that God doesn’t just want to work in my life; he wants to be in my life. Anywhere and everywhere I go, He wants me to know, He is there.
Israel didn’t ask God to dwell with them. God is the one who takes the initiative. All through the Bible I read about a God who is pursuing me!
Prayer
Wow, a holy God living among unholy people! Thank you Lord that you are willing to be a part of my world. Why? So we can be together…here and more importantly…hereafter.
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. Exodus 25:8
Observation
After God had delivered Israel from their four hundred years of Egyptian slavery,Moses had led them to Mount Sinai. While they were camped at the base of the mountain, God had given Moses the law, and along with it instructions for the building of the tabernacle.
As the Israelites were given the Ten Commandments, I am sure it must have brought conviction to their hearts. Isn’t that what the Law does; convict sinful hearts? But God doesn’t stop there. He immediately gives them the sanctuary; a place where they can go to find forgiveness and atonement. Isn't that interesting...law and grace even in the Old Testament.
The reason stated for the sanctuary; “that I might dwell among them” has always implied that it was for God’s benefit. I suppose that is true, God wanted to be among His people. But since God is omniscient, the sanctuary had to be, at least to some extent, for Israel’s benefit. They knew very little about God, so God sets a schoolhouse in their midst so they can learn about him.
Application
It seems to me that God doesn’t just want to work in my life; he wants to be in my life. Anywhere and everywhere I go, He wants me to know, He is there.
Israel didn’t ask God to dwell with them. God is the one who takes the initiative. All through the Bible I read about a God who is pursuing me!
Prayer
Wow, a holy God living among unholy people! Thank you Lord that you are willing to be a part of my world. Why? So we can be together…here and more importantly…hereafter.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Jan 29 2009 Ex 23-24, Ps 14 Acts 5
Scripture
Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Exodus 23:9
Observation
The Exodus experience is one of grace, not of works. Hence the requirement to obey God comes out of this experience of grace. Israel had no idea how to live as a community. All they had ever experienced living in Egypt was oppression and now God laid down the ground-rules of how to live in this new community of grace.
As Israel lived according to these laws (yes, there are still laws when living under grace) they would certainly be noticed by others. God said they were to be to be His special people, “kingdom of priests and a holy nation”.
Application
God has also delivered me out of the bondage of sin into an experience of grace. While some would say this new freedom means we are not subject to God’s laws and commands, it is quite the opposite.
God have invited me to be part of a new nation…a holy nation. As part of this new community, I have a responsibility to reflect His grace to others. When I forget His grace toward me, it is easy to be graceless to my neighbor.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your great deliverance from the bondage of sin. Please help me to remember that the only way to stay free is to live within your will for my life.
Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Exodus 23:9
Observation
The Exodus experience is one of grace, not of works. Hence the requirement to obey God comes out of this experience of grace. Israel had no idea how to live as a community. All they had ever experienced living in Egypt was oppression and now God laid down the ground-rules of how to live in this new community of grace.
As Israel lived according to these laws (yes, there are still laws when living under grace) they would certainly be noticed by others. God said they were to be to be His special people, “kingdom of priests and a holy nation”.
Application
God has also delivered me out of the bondage of sin into an experience of grace. While some would say this new freedom means we are not subject to God’s laws and commands, it is quite the opposite.
God have invited me to be part of a new nation…a holy nation. As part of this new community, I have a responsibility to reflect His grace to others. When I forget His grace toward me, it is easy to be graceless to my neighbor.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your great deliverance from the bondage of sin. Please help me to remember that the only way to stay free is to live within your will for my life.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Jan 28 2009 Ex 21-22, Ps 12 Acts 4
Scripture
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31
Observation
Going through the Gospel of Luke recently we saw how much prayer was a part of Jesus life and certainly the secret of His power. It seems the Holy Spirit also wants us to notice that this same commitment to prayer existed in the early church.
What was the result? The place was shaken, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and they proclaimed the Word of God with boldness.
Application
Everyone wants a church on fire. So what do we do?
--We look to the worship service and ways to make it more moving.
--We look to the music and ways to spice it up.
--We look to the preaching and ways to make it more dramatic.
There is only one way that a church begins to burn with fire and it is when the people are on fire.
Prayer is what lights the fire!
Prayer
O God, please light your people on fire and let it start with me!
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31
Observation
Going through the Gospel of Luke recently we saw how much prayer was a part of Jesus life and certainly the secret of His power. It seems the Holy Spirit also wants us to notice that this same commitment to prayer existed in the early church.
What was the result? The place was shaken, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and they proclaimed the Word of God with boldness.
Application
Everyone wants a church on fire. So what do we do?
--We look to the worship service and ways to make it more moving.
--We look to the music and ways to spice it up.
--We look to the preaching and ways to make it more dramatic.
There is only one way that a church begins to burn with fire and it is when the people are on fire.
Prayer is what lights the fire!
Prayer
O God, please light your people on fire and let it start with me!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Jan 27 2009 Ex 17-20, Acts 3
Scripture
Then Peter said, ‘‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk Acts 3:6
Observation
Peter probably had some silver and possibly even gold...But this crippled man had already been through this. He already had received silver and maybe some gold, but he was still lame. He was laid daily at the gate of the temple. And I read into this that this man was laid there everyday since he was a child.
What an interesting response Peter gave this man….but what I have I give you.
Application
The question becomes…what do I have and am I willing to give it?
Peter had something...he had something far more powerful than money. And when I gave my heart to Jesus, I got a dose of what Peter had to offer this crippled man.
What does God want me to offer to the “lame” people in my world? I see three things: compassion, faith and Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, they are everywhere. They become so much a part of my world that if I am not careful, I won’t even notice them. Please open my eyes to see these people who will be forever changed if I will just offer them what I have.
Then Peter said, ‘‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk Acts 3:6
Observation
Peter probably had some silver and possibly even gold...But this crippled man had already been through this. He already had received silver and maybe some gold, but he was still lame. He was laid daily at the gate of the temple. And I read into this that this man was laid there everyday since he was a child.
What an interesting response Peter gave this man….but what I have I give you.
Application
The question becomes…what do I have and am I willing to give it?
Peter had something...he had something far more powerful than money. And when I gave my heart to Jesus, I got a dose of what Peter had to offer this crippled man.
What does God want me to offer to the “lame” people in my world? I see three things: compassion, faith and Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, they are everywhere. They become so much a part of my world that if I am not careful, I won’t even notice them. Please open my eyes to see these people who will be forever changed if I will just offer them what I have.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Jan 26 2009 Ex 14-16, Acts 2
Scripture
Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. Exodus 14:12-14
Observation
When the children of Israel left Egypt to enter into the life God called them to live, almost immediately they find themselves facing a major hurtle. They had come to the bank of the Red Sea and set up camp. Notice that they are in the will of God; they are following the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Yet, the enemy pursues them and all of a sudden they were facing an impossible situation with no visible means of escape.
They had nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. Their only options seemed to be either get killed in battle or drown trying to swim across the sea. It looked as though they were boxed in and no matter what they did, where they turned, or what they contemplated, there appeared to be no way out. And guess what? They were right where God wanted them to be. They were in the perfect will of God and yet in His will their faith was being tested
Application
The events of our lives do not happen by accident; God is in control of everything. When we face our own Red Sea, that place of overwhelming difficulty, we tend to believe that we must have done something wrong, made God mad and now He is dumping these problems on us. This is not the God of the Bible.He had a purpose in bringing the children of Israel to the Red Sea and he has a purpose for the Red Sea’s that I will face this week. When I face difficulties in life, God wants to accomplish two things: first, He wants to make known His glory to others and second, He wants to teach me to trust Him completely.
Prayer
Lord, when I find myself facing my own Red Sea, please help not to panic and fall apart. In times of uncertainty and utter helplessness, let me realize these are opportunities to develop deeper thrust in you.
Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. Exodus 14:12-14
Observation
When the children of Israel left Egypt to enter into the life God called them to live, almost immediately they find themselves facing a major hurtle. They had come to the bank of the Red Sea and set up camp. Notice that they are in the will of God; they are following the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Yet, the enemy pursues them and all of a sudden they were facing an impossible situation with no visible means of escape.
They had nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. Their only options seemed to be either get killed in battle or drown trying to swim across the sea. It looked as though they were boxed in and no matter what they did, where they turned, or what they contemplated, there appeared to be no way out. And guess what? They were right where God wanted them to be. They were in the perfect will of God and yet in His will their faith was being tested
Application
The events of our lives do not happen by accident; God is in control of everything. When we face our own Red Sea, that place of overwhelming difficulty, we tend to believe that we must have done something wrong, made God mad and now He is dumping these problems on us. This is not the God of the Bible.He had a purpose in bringing the children of Israel to the Red Sea and he has a purpose for the Red Sea’s that I will face this week. When I face difficulties in life, God wants to accomplish two things: first, He wants to make known His glory to others and second, He wants to teach me to trust Him completely.
Prayer
Lord, when I find myself facing my own Red Sea, please help not to panic and fall apart. In times of uncertainty and utter helplessness, let me realize these are opportunities to develop deeper thrust in you.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Jan 25 2009 Ex 12-13 Ps 21, Acts 1
Scripture
Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. Exodus 12:15
Observation
It was the night that nobody in the land of Goshen was supposed to sleep. The children of Israel had watched the power of God expressed in the previous six plagues, but now the horror of the seventh and final plague was to bring freedom to God’s people.
With the coming of the Passover, the head of the house must cleanse his house of all leaven. For seven days no leaven was to be seen in his house. All in the house must eat of unleavened bread from the first day until the seventh day. Anyone found with leavened food in their houses was to be cut off from the congregation of Israel.
Application
The Passover symbolized the freedom God wanted to give His people… but that feast was followed by six more days that focused on the fact that God’s kind of freedom required His people to REMOVE things from their lives and their homes.
Today, God continues to deliver people from the bondage of sin and sets them on a journey to the Promised Land. We need to be careful to remember that God is holy and everything associated with Him is also holy or sanctified.
For the people of God we should strive to remove all traces of leaven (sin) from our lives.
Prayer
Lord, please help me to remember how holy you are. I admit there are times when I am tempted to think sin is not that big of deal. Open my eyes and my heart to see the truth.
Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. Exodus 12:15
Observation
It was the night that nobody in the land of Goshen was supposed to sleep. The children of Israel had watched the power of God expressed in the previous six plagues, but now the horror of the seventh and final plague was to bring freedom to God’s people.
With the coming of the Passover, the head of the house must cleanse his house of all leaven. For seven days no leaven was to be seen in his house. All in the house must eat of unleavened bread from the first day until the seventh day. Anyone found with leavened food in their houses was to be cut off from the congregation of Israel.
Application
The Passover symbolized the freedom God wanted to give His people… but that feast was followed by six more days that focused on the fact that God’s kind of freedom required His people to REMOVE things from their lives and their homes.
Today, God continues to deliver people from the bondage of sin and sets them on a journey to the Promised Land. We need to be careful to remember that God is holy and everything associated with Him is also holy or sanctified.
For the people of God we should strive to remove all traces of leaven (sin) from our lives.
Prayer
Lord, please help me to remember how holy you are. I admit there are times when I am tempted to think sin is not that big of deal. Open my eyes and my heart to see the truth.
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