Scripture
And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:22-24
Observation
Paul had spent three years in Ephesus teaching and building up the church. He left and spent the winter in Corinth and is now on his way to Jerusalem. He sends for the elders of the church and he proceeds to give them his last words and he tells them that he will never see them again.
Can you imagine their response? All of his friends begging him not to go. They pleaded with them that he should not go. These were Christian people telling him that he should not do what God had called him to do. I imagine if He was not tuned into the voice of God in his life he could have very well listened to his well meaning Christian friends.
Application
Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish what God is asking us to do. If we really want to know and will listen, I believe we will eventually hear the answer. The difficult thing is that God does not ask us what is easy or what we want He asks us to do what he knows is best.
Paul was the kind of guy that had a zest for living. I can almost guarantee that Paul didn’t like the idea of dying for his relationship with Jesus. But that’s where the call of God was leading him to go. Paul knew that being a Spirit led follower means carrying a cross not climbing ladders.
The question that is left for me is, what is it that the Spirit is asking me to do? Where does he want me to go? There are a number of good things that could be done in our world but if God is not asking us to do them then we should leave them for something else. We need to concentrate on what God is asking us to do.
Prayer
Father, I want to be so in tune with what you are doing and how the Spirit is leading me that I will know with the same confidence as Paul where you are leading. Then, Lord help me to be surrendered enough to accept your will, wherever that might lead.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Feb 12 2009 Lev 18-19, Ps 13 Acts 19
Scripture
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. ‘According to the doings of the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, you shall not do; and according to the doings of the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you, you shall not do; nor shall you walk in their ordinances. ‘You shall observe My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 18:1-4
Observation
These verses clearly command the people of God to avoid the sinful life that the people in the land of Egypt lived out. Egypt symbolized idolatry, lust, immorality, pride and many other things that a modern world can offer. God is saying leave all these things behind.
Not only does God warn the people about the past, He says there are also things that should be avoided in the present world that we live in. Canaan is said to be the Land flowing with milk and honey which means that even in a nearly perfect environment there can be dangers for God’s people.
Application
Three times in this chapter we see the phrase, "I am the Lord". Could it be that God is trying to tell us something? What is God saying to me when He says, “I am the Lord?” It seems pretty obvious, doesn’t it?
Sin is no longer your master, I am. I am your Lord; therefore follow my commands and my ways. Don’t live like the Egyptians and don’t live like the Canaanites, live like Christians.
Prayer
Lord, I must confess that even though you have delivered me from Egypt, there are still times when all I want to do is live like the Egyptians. Please help me to remember that living by your standards is what will bring me the greatest joy.
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. ‘According to the doings of the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, you shall not do; and according to the doings of the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you, you shall not do; nor shall you walk in their ordinances. ‘You shall observe My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 18:1-4
Observation
These verses clearly command the people of God to avoid the sinful life that the people in the land of Egypt lived out. Egypt symbolized idolatry, lust, immorality, pride and many other things that a modern world can offer. God is saying leave all these things behind.
Not only does God warn the people about the past, He says there are also things that should be avoided in the present world that we live in. Canaan is said to be the Land flowing with milk and honey which means that even in a nearly perfect environment there can be dangers for God’s people.
Application
Three times in this chapter we see the phrase, "I am the Lord". Could it be that God is trying to tell us something? What is God saying to me when He says, “I am the Lord?” It seems pretty obvious, doesn’t it?
Sin is no longer your master, I am. I am your Lord; therefore follow my commands and my ways. Don’t live like the Egyptians and don’t live like the Canaanites, live like Christians.
Prayer
Lord, I must confess that even though you have delivered me from Egypt, there are still times when all I want to do is live like the Egyptians. Please help me to remember that living by your standards is what will bring me the greatest joy.
Feb 11 2009 Lev 15-17, Acts 18
Scripture
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. Acts 18:24-25
Observation
Here we are introduced to a Jew named Apollos. Apollos was an eloquent man with very impressive credentials. Apollos was “mighty in the Scriptures,” which means he was well versed in the Old Testament Scriptures but it also points out he had been instructed in the way of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. We don’t know exactly what Apollos knew and did not know, but it is clear that Apollos had a limited knowledge of the Lord Jesus. But even with his limited knowledge, he boiled with passion.
When Aquila and Priscilla heard him speak in the synagogue, these tentmakers took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. Notice what Aquila and Priscilla did and did not do. This bible says “they took him aside" and explained the way of God more accurately. They opened their hearts and their home to this young preacher. They did not embarrass him in public, but privately and lovingly completed his theological picture.
Application
This is such an impressive story of how God can use anyone, if they are willing. One of the reasons God has given us the church is to build each other up. Here is a great example of the church living out its purpose.
How may of us can recall a pastor or teacher or friend who challenged us to go further than we would have on our own? I once hear a preacher ask “who taught Martin Luther his theology and inspired his translation of the New Testament? Who visited Dwight L. Moody at a shoe store and spoke to him about Christ? Who was the elderly woman who prayed faithfully for Billy Graham for over twenty years?” Had it not been for these unknown people – these nobodies – what would the world have missed?
God calls all of us to do what Aquila and Priscilla did. Rather than sit back and criticize someone who is lacking, with a humble spirit, take them aside and teach them.
What was the result? Apollos became an even greatest influence for the kingdom of God.
Prayer
Lord, please open my eyes to people around me that I might encourage and influence their lives to have a greater impact on your kingdom.
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. Acts 18:24-25
Observation
Here we are introduced to a Jew named Apollos. Apollos was an eloquent man with very impressive credentials. Apollos was “mighty in the Scriptures,” which means he was well versed in the Old Testament Scriptures but it also points out he had been instructed in the way of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. We don’t know exactly what Apollos knew and did not know, but it is clear that Apollos had a limited knowledge of the Lord Jesus. But even with his limited knowledge, he boiled with passion.
When Aquila and Priscilla heard him speak in the synagogue, these tentmakers took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. Notice what Aquila and Priscilla did and did not do. This bible says “they took him aside" and explained the way of God more accurately. They opened their hearts and their home to this young preacher. They did not embarrass him in public, but privately and lovingly completed his theological picture.
Application
This is such an impressive story of how God can use anyone, if they are willing. One of the reasons God has given us the church is to build each other up. Here is a great example of the church living out its purpose.
How may of us can recall a pastor or teacher or friend who challenged us to go further than we would have on our own? I once hear a preacher ask “who taught Martin Luther his theology and inspired his translation of the New Testament? Who visited Dwight L. Moody at a shoe store and spoke to him about Christ? Who was the elderly woman who prayed faithfully for Billy Graham for over twenty years?” Had it not been for these unknown people – these nobodies – what would the world have missed?
God calls all of us to do what Aquila and Priscilla did. Rather than sit back and criticize someone who is lacking, with a humble spirit, take them aside and teach them.
What was the result? Apollos became an even greatest influence for the kingdom of God.
Prayer
Lord, please open my eyes to people around me that I might encourage and influence their lives to have a greater impact on your kingdom.
Feb 10 2009 Lev 13-14, Acts 17
Scripture
And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Acts 17:6
Observation
We have seen through the book of Acts the great lengths Paul would go to share the gospel, even being humiliated and thrown into prison in order to minister to a bunch of other guys in jail.
By worldly standards, many people would believe that Paul’s trip to share the gospel in Philippi was a total failure. He didn’t start up some big revival but only led a few notable people to Christ.
Here we see Paul’s perseverance pays off. The mission field in Thessalonica was white unto harvest, and God used Paul to touch the lives of many, many people there. Even though God blessed in an amazing way, there are alwys some who will not listen. That would have been fine if they had just simply not believed, and went about their business. But, they became angry and bitter at Paul and Silas, they were jealous of all the people leaving the synagogue to follow Jesus.
These folks wanted to keep the status quo. You see, as people, we tend to fear and shun change, and that is what making a decision to follow Jesus is all about – change.
Application
From time to time I ask myself, “Am I really making a difference in the world.” Whether we realized it or not, that is our purpose. We are call to share a life-changing message with all people. Some will excitedly embrace it, others will bitterly oppose it, but regardless we are to be faithful in sharing it.
I believe as a church we can truly turn Tulsa upside down. How? One life at a time. We all have seen what can happen when someone hears and opens their heart to the message of Jesus.
What could happen in Tulsa if just a handful from our church with work with Paul’s passion and intensity? I have no doubt we could turn Tulsa upside down…and it wouldn’t take very long to do it.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the inspiration we find in the Bible. To see what can happen when men and women will simply put your work first in their life is truly amazing. Lord, there all way too many people in Tulsa that still have no idea who we are. We haven’t even begun to turn this community upside down. Father, help us to become all you need us to be.
And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Acts 17:6
Observation
We have seen through the book of Acts the great lengths Paul would go to share the gospel, even being humiliated and thrown into prison in order to minister to a bunch of other guys in jail.
By worldly standards, many people would believe that Paul’s trip to share the gospel in Philippi was a total failure. He didn’t start up some big revival but only led a few notable people to Christ.
Here we see Paul’s perseverance pays off. The mission field in Thessalonica was white unto harvest, and God used Paul to touch the lives of many, many people there. Even though God blessed in an amazing way, there are alwys some who will not listen. That would have been fine if they had just simply not believed, and went about their business. But, they became angry and bitter at Paul and Silas, they were jealous of all the people leaving the synagogue to follow Jesus.
These folks wanted to keep the status quo. You see, as people, we tend to fear and shun change, and that is what making a decision to follow Jesus is all about – change.
Application
From time to time I ask myself, “Am I really making a difference in the world.” Whether we realized it or not, that is our purpose. We are call to share a life-changing message with all people. Some will excitedly embrace it, others will bitterly oppose it, but regardless we are to be faithful in sharing it.
I believe as a church we can truly turn Tulsa upside down. How? One life at a time. We all have seen what can happen when someone hears and opens their heart to the message of Jesus.
What could happen in Tulsa if just a handful from our church with work with Paul’s passion and intensity? I have no doubt we could turn Tulsa upside down…and it wouldn’t take very long to do it.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the inspiration we find in the Bible. To see what can happen when men and women will simply put your work first in their life is truly amazing. Lord, there all way too many people in Tulsa that still have no idea who we are. We haven’t even begun to turn this community upside down. Father, help us to become all you need us to be.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Feb 9 2009 Lev 10-12, Acts 16
Scripture
And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. Leviticus 10:1
Observation
In Leviticus 8-10, we see that God provided a priest to help this new community understand the will of God, and to give them instruction. It was also his job to guide their confessions of sin through sacrifices and to proclaim God’s forgiveness. So we learn about Aaron, the brother of Moses, as he is ordained for this awesome task of becoming a priest for the people. And at every step we see how important it is to do what God asks. In chapter 8-10 there is one little phrase occurs 16 times. That phrase is “as the Lord commanded Moses.”
The Bible makes absolutely clear that they are following the instructions exactly as God gave them. That phrase is used again and again. And as a result, we read in 9:33 that the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. When God’s people obey his word, they can expect to enjoy his blessing. But when people do not obey, the opposite is true. In chapter 10, we see that Aaron’s sons do something that was not commanded by the Lord and the fire of blessing was turned into a fire of punishment.
Application
When we disobey God we are playing with fire. God takes our relationship with him seriously. If we have promised to serve him faithfully, that is what he expects. Nothing less will do. To those who have been given much, much is required.
Because of what Jesus did on the cross, we who believe in Him are now able to do what only the priest could do in Aaron’s time. We can enter the sanctuary. We can draw near to God. As I was reading this story, I was thinking, “I’m sure glad I’m not a priest.” Then it hit me, as a member of the body of Christ, I am part of the royal priesthood. I am to live a holy life. I am responsible for discerning God’s will. And yes, I have a responsibility for others.
As we stand before a holy God, we have to ask ourselves if we have taken obedience to God seriously.
Prayer
Father, please help me to understand more of your holiness. Let me not forget that just because You are merciful and gracious, You are still holy
And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. Leviticus 10:1
Observation
In Leviticus 8-10, we see that God provided a priest to help this new community understand the will of God, and to give them instruction. It was also his job to guide their confessions of sin through sacrifices and to proclaim God’s forgiveness. So we learn about Aaron, the brother of Moses, as he is ordained for this awesome task of becoming a priest for the people. And at every step we see how important it is to do what God asks. In chapter 8-10 there is one little phrase occurs 16 times. That phrase is “as the Lord commanded Moses.”
The Bible makes absolutely clear that they are following the instructions exactly as God gave them. That phrase is used again and again. And as a result, we read in 9:33 that the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. When God’s people obey his word, they can expect to enjoy his blessing. But when people do not obey, the opposite is true. In chapter 10, we see that Aaron’s sons do something that was not commanded by the Lord and the fire of blessing was turned into a fire of punishment.
Application
When we disobey God we are playing with fire. God takes our relationship with him seriously. If we have promised to serve him faithfully, that is what he expects. Nothing less will do. To those who have been given much, much is required.
Because of what Jesus did on the cross, we who believe in Him are now able to do what only the priest could do in Aaron’s time. We can enter the sanctuary. We can draw near to God. As I was reading this story, I was thinking, “I’m sure glad I’m not a priest.” Then it hit me, as a member of the body of Christ, I am part of the royal priesthood. I am to live a holy life. I am responsible for discerning God’s will. And yes, I have a responsibility for others.
As we stand before a holy God, we have to ask ourselves if we have taken obedience to God seriously.
Prayer
Father, please help me to understand more of your holiness. Let me not forget that just because You are merciful and gracious, You are still holy
Feb 8 2009 Lev 7-9, Acts 15
Scripture
And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. Acts 15:1-2
Observation
No sooner have Paul and Barnabas arrived back at Antioch and reported to the church how God has been working through them and has opened a door of faith for the Gentiles, than trouble arises. It’s ironic isn’t it? God is doing a great work, there are stories of great miracles and the church is experiencing phenomenal growth. So what happens? The brethren want to have a meeting to talk about procedure! What was the issue? These new gentile believers were being brought into the church through baptism and not circumcision. That is, they were becoming Christians without also becoming Jews.
And at one level they’re right to be worried. This moment is the turning point in the history of the Church. From this moment on the church will never be the same again.
Application
I can’t help but think how important it was to get it right in this meeting. What would happen to the future of the church if these hard-line Jews had won the day? God wanted to take His people in a totally new direction and if they were not careful, His own disciples could end up blocking what God was wanting to do.
It is so easy to become so invested in the work that we do, that we forget this is not our church but Gods. He is the leader and He has the plan. Not only that, but we have all learned that God is not always predictable. He moves in ways that sometimes are difficult for us to understand.
So how can we be sure that we stay in tune with what God wants to do? I think the key here is that God give us evidence through his working in our lives. Someone once wrote, “I can pray that God will bless me and join me in my work, or I can choose to join Him in His work he is already blessing.”
Prayer
O Lord, please open my eyes to see all You are doing in and around my life. Let me recognize how You are at work. Never let me obstruct what you are doing or want to do in my life or Your church.
And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. Acts 15:1-2
Observation
No sooner have Paul and Barnabas arrived back at Antioch and reported to the church how God has been working through them and has opened a door of faith for the Gentiles, than trouble arises. It’s ironic isn’t it? God is doing a great work, there are stories of great miracles and the church is experiencing phenomenal growth. So what happens? The brethren want to have a meeting to talk about procedure! What was the issue? These new gentile believers were being brought into the church through baptism and not circumcision. That is, they were becoming Christians without also becoming Jews.
And at one level they’re right to be worried. This moment is the turning point in the history of the Church. From this moment on the church will never be the same again.
Application
I can’t help but think how important it was to get it right in this meeting. What would happen to the future of the church if these hard-line Jews had won the day? God wanted to take His people in a totally new direction and if they were not careful, His own disciples could end up blocking what God was wanting to do.
It is so easy to become so invested in the work that we do, that we forget this is not our church but Gods. He is the leader and He has the plan. Not only that, but we have all learned that God is not always predictable. He moves in ways that sometimes are difficult for us to understand.
So how can we be sure that we stay in tune with what God wants to do? I think the key here is that God give us evidence through his working in our lives. Someone once wrote, “I can pray that God will bless me and join me in my work, or I can choose to join Him in His work he is already blessing.”
Prayer
O Lord, please open my eyes to see all You are doing in and around my life. Let me recognize how You are at work. Never let me obstruct what you are doing or want to do in my life or Your church.
Feb 7 2009 Lev 4-6, Acts 14
Scripture
And saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, “who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. “Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.. Acts 14:15-17
Observation
When Paul and Barnabas arrive in Lystra, God enables Paul to perform a miracle of healing a lame man. The people are so amazed that their superstition takes over, and they try to worship Paul and Barnabas as the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes.
Paul and Barnabas are only messengers, ordinary guys with a message of good news from God. Paul pleads with the people to not worship him, telling them that he’s just as human as they are. Paul then challenges them to turn from their worthless superstitions to the living God. Paul not only declares that his God lives, but that He is the God who created all things.
Application
How can we know that God is for real and what assurances do we have that this isn’t just all wishful thinking? It is an important question that, at one time or another, every person has to settle.
We all run into to people everyday who are probably willing to believe in God if they can be convinced. How can we help them to believe? I believe we should do what Paul does. He knows his God is invisible, but He has left a calling card…something very easy of all people to see…His creation.
People can deny God, but they cannot deny His work. His creation is everywhere screaming to us that not only does God exists, but He is a good and caring God.
Prayer
My prayer Lord is that I can come to know you better through your wonderful created work. That through the things you created, I will see your love, compassion and majesty.
And saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, “who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. “Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.. Acts 14:15-17
Observation
When Paul and Barnabas arrive in Lystra, God enables Paul to perform a miracle of healing a lame man. The people are so amazed that their superstition takes over, and they try to worship Paul and Barnabas as the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes.
Paul and Barnabas are only messengers, ordinary guys with a message of good news from God. Paul pleads with the people to not worship him, telling them that he’s just as human as they are. Paul then challenges them to turn from their worthless superstitions to the living God. Paul not only declares that his God lives, but that He is the God who created all things.
Application
How can we know that God is for real and what assurances do we have that this isn’t just all wishful thinking? It is an important question that, at one time or another, every person has to settle.
We all run into to people everyday who are probably willing to believe in God if they can be convinced. How can we help them to believe? I believe we should do what Paul does. He knows his God is invisible, but He has left a calling card…something very easy of all people to see…His creation.
People can deny God, but they cannot deny His work. His creation is everywhere screaming to us that not only does God exists, but He is a good and caring God.
Prayer
My prayer Lord is that I can come to know you better through your wonderful created work. That through the things you created, I will see your love, compassion and majesty.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
