Pass the Salt

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2010-12-14T15:44:00.002-06:00

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Notes from my Bible Study for May 5, 2010

2010-05-05T20:46:00.003-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 124, Numbers 5, Isaiah 41, Philippians 1:27-2:11

Psalm 124 - 1b If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—

8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

The first half of Psalm 124:1 and Psalm 128:8 are bookends in a chapter that speaks of God's great deliverance for the Children of Israel.

Have you ever been where the people of Israel were? Have you found yourself in a place where all you could do was stand back and look in awe at all that God had done on your behalf? How would you finish this phrase: If it had not been the Lord who was on our side?

I praise God that He is for those who seek His face. He loves His children. May we, like the Children of Israel rejoice at what God has done.

Numbers 5 - Numbers 5 gives details as to how the Children of Israel were to handle leprosy, sins against others, and sexual sin.

I really like verses 5-7:

5 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 6 “Speak to the people of Israel, When a man or woman commits any of the sins that people commit by breaking faith with the Lord, and that person realizes his guilt, 7 he shall confess his sin that he has committed. And he shall make full restitution for his wrong, adding a fifth to it and giving it to him to whom he did the wrong.

True repentance meant making restitution for the sin that was committed, and adding 20% more to the value of what was taken.

Isaiah 41 - 10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

The role of the prophet was a difficult one. Men like Isaiah were called by God to deliver unpopular messages to people who were often times living in sin. Sometimes the prophet gave a message to a nation that was following God, but was still going to go through trial.

God gives Isaiah and the nation of Israel comfort in Isaiah 41:10. The same God who promised to uphold Isaiah, promises to uphold us. God doesn't promise us that life won't be tough. In fact, the Bible is full of passages that speak about the difficulty that we will endure this side of Heaven. Through it all, God will hold us up. When you go through a difficult time, remember that it is God who promises to be with you. I can't think of anyone else that I would want with me more.

Philippians 1:27-2:11 - 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, 9 being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I love the book of Philippians! In these verses Paul gives us some of the most beautiful verses ever written on the sacrificial love of Christ. Rather than comment on them, I'd like you to read the verses once again. Read them slowly, reflecting on each phrase. What is God saying to you?

Notes from my Bible Study for May 4, 2010

2010-05-04T21:45:00.003-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 123, Numbers 3-4, Isaiah 40, Philippians 1:1-26

Psalm 123 - 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us.

Is this how you look at God? It really is a beautiful picture of our relationship with Christ. He is our master. We are dependent upon Him. God expects His children to living in confident expectation of Him. He loves to work on behalf of His people, for His glory.

Numbers 3-4 - Numbers 3-4 records the census that was taken during the time of that Moses was on Mount Sinai. The children of Israel took great care to make sure that the people were counted. One of the great things about biblical genealogies is that they create a verifiable historical record of the people who were present on the earth at the time of significant historical periods.

Isaiah 40 - 31 but l they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings m like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 is one of my favorite verses in all of Scripture. I can't tell you how many works of art that I have seen in my lifetime that have these words etched on a piece of canvas or clay. There is something so comforting about these words.

When I was a young youth pastor living in Washington D.C., I was invited along with our Senior Pastor to have lunch in the Senate Dining Room. Richard Halverson, the Chaplain of the Senate was our host. Many pastors were invited to lunch that day, including an inner-city pastor friend of Halverson's. Dr. Halverson asked his old friend to share with the rest of us his interpretation of Isaiah 40:31.

He said, "Oh, my brothers. Let me tell you. The Lord is so good! He is worth serving with all of our hearts. Brothers, we need to serve God like these waiters are serving us. I'm sick and tired of Christians sitting on their rear ends waiting for God to bless them. Friends, we will have our strength when we spend it on the Lord. They that wait, they that serve the Lord tirelessly, they are gonna have their strength renewed. They will rise up with wings as eagles. They will run and not faint! Brothers, we've gotta spend our lives serving the Lord."

Now, I'm pretty sure that my brother in Christ had the interpretation of the Hebrew word "wait" a little wrong. I believe that we are to wait on God and on God's timing. But, I liked what my brother said too. We need to spend our lives serving the Lord. There is no endeavor that is greater. Serve the Lord, and watch what He does.

Philippians 1:1-26 - 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Paul loved the church at Philippi. These spiritual children of his were precious in his sight. He wanted to see them experience the joy that comes from being a follower of Jesus. I'm amazed, every time I read this letter, that Paul was chained between two prison guards when he wrote it. This is a man who had such joy in Christ that even in the worst of circumstance he could rejoice.

Verses 3-6 are encouraging verses to me in my Christian life. They remind me that God is at work in my life. I'm glad that God has begun a new work in me. I want my life to bring glory to Him.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 29, 2010

2010-04-29T23:43:00.003-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 119:89-176, Leviticus 26, Isaiah 35, Ephesians 4:17-32

Psalm 119:89-176 - 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.

A few years ago I decided that I wanted to learn to meditate upon Scripture. Part of the rationale was that I had never been dedicated enough to spend time each day in God's Word. So, I figured if I meditate on one verse of Scripture a day from Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, I would spend at least 176 days in a row in the Word.

Those 176 days changed my life. I grew like I had never grown before in my Christian life. As I read these words today, I was drawn to verse 93. As I remember God's precepts, I remember how He has used His Word to change me. The Word of God has literally given me life. I am grateful for God and the way that He continually works in our lives if we will allow Him to.

Leviticus 26 - When I was in grade school I learned about "If/Then" statements. If I do _________ then _________. The sentences usually talked about the consequences of behavior. That is what God does with the people of Israel in Leviticus 26. The entire book has been leading up to this chapter. The law has been laid out. Now the people find out the consequences (good and bad) of following God's precepts. When we go God's way, things go better for us. He desires the best for His children. I wonder why we don't desire the best for us.

Isaiah 35 - Isaiah 35 is a prophecy that speaks to a day when God's blessing will be poured out upon His children. Many believe that this is a prophecy concerning the millennial reign of Christ, or possibly eternity in heaven. Either way the future is bright for those who follow Christ.

Ephesians 4:17-32 - 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

The Lord did not make an error when He allowed verse 32 to end this wonderful teaching on how to live the Christian life. Paul has been talking about the old life and the new life. The new life is characterized by loving others more than we love ourselves, which can be a tough thing to do. It is an impossible thing to do without extending kindness and forgiveness. Because of Christ's forgiveness we can show forgiveness to others.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 27, 2010

2010-04-27T15:15:00.003-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 117, Leviticus 23, Isaiah 29:1‐30:17, Ephesians 2

Psalm 117 - 1 Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! - This short psalm is a beautiful example from the Old Testament of God's plan to open salvation up to all who would trust in Him. My study Bible says that Paul quoted this verse in Romans 15:11 to help argue his point that Jewish and Gentile Christians should welcome one another and worship together. I'm grateful for these encouraging words.

Leviticus 23 - This is a beautiful chapter in that it outlines the feasts that the Jewish people were to observe. These feasts are still observed across the Jewish world. I love that the weekly Sabbath was the first of those feasts that God gave instruction about. It is important to Him that we keep His Sabbath Day holy.

Isaiah 29:1‐30:17 - 13 And the Lord said:“Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me,and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men, 14therefore, behold,I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.” 15Ah,you who hide deep from the Lord your counsel, whose deeds are in the dark, and who say, “Who sees us? Who knows us?” 16You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, “He did not make me”; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”?

These are powerful words of warning to those who honor God with their lips but have hearts that are far from Him. Jesus used these very words to describe a group of Pharisees and Scribes in the New Testament (see Matthew 15:8-9). May He not have to say the same of us!

Ephesians 2 - 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Paul begins this section of his letter to the Ephesians by reminding them of their life before Christ, which he describes as being dead in trespasses and sin. And then, in such stunningly beautiful words Paul writes about the riches of God's grace. God's grace is a gift. We can't earn it. We don't deserve it. And that is what is so wonderful about it.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 26, 2010

2010-04-26T19:41:00.002-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 116, Leviticus 22:17‐33, Isaiah 28, Ephesians 1

Psalm 116 - 15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

It is beautiful to think about what the homecoming of a Christian is like. The psalmist tells us that the moments are precious to the Lord. He looks forward to our eternal arrival. But, He also wants us to live a life that glorifies Him here until our time has come. What are you most looking forward to about your eternal home?

Leviticus 22:17‐33 - The second half of Leviticus 22 deals with offerings that are acceptable to God. He wanted the best, not animals that were lame or had defect. That tells us something about our God. He desires us to sacrifice, not just throw in a token gift every once in awhile.

Isaiah 28 - 5 In that day the Lord of hosts will be a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people, 6 and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

As Isaiah declares the Lord's judgment on Ephraim and Jerusalem he offers hope to those who are faithful to God. I'm encouraged when I think about the fact that God always has a remnant of people who are faithful to Him, no matter how dark the days can become. I'm also encouraged at the fact that the people still recognize the majesty and glory, the beauty and the power of Christ in these dark days.

29 This also comes from the Lord of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.

How awesome that even given the difficult task of sharing these prophecies that Isaiah can rejoice in the wonderful counsel and excellent wisdom of God. Even though the religious elite may have scoffed at Isaiah, he wasn't deterred. Why should he be? He knew that if God was for him, who could stand against him.

Ephesians 1 - 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

How beautiful that even before the foundation of the world, God, knowing that we would need to be redeemed, had a plan, in Christ, to redeem us. His desire is that all would come to salvation, but only those who come through Christ can be redeemed.

Ephesians 1:16-23 - I love the depth of Paul's prayer for the Ephesian church. I can't help but wonder what the Lord might do if we prayed for each other in this way.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 25, 2010

2010-04-25T19:23:00.003-05:00

Psalm 115, Leviticus 21:1‐22:16, Isaiah 26‐27, Galatians 6

Psalm 115 - 1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! - Chris Tomlin has written a beautiful song that uses Psalm 115:1 as part of the chorus. It's called Not To Us. It's important that as Christians we live our lives in a way that makes God look good. We need to be people of our word. We need to be people who show love and kindness. We need to show God's grace to the world around us.

Leviticus 22:1-22:16 - In this passage, Moses shares the law that God has set up for the priests and their families. It's interesting that the priests had additional laws that they and their families were to follow. God wanted the spiritual leaders of His people to live lives that were above reproach.

Isaiah 26-27 - 3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Perfect peace. Sounds nice, doesn't it? It's what God offers to those of us who are willing to keep our mind stayed on Christ. Isaiah goes on to show us in verse four that this peace is possible because the Lord is trustworthy at all times. He is our everlasting rock. Who are you trusting in? What are you trusting in? Is it God, money, popularity, fame, family, health? Anything other than God leads to distress, not peace. Trust in Him and experience perfect peace.

Galatians 6 - 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Paul ends his letter to the Galatian believers with the admonition to keep doing the right things. We reap what we sow. In an agrarian culture, this would have spoken volumes. Farmers know that when you plant corn, you get corn, not green beans. If we live righteous lives, we will reap righteousness. If we pursue sin, we will reap destruction. Choose wisely.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 23, 2010

2010-04-23T17:46:00.003-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 113, Leviticus 19, Isaiah 24, Galatians 4

Psalm 113 - 3 From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Have you ever sung the modern day worship song based upon this song? It's one of my favorites. The simplicity of the words and the cry of the psalmist are humbling. God deserves our praise all day long. He is worthy of our praise.

Leviticus 19 2 Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.

Leviticus 19 reminds me more of a chapter out of Proverbs than it does the Levitical law. The chapter is full of wise admonitions for the Children of Israel. It begins by telling the people to be holly, because God is holy,. This is not the first time that we have read this. God desires His people to be a generation that is set apart unto Him. We live lives that look different than the rest of the world, and He gives us the power to live pure lives.

9 When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. 10 And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.

What a beautiful principle. God wanted His children to take care of the poor and oppressed. It was important to Him that we not hoard everything we produce, but that some be left for those who were poor and destitute. This principle is seen lived out in the book of Ruth, when Boaz leaves out food for Ruth and Naomi.

18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

God makes it clear from the beginning that love is what He desires to see in us whether it is in our relationship with Him or others. This includes not holding a grudge against someone, even if you have the "right" to do so. Forgiveness is one of the legs that love stands on.

31 Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.

I believe that Christians have become far to lax in our day in age when it comes to evil and the occult. There is no question that seeking out the advice of psychics, palm reader, etc. is forbidden in Scripture. This would also apply to exposing ourselves to things like witchcraft, paganism, etc.

32 You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.

Do you have some elderly people that God has brought into your life? If so, thank the Lord. They are a gift to you. We need to honor those who are older than us. We need to honor their wisdom and experience. We need to seek them out. And, we need to help them when they have a need, sometimes before they even ask.

Isaiah 24 - Isaiah 24 speaks about the judgement that shall come upon the entire earth when God pours out his wrath. I did not add any notes to this section of my Bible.

Galatians 4 -

3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

These are some of the most beautiful verses in Scripture referring to the deep theological truth that God has adopted those of us who are followers of Christ as his daughters and sons. He has set us free from bondage to slavery and given us all of the rights and position of his children. We are princesses and princes in the kingdom of Heaven.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 22, 2010

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Today's Reading: Psalm 112, Leviticus 18, Isaiah 23, Galatians 3

Psalm 112 - 7 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

Psalm 112 is a psalm about the righteous. Verse seven particularly ministers to me. There are many times that I fear bad news. In my natural self, bad news about any number of things can set me back. I'm challenged as I read this verse. The psalmist is talking about not fearing bad news about a battle, because ultimately God will prevail. But, I believe that the principle is transferable to other areas of our life as well. It comes down to trust. Do we trust that God is control or not? If God is in control then even bad news should not shake our faith. We need to look at it as an opportunity to grow in our walk with God and to strengthen our faith.

Leviticus 18 - 29 For everyone who does any of these abominations, the persons who do them shall be cut off from among their people. 30 So keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs that were practiced before you, and never to make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.”

Leviticus 18 records the laws concerning unlawful sexual relations. "But, everybody else is doing it," may have been the cry of the Israelites. God wanted his people to be different than the rest of the world. A society's lax attitude towards sexual sin is one of the markers that the society is in danger. The spread of sexually transmitted diseases, broken families, broken hearts, and more can be traced to sexual immorality.

Isaiah 23 - Isaiah's oracle concerning Tyre and Sidon is interesting. This seaport region was a powerful city. Important to the trade routes of many countries, it was a wealthy city and a popular and sinful destination. The lack of the fear of the Lord would lead to their being punished but the chapter ends with the hope that at the end of 70 years, God would once again bless this city. He would make their goods holy. He would supply food, materials, etc. for His children through this punished region.

Galatians 3 - 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

I read this verse, coming out of the Easter holiday just a few weeks back with a deep appreciation for what Christ did for me at Calvary. He became a curse so that I might be redeemed. It reminds me of the popular line from the song Amazing Love, which says, "I"m forgiven because He was forsaken. I'm accepted He was condemned. I'm alive and well and His Spirit lives within me, because you died and rose for me."

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

What a beautiful picture of the ground being level at the foot of the cross. The cross changed everything. How beautiful that the grace of God now extended to Jews and Gentiles.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 21, 2010

2010-04-21T20:29:00.002-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 111, Leviticus 17, Isaiah 22, Galatians 2

Psalm 1113 Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.

What a beautiful and fitting description of the work of the Lord. Have you ever partnered with God in His work? It's an amazing and awe-inspiring process. I had a chance recently to see God just perform miraculous works in the life of a person that I know. It was so great to see their despair turn to hope, and their hope turn into reality. Keep your eyes out for where God is at work, and join him. His work is the best!

7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; 8 they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

Do you ever just need to see the proof of something before you will believe it? I do. And, sometimes I need to be reminded of a truth that I know by seeing it on paper, in a life, or on a screen, right in front of me. These verses are like that. I need reminders many times about the faithful and just work of the Lord. I need to be reminded that He is trustworthy. I need to be reminded that even though following Him can sometimes hurt, it is always worth it. If God says that He will do something, He will. Take confidence in Him today!

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! -

I was fortunate enough to spend my elementary years as a student at the Wheaton Christian Grammar School. It was a good place for me and my brothers. Our school's key verse was this one. It's an appropriate verse for a Christian school, and an appropriate verse for any Christian. True wisdom begins and has its end in God. If we have no fear of God, we are ignorant and we are seeing the world through warped lenses. That is not to say that a quality education cannot happen in a secular institution. The best education should happen in our homes and in our churches. May we remember that if we are not seeking God, we are not wise. Pity the person who tries to live their life with minimal interference from God.

Leviticus 17 - This chapter deals with the laws regarding the place of the sacrifice and laws against eating blood. I did not add any notes to my Bible in this chapter.

Isaiah 22 - This chapter deals with the oracle against Jerusalem. I did not add any notes to my Bible in this chapter. But, I was stuck by the judgement that God pronounced on His holy city. It was sad to see God have to punish the city He loved so much.

Galatians 2 - 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Aren't you glad that we aren't made right before Christ because of our good works? It is God who justifies, through Jesus Christ. Forgiveness, new life, hope, joy, peace, true love cannot be found apart from Jesus. He is our hope and our salvation.

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It is always a tough verse to read, because we see in it the demands that are placed on the follower of Jesus Christ. To be a follower of Jesus requires that it is He who lives in us, and not ourselves. We die to our desires to live for His desires. And, that is the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 19, 2010

2010-04-19T22:25:00.004-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 109, Leviticus 15, Isaiah 19-20, Galatians 1:1-10

Psalm 109 - 4 In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer

This is a psalm of David. He is praying that God will bring him relief from those who would seek to oppress him. I appreciate David's words in verse four. He is seeking to show love to people, and David is treated with accusations. Ever been there? I have. It's a painful place to be. So, what's David's response? He gives himself to prayer. Not complaining. Not whining to anyone who will listen. Not badmouthing his accusers. He simply goes to God in prayer. What a great model for us.

Leviticus 15 - This chapter dealt with the Old Testament laws concerning discharge from the human body, and when a man or a woman was considered unclean. As I read sections of Scripture like this one I am reminded that God created human beings and that our bodies are not anything to be ashamed of. The notes from the ESV Literary Study Bible for this passage say, "Again we need to abandon all squeamishness about the physical body and its discharges. A byproduct of these regulations is that we are given to understand that God created people as biological creatures and that we need to come to terms with our physical bodies." Well put.

Isaiah 19-20 - God's judgment against the Egypt during the time of Isaiah is written of in Isaiah 19-20. These chapters of Isaiah deal with God's judgment of much of the ancient near east world. What we see in these chapters is a picture of God's wrath against nations that have turned their back upon Him and become an enemy to His chosen people. We love to talk about the grace of God, but we don't like to think of God's wrath. If you are a recipient of God's grace today, thank Him, and tell others of His infinite mercy to those who will humble themselves and trust Him as Savior and Lord.

Galatians 1:1-10 - 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

Wow! Do you get the idea that Paul was passionate about the Gospel? He cared so deeply about the truth. Yesterday in church, we talked about truth, and the importance of getting the truth right. As a pastor I am often times awed that God would allow me to communicate the timeless truths of His Word. I want to be so careful that the words that I share are true, and not just my opinion. Why? Because the Gospel; the Good News of Jesus Christ, is the most important thing on earth to communicate. I never want to preach a Gospel that is contrary to what God has taught us in His Word. If you are in a church that doesn't teach the Gospel, leave. Find a church that does. It's important that we don't waste our time in places that get the Gospel wrong, or ignore it altogether.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 18, 2010

2010-04-18T22:21:00.002-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 108, Leviticus 14:33‐57, Isaiah 17‐18, 2 Corinthians 12:14‐13:14

Psalm 108 - 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!

Psalm 108 is a psalm of David, and as he does in many places, David emphasizes the glory of God. God's glory is displayed throughout the earth. It is displayed above the heavens. But, there was something in David's writing that inferred that he wanted to glorify God everywhere that he went as well. I love people like King David. Those who truly glorify God with their life are inspiring and encouraging people.

Leviticus 14:33‐57 - This passage deals with the laws for cleaning houses where cases of leprous disease have been. I did not add anything to the notes of my Bible in this section.

Isaiah 17‐18 - 1b Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a heap of ruins.

What awful words! Think about being a resident of Damascus and hearing this oracle delivered to you. The city of Damascus had so enraged God that destruction was their ultimate end.

10 For you have forgotten the God of your salvation and have not remembered the Rock of your refuge; therefore, though you plant pleasant plants and sow the vine-branch of a stranger,11 though you make them grow on the day that you plant them, and make them blossom in the morning that you sow, yet the harvest will flee away in a day of grief and incurable pain.

It's too easy to forget the good things that God has done for us. What is it about human beings that makes us want to be so self-reliant, and to take credit for the things that God deserves credit for?

Isaiah 18 is an oracle concerning Cush. I added no notes to my Bible in this section.

2 Corinthians 12:14‐13:14 - 20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 21 I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.

Paul's pastor's heart is shown in this passage. His concern for the Corinthian believers and the Corinthian church is so evident in these words. He is sickened by some of the things that he hears are going on in the church.

5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Paul warns those who are living lives that don't glorify God that they should examine themselves to see if they are truly Christians. Paul's advice is good for all of us. It's important to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. When our lives look no different than the world around us, when we run to the same things that the world runs to, and when we don't run to God, then we need to ask the tough questions.

12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.

When I was in high school, this was my life's verse! Okay, just kidding. But, the Eastern European church still practices this. I'll never forget my first time speaking in Russia and being kissed by all of the believers in the church. While it seemed strange to me as a western Christian, it was really a beautiful picture of the love that the Russian believers had for one another.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 16, 2010

2010-04-16T23:02:00.002-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 106, Leviticus 13, Isaiah 13‐14, 2 Cor 10:1‐12

Psalm 106 - 6 Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness.

I appreciate the fact that the writer of Psalm 106 confesses the sin of his people, not just the sins of the ancestors of his people. Psalm 106 is a historical look at the grievous sins of the Children of Israel. Throughout the history of the great nation, there had been sin. Over and over again the Israelites turned from the God of Israel to pagan gods. And, over and over again God forgave them. When we have sinned, we need to confess it. We need to own up to the fact that we have sinned. And, we need to turn from that sin and to God. Don't blame others for the sin in your life. Humanity has been doing that from the beginning (see Adam blaming Eve for his sin in Genesis 3) and it's not very original.

20 They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass.

In the long litany of sins that the psalmist writes regarding the Israelites relationship to God, this one stuck out to me. It seems crazy to me that a group of people would exchange the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass. How stupid can you be? And yet, so many of us do the same thing today. We trade the glory of God for our own pleasures that cannot now, or ever, compare to God's glory. Don't be like the Children of Israel! Worship God, and God only. Nothing else is worth it.

Leviticus 13 - This chapter concerns itself with the laws about leprosy. Leprosy was a terrible and all too common disease in the ancient near east world. It's sad to read how difficult life was for those who struggled with the disease.

Isaiah 13-14 - 11 I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will put an end to the pomp of the arrogant, and lay low the pompous pride of the ruthless.

The proud Babylonian people had ignored God. They tried to make a mockery of the Jewish religion. But, God warns Babylon that judgment is coming.

In Is. 14:12-20 there is a major parallel shown between the fall of the King of Babylon and the fall from heaven of Lucifer. It's fascinating reading, and some of the most important teaching on Satan in all of the Bible.

2 Corinthians 10:1-12 - 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

There is something so beautiful about Paul's defense of his ministry in this section of Scripture. I love that Paul and his partners in ministry were taking every thought captive, so that they might obey Christ. This is never easy but always worth it.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 15, 2010

2010-04-15T18:03:00.003-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 105, Leviticus 12, Isaiah 11‐12, 2 Corinthians 8‐9

Psalm 105 - 1 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;make known his deeds among the peoples!

What has God done for you? Tough question? Well that all depends upon your perspective. If you think it's tough because you can't think of what He's done, you are probably not looking hard enough. In reality, it's a tough question because to say what God has done for us would take us forever to answer. God has blessed us in more ways than we can imagine. And, He wants us to make His deeds known among our friends, family, strangers, everyone! God wants us to tell others about Him. When prayer is answered we should rejoice -- and tell others about it! When we are blessed with health or material things or family or friends, we should rejoice -- and tell others about it! God is worth making known among the peoples. This entire Psalm is a song dedicated to the faithfulness of God. Included are some of Israel's greatest triumphs, which came directly because of the intervention of God.

4 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Here lies some of the greatest wisdom in the Bible. There is nothing better than seeking the presence of the Lord. Why is it that we run from His presence so often? Want real lasting joy? Seek Him! Want peace? Seek Him! Want love? Seek Him! May we be seekers of God! There is a common Christmas slogan that says, "Wise men still seek Him." It's true. Seek Him!

Leviticus 12 - Leviticus 12 is part of the Levitical law concerning cleanness and uncleanness. This chapter dealt with the purification of a woman after childbirth.

Isaiah 11-12 - These two chapters from Isaiah are two of the most beautiful prophecies of Messiah in all of Scripture. Chapter eleven describes what the Messiah will be like, and the blessing that He will bring. Chapter twelve describes the joy that the people will respond with after Messiah comes. We, who know that Jesus is the Messiah, have been blessed to see the difference that Jesus makes in our lives, our families, our community and our world.

2 Corinthians 8-9 - 18 With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel.

There is a bit of mystery about who this famous preacher is that is mentioned in 2 Cor. 8:18. I love this verse for several reasons. Number one, it affirms that even in the early church, there was need for gifted communicators to travel from church to church, city to city, to tell others about Christ. I think of this preacher as being an early Billy Graham or D.L. Moody type evangelist. Second, I like it that even though he was famous at the time, we have no idea who he is today. There will come a day when people may forget who Graham and Moody were, but they will not forget Jesus. What was important was not that this man was famous and gifted preacher, but that Jesus was Who he preached. May those of us who have the privilege of teaching, never get in the way of the message. Jesus is worth making known to the world, not us.

I also like it because the man could not have accomplished what he did apart from Titus. We know the name of the servant but not the preacher. How cool is that? Praise God for the Titus like people that support pastors, missionaries and evangelists so that the Gospel may be spread around. We know that the church at Corinth was involved in the supporting Paul and probably this man too. Their financial support made the spread of the Gospel possible.

7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Paul was asking the Corinthian church to give an offering for the church in Jerusalem. There was a huge need in the Jerusalem church, and Paul knew that the gift from Corinth would be a blessing and an encouragement to those in Jerusalem. I love how Paul asked for money and the attitude with which he wanted the people of Corinth to give. Giving is a privilege to those who are followers of Christ. Our gifts to God should be a part of our worship to Him. We should lovingly give back to God a portion of what He has blessed us with. Paul gives a very tender argument for this. I love that he ends his chapter with these words in verse 15. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! In other words, the gift that the Corinthians can give is a reflection of the inexpressible gift that God has given to us.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 14, 2010

2010-04-14T21:40:00.002-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 104, Leviticus 11, Isaiah 9:8‐10:34, 2 Corinthians 6:11‐7:16

Psalm 104 - 33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

It's one thing to say the words of Psalm 104:33, it's another thing to live those words. Wouldn't it be great if you could be the type of person that lived out the words of Psalm 104:33? I'd love to be someone who would sing praises to God no matter the situation that I found myself in. Unfortunately too many times I let the discouragements of a day or a week get in the way of my praise to God. It's easy to be a person who lets circumstances determine my attitude. But, that is as far from being a Spirit filled believer as I can be. If I allow the Spirit to control my life, my life's circumstances are not what get to dictate my attitude. It's instead my life's aim -- to please God. So, here's to trying afresh to sing praise to God no matter the circumstances.

Leviticus 11 - 44a For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.

I love this verse! Tucked towards the end of the Levitical law concerning clean and unclean animals is God's admonition to us to be holy because He is holy. God has called us to be a set apart people, a peculiar people, aliens and strangers in this world. Throughout the pages of Scripture, from Old Testament to New Testament is seen the heartbeat of God for His people. We can be holy if we will allow God's Spirit to rule our lives.

Isaiah 9:8-10:34 - 33 Behold, the Lord God of hosts will lop the boughs with terrifying power; the great in height will be hewn down, and the lofty will be brought low. 34 He will cut down the thickets of the forest with an axe, and Lebanon will fall by the Majestic One.

In this part of Isaiah's prophecy he shares the word of the Lord concerning the arrogant nations. There is judgement coming to those nations who don't fear God. While it may look like they are prospering now, God warns of the impending punishment. The Assyrian army was cut down, and God did bring this punishment to a proud and arrogant nation that had mocked Him and His people.

Isaiah's prophecy was meant for specific nations, but all nations who do not fear the Lord will eventually face His judgment. God deserves to be honored in the land. That happens when the people of God take a stand for Him. When the church honors God, it has an impact on all aspects of society.

2 Corinthians 6:11-7:16 - 14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

God is passionate that the closest relationships that Christians should have are with other Christians. This doesn't mean that we shouldn't have non-Christian friends that are close, but our closest friendship should be with like-minded believers. Why? Because, we become like those we spend time with. If Christ is the most important part of our lives, we should be able to share Him with others. We ought to be in close relationships with people who are going to encourage us in our faith. We should be business partners with people who share our values, whose sense of right and wrong comes from God, not from their gut. Our life partners, our spouses, those we date, etc. should be Christians who share our values.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 13, 2010

2010-04-13T21:23:00.002-05:00

Psalm 103, Leviticus 10, Isaiah 9:1‐7, 2 Corinthians 5:11‐6:10

Psalm 103 - 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

David begins this psalm with words that reflect what the rest of the psalm will look like. David clearly wants to speak about the wonderful God that he loves in Psalm 103. This psalm is a psalm of blessing to God. When David speaks of blessing the Lord with all that is within him, I believe that he means it. He wanted his life to be a life that praised God.

8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

David had experienced this type of love from God. God had been merciful to David on multiple occasions. This verse doesn't give us liberty to live however we want, because God does get angry with sin. There are consequences that come from our sin. David had felt those too.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

I believe that this is one of the most beautiful passages in all of Scripture concerning the love of our Lord. The description of God's love here is one of a vast and a deep love. It is a tender love. It is a forgiving love.

15 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. 17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, 18 to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.

David puts the length of a man's day in proper perspective. Our days are like the grass, that flourishes for awhile and then is gone. It is vital that we live our days to honor God. We should seek to know Him and make Him known to the next generation.

Leviticus 10 - This is a sad chapter because it records for us what happened when Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu decided not to follow God's regulations regarding offerings to the Lord. They offered a strange fire before God and God literally consumed them with fire from heaven. From the very beginning of the priesthood God wanted to show that His regulations were to be taken seriously. These men were to be holy men, set apart by God for His service. Aaron must have been stunned, for this was on the very day that His sacrifice was accepted. This is after the people had been blown away by God accepting the sacrifice with fire from heaven. What a difference a few hours would make for Aaron. Later in the day his next two sons also fail to follow God's regulations and they receive a tongue lashing from Moses. May we be serious in our worship of God!

Isaiah 9:1-7 - 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isaiah gave his people the wonderful message that there was hope coming. And, hope would come in the form of the Messiah. I love Isaiah's names for Messiah in verses 6-7. Handel was so moved by Isaiah's words that he penned one of the most beautiful pieces of music in history. What is your favorite title given for Messiah in these verses?

2 Corinthians 5:11-6:10 -

14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

So why do you live? Is it for your glory or His? Throughout today's readings we have been exposed to the fact that our lives are to be about Him. He wants us to be involved in the ministry of reconciliation. We are to help bring those who know nothing of God to the foot of the cross. What a privilege!

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Ambassadors from the United States are appointed to serve as liasons from our country to foreign countries. These men and women have an important job. It is crucial that they act in the best interest of the United States, but also that they represent us well. We too should act in the best interest of God and make Him look good wherever we go.

2b - Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. -

I will often times refer to this verse when I am sharing the Gospel with others. Last Easter I watched the late Easter service from Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington. I loved listening to their pastor, Mark Driscoll, as he challenged people to convert to Christianity. He said, "Some of you are like . . . What? Are you trying to convert me? Yes! I am trying to convert you! There is nothing better than being a Christian . . ." He was right. There is nothing better. This world pales in comparison. Today is the day. Now is the day of salvation. Have you committed your life to Christ? If you'd like more information on how to do that e-mail me at bschulenburg@wccmn.org, or call 1-800-NEED-HIM.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 12, 2010

2010-04-12T21:04:00.004-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 102, Leviticus 9, Isaiah 7‐8, 2 Corinthians 4:1‐5:10

Psalm 102 - 3 For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace.11 My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass.23 He has broken my strength in midcourse;he has shortened my days.26 They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away,27 but you are the same, and your years have no end.

Psalm 102 is a prayer from a person that is afflicted. The man is upset at God. He feels like God has hidden his face from him. And then, he comes to grips with the eternality of God and the fact that each of our lives are but a blip on the screen of eternity. What is your life about? Is it about His story or yours. A few year's back I read Louie Giglio's book I Am Not, but I know I AM. It's a great book that puts our place on the world's stage in its proper perspective. Let's find a way to make less of us and more of Jesus. Remember, our days are but a mist. Only what is done for Christ will last.

Leviticus 9 - 22 Then Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them, and he came down from offering the sin offering and the burnt offering and the peace offerings. 23 And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and when they came out they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. 24 And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.

The title of this chapter in my Bible says in a very understated way, The Lord Accepts Aaron's Offering. Aaron and his sons had just been ordained as the priests of Israel. And now, Aaron was bringing the first sin offering before the Lord on behalf of the people. To say that the Lord accepted the offering is an understatement! Aaron followed the procedures that God had set forth earlier in the book of Leviticus. And when he and Moses went into the tent of meeting, God showed up. He sent fire from Heaven and literally consumed the offering with fire. God showed up! And, God forgave. God's acceptance of the sin offering was the Old Testament symbol that He had forgiven the sins of the people. What a picture. As God consumed the offering, it existed no more. The offering was gone, and God remembered their sins no more! God had forgiven. And, He wants to do the same for you. 1 John 1:9 tells us that when we confess our sins God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He will forgive you, if you'll ask. Let today be the day of fresh start for you and God!

Isaiah 7-8 - 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 6-12 speaks of God's plans for the future of His people. He has a remnant that will be faithful to Him no matter what. In Isaiah 7:14 we read about the coming of Messiah. God promises that Immanuel will come and that He will be born of a virgin. This is not just a young woman, it means a literal virgin. The ESV Study Bible has some terrific notes on this prophetic passage. It would be worth your time to read them.

2 Corinthians 4:1‐5:10 - Paul longs for heaven as he writes in this passage. He writes about the troubles that this world brings, but then says that they are nothing compared to what lies ahead of us in heaven. He reminds the Corinthian believers of how important it is to walk by faith and not by sight.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 11, 2010

2010-04-11T21:43:00.002-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 101, Leviticus 8, Isaiah 6, 2 Corinthians 2:12‐3:18

Psalm 101 - 2 I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; 3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. 4 A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil. -

King David was the writer of this Psalm. It is one of only two psalms in Book 4 of the Psalms that is attributed to David. And, there is much that we can learn about God's desires for His people here. David, as King, was to set an example for the people to follow. He writes of his desire to live a life of integrity. You can see the passion for holiness with which David sought to live. Did he always achieve that? No! He had some spectacular failures. But, in his failure, David recognized the error of his way and truly repented to his God. If the Children of Israel had learned anything over the course of their history you would think that it would be that they should not turn their backs upon God. As the men and women sang along with David's psalm, they too were saying that they desired to live blameless lives. They were promising to live with integrity of heart before the Lord. They were affirming that they would guard their eyes, the portal to our brains and all sorts of sin.

I love how David ends verse four. He says, "I will know nothing of evil." A couple years ago I sat in on a service at Wooddale Church, where Leith Anderson, the Senior Pastor of Wooddale was preaching on Romans 16. When he came to Romans 16:19, which says, "For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil," Leith said something I don't think I'll ever forget. It's okay to be naive about the things of this world. We don't need to know about every celebrity's affairs or to be in the know about every movie. It's okay to naive. Why? Because innocence of evil is something worth striving for!

Leviticus 8 - It was several years ago that I went through my ordination process with the Evangelical Free Church of America. It was quite a process that took almost four years from beginning to end. At the end of the process a service of ordination was held. Leviticus 8 records the first ordination service; the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests unto God for the Children of Israel. It's an interesting chapter, as Moses does just what God had commanded him to do in earlier chapters. I would have loved to have been there to witness this event in person. There was a great deal of care that went into each detail. The color would have been magnificent. I'm blown away at just how special Aaron's call was, and the regal clothing that was prepared for he and his sons. I can't help but think that maybe we've become too casual in the way we approach God after reading this chapter.

Isaiah 6 - Isaiah's vision of the Lord in his sixth chapter is one of the most vivid pictures that we have of the throne room of heaven in all of the Bible. It is both a beautiful and a terrifying place; beautiful because it is where God and His angels dwell; terrifying because it is where God and His angels dwell. For a human being to come before the throne of God would cause us to see our utter depravity. As Isaiah experiences his vision he sees angels whose sole function is to worship God. He sees the Lord, seated on His throne. He's blown away by the sheer size of the train of the robe that God wears. And, he sees his own depravity. "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!" is the reply of Isaiah. And then God takes his guilt away.

It's then that Isaiah is presented with an assignment from God. He accepts and then finds out just how terrible the judgement will be for his people. God will harden the hearts of the people to Isaiah's message and only a few will respond. Less than ten percent will be spared. But, God has a remnant that will be faithful to Him. I wonder if I would have accepted such a tough assignment. Sometimes I wonder if that's what all of our assignments look like as we minister in this culture. So many are turning away from God. I wonder if those of us who are trying to remain faithful to the true God of Scripture are going to face Isaiah like challenges in the days and years ahead.

2 Corinthians 2:12‐3:18 - 4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Where does your sufficiency lie? If it is in anything or anyone but Christ, it lies in the wrong place. The power that came through the Apostle Paul came because of Christ, and Christ alone. May it be for His glory and through His power that we live our lives. Paul was unlike the religious leaders of previous generations because his power came not through ritual but relationship.

16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Paul had experienced the power of the Spirit of God working through him. He was a minister of the New Covenant. No longer bound to ritual, Paul experienced freedom in his preaching. He became all things to all men so that in all ways he could reach people for the Gospel. He relished that he did not have to be timid in his relationship with God as he felt Moses had been. He was a willing spokesperson for the Lord.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 10, 2010

2010-04-10T19:08:00.003-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 100, Leviticus 6:8-7:38, Isaiah 5, 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11

Psalm 100 - 5 - For the Lord is good;his steadfast love endures forever,and his faithfulness to all generations.- Psalm 100 was the first chapter of the Bible that I memorized. I was in Kindergarten at the time, and the student of Ms. Beatrice Killup. She had been the kindergarten teacher at the Wheaton Christian Grammar School for years. It was her tradition to teach her kids Psalm 100 in the form of a song. I still remember that song!

As I read this chapter tonight I smiled. It reminded me of the importance of passing the faith down from one generation to the next. I'm grateful for Ms. Killup, and I'm grateful for our God whose love endures forever and faithfulness is shown to all generations.

Thank you, Jesus for the cross! Your death paved the way for our salvation. I love You!

Leviticus 6:8-7:38 - Leviticus 1:1-6:7 dealt with the different offerings that the children of Israel were to bring to God. This section deals with the way that the priests were to handle the offerings. God gives instructions in the handling of the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering and the peace offering. Jesus' death did away with the old system and gave us access to the throne room of Heaven. He is our High Priest and we no longer need anyone but Him to go to the Father on our behalf. Thank you, Jesus for a fresh relationship with God.

Isaiah 5 - 20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! - Isaiah 5 is the last chapter to the introduction of the book of Isaiah. The sin of the nation of Israel is exhibit one in God's pronouncement of judgment against the land. Perhaps Is. 5:20 as well as any other summarizes what has gone wrong in Israel. Evil has been called good. It happens in our culture too. A woman's right to choose has been called good, even though a child's life is taken. Affairs are called good so long as they make someone happy. Pornography is celebrated even though it destroys marriages and families. We could go on and on. May we recognize the toll that calling evil good takes on a society, and may we be in tune with God enough to recognize the difference between evil and good!

2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11 - 5Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. 6For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, 7so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. 9For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. 10Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. - Paul was a determined man. He knew that He had been called to serve God in a very special way, and his passion for that call often times put him at odds with other people. That's one of the reasons that 2 Cor. 2:5-11 is so special. Here Paul takes a tender turn while considering a brother in Christ who needed forgiveness from the Corinthian church. Whatever this man had done had caused pain to the Body of Believers in Corinth, and despite that, Paul wants the church to forgive. By this point in Paul's ministry I believe that he recognized the grace of God upon His own life in such a way that He needed to extend it to others.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 9, 2010

2010-04-09T23:38:00.002-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 99, Leviticus 5:14-6:7, Isaiah 3-4, 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Psalm 99 - 8 O Lord our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings. -Tucked away towards the end of this beautiful Psalm describing the greatness and holiness of God is this verse. It comes immediately after the psalmist wrote about Moses, Aaron and Samuel; priests who interceded on behalf of the people with God. God answered their intercession. He forgave them. And, when needed, God punished them. Why? Because when we sin and God punishes our sin, it causes us to strive to live more holy lives. There is a joy that comes from walking in fellowship with God. He allowed His children to sometimes suffer chastisement for sin so that they might draw closer to Him.

Leviticus 5:14-6:7 - 17“If anyone sins, doing any of the things that by the Lord's commandments ought not to be done, though he did not know it, then realizes his guilt, he shall bear his iniquity. - I don't know about you, but I dream of the day when I will no longer sin. Sometimes when we sin, we are not aware of the fact that we have done something wrong. Maybe we are aware of it, but choose to ignore it. We know it's not right to hold a grudge, but we feel so justified in doing so. Or, we think who will this really hurt? Often times when we sin like this we are ignoring the voice of the Holy Spirit in our life. But, the Holy Spirit won't stop His work of conviction in us. Like Old Testament saints, when we become aware of the fact that we have sinned, we should go to our priest -- Jesus, and confess the sin. I can think of many times in my life where I have asked Christ to forgive me of something that I did long ago. It is important to look at sin the way that Christ looks at sin. It is ugly. It put Him on the cross. But, with His strength at work within us, we can have victory over any sin that comes our way. Not that we will reach sinless perfection on earth, but that we have the power, through His Holy Spirit to walk away from sin and ask for forgiveness. Our God is the God of fresh starts. He loves to forgive and loves to give His children victory over sin!

Isaiah 3-4 - The tone of these chapters is one of absolute destruction. There is judgment on the way for Judah and Jerusalem. Their abandonment of God has left them to face God's judgment. Isaiah uses a lot of contrasting pictures in this chapter. Perfume smells putrid. Boys become oppressive rulers. Destruction rules the day. In 4:1 the death of most of Judah and Jerusalem's men is foretold with these words: And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach.”

It's sad how quickly the Children of Israel deserted the God who had blessed them so much. Their departure from following the Lord should serve as a sober reminder to all followers of Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:1-11 - 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Imagine being so persecuted for your faith that you thought that your day of death had arrived. That is what Paul had been through. The Corinthian church knew it. As he begins his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul lets them know that God has been good. He was comforted by God at his worst moments. When he thought that he was going to die, the God who raises from the dead, allowed him to triumph. That's our God! Paul was comforting the Corinthian believers with the comfort that he had received from God. If God was able to rescue him, then God could rescue them. When we go through tough times and God helps us through, we have a reason to speak hope to others.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 8, 2010

2010-04-08T00:00:00.004-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 98, Leviticus 4:1-5:13, Isaiah 2, 1 Corinthians 16

Psalm 98 - 1a - Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! - There are several times in the Psalms that you see the instruction to sing to the Lord a new song. I like that God wants us to create new songs for Him. In other words, He doesn't want our spiritual lives to stagnate. We ought to be trying our best to learn new things about God every day. That isn't going to happen if we don't spend time praying, reading, and living in fellowship with other believers.

Have you ever heard a travelling speaker use the same stories over and over when they come to preach? Maybe it's because I was a youth pastor for so many years, but I remember hearing guys speak and wondering if God had done anything in their lives in the past 20 years! I heard the same stories year in and year out. When we are intimately connected to God, we grow, and growth brings about a new song. Let your life be a living symphony for Him.

There is another thing that I love about this Psalm. It's the many different ways to worship. From instruments to nature singing, the psalmist shows that creation sings God's glory. So should we!

Leviticus 4:1-5:13 - We've already read about a number of the offerings that the Children of Israel were instructed to give to God. Now we come upon the laws for sin offerings. It's interesting to note the classifications of people. God clearly had laws for all of his people. There are implicit instructions given for how an offering to atone for sin should look. This chapter is an important reminder for New Testament believers that sin has consequences. God has called us to live holy lives.

Isaiah 2 - 5 - O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord - Isaiah was right in the middle of prophesying God's message to the nation when he called the nation to immediate repentance. Can you relate to Isaiah? I can. Whether it's my own stubbornness or the stubbornness of someone else, far too many of us have experienced the pull away from God. Don't go! Stay faithful. Instead, replace the desire to run away with the desire to walk in the light of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 16 - The apostle Paul ends his first letter to the Corinthian believers with instructions on how to collect offerings for the saints gathered across the ancient near east world. He also tells them that he hopes to see them on his future travels. Paul's letter closes with personal greetings. I love that the Bible includes these greetings. We get a glimpse into Paul, the man. We get an even deeper understanding of the church, their bond to Paul, and how they grow spiritually.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 7, 2010

2010-04-07T22:35:00.003-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 97, Leviticus 3, Isaiah 1, 1 Corinthians 15

Psalm 97 - 6The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.7All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods! - Psalm 97 is a song of rejoicing in the power and majesty of our God. The psalmist uses images of creation to demonstrate the power of God. I love how he mocks the powerless idols that people worship in place of the Creator God. Do you want to worship the Creator of coastlands and clouds or darkness and fire of lightning and the earth of mountains of the universe, or do you want to worship items made by man? How sad that many of us are freaking out because the god of money had died. Like those who worshipped idols in the past, we have made our own gods that we depend upon and worship. Those gods are false. They will never be God. May we recognize the power and majesty of God, this day and forevermore.

Leviticus 3 - Leviticus 3 gives us the guidelines and procedures for the peace offering. This was an offering that was given as a reminder and symbol of the covenant relationship that God had with His chosen people. The person making the offering was to offer an animal without blemish before the Lord (vs. 1 and vs.6).I think one of the reasons God asked for an animal without blemish was because He is without blemish. God's relationship with the people was perfect on His part. We need to remember that God is holy. There is no sin in him. We should strive to live holy lives too. We will never be sinless this side of heaven, but we can strive to live holy lives.

Isaiah 1 - 4Ah, sinful nation,a people laden with iniquity,offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the Lord,they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged.- Isaiah begins his book with a vision that he received from the Lord. Here he proclaims the guilt of the people of Israel. This chosen people had forsaken their God. And, God would punish them for their straying from His precepts. I'm especially struck by the words "they are utterly estranged." Have you ever been in an estranged relationship with someone? It's no fun. Now, imagine being the chosen people of God and suddenly finding yourself estranged from Him. Your sins have brought punishment. How sad to be estranged from God!

7Your country lies desolate;your cities are burned with fire;in your very presence foreigners devour your land; it is desolate, as overthrown by foreigners. 8And the daughter of Zion is left like a booth in a vineyard, like a lodge in a cucumber field, like a besieged city. 9If the Lord of hosts had not left us a few survivors, we should have been like Sodom, and become like Gomorrah. - This is a picture of a nation that had disobeyed God coming under extreme judgment. What a sad picture. A country desolate. Cities burned with fire. There are a lot of parallels to the prophecies about the end times. But, God has saved a remnant of people who are faithful to Him.

I'm so glad that Isaiah's first chapter doesn't end after the first nine verses. There is hope. Isaiah gives us God's prescription for the nation in verses 16-19 16Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes;cease to do evil,17learn to do good; seek justice,correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. 18“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 19If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

It's beautiful to read about the grace of God, isn't it? Though our sins are as scarlet they shall be as white as snow! I love that picture. There is something beautiful about being pure. When is the last time you felt spiritually pure? Has it been awhile? Confess your sin. Ask for God's forgiveness. He promises us that if we confess our sins that He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). He will do it for nations when God's people repent. May we, who are children of God lead the way when it comes to confession. And, may our passions be to do good, seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless and plead the widow's case.

1 Corinthians 15 - 33Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” - Somebody once said that the greatest difference between you today and five years from now are the people you meet, the places you go and the books you read. When I was a youth pastor, I used that quote a lot. It's sad how many lives are changed forever because of the company that they keep. Who we hang out with matters. Be careful about the friends that you choose. They will rub off on you. At the same time, don't abandon your mission field.There is a fine line between loving people into the Kingdom and being drug down. Be careful, but don't forget to be a missionary every day too.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 6, 2010

2010-04-06T21:05:00.011-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 96, Leviticus 2, Esther 9-10, 1 Corinthians 14

Psalm 96 - 1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!

God has always loved when His people tell about His marvelous works to others. In the New Testament, Jesus instructed His followers to go into all nations and make disciples. The Lord desires for people who have no knowledge of Him to hear about Him. In fact, God is passionate that every nation, every tribe, every tongue would hear the works of God. May we take these words seriously. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God has spoken of this issue. How are you doing when it comes to sharing His works?

Leviticus 2 - Leviticus chapter two gives us the laws for the grain offerings. Again I'm struck by the detail that went into the instructions for how offerings should be prepared. The grain offering was an offering that was meant as a pleasing aroma to the Lord and accompanied prayer requests to the Lord.

Esther 9-10 - 9:1b - on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them. - I love the way that this verse is written. The writer of Esther, writing through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, makes sure that we all get the point that it was on the very day when the enemies of the Jews had planned for their destruction that the opposite happened. God is a powerful God with a great sense of humor. I think God delighted in the fact that those who sought to destroy His children were not only thwarted but got a dose of poetic justice.

Don't you love it when the good guy wins? I do! If ever there was an underdog, it was Mordecai. Just days before God used him to deliver the Jews, Mordecai was dressed in sackcloth and ashes, outside, yes that's right, outside, the gates of the palace. He was the ultimate outsider. The insiders wanted him dead! And, God wanted to use him. Mordecai was a willing vessel in the hands of our Powerful God. And, God loves to use humble instruments to display His marvelous works. What might God be calling you to do for Him? It's probably not saving an entire race from Genocide. But, wouldn't that be AWESOME! There are those in the world today that face terrible atrocities. Would you be willing to be a spokesperson for them? One place these atrocities are taking place is the Congo. Check out this video to see how you can be a modern day Mordecai!

Another way to be a modern day Mordecai would be to do something about human trafficking. Kerry Hilton, a missionary in Calcutta's Red Light District is making a difference by taking oppressed women off the street and providing them with skills through Freeset Bags. Watch this video about this wonderful ministry:

One other wonderful example of a modern day Mordecai is the International Justice Mission. I love what this organization does, freeing people from modern day slavery. Check out this video:

What might God be calling you to do about injustice?

10:3 -For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.

Want to know one of the characteristics that makes someone great? It's when they seek the welfare of other people. It's when they become reconcilers. It's when they are people of peace. I love that Mordecai's care for others is pointed out in this verse. What are some ways that you are presently seeking the welfare of others? If there is no way, find something that you involve yourself that will help lift others up.

1 Corinthians 14 - The gifts of prophecy and tongues were causing quite a stir in the Corinthian church. In this chapter, the Apostle Paul admits to speaking in tongues, but then says, in verses 18-19 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.- Why would Paul say this? Because tongues were being abused at Corinth. Chaos was ruling the day in public worship at Corinth. Paul wanted the church to have some guidelines for corporate worship, and he laid them down here.

The principle that is most important in 1 Corinthians 14 is this: Our spiritual gifts should be used to build up the church. The purpose of our spiritual gifts is to advance God's kingdom. When our gifts have an opportunity to build up ourselves or build up others, we should always default to building up others. Look how many times Paul uses the term "build up" in chapter 14:

4: build up himself . . . builds up the church.

5 so that the church may be built up

12 building up the church

17 but the other person is not being built up

26 let all things be done for building up

So, Christian, do you know your spiritual gift? If you need help there are some spiritual gift inventories available at my church web site in the sermon resource section at www.wccmn.org. If you know your gift, ask yourself how well you are doing in using it to build up the church. If that's not happening it's time to take a severe look at why God gave you your gift and start using it for the building up of others.

14:33 -For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. - How do you picture God? Ask a dozen people that question and you may just get a dozen different answers. We probably all have some false concepts about what God is truly like. But, verses like this one give us glimpses into the character of God. God is not a god of confusion but the God of peace. If you're praying and not getting peace, take time to pray longer, for as we spend time with Him, His will becomes more clear to us.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 5, 2010

2010-04-05T23:04:00.005-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 95, Leviticus 1,

Psalm 95 - 1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 3 For the Lord is a great God,and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. 5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land. 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

What beautiful words the psalmist writes as he speaks about our God who is so worthy of praise. I love the picture of how God holds both the depths of the earth and the heights of the mountains in His hands, and how that same God calls us the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. There is something beautiful about thinking of God as a shepherd. He cares tenderly for us. We have much to rejoice in.

Leviticus 1 - Leviticus 1 deals with the laws for burnt offerings. Great detail about how Aaron and his sons should kill each animal, how the animal should be cut up, how the fire should be arranged, the side of the altar that the sacrifice should take place, etc. But what I found poignant was the end of verses 9, 13 and 17. Each of those verses talk about the purpose of the burnt offerings. These offerings were given as a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord. Burnt offerings left nothing but the skin. So, these were costly offerings, extravagant even, so that God might be glorified. I wonder what the equivalent to a burnt offering might be in our society. And, I wonder when the last time I gave God a gift as extravagant as a burnt offering was?

Esther 8 - This, in my opinion,is the most beautiful chapter in the book of Esther. Haman's treachery had been exposed in Esther 7, but his plan hadn't been stemmed yet. So, in Ester 8, Esther takes another risk. Going before her king, she cries, falls at his feet, and pleads for the Jewish people. The king, who has by now exalted Mordecai agrees to Esther's request. He declares the Jews should be protected. When the edict comes down to 127 provinces, great rejoicing breaks out. I love how this chapter ends. Esther's faithfulness and the prayers of the people had resulted in answered prayers. Look what Esther 8:16-17 says, 16The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. 17And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.

1 Corinthians 13 - How many weddings have you been to where this passage is read? At almost every wedding that I officiate, this is read. It's a beautiful description of God's love. It's a love that cannot be shown apart from the work of His Spirit in us.

One of the things that strikes me most about 1 Corinthians 13 is that it was written to a church; a church that was struggling to love one another. And, Paul shows them the most excellent way. I love how he ends this chapter. 13So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

For more on 1 Corinthians 13, you can go to the Woodbury Community Church sermons page or to the Woodbury Community Church iTunes podcast page and download the series Ultimate Love.

Notes from my Bible Study for April 4, 2010

2010-04-04T21:19:00.006-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 94, Exodus 40, Esther 7, 1 Corinthians 12

Psalm 94 - 10 He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?
He who teaches man knowledge— 11 the Lord—knows the thoughts of man,that they are but a breath.

Happy Easter! It's been a good day. Today in church, I asked the question, "What would you do if you knew that today was your last day on planet earth?"

Most people will never know the day that they are going to die. Among those that do are convicted criminals, sentenced to the death penalty. Such were the men on either side of Jesus when Christ died on the cross for our sins.

While we may not know the day that we will die, God does. Psalm 94 tells us that the Lord knows the thoughts of man and that our days are but a breath. We spend so much time this side of heaven trying to make a name for us, instead of recognizing that history is truly His story. May we spend our days on the things that truly matter. May we be a people who store up treasure in heaven, recognizing that God is worth giving our very best to.

Exodus 40 - 34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 36 Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.

In Exodus 40, God gave Moses instruction on how and when the tabernacle was to be constructed. Moses followed all of these instructions. And then something spectacular happened. The glory of the Lord filled that tabernacle!

What an impact this would have had on the children of Israel! This was a visible manifestation that God was present and that He was directing the children of Israel. Even Moses, the friend of God, the one whom God talked to on the mountain, was not allowed to enter the tent of meeting when God's presence filled it. Our God is an AWESOME God!

Esther 7 - My study Bible titles this chapter, the rescue of a nation. It's an appropriate title, as God does bring deliverance to the Jewish people, thwarting Haman's plan, and even requiring the life of Haman to be paid. But, the rescue of the Jewish people began in Esther's first chapter. These first seven chapters show what happens when we are willing to be God's people for such a time as this. God put you on this earth, at this time, in the place where He has you, for such a time as this. How are you using your influence to make a difference for Jesus Christ?

1 Corinthians 12 - 1 Corinthians' twelfth chapter has been called one of the greatest teaching on spiritual gifts in the Bible. Really, 1 Corinthians 12-14 should be taken in it's entirety as a teaching on spiritual gifts. Apparently there were some divisions in the church over which spiritual gifts were the greatest. Paul talks about all of the gifts being important for the building up of the Body of Christ.

Here are some of the things we should take from this passage:

1) Every follower of Jesus has at least one spiritual gift.

2) All of the gifts are vital to the body.

3) God has given local congregations every gift needed to accomplish his purposes.

4) When one member of the Body of Christ hurts, we all hurt.

5) There was a better way for this church to go in relation to spiritual gifts, which Paul would reveal in1 Corinthians 13. Hint: It's love!

Notes from my Bible Study for April 3, 2010

2010-04-03T22:20:00.003-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 93, Exodus 39, Esther 6, 1 Corinthians 11:2-34

Psalm 93 - Psalm 93 is a short psalm about the majesty and glory of the Lord. The psalmist uses beautiful imagery to paint a picture of our God ruling the earth which He created. He is worthy of our worship and He reigns in power. The God who created this universe, rules it. His works are mighty and even the waves obey Him.

Exodus 39 - The priestly garments are woven together in this passage. Once again we see the incredible detail and symbolism that went into that which would be used for worshipping Jehovah. There was such awe and reverence towards God in those days. The priestly gowns would have made the people think about certain aspects of God and His divine rule.

Esther 6 - I can't even imagine what Mordecai must have been thinking. He had been praying. He had been fasting. He knew that Esther had dined with the king and Haman earlier in the evening. And then . . . Haman, the enemy of the Jews came and killed him? No. Tortured him? No. Arrested him? No. He honored him! He honored Mordecai. Had Haman's heart changed? No. In God's divine plan, Haman sought honor for himself, and ended up having to give honor to one who had truly served the king. God honored Mordecai in his time. And, soon, God would deliver the Jews.

I love that fact that we have a God who says that "He exalts the humble." It doesn't always happen quickly. In fact, some will not see that exaltation until heaven. But, if you have faithfully served the Lord in humility be sure of this; God's promises always come true. Mordecai truly lived a humble and obedient life. God is looking for people who will be obedient no matter the cost. Will you be that person?

1 Corinthians 11:2-34 - This chapter of Scripture gives instructions for public worship. The church at Corinth had some serious issues. I think all churches have issues that we need to work through. It's just part of being human beings trying to live in community with one another. One of the issues the Corinthian church dealt with was the issue of whether or not women should wear head coverings in public worship. In Corinthian culture, which was incredibly sex saturated, to not wear a head covering meant that you were either single or that you were married but available. Paul asked the women who were married in that congregation to wear head coverings in worship. To not do so would have been dishonorable. In our culture this might mean wearing a wedding ring or something else to show that you are married.

Paul ends the chapter giving instruction on the Lord's Supper. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. It is also a Sunday in which our congregation will celebrate the Lord's Supper. Paul talks about the significance and the sacred attitude with which we should come to the Lord's table in verses 23-32. May these verses be a sacred reminder to you.

23For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”25In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

27Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.31But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

A Poem for Good Friday

2010-04-02T10:16:00.001-05:00

I wrote this poem last year on Good Friday and thought I'd repost it here. It uses the last words of Christ from the cross throughout the poem.

A Poem For Good Friday

Hoisted upon Calvary's tree
To rectify the sin in me
Jesus looked upon the crowd
Announcing in a voice so loud

"Father forgive them for they know not what they do"
Beautiful words spoken to Gentile and Jew
Callously gambling for a piece of His clothing
The soldiers oblivious man's redemption He was buying

"Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"
Crowd spoken mockery on Golgotha's sod
Criminals, on either side of the Lamb
Both facing life's final exam

"Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
Criminal's jeering words in the form of a cuss.
"Jesus remember me when You come into Your Kingdom!"
Contrasting words, heart changing, unable to stay mum.

The lips of our Lord move a second time
Responding to the one convicted of crime
Looking straight at the man, knowing all of his vice
"Today you will be with me in paradise."

That's when His gaze came upon those He loved,
Some women, a disciple and the mother beloved.
"Dear woman, here is your son," pronounced He to Mary.
"Here is your mother," to John, while so wearied.

And then in the middle of that solemn day
Darkness hovered, black sky, not just gray
He who was holy became sin, no facade
And for the first time God was separated from God

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Was the awful cry that came from that tree.
The only thing in all the world capable of dividing the Trinity
Was the sin of every man, every woman, every boy, every girl, yes even you and me.

Later knowing that all was completed
That sin and Satan would soon be defeated
Jesus, all divine, showed His humanity
"I am thirsty," He said, displaying no vanity.

When He received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished."
His time had come, His work was accomplished.
"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."
With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

At that moment the world reacted
But most of humanity was too distracted
To notice the veil in the temple torn in two
From top to bottom what should we construe?

That Jesus' death on the cross paved the way
For us to have access to God when we pray
The earth shook and the rocks split
On the day God was hit and we offered spit.

The bodies of some dead were raised to life that day
Holy people appeared in Jerusalem to convey
That Jesus is God, He is the way, Centurion and squad
Declared, "Surely He was the Son of God!"

No bones were broken
Prophecy spoken
Declared body piercing
Blood and water producing

As evening approached so did two powerful men
Perhaps they were remembering when
Jesus had spoken and challenged their thinking
Waiting to live for Him until the world was sinking

They took His body, wrapped it in a shroud
Just as Pontius Pilate had allowed
To the tomb He was taken
Christ had been forsaken.

Forsaken by man and forsaken by God
So great was the cost on the road that He trod
But great is the victory He won on Golgotha
A victory summed up in the word Marantha

The Lord is coming soon is the word's special meaning
Three days later, He arose and sin took a beating
He will come again soon to take those who are His
Truer words never spoken, it's the truth, that it is

Will you be like humanity's generations?
Too busy, distracted, for His interventions?
Don't miss Calvary's message of Christ's great love
Offered to all of us who are undeserving of.

- Brian Schulenburg
April 9, 2009

Notes from my Bible Study for April 1, 2010

2010-04-01T22:32:00.010-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 91, Exodus 37, Esther 4, 1 Corinthians 9

Psalm 91 - 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

One of my favorite pictures of God is the one painted by the psalmist in Psalm 91:1-2. Isn't is wonderful to think about God sheltering us in the shadow of His wing? The psalmist was very familiar with danger. This psalm talks about some of the challenges that he went through. But, he truly felt like he had nothing to fear when God was by his side.

God wants us to experience the peace that comes when we abide in Him. That can only happen if we trust Him with our life. He is worthy of placing all of our cares upon.

Exodus 37 - Exodus 37 tells the story of Bezalel's building of the ark, table, lampstand and altar. This man was truly gifted by God for the work that he was set apart for. It is interesting to see the details that went into building the tabernacle and the pieces of worship that were a part of the tabernacle.

Esther 4 - 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Esther 4 is one of the chapters of the Bible that people remember after reading. Mordecai has taken a very public and bold stance against the decision that was made by the monarchy. He would take a stand for the Jewish people, but his stand could not impact the decision that the monarch had made as much as Queen Esther could. he challenges Queen Esther to use the position that God has given her to make an impact on the king.

One of our primary roles as ambassadors of Christ is to take a stand for such a time as this. We need to look for opportunities to be spokespeople for Christ in each situation that we find ourselves in. Christ has put you in your home, your neighborhood, your friend group, your job, your club, your church, your sports, etc. for such a time as this.

1 Corinthians 9 - Paul spoke at length about Christian liberty in chapter eight. He uses chapter nine to show how he lives out Christian liberty in his own life. Paul was a man who saw his primary role as being a servant of Christ and a servant to others. He would give up Christian liberty in order to win others to Christ.

Maundy Thursday Service at Woodbury Community Church

2010-03-31T21:47:00.002-05:00

Woodbury Community Church will have a Maundy Thursday service at 7:00 PM tomorrow night. It's going to be a special night of reflecting upon what Christ did for us on this night some 2000 years ago. We will have an extended time of worship, a short message entitled, To Be His Disciple, based on Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and communion.

Woodbury Community Church is located at 2975 Pioneer Drive in Woodbury, MN.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 31, 2010

2010-03-31T20:39:00.007-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 90, Exodus 35:30-36:38, Esther 3, 1 Corinthians 8

Psalm 90 - It amazes me how many men of God in the Bible were writers. Moses is best known as the champion that God used to deliver Israel from years of slavery in Egypt, but he is also the author of the first five books of the Bible, and this psalm. This Psalm would have been sung on multiple occasions by the children of Israel. It was a well known song, dealing with the mortality of man. Our years are few, and Moses wants us to be people who use our days well. It will take wisdom to walk in ways that delight the Lord. And wisdom is gained from Him.

Exodus 35:30-36:38 - I love this chapter! We met Bezalel and Oholiab a few chapters back. These were men who were set apart by the Holy Spirit to build God's tabernacle. They were gifted in craftsmanship. These chapters record the actual building of the tabernacle. The people are so joyful in the building of God's house, and are so generous in their giving, that in 36:6-7 we read, 6 So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing, 7 for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.

Can you believe it! Our church is involved in a comprehensive campaign to do much needed repairs and updates on our building. It's been so cool to see our people respond with generous giving of the resources and time! We'll be finished with our projects in mid-May. Each step of the process brings more excitement. I can imagine how exciting the building of the tabernacle was for the people of Israel. They were involved in not just giving, but in the actual craftsmanship, just like our people have been. It's such an exciting thing.

Have you ever been part of a group where you have witnessed such generous giving? What was the experience like for you? If not, what do you think the experience might feel like?

Esther 3 - A wicked person with power is a terrible thing. Such was the case with Haman. This evil man sought to destroy the Jewish people. He is one more in a long line of people who have sought the destruction of God's chosen people. It's interesting that Mordecai chose not to bow down to Haman. There was no Jewish law expressly forbidding people honoring leaders this way, but Mordecai saw something in Haman that disgusted him. Mordecai was a good judge of character. Often times, those who are not honorable are given high positions. But, God exalts the humble in due time. That will happen in this story.

1 Corinthians 8 - Paul now turns his attention to teaching the church at Corinth about the importance of love. Love is more important than knowledge. There were many in the church at Corinth who had come out of pagan religion where idols were worshipped. Some had not. Those who had not, saw no harm in eating the leftover food that had been offered to idols. Because, after all, idols had no true power. They were not really gods. Those who felt this way, felt like they had superior knowledge and that the other Christians would just have to deal with it. Paul wanted those Christians to make sure that in their knowledge they didn't cause a weaker brother or sister to sin. Paul reasoned that he could eat food offered to idols without sinning, but not without hurting another brother or sister in Christ. So, he gave up his liberty to eat in order that others not be harmed.

I love what he wrote in verse three: 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.

Tonight is the Wednesday of Holy Week. I have been thinking today about my own level of love for God. On that Wednesday night, so many years ago, Jesus must have reflected upon what He was about to do for us. He was a few hours away from going to the cross. I'm struck with the fact that I don't love God as much as I should. I'm reminded of Therese of Avila's quote from the 1500's:

Oh God, I don’t love you, I don’t even want to love you, but I want to want to love you.”

May we want to love God, and beyond that, love Him as Paul talks about in verse three!

Notes from my Bible Study for March 30, 2010

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Today's Reading: Psalm 89, Exodus 35:1-29, Esther 2, 1 Corinthians 7

Psalm 89 - The third book of the Psalms ends with a maskil by Ethan the Ezrahite. The psalm speaks about the promise that God made David that his kingdom would be forever. Ethan wonders why God has turned His back on His covenant with David. God had not. The covenant that He made with David would be fulfilled in Jesus. This third book of the Psalms has been full of sorrow. The children of Israel had walked away from God, and they were paying the price. Ethan reaffirms his faith that God will work on behalf of the people of Israel.

Exodus 35:1-29 - The Children of Israel have a very different response when Moses comes down from the mountain this time. They are ready to obey the law of the Lord. It is with great joy that the people make preparations to build the tabernacle. This is a beautiful picture of what happens when we follow God's desires and come together as one.

Esther 2 - The story of Esther continues with the king realizing that he needed to find a new wife. All of the beautiful young virgins in the land were brought to the king. Esther was one of them. God had her in this kingdom for such a time as this. She found favor in the sight of the king, and the king loved her more than any woman in the land. This would be important if God was going to move the heart of the king to compassion.

1 Corinthians 7 - Paul gives the church strong warnings regarding sexual desire in 1 Corinthians 7. In this chapter he lays out an argument for staying single, but for marrying rather than burning in sexual desire. Then he talks about the importance of intimacy in the marriage relationship. The Church at Corinth really struggled in the area of sexuality, and Paul wanted them to get things right in the area of sexual love. This is some of the most important teaching on human sexuality that you will find in the Bible.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 29, 2010

2010-03-29T17:35:00.007-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 88, Exodus 34, Esther 1, 1 Corinthians 6

Psalm 88 - This is another of the psalms of lament. The Sons of Korah write about a time where they felt the heavy hand of God upon their lives. They equate their feeling to that of dying. The psalmists plead with the Lord to spare their lives so that they might continue to serve the Lord. What is so interesting about this Psalm is that there is no place where the authors state their belief that God will rescue them or strengthen them.

There are times in life where our struggles seem so difficult that it is tough to imagine that we will ever come out of it. God was no less able to deliver in this Psalm than in any other, but there is no mention of God's deliverance. I believe that this Psalm was written in one of those dark nights of the soul in the lives of the writers. God is faithful even in our darkest of days.

Exodus 34 - Moses meets with God for forty days and nights as God once again writes the Ten Commandments on the stone tablets and establishes His covenant with His people. The amazing thing that happens in this chapter is that Moses' face begins to glow. When he spends time with God, the people know it, because His face literally reflects God's glory. He begins to cover his face with a veil in between meetings with God. What a special relationship Moses had with the Lord. The people did not become impatient this time. They believed that Moses would come back down from the mountain. They did not turn to false gods.

I'm glad God was patient with a stubborn people. He reflects that patience today as well. If you have breath today, thank God for another chance to live for Him, and vow to follow Him and only Him today.

Esther 1 - The book of Esther is one of the Old Testament's most interesting books. It is in this book that we get the phrase that we were put here for "such a time as this."

The first chapter of Esther shows us the moral backdrop that Esther found herself thrust into. King Ahasuerus was a wicked man. Married to Queen Vashti, the two monarchs found themselves living in luxury. The king loved excess. He and his Queen hosted a party that lasted 180 days. Towards the end of the celebration, the King asked his wife to come show off her beauty to the men of the kingdom. She refused, and he became enraged. This began a series of events that God used to rescue His people.

1 Corinthians 6 - Paul continues to teach the church at Corinth the dangers of sexual immorality. Remember, this is a church that was rife with sexual sin. Paul let's the church no in no uncertain terms the danger of choosing to walk in a manner of sexual sin. This type of sin will destroy not only a person, but can destroy a church and a family.

Paul also takes time in this chapter to talk about exercising spiritual freedom in areas that are not profitable to him, and how this is not do his advantage.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 28, 2010

2010-03-28T20:43:00.003-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 87, Exodus 33, Nehemiah 13, 1 Corinthians 5

Psalm 87 - Psalm 87 celebrates the city of Zion (Jerusalem) and the God who has chosen to dwell there (Jehovah). The Sons of Korah, as worship leaders for the people, wanted the people to recognize how blessed they were to be the chosen people of God. If you are a Christian today, you too should celebrate that Christ has chosen you. He has paved the way for you to become a son or daughter of Christ, forgiving your sins and reconciling you unto a relationship with the Father.

Exodus 33 - The relationship that Moses had with God was an extraordinary one. He spoke with God as a man speaks with a friend. The Children of Israel must have been blown away by the daily display of Moses talking with God. As Moses met with God, signaled by the pillar of cloud descending upon the tent of meeting, God met with His friend. That's right, like King David, centuries later, Moses was a friend of God. May we also be a friend of God. We have access to God through prayer. Take it. Spend time with God. He desires friendship with you.

Nehemiah 13 - The book of Nehemiah ends with the final reforms that Nehemiah would bring to Israel. I'm struck by Nehemiah's absolute commitment to making sure that the people didn't make the mistakes or fall into the same sins as they had in the past. He quickly confronts sin in this passage. He exhorts the people to live holy, set apart lives. They are not to follow in the ways of their pagan neighbors. They are not to marry their pagan neighbors. They are not to desecrate the temple by working on the Sabbath or selling their wares outside of it. He is quick to point out the sin of the nation and make definitive steps to correct the sinful actions of the people. He ends this chapter, and the book of Nehemiah with this prayer: Remember me, O my God, for good. Now, that's how I want to be remembered by God!

1 Corinthians 5 - Sexual immorality has no place in the body of Christ. Paul has heard about a specific case that was being tolerated in the Corinthian church. The man who was involved in immorality with his stepmother was actually boasting about his conquest! Apparently, the Corinthian church had done nothing to stop the behavior. Paul warns them that tolerating such behavior could destroy the entire church. It was important that this man be disciplined and asked to leave the local body of believers. Paul gives one of the strongest arguments in all of Scripture for church discipline in verses 9-13, which says, 9I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13God judges those outside. Purge the evil person from among you.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 27, 2010

2010-03-27T19:56:00.006-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 86, Exodus 32, Nehemiah 12:27-47, 1 Corinthians 4

Psalm 86 - 15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. What do you think of when you think about God? A. W. Tozer once said, "What comes to mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you." I think for many of us, we think about fear when we think about God. We fear His wrath. We fear His response to our wicked hearts. We fear His short fuse.

But, that is an incorrect view of God. Psalm 86:15 reveals a beautiful truth about God. God is merciful and gracious. He is slow to anger. He is abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. This means that God's fuse isn't short. He is slow to anger. When we give God cause to anger, be sure that He experiences it. But, He also understands us. He understands His creation better that we understand ourselves. He understands the struggle with sin that we have. He understands the temptation that we face. He understands the distractions in our lie. God is so good.

Exodus 32 - Exodus 32 is the sad story of the quick decline of the Children of Israel. God had so graciously delivered them from the hand of the Egyptians and when Moses was on the Mountain of God longer than the people expected, they assumed the worst and turned to the worship of an idol. It's interesting that they broke commandment one as soon as they began to lose faith in their leadership.

Moses' conversation with God is an interesting one as he intercedes on behalf of the people with God. This is the role of the priests. The priests would one make atonement for the people. This is what Moses did for the people.

Nehemiah 12:27-47 - There are certain times when I read the Bible when I think, "I wish that I could be an eyewitness of this event." The dedication of the walls of Jerusalem is one such event. This was such a momentous event to the people of Israel. I love the way that the Jewish people celebrated events like this. There was so much music. In this case, there were a few choirs singing on different parts of the walls. I would have loved to have heard what that sounded like.

1 Corinthians 4 - 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent 5 you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, 6 as I teach them everywhere in every church.

What an incredible example of discipleship! When I think about discipleship, I think about encouraging people to walk like Christ. Paul was so in tune with the Lord, that he could, with good conscious write, "be imitators of me." Why? Because, Paul imitated the Lord.

But, Paul didn't stop there. He then told the people to look to Timothy as an example. Timothy also followed Christ. Timothy had been discipled by Paul, and was a good example of what it meant to follow Christ. Paul's hope was that this dysfunctional church would become full of people who could write similar things. When we live like Christ, the world becomes a different place.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 26, 2010

2010-03-26T20:49:00.004-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 85, Exodus 30-31, Nehemiah 11:1-12:26, 1 Corinthians 3

Psalm 85 - Psalm 85 is another psalm of lament, this time written by the Sons of Korah. The people are anxious for God to work on their behalf. They recognize that the best way to deal with the tough situation that they find themselves in is to go straight to the God who can help.

So many of us look for solutions apart from God. When we make room for God to work, and when we look for the work of His hand, we are often times witnesses to a miracle. Such was the need of the people of Israel.

Exodus 30-31 - The Lord finishes giving Moses the law in these chapters. One of the things that strikes me is that God sets apart people to accomplish His will. The tabernacle would take a lot of work to build. There was such incredible detail that God wanted in both the tabernacle and its furnishings. So, God gives Bezalel and Oholiab the skills that would be needed to make this project work.

Being a part of the Body of Christ is a beautiful thing. He has given His church everything we need to accomplish His purposes. We are lacking nothing in the area of giftedness in order to do what He has called us to do. It just takes people with the gifts to step up. That is what God would do through Bezalel and Oholiab.

Nehemiah 11:1-12:26 - This section of Scripture records the names of the families who would settle in the city of Jerusalem. It's interesting to me that the leaders saw fit that one out of every ten Jewish people should live in Jerusalem. Never again did this group of leaders want to see a siege against the city succeed.

1 Corinthians 3 - There is nothing that makes God look so bad as a church that can't get along. Paul was furious with the Corinthian believers' lack of love. He told them that they were like spiritual babies, incapable of eating spiritual "meat." They had much work to do in the area of spiritual growth, and getting along. Paul's words in verses 16-17 give us a key for how we can overcome such sin: 16 Do you not know that you 12 are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? We should be people who walk in the power of the Spirit. As the Holy Spirit controls us, so we can be used by God to change this world.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 24, 2010

2010-03-24T22:26:00.003-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 83, Exodus 27:20-28:43, Nehemiah 9, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Psalm 83 - This is another of Asaph's psalms of lament. He is asking for God to intercede on behalf of His people, the Nation of Israel. In these psalms it is common to see the psalmist ask God to wipe out the enemies of Israel so that the world will see that God is the most powerful God.

Exodus 27:20-28:43 - It's interesting to read about the provisions that God made for the clothing that Aaron and his son's would wear. As priests in Israel, Aaron and his sons had a special calling. Their clothing reflected that clothing. As God's people today, our lives should look different to the world around us. While our clothing isn't anything special, the way that we reflect Christ to the world should be. We are a holy priesthood, a chosen people, and should live as such.

Nehemiah 9 - What an incredible scene! Ezra calls the people to repentance. The people gather for 1/4 of the day to hear the law read. Then for another 1/4 of the day, they repent of the sins that they have committed as individuals and as a nation. How fascinating to see the power of the word of God to convict hearts, even in such a mass crowd. Scripture is alive and able to convict the hearts of men and women.

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 - 18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. If ever there has been a doctrine that has come under attack, it is this doctrine of the cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those who don't know Christ often times consider the cross and it's message to be foolishness. God's grace is so wonderful. Think today about the message of the cross, and how the cross has changed your life.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 23, 2010

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Today's Reading: Psalm 82, Exodus 27:1-19, Nehemiah 8, 1 Corinthians 1:1-17

Psalm 82 - Have you ever trusted in earthly rulers only to find yourself disillusioned in the end? If so, you can relate with Asaph, who in Psalm 82 expressed his discouragement with earthly rulers, and his absolute faith in God. Asaph was convinced that God was the only ruler who would never fail, and as such, God is the only one who can truly stand in judgment over the earth.

If you find yourself putting hope in political ideology, instead of God, you will be disappointed. No political system can solve the world's problems. Only God is capable of that.

Exodus 27:1-19 - God continues to give instructions for the construction of the tabernacle in this section of Scripture. I'm continually amazed at the way that God instructed His people to take such great care in the preparation of the place where He would dwell. He wanted the people to revere Him.

Nehemiah 8 - Jerusalem's miraculous recovery continues in this chapter. Ezra reads the law of the Lord to the people, and the people once again begin to obey God's law. The Festival of Booths or Sukkot, is reinstated, and the people are reminded of God's faithfulness to the Children of Israel throughout the years.

1 Corinthians 1:1-17 - The Apostle Paul opens his letter to the church at Corinth with a challenge to the believers to get along. The church was notorious for the divisions that took place within the church. Some of the believers argued that they followed Paul, some Apollos, and some Peter. Paul argued that they should all follow Christ, and not argue over petty issues. It's amazing how easy it becomes for churches to fall apart when division comes in. We need to fight for the unity of the Body of Christ through our head, Jesus Christ.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 22, 2010

2010-03-22T22:26:00.005-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 81, Exodus 26, Nehemiah 7, Romans 16

Psalm 81 - When taken in context with Psalm 79 and 80, Psalm 81 serves as God's answer to Asaph's repentance on behalf of the people. Yesterday, I wrote about Asaph's talk about restoration. God would restore His people, but He demanded complete allegiance from the people. Our God is a jealous God. He loves us so much that He doesn't want us to chase after other gods. When you read Psalm 81, read it as someone who might be hearing these words in Israel, during the time of Asaph may have read the words. You would have been guilty of breaking covenant with God. These words would have been both terrifying and encouraging. God wanted to work on behalf of the people, but they needed to show faithfulness to Him.

Exodus 26 - When you read Exodus 26, you see the specific instructions for the building of the tabernacle. As I read, I was particularly impressed by the detail that God had the people put into the fabrics that would make up the tent. He wanted cherubim to be skillfully woven into the fabric. This was because God is surrounded in Heaven's throne room by cherubim. The presence of God would be in the Tabernacle as well. The woven cherubim would have reminded the people just who it was that they were worshipping.

Nehemiah 7 - The walls around Jerusalem had been completed. Now Nehemiah ordered guards to be put on the walls to protect the city. The Lord was gracious to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, allowing the Jewish people to return to the city. The homes were not built, but the people returned. It must have been amazing to live in Jerusalem during those days. There was hope anew! There was true community. There was rejoicing. And, God worked. Nehemiah's leadership made a difference in the lives of thousands of people. God loves to use those who are willing to be instruments in His hands.

Romans 16 - The book of Romans closes with personal greetings from Paul to different believers in the Roman church. I'm moved as I read about the impact that many of these people had in Paul's live and the impact that he had in theirs. How cool that Paul's first convert in Asia is in this church. How great that Rufus, and his mother, a woman who had been like a mother to Paul were in the church. Many people believe that this Rufus is the son of Simon of Cyrene, the man who carried Jesus' cross. If so, how amazing the impact that this moment had on Simon's life and the life of his family.

When I entered full time ministry, I had no idea how large my extended family would grow to be. I feel like I have family in Washington D.C., the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa, and Minneapolis/St. Paul, the three regions that I have served as a pastor. But, I also feel like I have family in North Carolina, Peru, California, Massachusetts, Alabama, Virginia, Tennessee, Colorado, Guatemala, Romania, Russia, Honduras, El Salvador, Tanzania, Israel, Azerbaijan, India, Nepal, Myanmar, China, Somalia, Spain, Mozambique, Rwanda, and so many other places where my brothers and sisters in Christ from those regions or ministries are now living and serving the Lord. God is so good!

Notes from my Bible Study for March 21, 2010

2010-03-21T22:03:00.005-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 80, Exodus 25, Nehemiah 6, Romans 15:14-33

Psalm 80 - 19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved! Restoration is a beautiful thing and a difficult process. I was at a couple of antique shops yesterday, and the difference between the two shops was like night and day. The first shop was full of rather cheap looking antiques. I'm not sure that there was much in the store that cost more than $100. The second shop was a different picture altogether. When I walked in, I was blown away at the beauty of the pieces on display. Many of the pieces commanded a price in excess of $10,000. The second shop featured many items that had been restored to their original pristine condition.

As Asaph wrote Psalm 80, he spoke of a nation that needed restoration. The Children of Israel had strayed from God. They had been punished. Asaph sought forgiveness and restoration. God would bring that restoration, but the process would be difficult. When someone becomes a Christian, God restores. We are seen in His eyes as forgiven and restored, holy image bearers of Christ.

Exodus 25 - The Lord gave Moses specific instructions for the furnishings that were to go into His sanctuary. It's interesting to read the detail that God went into with Moses. It's clear that God wanted His sanctuary to be beautiful, and He wanted the people to treat it with reverence and honor. I believe that God ordained these furnishings to help the people better understand Him.

Nehemiah 6 - 15 So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. When you think about all that Nehemiah accomplished and the short time it took him to do so, you would think that he did it without opposition. That couldn't be further than the truth. Nehemiah continually endured opposition from him enemies as he sought to do what God called him to do. One of the beautiful parts of Nehemiah's story is that when God is in something, it doesn't matter how tough the opposition, God will accomplish it! Look how the enemies of Nehemiah responded when the wall was completed! They were afraid and their esteem fell greatly. Nehemiah's enemies knew that God had worked on behalf of Israel. (Remember, Israel was coming off a long captivity.) If the people of Israel could rebuild the walls in 52 days, what couldn't they accomplish with the help of God?

Romans 15:14-33 - The Apostle Paul is nearing the end of his letter to the Romans. He takes this time to share with them his calling as an apostle of Christ, and talks about his ministry to the Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul was excited about visiting the church at Rome, but it would have to wait until after a visit to Jerusalem to bring a gift of aid to the poor in Jerusalem from Gentile Christians around the region. How beautiful to see the infant Gentile church reaching out in love to the poor of Jerusalem. This is the church acting as God has called us to act; taking care of the widows and orphans in their distress (see James 1:27).

Notes from my Bible Study for March 20, 2010

2010-03-20T20:22:00.003-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 79, Exodus 24, Nehemiah 5, Romans 15:1‐13

Psalm 79 - The anguish was unbearable. The city of Jerusalem lay in ruins. The pungent smell of death loomed in the air. The enemies of Israel had succeeded in bringing the nation to its knees. Asaph's words in Psalm 79 speak of the great tragedy that Israel found herself in. The psalm is probably speaking about the Babylonian captivity, and Asaph begs for God's mercy and forgiveness. He acknowledged the sin of the people and went to the only One who could forgive such sin. Asaph and Israel needed God's intervention now more than ever.

Exodus 24 - God had finished telling Moses the law. Now it was time to confirm the covenant with the people. Moses went back down to the people and told the people what God had told him. The people agreed to the covenant with God. Then God asked Moses to come back up the mountain to receive the tablets of stone that God would write the law upon. Neither the people nor Moses knew how long he would spend on that mountain. In the end, Moses would spend 40 days and nights with God upon the mountaintop. The people would soon allow fear to drive them from the covenant they made with God.

Nehemiah 5 - Nehemiah has shown himself to be a wonderful leader. His leadership integrity continues to be shown in chapter five. When he recognizes that the poor are being oppressed he stands in the gap in their defense. When he speaks, he mentions in no uncertain terms that he is angry. The people responded by doing the right thing. When the righteous people of the world speak up, good things happen.

Romans 15:1-13 - The picture of Christ as a servant is prevalent in Paul's writings. He once again shows us this picture of Christ in Romans 15:1-13. In this picture, Paul also shows us how important it is for Jews and Gentiles to recognize our place as brothers and sisters of Christ. Jesus Christ is the hope for all nations.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 19, 2010

2010-03-19T22:19:00.004-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 78, Exodus 23:10‐33, Nehemiah 4, Romans 14

Psalm 78 - Psalm 78 is a historical psalm that reminds the people of Israel about all that God has done for the nation. It is also an important reminder to parents to be diligent in teaching their children the things of the Lord. God is faithful and His faithfulness has been shown from generation to generation. This psalm teaches about that faithfulness. This is one of the longest psalms in all of the Bible. It is a valuable learning tool for families to read through together. Our family will be leaving for Israel in a few months. I'm looking forward to reading this psalm while we are together in that wonderful country.

Exodus 23:10-33 - It is here that God makes fundamental laws for the Jewish people regarding the Sabbath and the festivals that they were to observe. He also promises the people that they will overthrow the land of Canaan. There are specific instructions given in regards to completely driving the Canaanites away, and not worshipping the false gods of Canaan.

Nehemiah 4 - Great opposition came to Nehemiah and those who were helping him rebuild Jerusalem's walls. But, Nehemiah continued building. Nehemiah was a leader, and God gave him both wisdom and the ability to motivate people. When opposition came, God had a leader ready, with the right gifts, the right spirit, and the right faith.

Romans 14 - Aren't you glad that God didn't put you in the position to judge the hearts of everyone else on earth? I know that I am. God is the judge. He doesn't need us to do His job. He needs us to do that which He has called us to do. And, you can be 100% sure that it is His job to judge, not yours. Romans 14 spends a great deal of time talking about judging others, but also not being a stumbling block to other believers with our spiritual freedoms. There are great points made in this chapter.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 18, 2010

2010-03-18T20:11:00.003-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 77, Exodus 22:16‐23:9, Nehemiah 3, Romans 13

Psalm 77 - Asaph does something important in Psalm 77. He lists many ways that God has been faithful to the nation of Israel in the past. There are many times in the Psalms where the psalmist will list God's faithfulness to the nation of Israel. This is done in order to help the people trust in God's future faithfulness. From verse one to the end, Asaph trusts in God. I like that he writes, "I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will here me." We never have to question whether God hears our prayers. He can be counted on to listen to His people.

Exodus 22:16-23:9 - God lays down laws about social justice in this section of Exodus. Twice in these few verses He talks about taking care of a sojourner, reminding Israel that they were once sojourners in the land of Egypt. God wants us to care for others. He wants his people to be marked by love.

Nehemiah 3 - Remarkable detail went into the project of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. That building begins in Nehemiah 3, and the details regarding builders and and the wall specifics are given in this chapter. Nehemiah took a giant step of faith to work on the wall. God loves to work through people's faith.

Romans 13 - Paul continues his practical teaching on how to live as a Christian by teaching us to submit to authority. He then talks about the importance of love. Anybody can show love to someone else. It's God's desire that Christians display love. Love fulfills the law and impacts people. If we love God and love others, we will fulfill all the law.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 17, 2010

2010-03-17T20:19:00.006-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 76, Exodus 21:12‐22:15, Nehemiah 2, Romans 12

Psalm 76 - Psalm 76 is a song of celebration. From beginning to end, God is glorified. Asaph wants Israel to celebrate that God has chosen Zion as his dwelling place. I like how Asaph implores the people to make vow to the Lord in verse 11. God has made a vow to Israel, and Israel should respond likewise. The New Covenant has allowed all men and women to make such a vow to God. Vows are sacred and not to be broken. May our faith reflect that!

Exodus 21:12-22:15 - God continues to lay out the rules of covenant living for the Children of Israel. I did not add any notes to this section.

Nehemiah 2 - Nehemiah's life is a great example of visionary leadership. God led Nehemiah to build the walls of Jerusalem back up. It was a huge task, and most improbable, considering that Nehemiah was in Persia. King Artaxerxes' heart was softened to Nehemiah's request to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. This in itself was miraculous.

Then, the people of Jerusalem showed open hearts to God's plan. It is clear that when God is behind a plan, that He opens the doors. That doesn't mean that we won't face opposition. By the end of the chapter, two troublemakers named, Sanballat and Tobiah seek to stop the work. Nehemiah didn't let their discouragement dismay him.

Romans 12 - This is one of the greatest chapters in the Bible. In Romans 12 we find such practical teaching on what it means to be a Christian.

The chapter begins in many translations with the word, "Therefore." In the context of Romans, the Apostle Paul is basically saying, "Based upon everything that you have read in Romans 1-11, here is how you are to live."

As you read the chapter, you can find at least 36 different commands that Paul gives us for living a life that pleases Christ. I'd encourage you to write down as many of the imperatives for Christian living as you can in this chapter, and begin to put at least one into practice each day for the next several weeks. See what God does in your life.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 16, 2010

2010-03-16T14:10:00.005-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 75, Exodus 20:18‐21:11, Nehemiah 1, Romans 11

Psalm 75 - There is a simple and pure quality about Psalm 75. Asaph simply praises God for all of His wondrous works for the nation of Israel, and then rejoices that God is the righteous judge, Who will one day lift up the righteous and judge the wicked. Asaph was able to put complete confidence in God, because he remembered how God had worked in the past. When we struggle in our relationship with God, it would due us good to remember the faithfulness of God in past times.

Exodus 20:18-21:11 - Think about what it must have felt like to be Moses! Thunder and flashes of lightning, the sound of the trumpet, the mountain smoking, a throng of people below you, trembling, imploring you to speak to God, and you stand in the thick darkness where God was to speak to him! What a man this Moses was! And, what a God his God is. The Lord began to give Moses additional laws in this chapter. These laws were to govern the lives of God's covenant people.

Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah opens with a report on the sad condition of the city of Jerusalem. The wall had been broken down. The city was destroyed by fire. The remnant who was there and had survived were down.

So, Nehemiah responded with weeping, and then prayer and fasting. Nehemiah was not afraid to show his emotions. He asked God to remember His covenant people. Nehemiah did the right thing. He went to God when Jerusalem was at it's lowest. God would answer in awesome ways!

Romans 11 - It has been said that Romans 1-11 make up the great doctrinal portion of the book of Romans, and Romans 12-16 make up the practical application of the doctrinal truths presented in the first eleven chapters. I agree with that.

So, Paul ends his great doctrinal section of the book by teaching about the relationship that Jewish and Gentile believers have with each other. God has grafted in Gentile believers with those Jewish believers who have trusted in His son, the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

It is important for the body of Christ to get along and to recognize how special each believer is. This chapter should be a blessing to anyone who is a follower of Christ, for it shows the lengths that Christ went to in order to allow each of us to be a part of His family.

Join us for Walk Through the Bible's Old Testament Seminar at Woodbury Community Church, April 11, 2010

2010-03-16T13:56:00.003-05:00

Walk Thru the Bible is Coming to Woodbury Community Church on Sunday, April 11. Join us for a life-changing day as we discover the Old Testament in powerful ways. Check out this video, and if interested call the church office at (651) 739-1427 to register you and your family today!

Notes from my Bible Study for March 15, 2010

2010-03-15T15:11:00.003-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 74, Exodus 20:1‐17, Ezra 10, Romans 9:30‐10:21

Psalm 74 - The temple was the greatest symbol of national pride in the nation of Israel. And now it lay in ruins. Psalm 74 is a psalm of lament, meant to be sung by the people to remember what had happened to God's temple. It is a psalm of Asaph, and it reveals the depth of despair that the people must have felt as they reflected upon that which was now lost. The psalm asks God to work on behalf of His people. In our toughest days, there is nowhere to turn but God. That is what Asaph does, and calls the people to do as well.

Exodus 20:1-17 - Ten Commandments, given from God to Moses for the Children of Israel. These commands make up the moral fabric of society. Thousands of others laws would come, but there would be no need for these laws if the Ten Commandments were lived out.

When Jesus was asked in the New Testament what the Greatest Commandment was, He answered to love the Lord your God with all of you heart, soul, mind and strength, and the second is like it; to love your neighbor as yourself. if we love God first, and love others second, we will never be guilty of breaking any of these commands. Our sin is a result of choosing to believe that our way is better than God's. Choose wisely.

Ezra 10 - Ezra ten picks up where the last chapter left off. The people recognize their sin in marrying foreign women. The vast majority make amends before God. They put away their foreign wives and covenant themselves once again to God. It seems harsh in our western mindsets to see such behavior, but God was calling these men to live a holy life, set apart to Him. They were his people, and were not to intermarry with those who were not.

Romans 9:30-10:21 - Paul reasserts that salvation is for everyone, Jew and Gentile, but that we have a responsibility in the matter. In Romans 9, we read about a God who calls people to Himself. In Romans 10:9-10, we read about our responsibility in the matter:

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

How many people there are who miss heaven because of the distance between their head and their heart. We must humble ourselves and accept God's free gift of salvation. We must allow Jesus Christ to rule as Lord of our lives. We must recognize that Jesus is who He said that He was. He is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus. We must recognize that because of Jesus' resurrection power, all of us have the gift of salvation available to us. The question is, "Will we accept Christ's free gift?"

Notes from my Bible Study for March 14, 2010

2010-03-14T21:08:00.006-05:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 73, Exodus 19, Ezra 9, Romans 9:1-29

Psalm 73 - Book three of the Psalms opens with a wonderful testimony of the way that God had worked in the life of the psalmist. This psalm was written by Asaph. At first we see a man conflicted. He writes as one who is frustrated by the fact that the wicked not only prosper, but that their life looks better than his. In verses 16-17, Asaph worships God in His temple and his entire perspective changes. The psalm literally turns itself around. Instead of seeing things from a skewed, earthly perspective, Asaph now has God's perspective. Instead of seeing all that he is missing by not living according to the world's standards, Asaph realizes who he is in Christ.

We could learn much from this psalm. Asaph's struggles mirror contemporary culture. Many of us struggle with the desire to be just like the world. God has a plan for us that is so much better than anything that the world can offer us. We can lose perspective when we isolate ourselves from the Lord. We need to spend time with Him in order to see this world with the correct eyes. Praise God for all that He has blessed you with today.

Exodus 19 - This is a crucial chapter in the book of Exodus. It is here that God and the Children of Israel make a covenant with each other. He will be there God and they will be their people. God chose the people of Israel for Himself, and they too chose God. After making the decision that God would be the One that they followed, the Lord made Moses an intermediary between God and the people. Moses and Aaron were allowed on God's holy hill. The people were not. How awe inspiring it must have been to see the power of God displayed on that mountain! The people heard God's voice. The people saw great displays of God's power. God let the people know in no uncertain terms however that to come on the mountain would cost them their lives. Why? He was establishing the concept of His holiness, and being a people who are set apart to a holy God.

I appreciate this note from the ESV Literary Study Bible: The people of Israel reach the goal of their pilgrimage and camp at the foot of Mount Sinai (vv. 1–2). Moses alone goes up the mountain to meet with God, who invites his people to belong to him in the covenant and to be his treasured possession among the nations (vv. 3–6). The people accept this invitation and go through elaborate preparations to consecrate themselves for the holy worship of God. The tension in this chapter comes from the dangerous presence of God, who is so awesome that people may not even touch his holy mountain (vv. 12–13, 21) but can only tremble at the divine glory they see in fire and smoke and hear in the thundering voice of God (vv. 16–18). This dramatic portrayal of divine majesty serves to emphasize the crucial role of Moses as the mediator who goes between the people and God. The dominant literary motif is the *theophany—the appearance of the deity amid spectacular natural displays.

Ezra 9 - God had set the Children of Israel apart to Himself. As such, He had established a number of laws that they were to abide by. Among those laws was that the Children of Israel were not to intermarry with other nations. Somewhere along the line, it had become the cultural norm for the Israelites to intermarry with other nations. In Ezra's ninth chapter, Ezra takes stock of the nation of Israel. The people had drifted so far from God. Drift in one area and you are bound to drift in others. This was just one area that the Israelites were rejecting God's authority in their lives, ultimately allowing idolatry to creep into the land. Ezra pleads on behalf of the people for God's mercy, reminding the Lord that there was a faithful remnant following Him.

Romans 9:1-29 - Paul begins a new section of teaching in Romans 9. Romans 9-11 deal with God's plan for Israel. The Lord is not through with Israel. He still has a special place in His heart for the nation. They are a covenantal people. Paul begins to deal with the difficult question about what God does with a people who have rejected Christ as the Messiah. He teaches about God's sovereignty and the fact that God saves some and rejects others. As he teaches, he raises a series of rhetorical questions, which he answers immediately. In order to understand chapter nine, you must read it in context with chapters 10-11. Some of Scripture's most clear teaching on the doctrine of election is shown in these chapters. Paul shows how God sometimes allows people to reject Him so that He will ultimately be glorified. He uses Moses' interactions with Pharaoh as an example of this.

The Literary Study Bible does a better job of explaining this than me. Here is what the study notes in that Bible say: Chapter 9 marks the beginning of a major new section in the body of the epistle. The apostle has just stated that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. But what about the Jews? Hasn’t God rejected them for rejecting the Christ? The next three chapters will explain God’s purpose for Paul’s fellow Israelites and in doing so will also probe the mysteries of divine sovereignty and the doctrine of election. The main point of the first section is that God is absolutely sovereign in saving some people and rejecting others. The apostle advances this biblical, logical, and theological argument by making the following points, many of them with reference to specific examples and prophecies in the Old Testament: to Paul’s distress, and despite having every spiritual advantage, many of his beloved fellow Jews have rejected the Christ (vv. 1–5); this does not mean that God’s promise has failed, however, because the doctrine of election teaches that God never intended to save each and every person (vv. 6–13); to answer the objection that election is unfair, Paul proves God’s justice by appealing to the example of his sovereign dealings with Moses and Pharaoh (vv. 14–18); to answer the objection that divine sovereignty eliminates human responsibility, Paul shows that it is God’s unquestionable prerogative to glorify himself by showing mercy to the people he chooses to save and wrath to the people he chooses to destroy, whether Jews or Gentiles (vv. 20–29). The rhetorical strategy of raising questions and then immediately answering them continues to dominate the letter.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 13, 2010

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Today's Reading: Psalm 72, Exodus 18, Ezra 8, Romans 8:18‐39

Psalm 72 - Psalm 72 represents both the last psalm of book number two of the psalms, but also the last psalm in the section of the prayers of David. I believe that Solomon was the author of this psalm. I love what the king prays for.

In this section we see a king praying that he might rule the people well, that he would take care of the poor in his land, and that all nations of the earth might be blessed through his kingdom. What awesome things for a king to pray for! It is a good picture of what righteous leadership looks like.

Exodus 18 - Moses had a terrific father-in-law. Jethro loved Moses. He genuinely cared for his son-in-law. When he joined Moses in the wilderness and saw all that was on the plate of Moses, Jethro gave him GREAT advice. Moses wasn't too proud to listen to godly advice. That is one of the signs of a great leader. Because Moses listened and created essentially the first government of the people of Israel.

Jethro knew the value of shared responsibility. Do you ever try to carry too much on your plate? It may be time for you to listen to Jethro's advice too!

Ezra 8 - I didn't add any notes to this section of Scripture.

Romans 8:18-39 - Paul brings this section of teaching to a close with an argument that all that we suffer on this side of glory cannot compare to the wonderful life that awaits those who trust in Christ as Savior. He then begins to describe God's love - a love that reaches out to everyone, calls all to Himself, and yet forces non one to choose Him. Then Paul declares that nothing can separate the redeemed from the love of God. God's everlasting love is described in great and awesome detail!

Notes from my Bible Study for March 12, 2010

2010-03-12T18:04:00.005-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 71, Exodus 17, Ezra 7, Romans 8:1‐17

Psalm 71 -As I read Psalm 71, I see the faithfulness of God written all over it. David was once again clearly spent. He had been faithful to God, and had seen God's faithfulness demonstrated to him, but he was desperately waiting for God to show it once again. I love the faith and the worship that David offers in this psalm. He is in despair, but not without hope. He is under siege, so he sends a prayer siege God's way. I love verses 5-6 of this psalm:

5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. 6 Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb.
My praise is continually of you.

Exodus 17 - The Children of Israel had been gone from Egypt for a little while when they began to face opposition. The first opposition was wondering where food would come from. God provided the food for them (for a period of 40 years), then they worried about water and God provided water from a rock. Then they had a real test. An enemy army rose up against Israel, and Moses, who by this time had seen God work miracle after miracle through him, held the staff of the Lord above his head as Moses stood at the top of the mountain observing the battle. Every time Moses held his arms up, Israel prevailed. Every time his hands fell by his side, the enemy army prevailed. Eventually Moses' arms grew tired. It's in that moment that we see a beautiful example of a people who have caught a Godly vision. Aaron and Hur held Moses' arms up for him, and Israel prevailed; wiping out their enemy for good.

We need godly people to come alongside of us when we are weak. Aaron and Hur did the godly thing. They helped a brother in need, and God blessed a nation through it.

Ezra 7 - When I read Ezra 7, I just want to say, "Wow!" King Artaxerxes of Persia was the mightiest king of his time. He was not particularly known for being a godly man. But, kings who disregard God are nothing in the hand of Almighty God. The Lord worked on the heart of Artaxerxes to allow Ezra to not only go to Judah, but to bring the brightest and godliest men in the kingdom back to Judah with him. Then he told Ezra that the Mosaic law should be observed by the Jewish people. A pagan king wanted the worship of Jehovah reinstated in Judah! Now, that is a God thing!

Romans 8:1-17 - 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

I am a child of God! If you are a Christian, you are God's child. You have been made a joint heir with Christ. What wonderful news! Romans 8 spells out for us the life that we are to live because of the Holy Spirit's work within us. Following Christ is not always easy this side of heaven. Romans 8:17 indicates that it is the normative experience of the Christian to experience suffering this side of heaven. May we not forget that! But, as we live for Christ, may we remember that there is an inheritance in Christ that makes it all worth it.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 11, 2010

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Today's Reading: Psalm 70, Exodus 15:22‐16:36, Ezra 6, Romans 7

Psalm 70 - 4 May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”

The words of Psalm 70:4 encompass a beautiful truth. Those of us who have experienced the salvation of Christ should forever speak about how great our God is.

As a pastor, there are certain times when I worship God and feel chills up and down my spine. That often times happens when I sing, How Great Is Our God or How Great Thou Art. There is something wonderful about proclaiming the greatness of God.

In what ways has God shown His greatness in your life? I'd love to hear about it.

Exodus 15:22-16:36 - It didn't take long for the Children of Israel to start grumbling upon the exodus from Egypt. Some felt that they had it better in Egypt, because even though they were slaves, they had plenty of food to eat and water to drink.

God would not leave His people in desperation. Instead, He provided food from heaven for forty years. Imagine what it would be like to be fed for 40 years from the hand of God! Such was the case for Israel. God loved these people, even though they were stubborn and often times doubted God.

Ezra 6 - King Darius was a good man. He was true to his word that the people of Israel should be able to build their temple once again. There were those who were threatened at what might happen if the Israelites were allowed to rebuild, Darius was not one of them. He was so true to his word that he made a threat to anyone who would stop the Jewish people from being able to do the work that God had allowed for them to do on the temple.

Ezra's sixth chapter records the completion of the second temple. This was the temple that Jesus would teach in many years later. This temple would stand until the Roman government would burn it down in 70 AD. It was completed in the year 516 BC. So, it stood for 586 years! The people of Israel rejoiced at it's completion, and once again celebrated the faithfulness of God during Passover.

Romans 7 - All people struggle with sin. Even the spiritual giant, Paul struggled with sin! He talked about the battle that he had with sin in Romans 7, even going so far as to call himself a wretched man. I love the hope that Paul gives us in this chapter. When we struggle with sin, the answer is found in Jesus Christ. He can rescue us from the battle that we have with the flesh. He is our hope and our salvation. Trust in Him today.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 10, 2010

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Today's Reading: Psalm 69, Exodus 15:1‐21, Ezra 5, Romans 6

Psalm 69 - You can see it all over the paragraphs that make up Psalm 69. David was hurting. His enemies were increasing. He was being talked about in negative ways by so many people that even the bums in Jerusalem were making drunken songs up about him. He had been waiting so long for God to answer his prayers that he described his waiting as making his eyes hurt. But, his trust remained in the Lord.

When we are down, when God seem absent, and when our name is drug through the mud by our enemies, we must not lose hope. God will work in His time. It's with confidence and faith that David wrote verse 13, may we say the same:

13 But as for me, my o prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.

Exodus 15:1-21 - Exodus 15:1-21 records the song of Moses and the people of Israel. This song represented pure worship and adoration directed towards God. The beauty of song for the Hebrew people is that it became an oral way to remember what God had done for them. The children and grandchildren of the former captives would sing this song, remembering what God did for the children of Israel.

Ezra 5 - The children of Israel had given up hope. They had forgotten that God had commanded them to build the temple. Haggai and Zechariah, reminded them of the priority of the work. The work had been stopped by Israel's enemies before. Now, the work continued and God's hand was with the people.

Romans 6 - There is a continual battle that takes place in our lives this side of heaven. Our sin nature battles the work of the Holy Spirit with in.

Our condition before we become Christians is that we are slaves to sin. To be a slave to sin is an awful thing. It means that sin is what once ruled us.

New life in Christ means that we are no longer slaves to sin, but we are slaves to righteousness. We can overcome sin's power in our life through the power of the Holy Spirit. This means that we must daily submit the rule and lordship in our life to God's Spirit. We must allow the Holy Spirit to be our guide, our conscience, and submit to His authority in our lives.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 9, 2010

2010-03-09T21:34:00.004-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 68, Exodus 14, Ezra 4, Romans 5:12‐21

Psalm 68 - Psalm 68 begins with a powerful declaration about the power of God over His enemies. 1 God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him! 2 As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God! 3 But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!

There was something that just struck me tonight about the imagery of wax melting before a fire. What a comparison to how the wicked will perish before God! It compels me to want to witness more so that more people will know the grace of God and not have to experience such horrific and yet holy wrath.

Exodus 14 - I have been a follower of Jesus since I was a child. You would think that after reading this story many times, and hearing read or listening to sermons based upon this event, I might get tired of the story. I'm not. As I read this story tonight, I felt like I was reading it for the first time.

Think about what this passage is saying! God miraculously saved the children of Israel from the most mighty army on the face of the earth. He separated the Red Sea! He allowed an entire nation to cross the Sea on dry ground! God is a remarkable wonder worker. If my God could do this, surely He can help me through any problem I face. God is good.

Ezra 4 - Talk about frustrating! You have waited years to return to your homeland. You became afraid to dream about such things, because you were afraid of disappointment. Finally, the day has come. You are not only released from the bondage of slavery, but you are instructed to rebuild your house of worship and your city. The work starts and for two years progress is made. And then comes opposition.

Such is the challenge the Children of Israel faced when rebuilding the temple and the city of Jerusalem. The work started and then was halted. It would take generations before the work would be completed.

I'm sure the people were discouraged. They probably questioned God. But all that they went through would make them stronger. God allowed these events to transpire in their lives. God would be glorified through what men meant for evil.

Romans 5:12-21 - I love Jesus. I can't help but write that after reading Romans 5:12-21. Just as Adam's sin ushered sin into the world, so Christ's death ushered in the opportunity for man to be redeemed by God. Christ's death on our behalf is the most beautiful act ever done for mankind. His death brought life for us, but it requires that we accept His free gift of salvation. Don't let your stubborn heart keep you from knowing God's Son.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 8, 2010

2010-03-08T21:39:00.003-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 67, Exodus 12:31‐13:22, Ezra 3, Romans 5:1‐11

Psalm 67 - Psalm 67:1 mimics the priestly blessing of Number 6:24-26. It is a common benediction that is used in churches. The first time I remember hearing the words, "The Lord make His face to shine upon you," was while preparing for my eighth grade graduation. Our class of middle schoolers was preparing to leave each other, and the last thing we would do as a class would be to sing the priestly blessing from Numbers. I remember thinking about all the places my eighth grade peers would attend school. I went to a high school that none of my junior high peers went to. I remember sincerely praying as we sang that God's face would shine upon my class.

I still keep in touch with many of those people. One of my eighth grade peers was Todd Beamer, one of the 9-11 heroes of Flight 93. God has used my classmates to do great things in this world. His face has truly shined upon them. What a wonderful thing to pray for!

Exodus 12:31-13:22 - It had happened. The Lord had delivered the people of Israel from the land of Egypt. And, as they left, the Egyptians showered the Israelites with gifts of silver and gold and clothing.

God took a personal interest in the Israelites. He knew that departing via the land of the Philistines might deter the Israelites, so He led them a different way, with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The people must have marveled in those early days at how gracious God's escape route had been.

Ezra 3 - The temple was the most sacred spot in all of Israel. It not only represented national pride, but it was the house where God dwelt! The the temple was destroyed, due to the sinfulness of the people of Judah, a nation mourned. The captivity had been long and hard. A generation had died out. And now, God was on the move.

The building of the altar and the temple was such a special thing. There were still a few alive who remembered the old temple. When they saw the foundation being laid, they wept. They wept tears of joy, and I'm sure tears of regret for the years that the nation had rejected God, prostituting themselves to other gods. Restoration, whether a building or a life is a beautiful thing!

Romans 5:1-11 - Paul was constantly amazed that Jesus loved him. He was, after all, an ex-murderer of Christians. God had so transformed Paul, that no matter what trials he went through in this life, he was at peace. God had made him whole. God had justified and forgiven him. God, while Paul was still a sinner, died for him! And, God died for you and me, while we were yet sinners.

Romans 5:8 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It's simplicity and pure joy are awesome. God loves you, friend! He loves you so much!

Notes from my Bible Study for March 7, 2010

2010-03-07T20:09:00.003-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 66, Exodus 11:1‐12:30, Ezra 2, Romans 4

Psalm 66 - There is a beautiful verse tucked away in Psalm 66 that shows the passion that the psalmist had for sharing the wonderful things that God had done in his life.

16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.

When we share what God is doing in our lives, it encourages others. It builds God up. It helps restore the faith in people that God is alive and well, and working on behalf of His people. Sharing a testimony of God's working power is such an important part of the Christian life. If it has been awhile since you have shared what God is doing in your life, take some time to do it this week. When we look for God's hand, we are often times surprised at just how much He is doing, and how much we have missed.

Exodus 11:1-12:30 - The final plague that was pronounced against the Egyptians was the death of all of the firstborn children and livestock in the land of Egypt. God gave specific instructions for the Jewish people on how to prepare their homes so that the angel would pass over the homes and spare them. God also gave them specific instructions on how to prepare their meal.

This final plague was so severe that not one Egyptian home was spared. There was death everywhere. What a harsh punishment for the hardening of Pharaoh's heart.

This was the genesis of the Passover celebration that continues to this day.

Ezra 2 - Oh happy day! What an incredible day it must have been for the exiled peoples of Judah to be able to return to Jerusalem and their home towns after spending years of captivity in Babylon. Ezra's second chapter is a list of all of the family units represented in the exiles.

Romans 4 - Romans 4 answers an important theological question. How were Old Testament saints saved? Was it because of their works, or because of their faith?

Paul answers in no uncertain terms that Abraham, the father of the great nation of Israel, was justified by faith and nothing else. Just like you and me, Abraham was justified by faith in the Messiah. While he didn't know that Jesus would be the Messiah, for Jesus would not come for thousands of years, Abraham was aware of the fact that Messiah would come. He chose to place His faith in Messiah, long before the prophecy of Messiah was fulfilled. Abraham was justified by faith, just like those of us who have trusted in Jesus as our Savior and Lord.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 6, 2010

2010-03-06T18:16:00.007-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 65, Exodus 9:13‐10:29, Ezra 1, Romans 3:21‐31

Psalm 65 - Prayer is a beautiful thing. It is one way that we communicate with God. David loved payer, and speaks of its power and beauty in Psalm 65. David was a warrior king, but also a man of tender prayer and worship. He recognized in his prayers the need to worship God and adore His name and His works.

We often times use the ACTS acronym when talking about prayer. A stands for Adoration; C stands for Confession, T stands for Thanksgiving, and S stands for Supplication. David had adoration of God regularly displayed in his prayers.

Exodus 9:13-10:29 - Three more plagues come upon the Egyptian people in this passage. The first was the plague of hail. Imagine the worst hail storm you have ever been in. Now imagine something much more terrible. Hail can be devastating to property and crops. Pharaoh had enough! He was ready to release the people. But, when the plague was over, so was his resolve to allow the children of Israel to leave.

Pharaoh's pattern continues with the next two plagues; the plagues of locust and darkness. These plagues would take care of the rest of Egypt's crops. Again, we see a hardhearted and wicked monarch ignoring God.

Ezra 1 - What a historic event! The Children of Israel had been living in captivity in Babylon for years. King Cyrus of Persia reversed the policy of previous administrations in the land and allowed for the captives to return home to rebuild their temple. God was working on behalf of the Children of Israel.

Romans 3:21-31 - Paul speaks of the fact that every human being that has ever lived is guilty of sin. There is no one righteous. None of us deserves God's grace, but God gave us his grace as a gift. It requires that we accept His gift by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. When Jesus becomes Lord of our life, we uphold the law of God. Upholding the law doesn't save us, Jesus saves us, and He does that through our faith.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 5, 2010

2010-03-05T21:53:00.002-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 64, Exodus 8:20‐9:12, 2 Chronicles 36, Romans 3:9‐20

Psalm 64 - Psalm 64 is another one of David's psalms where he requests God's help. This time, David is being slandered by evil people. The imagery of the wickedness that comes from the mouths of his accusers is intense. David prays that the people would become caught in their own folly. He prays that their words would turn back upon them.

God repeatedly assures His children that the truth will one day be shouted from the mountaintops. David's responsibility here is to trust that God will allow the truth to be known. It will come in God's time. In the meantime, David must trust that God has his back.

Exodus 8:20-9:12 - It must have been so difficult to be Moses. He loved the Children of Israel, but I believe he also loved many of the Egyptians. He had grown up in an Egyptian home; in the very home of Pharaoh. God had told Moses that Pharaoh's heart would be hardened, but I bet Moses stood in disbelief after each plague was sent.

The fourth, fifth and sixth plagues were flies, the death of Egyptian livestock, and boils. Six plagues have now passed, and Pharaoh's heart is just as hard as it was in the beginning. Moses was learning much about how hard the condition of the human heart could be.

2 Chronicles 36 - The book of 2 Chronicles ends with the fall of Judah. How sad to see the nation fall to the hands of the Babylonians and Jerusalem destroyed so soon after the reign of Josiah. It would be interesting to read 2 Chronicles 36 in conjunction with the books of Daniel and Jeremiah. Judah's fall had everything to do with the nation continually rejecting God. A nation that honors God will prosper. There is no question about it. When we neglect God, and neglect His precepts, we are headed for trouble.

Romans 3:9-20 - There can be no question about where Paul stands on the righteousness of man after reading Romans 3:9-20. No man, woman, boy or girl is righteous. Not one of us have sought or understood God. We cannot pretend to be righteous because we follow the law, or say the right things. It is only through the righteousness of God that any of us can be found to be righteous. We all sin, and our sin has created a serious problem for humanity. We need a Savior. And, that Savior is Jesus Christ.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 4, 2010

2010-03-04T21:28:00.002-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 63, Exodus 7:14‐8:19, 2 Chronicles 35:20‐27, Romans 2:17‐3:8

Psalm 63 - There is a beautiful picture that emerges in Psalm 63 about the love and craving that David had for God. He paints a picture of desperation for God and things of God. Nothing on this earth, not even life could satisfy David the way that God could. Is God your everything? Does your soul thirst for Him more than anything else in the world? I want that type of love for God. I want to love Him more than I love myself or the things of this world. What is it about temporary pleasures that hold the human heart so hostage? May we run to the things of God.

Exodus 7:14-8:19 - And so it began! God commanded Moses to go to Pharaoh to ask for the Children of Israel to be released from their bondage, and Pharaoh refused. So, the first three plagues came. First came blood. The Nile was turned to blood. All the fish died. The water was undrinkable. A stench came over the land. You would think that would be enough for any leader to release the slaves. But, Pharaoh's heart was hardened. The next plague was the frogs that came all over the land. They were hopping everywhere. The frogs covered Egypt. But, that did not soften the heart of Pharaoh. Then came the gnats. Oh what a terrible bother the gnats must have been, but Pharaoh's hardened heart would bring no mercy on his people or the children of Israel. May we learn from Pharaoh's heart.

2 Chronicles 35:20-27 - The death of Josiah is a sad one. God was speaking through an Egyptian Pharaoh, but Josiah didn't listen. Instead, Josiah did what seemed right to him. He died in a battle that God wanted him to have nothing to do with.

Romans 2:17-3:8 - Have you ever been around someone that could talk a good talk, but didn't walk the walk? If so, you know that their talk falls flat when it isn't accompanied by practice. We should be a people who practice what it is that we say we believe. Paul accused many Jews of saying one thing and doing another. He said that God would judge those who behaved in such ways. It is the same way with Gentiles. God cares more about what we do than what we say. May our actions be the actions of people who truly believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that He expects His children to walk like Him.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 3, 2010

2010-03-03T21:23:00.003-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 62, Exodus 6:10‐7:13, 2 Chronicles 35:1‐19, Romans 2:1‐16

Psalm 62 - Verses 11-12 speak to the fact that God is a God of steadfast love and is all powerful. We can trust in his faithfulness and love. He will render to men according to their work. In other words, our actions tell where our heart is. God is watching. Be sure of the fact that as He does, He watches as a God who is faithful and just and all powerful.

Exodus 6:10-7:13 - I had never noticed what God told Moses in Exodus 7:1-2:

And the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. 2 You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land.

Can you imagine God telling you that you would be like God to the most powerful ruler in the world? Moses, who had once again been giving God excuses, must have been shocked. God laid out the plan, and Moses and his brother Aaron agreed to follow God's plan.

2 Chronicles 35:1-19 - The faithfulness of Josiah, King of Judah is shown in this chapter. Not only did he follow the Lord, but he reinstated the Passover. Josiah took the Passover so seriously, that the chronicler tells us that the Passover had not been celebrated in Israel so well since the days of Samuel.

Romans 2:1-16 - It was earlier today (in Psalm 62:12) that I read about God rendering to each according to their work, and here it is again in Romans 2:6.

The apostle Paul speaks much about God's judgment as it relates to man's sin in Romans 2. It has been shown throughout the Bible that the human heart is exceedingly wicked. Paul reminds us to check our heart. God will judge the secrets of man. No man is without excuse for our actions, because the Holy Spirit is constantly speaking to us through our conscience about right and wrong. We need to be a people who seek the things of God.

Notes from my Bible Study for March 2, 2010

2010-03-02T18:14:00.005-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 61, Exodus 5:1‐6:9, 2 Chronicles 34, Romans 1:18‐32

Psalm 61 - "from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint," are the words that David uses when asking God to listen to his prayer at the end of verse two.

Have you ever had a faint heart? When our heart is feeling week, when we are discouraged, when we are struggling, it is good fro us to remember that God is our Refuge. He is our Rock. He can be depended upon no matter the condition of our heart.

Aren't you glad that God's faithfulness does not depend upon how strong our feelings are towards Him? May we ever praise His name!

Exodus 5:1-6:9 - Have you ever been frustrated with God? Moses was! At the end of Exodus 5, Moses asked God a very sincere question:

22 Then Moses turned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.”

Can you relate? Sometimes God calls us to do something and it goes nothing like we thought that it would. Such was the case with Moses. The Egyptian taskmasters and Pharaoh made things tougher than ever on the Israelite slaves after Moses confronted Pharaoh. But, God's plan remained the deliverance of the Children of Israel.

When God calls us to do something, we have to continue to trust in Him; even when things seemingly get worse.

2 Chronicles 34 - What a king Josiah was! He took the throne at eight years old and reigned for 31 years. He was a godly man who got rid of the idol worship of his predecessor. He was also on the throne when the book of the Law was found. I'm stuck by Josiah's response to hearing the book of the Law read. He tore his clothes and wept at the spiritual depravity of his nation, and the judgment promised for lawbreakers in the Torah. God showed mercy to Josiah, for the faithfulness that Josiah showed to God.

Romans 1:18-32 - Romans 1:18-32 tells the sad tale of those who exchange the things of God for the things of the world. God eventually gave the Gentiles that Paul spoke of up to their sin, and Paul speaks of the tragedy of exchanging the things of God for sin. May we not make the same mistake, and may we help rescue those who are making those mistakes before it is too late!

Notes from my Bible Study for March 1, 2010

2010-03-01T12:33:00.005-06:00

Psalm 60, Exodus 4, 2 Chronicles 33, Romans 1:1‐17

Psalm 60 - Psalm 60 is a psalm of instruction. It teaches the Israelite army how they should pray when going into battle. Apparently, this psalm was written at a time when things were not going so well for Israel. David instructs the army to pray to the Lord for their help. To go into battle, relying only upon human strength and ingenuity would only lead to disaster. The people needed God's wisdom and God's blessing.

Exodus 4 - Excuses, excuses, excuses! It's what Moses first offered to God upon God's calling on Moses' life. God saw something in Moses that Moses couldn't see in himself.

Do we offer God excuses when He calls us to certain tasks? God had an answer for everyone of Moses' excuses, eventually allowing Aaron to be the spokesman for his brother. God equipped Moses for the task ahead of him, and God will do the same thing with you.

2 Chronicles 33 - "Some people gotta learn the hard way," was the lyrics of a song that I used to listen to all the time. Manasseh is an example of someone who had to learn the hard way. His father had been a righteous king, but Manasseh turned his back upon God. When Manasseh was brought into slavery, he repented from the error of his ways. He became a follower of Jehovah, after having worshipped at the altar of idols. Unfortunately, Manasseh's son, Amon, followed in Manasseh's early example. He too worshipped idols, and his reign only lasted two years.

Romans 1:1-17 - I have more commentaries in my office on the book of Romans than any other book of the Bible. I love this book, and am so excited to enter into the study of Romans.

Paul loved the church at Rome. When he wrote the book of Romans, he had not yet visited this group of believers. He had heard all about them though, because their faith was legendary. People around the world talked about the Roman church (vs. 8), perhaps because of the persecution that they endured under.

I love verses 11-12 of Romans 1. In each church I have served, I have used these verses on my first Sunday to convey my excitement about serving in that ministry setting. The words say, "11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.

I can't tell you how many times I've seen those verses lived out in my life. Mutual encouragement of each other is a quality of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Paul ends this chapter with these powerful words concerning the Gospel:

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

The Gospel is so powerful. Nothing in the world can transform lives like the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I watched again yesterday in amazement as God led six people into relationship with His Son Jesus Christ, through the simple proclamation of the Gospel. When we proclaim the Gospel, people respond! We need to be obedient to proclaim the Word, and let God do the work of drawing people to Him.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 28, 2010

2010-02-28T21:48:00.004-06:00

Psalm 59, Exodus 2:23‐3:22, 2 Chronicles 32, Acts 28:16‐31

Psalm 59 - I'm struck at the persistence with which David's enemies are painted in this chapter. Again and again the enemies come for David, and again and again David trusts in God's protection. David addresses God with the pronoun, "my Strength," in this passage. What a beautiful picture of Who God is!

Exodus 2:23-3:22 - The children of Israel may have felt abandoned by God as they lived as slaves in Egypt, but God had not forgotten them. He was raising up a servant, in the middle of the desert, to go before Pharaoh on behalf of God.

Moses was a fugitive from justice, a man with no confidence in his speaking ability, one who was raised as a Prince in Egypt by a royal family that was not his own, one of the only surviving Hebrew men that was of his age, and one who was not sure about much of anything. He was also someone that God felt that He could use.

The choice of Moses to lead the Children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt and into the Promised Land was a beautiful one. If God could use Moses to deliver a nation, He can use you to accomplish His purposes too. Let God work through you, and be amazed at what He does.

Moses offered God every excuse in the book as to why he could not be used by God. God had an answer for every one of Moses' excuses. Has God called you to do something that you have put excuses up for? God loves to take our excuses and turn them upside down. He did it with Moses, and He will do it with you. When God calls you to do something, don't make excuses, just do it!

2 Chronicles 32 - This is a remarkable chapter. Sennacherib was the king of the Assyrians. The Assyrian army was strong. They had toppled enemy after enemy. When the King of Assyria rose his armies up against King Hezekiah, and the armies of Judah, Sennacherib was cocky and confident. He was convinced that he would leave Judah in ruins. He mocked Jehovah, basically saying that God was no more powerful than the gods made of hands in the other nations that he had triumphed over.

God would not be mocked. Many times, God chooses to let people speak poorly of Him, and still "prosper" on earth. Not so this time! This time God immediately judged Sennacherib and his armies, giving Hezekiah and his armies the victory. God has told us that, "I will not be mocked." It may not come in this life, but God will get the last laugh on those who mock Him.

Acts 28:16-31 - The book of Acts ends with Paul finally preaching in Rome. He remained in Rome for two years, preaching and teaching the truth of the Gospel. Luke is careful to include that Paul remained in Rome at his own expense. He wanted the people of Rome to know Jesus, and he was willing to underwrite the effort himself, so that the Romans could no God.

To get a sense of how much Paul wanted to preach in Rome, see Romans 1:11, 12, "11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine."

Notes from my Bible Study for February 27, 2010

2010-02-27T19:22:00.003-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 58, Exodus 1:22‐2:22, 2 Chronicles 31, Acts 27:1‐28:15

Psalm 58 - Psalm 58 is a good reminder to the people about just who it is that judges the earth. When it seems like the evil continually prosper, the righteous can take comfort in the fact that God is the ultimate judge of the earth. He will deal with those who live wicked lives.

Exodus 1:22-2:22 - Enter Moses, one of history's most interesting figures. Moses was born to just the right family. To see how God protected Moses' life, from his very birth, is a beautiful picture of the grace and the sovereignty of God. How beautiful that Moses' own mother was able to help raise him, even though the command was to kill all Hebrew babies. God had important plans for this child.

2 Chronicles 31 - Hezekiah's good decisions continue in 2 Chronicles 31. Now, he organized the priests, making sure that the priests fulfilled the duties for which they were set apart.

A beautiful summary of Hezekiah's reign is given at the end of chapter 31: 20 Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. 21 And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered

Acts 27:1-28:15 - Paul dreamed of going to Rome. It probably wasn't his dream to go as a prisoner, but Paul looked on the bright side. God had work for Paul to do in Rome. But, along the way, God would first allow Paul to experience a shipwreck. Paul's faith before the wreck encouraged the sailors. His faith after the wreck helped transform an island. And, then after three months on an unplanned island trip, Paul finally sailed for Rome. How good it would be for Paul to be able to encourage the Christians at Rome; even if he had to do it as a prisoner! Paul always looked for opportunities to tell people about Christ.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 26, 2010

2010-02-26T22:01:00.002-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 57, Exodus 1:1‐21, 2 Chronicles 30, Acts 25‐26

Psalm 57 - Two times in this Psalm, David writes, "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!"

David wanted people to recognize the glory of God, and to worship Him alone. This was one of the Psalms that was written when David hid in a cave as he fled from Saul. Even in the difficulty of his situation, David was thinking about praising God!

Exodus 1:1-21 - God's chosen people have been an oppressed people throughout history. Upon the death of Joseph, and his generation, a new king came to rule over Egypt. Joseph had long since been forgotten, and the new Pharaoh feared the Israelites. He wanted the male children to be killed, because he feared how numerous the Israelites were growing in the land of Egypt. The Egyptian midwives did an honorable thing and saved the lives of the boys that Pharaoh wanted dead. But, tough times were ahead for the Israelites.

2 Chronicles 30 - - 2 Chronicles 30 is a great example of the difference that one man can make in a nation. Hezekiah loved the Lord. The people had forgotten how to love God, keep His commandments, and celebrate His festivals. Even the priests had abandoned their responsibilities.

Hezekiah called a nation to repentance and righteousness. There was initial shame felt by the people when the Passover was ready to be celebrated. This was replaced by joy when the people received the pardon and forgiveness of God.

We should be a people that seek to live righteous lives. We ought to run to the things of God and run from the world. We need God more than we think we need God. When the Israelites experienced more of Him, they wanted even more. This was shown by the extension of Passover to another week.

Acts 25-26 - Paul was hated by a certain group of people in Jerusalem. They were willing to do or say anything in order to get Paul in trouble. They wanted him dead, and had conspired to make it happen.

Acts 25-26 shows the futility of their plans, and the sovereignty of God. Paul, the prisoner, had an opportunity to share his faith with two of the region's most powerful men, Festus, and King Agrippa. He was also able to share with all of Festus and Agrippa's advisers.

I love the way that Paul tried his best to persuade King Agrippa to become a follower of Jesus. In the end, Agrippa turned Paul down, but it was only because Agrippa wanted to continue to live in his sinful lifestyle, not because Paul hadn't persuaded him that Jesus was the Messiah.

We can give some people the most compelling evidence in the world that Jesus is Messiah, but they might still turn us down when we encourage them to trust Jesus with their life. It's called the willful roadblock, and is the roadblock that people who don't want to give up their lifestyle deal with. It was well known, at the time, that King Agrippa was in an incestuous relationship with his wife's sister, and didn't want to give that up. Paul didn't see Agrippa beyond the point of God's redemption.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 25, 2010

2010-02-25T16:12:00.004-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 56, Genesis 50:15-26, 2 Chronicles 29, Acts 23:12‐24:27

Psalm 56 - David's perspective on what man can do and what God can do is a good one. He wrote Psalm 56 when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Things didn't look good for David. But, he trusted in the Lord.

He wrote the following in verses 10-11, "10 In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, 11 in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

If God is for us, who can be against us? That is the passion with which David wrote, and what he truly believed in his heart. His faith was firmly in God's camp.

Genesis 50:15-26 - The perspective that Joseph gained over his years of trusting God was priceless. This is a man, whose brothers had sold him into slavery, and who responded in nothing but love.

Joseph's eternal perspective is shown in Genesis 50:20, "20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."

I'm grateful for the strong faith of Joseph, and the forgiveness and faith that he showed as he lived his life.

2 Chronicles 29 - How refreshing it must have been to the people of Judah to experience a righteous king after so many kings who chased after false gods. 2 Chronicles 29 is the first chapter in which the reign of Hezekiah is described. The Chronicler pays more attention to Hezekiah's reign than any other king. He was a godly king who re-instituted worship at the temple. He honored the priesthood, and honored the worship of Jehovah.

Acts 23:12-24:27 - Once again we see Paul using whatever opportunity that God brings his way to honor the Lord. When a plot to kill Paul is discovered, he is brought before Felix to be tried. When before Felix, Paul spoke passionately from his heart about the things of God. He would not go down without others hearing about Jesus. What an awesome example!

Notes from my Bible Study for February 24, 2010

2010-02-24T22:13:00.006-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 55, Genesis 50:1‐14, 2 Chronicles 28, Acts 21:17 ‐23:11

Psalm 55 - Have you ever been betrayed by a best friend or family member? David's psalm of lament in Psalm 55 talks about such incredible pain. Many of David's lamenting psalms deal with God rescuing him from his enemies. This is the first instance I recall reading of David lamenting the betrayal of an old friend.

His solution remains trusting in God. He takes the pain that he is feeling and leaves it in God's lap. That is a good place to go when we are hurt by human beings. God will never betray us. He may allow us to experience pain, but when He does, it is for our good and growth.

Genesis 50:1-14 - I have been with many families as they have walked through the death of a loved one. Joseph honored his father, Jacob, upon Jacob's death. He followed through on the promise that he made to his father, to have him buried in the land of Canaan.

Joseph did a good thing. He honored his father's wishes. He asked Pharaoh for permission to leave and go back to Canaan to bury his father, and his request was granted. Joseph was a man of his word. Over and over again we see that when Joseph spoke, when he made a promise, he could be trusted. Godly leaders are men and women who keep their word.

2 Chronicles 28 - Much has been written about the wickedness of King Ahab in Israel. A reading of 2 Chronicles 28 makes me feel that King Ahaz may have been Judah's most wicked king. His worship of Baal and his worship of the gods of Judah's enemies are a clear picture of a king whoring after other gods. He led Judah to such a terrible place that God allowed Judah's enemies to kill 120,000 men in one day, and take another 200,000 women and children captives.

May we not chase after the gods of this world. I don't want to be accused of idolatry. I wonder what things I have placed ahead of God in my life.

Acts 21:17-23:11 - Paul must have had some suspicion that his trip to Jerusalem could be perilous for him. He was received warmly by James, the leader of the Jerusalem church and the half-brother of Jesus. The Jerusalem church was thrilled to hear what God was doing amongst the Gentiles.

After seven days in Jerusalem, false charges were brought up against Paul. The charges indicated that Paul was telling everyone, everywhere bad things about the people of Jerusalem, the law, and the temple. Truth be told, Paul was arrested because he was telling everyone, everywhere about Jesus, the Messiah.

It's interesting to see how Paul responds to his plight. He uses it as a platform to proclaim Jesus to even more people,many of whom he would have no access to if it weren't for the arrest.

Paul saw every opportunity to share Christ, whether in chains or free, as a blessing from Christ. May we have the same resolve to share Christ with others!

Notes from my Bible Study for February 23, 2010

2010-02-23T17:26:00.003-06:00

Psalm 54, Genesis 49, 2 Chronicles 27, Acts 20:17‐21:16

Psalm 54 - I can't imagine the pressure that David must have felt as he hid in fear of death by the hand of King Saul. Psalm 54 was a psalm that was written during this period of time in David's life. Despite the fear, David knew that his help came from the LORD. He faithfully depended upon God to carry him when the days were darkest. In our darkest of days, when God is all we have, we must recognize that God is all we need.

Genesis 49 - In this historic chapter, Jacob blesses his sons and then dies. It is in this chapter that the future of the twelve tribes of Israel are foretold. Pay particular attention to what is said about the tribe of Judah, for this is the tribe that Messiah will come from.

2 Chronicles 27 - Jotham reigned over Jerusalem for sixteen years, and 2 Chronicles 27 records that he became mighty because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God. Once again we see how God works on behalf of His people when they remain faithful to him.

Acts 20:17‐21:16 - I love the way in which Paul speaks to the Ephesian elders in this passage. He tells them the hard truth that the church needs to hear. He also warns them of the difficulties that lay ahead for them as a church. Paul was a true shepherd to the flock. He told them the truth in love, and protected them from false teachers that might come their way. He is a great example of how those in spiritual leadership should serve those under our care.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 22, 2010

2010-02-22T13:35:00.002-06:00

Psalm 53, Genesis 47:27‐48:22, 2 Chronicles 26, Acts 19:23‐20:16

Psalm 53 - God is constantly scanning the world to see if there are any who understand and seek after God. David uses this psalm to underscore the fact that there is no one like our God. There is no one who does good. It is the fool who says in his heart that there is no God. May we not be foolish. Seek after God with all your heart!'

Genesis 47:27-48:22 - Jacob was old. At 147 years old, his days on this earth would soon be over. This passage records the tender conversation that took place between Jacob and his favorite son, Joseph. It also records the blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh. As had been the case with Jacob and Esau, Ephraim is blessed as the firstborn even though Manasseh was the older child. This was not a mistake. Jacob knew what he was doing. God would indeed bless the Ephraimites.

2 Chronicles 26 - The old adage, "Pride goes before the fall," is evident in the story of Uzziah. His early reign was marked with great achievement. But, Uzziah became pride. He began to think that the rules didn't apply to him. So, he did what was not allowed in the temple of God. He burned incense. This was a job that was reserved for the priest, not the king. When confronted, in his arrogance, Uzziah insisted that he be allowed to burn incense. He then acquired leprosy, and lived with it the rest of his life. He would eventually die, isolated, because of his pride.

Acts 19:23‐20:16 - Once again the Apostle Paul faced opposition to his ministry. It's something that those who serve the Lord should expect. In this case, the opposition that Paul felt caused him to leave Ephesus. I believe this is because God had plans for Paul that were to happen elsewhere.

When Paul left Ephesus he encouraged believers in other regions, even raising one man from the dead. That would have never happened if Paul had still been in Ephesus.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 21, 2010

2010-02-21T18:26:00.006-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 52, Genesis 47:13‐26, 2 Chronicles 25, Acts 18:23‐19:22

Psalm 52 - As you read through the Psalms, the theme of trust runs through and through. Psalm 52 is one of those psalms that reflects David's trust of the Lord. David is once again being pursued by evil men, but instead of spending his time in worry and fear, David turns the table on his enemy.

In essence David is saying, "Listen, Bub! I'm not the one who needs to be afraid. You are coming against the Lord's anointed, and the Lord. Keep messing with God, and you will be the one who pays the price."

God doesn't promise us that Christians won't face difficult times. He doesn't even guarantee victory over our enemies. David felt assured that God would work on his behalf. If God chose not to, it would be okay, because David would have no regrets for how he was living his life.

Bottom line is this: live for God, not for men. Fear God, not men. Follow Him, no matter where He leads, and you will have no regret.

Genesis 47:13-26 - Joseph was a shrewd negotiator, and a wise leader. While the people of Egypt and Canaan may have grown to regret their decision to give themselves and their land as servants to Pharaoh, their decision saved their lives.

Joseph did not take all of the land. He took 20% and left 80% for the people. This allowed the ruling class to have enough food to provide for the nation in the event of the famine. The people worked hard, and their lives were spared.

2 Chronicles 25 - If there is a key verse in 2 Chronicles 25, it has to be verse two, "And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not with a whole heart."

The verse was speaking of Amaziah, the king of Judah. This king was 25 years old when he became king, and reigned in Jerusalem for 29 years. His worship of god was halfhearted, for he also worshipped false gods in the form of idols.

At first, Amaziah's devotion to God was not complete, because he refused to destroy the idols of his predecessors. It wasn't like he actually worshipped idols. But, given enough time, halfhearted worship becomes false worship.

Eventually, Amaziah worshiped idols captured from an enemy army, and then he hardened his heart, refusing to listen to godly counsel from a prophet. This led to Amaziah's downfall. The king felt the sting of God's judgment in the form of his death. May we not be hardhearted people.

Acts 18:23-19:22 - Apollos was a man who loved the Lord, and spoke boldly of Christ in Ephesus. It was clear to the church leaders that Apollos had the hand of God upon him as he spoke. But, he didn't understand everything about God. He had a basic misunderstanding about what baptism was all about.

Priscilla and Aquila did something beautiful for Apollos. They took him aside and "explained the way of God more accurately" to him. What a beautiful picture of the growth of a servant of God. He didn't allow his pride to get in the way of his learning. He took their words and became a better communicator. Apollos is an example of a person who didn't have it all together, but someone who was used in a mighty way by God.

We shouldn't be afraid of allowing God to shape us through other people. We also shouldn't think we have to have it all together for God to use us. He used Apollos and He can use you!

Notes from my Bible Study for February 20, 2010

2010-02-20T20:52:00.005-06:00

Psalm 51, Genesis 46:1‐47:12, 2 Chronicles 24, Acts 18:1‐22

Psalm 51 - It had been eighteen long months of struggling for King David. The wayward king, the man after God's own heart, the great writer, the warrior, had let his relationship with God go. He had sinned with Bathsheba. He had arranged for Uriah's death. And, King David was miserable.

It was the Prophet Nathan, whom God sent to confront the king. God was no longer content to let David live in his misery. He had plans for David. And, David was ready to repent.

Psalm 51 is David's song of repentance. I love verses 10-12: 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and o renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

David knew that part of repenting was making room for God to create a right spirit within him. He also pleaded with God to not take away the Holy Spirit from him. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon very few people, for very specific purposes, for a certain amount of time. David knew that the Holy Spirit had been with his predecessor, Saul. Saul's continual sin resulted in the Spirit being taken from him. David prayed that God would have mercy on him.

He also prayed for God to restore the joy of his salvation. Some of you may need to pray the same thing. You may be struggling in your relationship with Jesus today. If so, ask Him to do His restoring work. He loves to work in you!

Genesis 46:1-47:12 - It was moving day for the family of Jacob. God told Jacob to go to Egypt and join his son Joseph. The reunion of Joesph and Jacob must have been so amazing. Jacob was thrilled to see his son.

God took care of Jacob and his family. And, Jacob, the descendant of Abraham, has an audience before the mighty Pharaoh. He uses this time to bless Pharaoh. God would one day bless all people's of the earth through the Abrahamic line.

2 Chronicles 24 - Imagine what it would be like to come to the throne at seven years old. Joash was such a king. And, for many years, Joash was a godly king.

Why? Because he had a godly mentor. Jehoiada, the priest, was as godly a man as had lived in Israel. He helped shape Joash's early reign. But, when Jehoiada died, Joash was influenced by ungodly advisers, and turned from God.

The people we hang out with make a huge difference in our lives. Joash's life is a prime example of this. His life was influenced for good when he was surrounded by godly counsel and for terrible wickedness when surrounded by the wrong men.

Acts 18:1-22 - Paul loved the people of Corinth. He spent 1 1/2 years with them, planting a church among a people who lived in a wicked town. In order to support himself, Paul worked a second job. He was a tentmaker, and was allowed to practice his craft with Aquila and his wife Priscilla.

Aquila and Priscilla were vital partners in Paul's ministry. He could not have stayed amongst the people of Corinth without the help of these two. I'm so grateful for the Aquila and Priscilla people in my life that make it possible for me to share the truth of the Gospel.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 19, 2010

2010-02-19T14:43:00.002-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 50, Genesis 45, 2 Chronicles 23, Acts 17:16‐34

Psalm 50 - This psalm paints a powerful picture of our God. I love the imagery from beginning to end of our God, Who has every right to summon all the peoples of the earth to witness His power. Verse after verse speaks of God's power and His absolute God nature. Take some time to reflect upon our Mighty God today.

Genesis 45 - For the past few days we have been reading about Joseph's progression in trusting God. He went from favored son to slave to prisoner to ruler. God had good plans for Joseph when He allowed Joseph to be sold into slavery. God has good plans for us too. He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. The rewards may take time to show up, but they will come. I love the tenderness with which Joseph treats his brothers. He is careful to let them know that it wasn't them that sent him into slavery, but God, so that good would be accomplished.

One final note. I was struck by Joseph's words "He has made me a father to Pharaoh." I wonder who God might put in your way that you might be a father or mother to.

2 Chronicles 23 - Jehoiada was a godly priest who had taken care of Joash, the rightful heir to the throne for several years. I love that when the time came for Jehoiada to make his move, he did it. He didn't hesitate. With the Lord's power, he orchestrated a coup to put the rightful heir to the throne where he belonged. Upon taking the throne, Joash allowed Jehoiada to cleanse the land of the false god Baal. God was pleased by the purification of the children of Israel.

Acts 17:16-34 - When the Apostle Paul arrived in Athens, he was saddened by the great number of idols and false gods that were worshipped. Some may have seen the city of Athens as a lost cause. Paul saw opportunity. When Paul saw an idol to "an unknown god," Paul told the people of Athens about the one true God. He was ready to speak when given the opportunity to proclaim the Gospel. We too need to be ready to share the Good News of Jesus Christ at every opportunity we have. The Gospel is the best news that the world will ever hear. Paul studied the culture around him to be able to present the Gospel in a culturally acceptable way. We should always study culture so that we might find inroads to sharing the Gospel.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 18, 2010

2010-02-18T08:22:00.002-06:00

Psalm 49, Genesis 44, 2 Chronicles 22, Acts 15:36‐17:15

Psalm 49 - Psalm 49 reads more like a Proverb, for it is full of practical wisdom. Often times those who live righteous lives can get distracted by the world around them. It's easy to ask questions like, "Why do those who completely ignore God seem to get ahead in life." The writers remind us that every one of us will eventually die. To live a life that ignores God is not only ignorant, it is also eternally devastating.

The psalm ends with these words: 20 Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.

God, give us understanding. Help us to be a people who know and understand You, and live for Your glory and renown.

Genesis 44 - The drama in Joseph's story intensifies in this chapter as he tests his brothers to see if they have truly changed. After Benjamin is falsely accused of stealing, Judah speaks up for all of the brothers, and offers to take the place of Benjamin as Joseph's slave.

There would be One who would come from the line of Judah many generations later, who would give His life as a ransom for you and for me. Jesus Christ came into the world from the family line of Judah.

2 Chronicles 22 - Sad days continue for the divided kingdom of Judah and Israel. Judah's kings had been mostly righteous, and Israel's kings had all been wicked. The marriage of Ahab's daughter to Jehoram, had brought Baal worship to Judah. Now both Judah and Israel were following false gods. After Jehoram's death, Ahaziah became king, but he only lasted a year; following in the ways of his father, and even allying with the king of Israel to make war. That foolish decision would cost him his life.

God preserves His covenant to David by sparing the life of Joash, hiding him for six years as Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and wife of Jehoram ruled in her son's place. How sad that Ahab and Jezebel's daughter was now the ruler of Judah!

Acts 15:36-17:15 - The passage begins with the dispute between Paul and Barnabas that God used to grow His church. Paul and Barnabas both had a heart for discipleship. They wanted to strengthen the believers that they had visited on their first missionary journey. Barnabas, the encourager who saw the good in others when other people could not (including Paul, after his conversion) wanted to bring John Mark along. Paul wanted nothing to do with it because John Mark had abandoned them on the first missionary journey. So, they divided and went their separate ways.

Silas joined Paul and Mark joined Barnabas, and they all made disciples.

Paul would meet Timothy, early in this journey. Timothy would become like a son to him. By the end of his life, Paul would want both Timothy and John by his side. He would eventually reconcile.

Sometimes our disputes with others are a way for God to work so that He can accomplish even greater works in our lives. It's okay to disagree with others. It's okay choose to part ways. But, it's never okay to stop loving and stop hoping in someone else.

I'm blown away as I see the fruit of Paul and Silas' ministry. These men praised God in all circumstances. When in jail, they sang praises and trusted God. They saw jail as an opportunity to share Christ with their captors. When God provided for escape, they shared Christ.

One last thought from these passages. The Berean church was made up of some extraordinary followers of Jesus. Acts 17:11 tells us that they studied the Scriptures to make sure that what Paul and Silas told them was true: "11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."

All of us should do the same thing. We need to be in the Word, studying it to make sure that what we hear from pastors and teachers is true.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 17, 2010

2010-02-17T08:05:00.005-06:00

Psalm 48, Genesis 43, 2 Chronicles 21, Acts 15:1‐35

Psalm 48 - The children of Israel worshipped God in the city of Jerusalem. In this psalm, we read about our great Lord, who has shown Himself time and time again to be worthy of praise.

Most likely, enemy armies had come into Jerusalem to try to control of the city. The enemy armies clearly lost that battle. God had protected Israel. The Sons of Korah wrote this song as a celebration of the fact that God had protected His people. How beautiful to be the city where God dwells.

Genesis 43 - There is something so beautiful about this part of Joseph's story. Years and years of bitterness and pain are wiped away when Joseph's eyes catch those of Benjamin. Benjamin was Joseph's only true full brother, as they shared the same mother. Maybe Joseph saw a bit of his mother's eyes in Benjamin. Either way, he was so overcome with emotion that he needed time to compose himself. Upon composing himself, he dines alone, for, according to verse 32, it was an abomination for an Egyptian to dine with a Hebrew. This means that Joseph had spent years dining alone. His position gave him Egyptian servants who prepared food for him, but no one to dine with.

The brothers dined together and sat in astonishment that they were being so blessed. They also took notice of the extraordinary portion size on Benjamin's plate.

The secret will soon be revealed. But for now, the brothers must wonder, "Why? Why are we being treated so well? What have we done to deserve such favor in God's eyes?"

When you think about it, everyone of us is like Joseph's brothers. We may never consider selling a brother into slavery, but we have all fallen short of God's glorious plan for our lives. We have all sinned. And, God allows us to experience blessings in our lives that we don't deserve. Why? Because, He loves us. He truly does. We may fall short, but God knew we would and He sent a Redeemer; Jesus Christ, our Lord. May we not throw away the gift of Jesus! We need God's grace. Reach for it today!

2 Chronicles 21 - The sad tale of Jehoram is told in 2 Chronicles 21. The eldest son of Jehoshaphat, Jehoram was nothing like his father. Upon taking over the throne, Jehoram killed all of his brothers! He must not have wanted a threat to his throne.

Not only that, but he practiced the things that the kings of Israel had practiced. in fact, verse six tells us that he lived like Ahab, the most wicked king Israel had ever known. He married Ahab's daughter, and went to war against Edom, which would be akin to going to war with a state in the United States, if you were President of the USA. Edom never came back under the rule of Judah.

Verse eleven tells us that Jehoram led the inhabitants of Jerusalem into whoredom and made Judah go astray! What a terrible legacy! He brought idolatry to Judah.

Then something amazing happens! Elijah (who in my opinion was Israel's greatest prophet, a courageous man who stood against Ahab and Jezebel) wrote a letter to Jehoram telling of what God was going to do to him.

I just preached an entire series on the life of Elijah and completely missed this incident from Elijah's life. Elijah prophesied in Israel, not in Judah. This time, via letter, he prophesies in Judah. And, he tells the king about an awful sickness that the king will receive. The sickness will kill him, but it will be a painful death.

God was furious with Jehoram! But, God was faithful to His covenant with David.

Jehoram dies, and verse 20 says, "and he departed with no one's regret."

What a terrible epithet! May we never walk away from God like Jehoram. Our God is sometimes slow to act, but He does act. Jehoram only reigned in Jerusalem for eight years and then he died.

Acts 15:1-35 - The Jerusalem Council is a great model for us as we think through how church leaders should make decisions. The council had an important decision to make. How "Jewish" should Gentile believers be required to become, once they become followers of Jesus. There were many in the council who wanted Gentile believers to be circumcised to keep the law of Moses.

The apostles and elder debated and then Peter spoke up, under the prompting of the Holy Spirit. It was decided that the new believers should only have to observe a few requirements. A letter was sent that was a great encouragement to the believers. In it, the leaders wrote, "28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

When the Gentile believers in Antioch received these words they were so blessed. Paul, Barnabas, Silas and Judas not only delivered the message but ministered for quite a while amongst the people. These godly men sent a good word to the people and blessed them by staying on to disciple them. That is good and godly leadership.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 16, 2010

2010-02-16T13:15:00.008-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 47, Genesis 42, 2 Chronicles 20, Acts 13‐14

Psalm 47 - One of the first songs that I remember singing as a child came directly from Psalm 47:1. The song went like this:

"Clap you hands, all ye people, shout unto God with a voice of triumph! Clap your hands, all ye people, shout unto God with a voice of praise! Hosanna! Hosanna! Shout unto God with a voice of triumph. Praise Him. Praise Him. Shout unto God with a voice of praise."

I haven't sung that song in at least twenty years, but I remembered it immediately upon reading the words of Psalm 47. Why? Because I remember the joy with which rooms full of people sang those words. That's what I picture happening as the children of Israel sang this psalm. Joy!

When is the last time you sang with a heart full of passion to the Lord? If it's been awhile, then find some time today to sing to Him. Seriously. Sing. Sing at the top of your lungs. Don't have a good voice? It's okay, God doesn't care. Are you shy? That's okay, find a place where you can be alone, and belt out that favorite worship song of yours. Let the Lord hear your unbridled praise today.

Genesis 42 - There is a moment of recognition in Genesis 42 that I love. It comes in verses 8-9. "And Joseph recognized his brothers, bu they did not recognize him. And Joseph remembered the dreams that he had dreamed of them."

When I read those words, and when I think of all that God brought Joseph through, I think that this is the moment where Joseph was finally able to begin to reconcile things in his heart with God's plans. Sure, God had allowed him a great position in Egypt, but when we are hurt by those who should love us the most (our family), it can be tough to see the goodness of God in our lives. Here, Joseph begins to recognize that the dream he had so long ago was for this time. God had not forgotten. For the first time in years, Joseph had hope. And, hope is such a powerful thing!

2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat was a good leader. As king over Judah, he stood in stark contrast to the wicked kings who ruled over Israel. One of the markers of good leadership is a recognition of where our power truly lies. Jehoshaphat was not too proud to recognize that his wisdom and the wisdom of his advisers was not enough. He needed God's wisdom. He led the people of Judah in prayer on so many occasions.

I want to be a leader Jehoshaphat, one who is constantly going to God, the Perfect Servant Leader, for wisdom, direction and strength.

Acts 13-14 - There are many biblical scholars who believe that Simeon who was called Niger, a member at the church of Antioch, is the same Simon of Cyrene who was asked to carry the cross for Jesus. If this is true, how cool that the man became a follower of Jesus, and a leader in the early church!

Paul and Barnabas go off together on a very important mission trip. They would be used by God to start new churches, and make disciples in far off lands.

I'm in the Phoenix airport as I type, preparing for a week of meetings with church planting leaders from across the country. How exciting to be involved in a work much like Barnabas and Saul. It wasn't until the church had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on Paul and Barnabas that they were sent off. May we take God's work as serious! The Lord has important work to do all over the world. In the past three weeks, I've asked three of my friends to consider becoming church planters. One has said, "No, church planting isn't for him," but two are open and will be going through a church planting assessment in a few weeks. It's been so cool to watch their reactions go from disbelief that God could call them to such an important work, to serious consideration.

Have you ever considered serving God in vocational ministry? What about on a short-term mission trip? What about serving him as a volunteer in a regular ministry? If not, pray about it. You might be surprised at what God does with you.

Notice in Acts 13-14 that it was normal for Paul and Barnabas to face opposition as they served the Lord. Opposition was usually followed by a spiritual breakthrough and discipling new believers. It is so great to see God work in such incredible ways in the lives of people! He can do it through you too! Expect opposition, and then expect results. God is more powerful than our adversary.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 15, 2010

2010-02-15T22:35:00.002-06:00

Today’s Reading: Psalm 46, Genesis 41:37-57, 2 Chronicles 19:4-11, Acts 12

Psalm 46 – How much do you trust in God? I’m always blown away when I read this particular Psalm. The Sons of Korah begin by describing God as our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Then they back it up by saying that even if the earth falls apart, they won’t fear. That is faith! I’m not sure what was going on in Israel at the time this psalm was written, but I have to believe that maybe the nation was experiencing some difficulty. It is easy to fear, allow doubts to creep in, and to let worry rule the day when we face difficult times.

The Psalm ends with the voice of God declaring that the nations should be still and see that He is God. As the people sang this psalm, they would have been reminded of the awesome power of God no matter their circumstances. And, they would have been reminded about the importance of giving God the time to work that He chooses to use. Many of our fears come because we want God to work on our timeframe. We need to recognize that sometimes He is calling us to be still. Be still. Wait. See that He is God. He will work in His time, for His glory, and for your ultimate best.

Genesis 41:37-57 – Joseph’s long journey from Israel, to slavery in Egypt, to leadership in Potiphar’s home, to prison, is now beginning to look bright. He has been summoned to the palace to explain to Pharaoh the meaning of the monarch’s dreams. No Egyptian magician could help Pharaoh, but a Hebrew slave, who had been falsely accused and imprisoned for years was now not only standing before Pharaoh, but delivering a message from God. Joseph had been in God’s hands throughout every moment of his life. He was not here by accident. He was God’s man for perilous times.

I love the courage with which Joseph speaks to Pharaoh and Pharaoh’s advisors. The young man has a good plan to help with Egypt’s impending famine. Time would show that Joseph’s understanding of Pharaoh’s dreams was correct, as was his plan for how to deal with the problem of famine. And, God, in His sovereignty, allowed Joseph, the Hebrew slave, the prisoner, the unloved brother, the misfit, to rise to second in command in all of Egypt.

When I look at leaders in the world today I often ask myself, “Why them? Why are they in the position that they are in?” So often, they are people who were humble, waited their turn, and were exalted by God at just the right time. The Bible tells us that it is a good thing to aspire to leadership. Will you be ready when God calls you? He loves to choose unlikely people to accomplish His wonderful plans. Let Him use you!

2 Chronicles 19:4-11 – Jehoshaphat appointed judges in each city of Judah to help bring the people back to the LORD. This was a good thing to do. Each judge was told to “judge not for man, but for the LORD. He will be with you in giving judgment. Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the LORD our God, or partiality, or taking bribes.”

These would be good instructions for any godly leader. Our lives are to be lived for an Audience of One – God! He is the one that we should fear. The best leaders that I know are leaders who fear God, not man. We should strive to please Him in all that we do.

Acts 12 – The persecution of the early church continues, with the first of Jesus’ disciples being killed. James, the brother of John, who was one of the three disciples who went everywhere with Jesus is killed in Acts 12 by Herod, the king. Luke, the writer of Acts begins this chapter with the rather understated words, “About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.”

Persecution was really becoming a problem for the church, but God continued to allow the church to flourish despite the persecution that they faced.

When I read this passage today, I thought about Peter and John. Peter was with James, when he was killed. I’m sure that Peter was marked by this event for the rest of his life. It must have hurt so much to see such a close friend die. John, lost his brother, and best friend here. John lost Jesus and James in such close proximity to each other. And, we know that John would outlive all of the disciples. Every disciple except John would be martyred for their faith. So, the writing was on the wall for these guys.

The power of prayer is also evident in this chapter, as the early church, feeling the effects of persecution, prayed for the release of Peter from jail. If Peter had not been rescued by angels from heaven, it is very likely that he would have martyred within hours. God still had big plans for Peter, and miraculously allowed for him to slip out of what looked like a hopeless situation. I like this story of escape, because God allows Peter to do something absurd; he just walks out. Prison guards are seemingly blinded to the fact that public enemy number one is walking out of the jail!

There is another telling thing that happens in this chapter. The early church is praying for Peter’s release. Upon his release he walks to the home where the early church is meeting. Rhoda, the slave girl answers the door, and sees it’s Peter. She doesn’t let him in! She runs back to tell the prayer meeting that Peter is free and at the door. Do they believe her? No! They tell her that she is “out of her mind” and that “it is his angel.” They had the faith to pray, but didn’t have the faith to believe that God would answer their prayer. Isn’t that how it is with us time and again? We pray, and then are shocked when God answers our prayer! May we be a people who believe that God is not only capable of answering prayer, but that our God takes delight in working through the prayers of His saints! So, pray saint! Pray! And, watch not in amazement, but in expectancy as God works.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 14, 2010

2010-02-14T01:02:00.007-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 45, Genesis 41:1‐36, 2 Chronicles 18:1‐19:3, Acts 11:19‐30

Psalm 45 - I live in the United States of America. Our land is not ruled by a monarch, but by three branches of government. One day, after this world has passed away, I will no longer be ruled by human leaders, but by God. It's not that God doesn't rule me now. He does. In a very real sense, all of us are under God's rule and authority. It's just that some of us submit to that rule, and other's don't. There will come a day when all will bow down at the throne of God. And, that throne is one that will never ever fade away.

When you think about all of the superpowers that have ruled portions of the globe over the years, a kingdom that has no end is a revolutionary thing. Not only is it revolutionary, it is wonderful, because God is the One Who will rule that kingdom. There will be no more sin. There will be no more death. There will be no more sorrow. There will be no end to His kingdom, and I stand in awe of that today.

Genesis 41:1-36 - There are two adjectives that really struck me as I read this passage today. The first is the word whole. "After two whole years, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing by the Nile . . ."

Joesph had been waiting for the chief cupbearer to follow through on his promise for two whole years. That is a long time to wait! God still had work for Joseph in that prison cell. And, you can bet that some of that work was chiseling Joseph into who God was calling him to be. The writer really wanted us to understand that it had been a long time that Joseph had to wait.

The second adjective is the word quickly. It describes just how fast Joseph went from the pit to the palace. When God chooses to work, it can seem like a whirlwind! God had spent time forming Joseph into someone that He could use for His divine purposes, and Joseph was quickly restored.

When we are in the pit, we should remember the story of Joseph. He went from the pit to the palace quickly, after waiting for two whole years for a promise to be kept.

2 Chronicles 18:1-19:3 - It's so interesting to read about Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab, and to read the Chronicles telling of the story. We just read the 2 Kings account of this event in church, but the Chronicler gives an entirely different angle to the story. How sad that Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah, would align himself with Ahab, King of Israel. God's wrath would bring Ahab to death and punishment for Jehoshaphat due to this alliance.

Acts 11:19-30 - I love the discipleship process that took place between Barnabas and Saul. Barnabas not only stood up for Saul when no one else would, he disciples him, and the two of them in turn discipled the Christians in the church at Antioch. Antioch was the first place that followers of Jesus were called Christians, which literally means "little Christ." What a great name! May we all be little Christ's, reflecting His glory and power, and holiness in our lives.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 13, 2010

2010-02-13T15:59:00.006-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 44, Genesis 40, 2 Chronicles 17, Acts 10:1‐11:18

Psalm 44 - The desperate cry for help that the Sons of Korah present to the Lord in Psalm 44 is a beautiful reminder of the place that the children of Israel held in God's heart. God had seemingly forgotten the plight of His children. God, of course, had not forgotten; but sometimes when we go through tough periods even those who walk faithfully with God feel his absence.

Mother Theresa wrote about her dark night of the soul. C. H. Spurgeon often wrote of the difficult times that came in his life. C. S. Lewis chronicled the pain that came in his life when his wife passed away. Following God isn't always easy. Sometimes His hand doesn't seem to work the way that we wish it would. But, His plans remain good; and we can trust in Him. In fact, the Sons of Korah show us in Psalm 44 that it is pure folly to trust in anyone else.

Genesis 40 - A key event in Joseph's development happens in Genesis 40. Imprisoned with the chief cupbearer and chief baker of Pharaoh, Joseph interprets the dreams of these men. But, before doing so, Joseph says to the men, "Do not interpretations belong to God."

Joseph lifts up the name of Jehovah in his Egyptian prison. He then, through the power of God, interprets the dreams. It is clear that Joseph has thought much about his circumstances as he sits in the prison, but his trust in the Lord remains firm.

One more thought - leaders are people who have to tell people things that don't want to hear on occasion. Such was the case with Joseph's news to the chief baker. He gave terrible news, but did so with character and leadership that would be needed in the years ahead.

2 Chronicles 17 - We just finished a sermon series on the life of Elijah at Woodbury Community Church. As such, we spent a lot of time talking about King Ahab, the most wicked King the nation of Israel had ever seen. While Ahab was on the throne in Israel, Jehoshaphat was on Judah's throne.

Jehoshaphat's reign is marked by faithful obedience to the Lord. Because of this, God blessed the nation of Judah under Jehoshaphat's reign.

Acts 10:1-11:18 - "The Holy Spirit has come to the Gentiles!" It must have been a sentiment that was heard over and over again in the early church. Jewish people, who had been raised in a tradition where they were God's chosen people; would have been shocked to see God's grace reach out to the Gentiles. Even Peter, one who had heard with his own ears the proclamation of Jesus that the Gospel would go to Gentiles, was shocked when he finally saw it happen.

I am a Gentile. This chapter is where grace finally came to people like me. I rejoice that Christ's grace is still reaching Jew and Gentile alike. I have been so blessed.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 12, 2010

2010-02-12T08:58:00.003-06:00

Psalm 42‐43, Genesis 39, 2 Chronicles 16, Acts 9:32‐43

Psalm 42-43 - The Sons of Korah were worship leaders in Israel. I love the way that they begin the second book of the Psalms. With beautiful imagery, the Sons of Korah talk about their passion for the Lord. They craved the Lord as a deer pants for water.

There is raw honesty in this passage, as the worship leaders describe the struggle that their own souls felt towards God. The worship leaders remembered brighter times in their own walk with God, and in the spiritual condition of their nation. They longed for brighter days. They longed for spiritual renewal. We too should long for spiritual renewal. We should long for the Lord with everything we are.

Genesis 39 - I was talking with someone this week about God's GPS. When it came to Joseph's life, the young man must have felt like God's directions just didn't make sense. One day Joseph is being adored by his father, and the next he is being betrayed by his brothers. One day Joseph is being sold into slavery, the next he is put in charge of Potiphar's home. One day he is doing a great job, the next he is being seduced by Potiphar's wife.

Joseph was a godly young man. He rebuffed Potiphar's wife, and paid a huge price. It was imprisonment on false charges for Joseph! Doesn't sound quite like the reward that somebody living a godly life deserves. But, that was his life.

Joseph would be used mightily by God, but God was going to use him in places that Joseph never imagined. Remember that no matter what situation we find ourselves in, faithfulness to God is the answer. Like Joseph, God's plans for us are not quite what we would expect, but they will ultimately be for our best and His glory.

2 Chronicles 16 - Asa had done so many good things for the people of Judah, but as his life ends he turns from God and seeks help from pagan lands. It is a sad way to end his life.

One of my favorite verses in Scripture is found in 2 Chronicles 16:9 - 9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”

I'm sure that Asa wished that verse would have ended with words like, "And you are a man whose heart is blameless." Unfortunately, it didn't end that way for Asa.

Asa's life is a reminder to us about the importance of finishing well.

Acts 9:32-43 - There is something unfortunate that happens to many of us the more we become familiar with the Bible. Sometimes we lose the awe of the stories like the one in Acts 9:36-43. Tabitha, a woman who was dead, is raised to life through the power of Christ! That's right, a dead woman was made alive again! Only God has the power to do that. The same God who restored the life of Tabitha back to her has the power to work in lives today. Let's never forget that, and never let the awe go away.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 11, 2010

2010-02-11T20:57:00.004-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 41, Genesis 38, 2 Chronicles 15, Acts 9:1‐31

Psalm 41 - This is a song of lament, in which David cries out to the Lord for healing. He is severely ill, and asks the Lord for healing. He also admits his sin, fessing up to the fact that he has fallen short of being the man that God has called him to be. This psalm is one place where we see a biblical precedent for praying for God to heal us.

Genesis 38 - The story of Judah and Tamar is an important one, because it is through this line that Jesus, the Messiah, came into the world. Tamar is one of the women that is mentioned in Jesus' family tree. It's amazing that God chose this family, with all of the heartache, to be the family into which Messiah would be born.

2 Chronicles 15 - This is a good period for the kingdom of Judah. Asa's leadership helped the kingdom of Judah return to worship of Jehovah. Idols were done away with, and those in leadership who propagated the worship of idols were stripped of their authority. God blessed the kingdom of Judah in these days.

Acts 9:1-31 - The conversion of Saul has to be one of my favorite stories of all time. Why? Because it shows the incredible grace of our Lord. There was nothing about Saul that should have attracted God's grace. This was a man who was seeking to destroy the infant church. But, God reached out in grace to save Saul. He chose Saul to be his child. And, what a man He chose! God would use Saul, whose name would be changed to Paul, to write more than 2/3 of the New Testament. This is a man who shook his world for Jesus Christ. God saw potential in Saul. He saw not who Saul was, but who Saul would become.

If you have been saved by Jesus Christ, thank Him for the work of grace in your life. Thank Him for choosing you to be His child. Thank Him for not giving you what you deserve, but instead for showering you with grace. He is a loving God!

Notes from my Bible Study for February 10, 2010

2010-02-10T15:48:00.003-06:00

Psalm 40, Genesis 37, 2 Chronicles 14, Acts 8

Psalm 40 - Our God loves to take people from the pit and lift them up. The psalmist knew this. He had experienced the truth of God's work of restoration in his life.

When we are depressed and feeling discouraged, it does us good to remember back to when God has delivered us in the past. That is essentially what David is doing here. He is recognizing the active role that God has taken in his life to bring joy back in situations where he had felt hopeless.

Genesis 37 - Genesis 37 lays the foundation for the story of Joseph's rise to power in Egypt. Who would have thought, just reading Genesis 37, that a boy, hated by his brothers, a bit arrogant, and a dreamer would accomplish the things that he would accomplish over the years to come?

Joseph's story teaches us the sovereignty of Christ. God had a plan for Joseph that involved his being sold into slavery. The young arrogant boy would not have understood that plan. Neither would the brothers. What the brothers meant for evil, God turned to good.

I wonder how many of life's circumstances that we find ourselves complaining about are truly blessings of God in disguise. We need to be a people who trust in the sovereignty of God, no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in.

2 Chronicles 14 - Asa is the new king in Israel, and his reign starts out well. 2 Chronicles 14:11 gives us the reason for such a good start, "11 And Asa cried to the Lord his God, “O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against you"

God answered Asa's prayer, and helped Asa's armies defeat the enemies. We will find out in our further reading of Asa's story that his reign does not end well. The king began to trust in his own power and strength instead of the Lord.

We must always be a people who walk in God's power and strength.

Acts 8 - Acts 8 is an important chapter in the history of the early church. It is in this chapter that we see the Gospel proclaimed in Samaria. There were some believers who were shocked to see that the Samaritans had received the Gospel and the gift of the Holy Spirit and dispatched Peter and John to see if it was true.

It certainly was true. Jesus had told the disciples to make disciples of all nations, and that they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the earth.

Jerusalem and Judea had already begun to respond to the Gospel. Now Samaria was.

Remember, Samaritans and Jews did not get along. One of the markers of the church of Jesus Christ is that the world will know we are Christians because we love one another. Praise God for this truth! We can rejoice that the Gospel has spread, and continue to pray for the Gospel to reach every culture.

May we as a church always be known for our love for one another.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 9, 2010

2010-02-09T06:56:00.007-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 39, Genesis 36, 2 Chronicles 13, Acts 6:8‐7:60

Psalm 39 - Our lives are truly a mist. We are here for a little while, and then are gone. The psalmist reflects that truth in Psalm 39. This is another prayer of confession. He has sinned, and recognizes that his only hope in this life is the Lord.

I found verses 1-3 to be insightful. Not wanting to speak poorly about the Lord, David guarded his tongue in the presence of the wicked. Perhaps he was being goaded on by wicked people about the situation where he found himself. Perhaps it was something else, but he did not want to sin with his tongue.

In the end, he ends up speaking, worship and prayer to the Lord.

Genesis 36 - Isaac told his son Esau that he would be the father of a great nation. While Jacob was given the birthright and the blessing, Esau was blessed. This chapter details the line of Esau. His family would include many chiefs and kings. A note in my study Bible says that these kings probably ruled different cities. Even though they are listed in succession, they many probably ruled dynasties at the same time.

2 Chronicles 13 - The beginning of the reign of Abijah is chronicled in this chapter. Like his father, Rehoboam, Abijah was not wholly true to the Lord. He allowed for idolatrous worship. But, this chapter is clear to point out that the priests who were in the temple at Jerusalem were faithful to God. The chapter is a good reminder that we must be faithful to the Lord even when our leaders are not. The priests represented the remnant that was faithful to God in those days.

Acts 6:8‐7:60 - The story of the first Christian martyr, Stephen is an interesting one.

Stephen was being used greatly by God, as demonstrated in Acts 6:8. I believe that all of hell took notice at how God was using Stephen, and that Satan wanted to scare the believers by taking Stephen's life. Seized and arrested, Stephen does not go quietly. Instead, he preaches one of the most insightful sermons ever. He paints a panoramic picture of the history of the nation of Israel's relationship with Jehovah, ending with charges that the people had grown stiff-necked and crucified the Messiah.

When Stephen is stoned to death, he echoes the words of Christ from the cross; showing that he loved those who persecuted him.

Stephen's death did not dissuade the growth of the church. Satan's plan to persecute the church may have resulted in great difficulty for the believers, but it had the opposite effect when it came to church growth. The church flourished.

If you look around the world today, the church flourishes in areas where persecution exists. Our American church has been shrinking both in size and impact. Maybe some of that is because it is too easy to be a "Christian" in America today. I wonder how many of us would continue to stand for Christ if the heat were turned up.

The Bible tells us in multiple places that we will face persecution if we walk with Christ. May we pass the test and stand up for Him no matter the situation!

Notes from my Bible Study for February 8, 2010

2010-02-08T21:09:00.004-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 38, Genesis 35, 2 Chronicles 12, Acts 4:32‐6:7

Psalm 38 - Have you ever sinned and felt the impact of the sin so heavily in your heart that you cried out to God in your anguish? That is what was happening in Psalm 38. David had sinned in a significant way, and he was feeling the consequences of that sin. This is a psalm of confession. David asks God to forgive him. He acknowledges the terrible state that he is in, and recognizes that God alone is his hope.

When we sin, we need to confess it to God and recognize that our hope is in the Lord.

Genesis 35 - In this important chapter, we see the relationship between God and Jacob strengthened. Jacob commands his family to put away their false gods and worship only Jehovah. In verse three Jacob comes to recognize that it is God who had answered him in his day of distress and been with him wherever he had gone.

Isn't that the way so many of us work? God has been there all along, but we have to learn the hard way. I'm glad we have a God who pursues us even when we run the other way.

The chapter ends with the death of Rachel and Isaac.

2 Chronicles 12 - The up and down relationship that Rehoboam had with the Lord is demonstrated again in this chapter. As the chapter begins, Rehoboam abandons the law of God and so does Israel. It is amazing the power that a leader has over people's actions. The children of Israel should not have abandoned God, just because their king did. But, they did. And, God's wrath came upon Israel.

The beautiful temple that Solomon built was looted, and all of the treasures stolen. The shields of gold were replaced with shields of bronze.

Isn't that how it can be when we turn our backs on God? We substitute the best for a cheap imitation, and it can't compare. No one compares with our God. There is no other who offers redemption, grace, and the power to transform lives such as Christ.

Acts 4:32-6:7 - These were exciting days for the early church. The believers understood what it meant to live in community with each other. I love the way that they sought to meet each other's needs. Can you imagine what a church that didn't have a needy person among them might look like? This church cared about making sure that no one went without.

The story of Ananias and Sapphira shows how serious God was that the early church understand the holiness of God, and the importance of His bride. The deceit of these two came because they wanted to look good to others around them, even if it meant doing so in a dishonest way.

I love the passion with which the apostles preached the Gospel, even after an arrest. Nothing was going to stop them from sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

I've never been arrested for sharing my faith, and yet I don't do it nearly enough. We, who have been given the freedom of living in the United States, should look for every opportunity possible to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have the greatest message ever. The early church was known for what they were for, not what they were against. Let's start being known for Jesus again! Let's share the whole truth about who Christ Jesus is! He is the hope for this world.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 7, 2010

2010-02-07T16:34:00.005-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 37, Genesis 34, 2 Chronicles 11, Acts 3:1‐4:31

Psalm 37 - Psalm 37 is a song that speaks of the faithfulness of God towards his children.

There are few verses that spoke powerfully to me. The first is verse four, "Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

I wonder if we truly delight ourselves in the LORD. Over the past few weeks, I've been thinking about the irreducible core of the Christian life an awful lot. That irreducible core is to love God, love others, and make disciples as we go. We won't get the rest of the Christian life right if we don't first delight ourselves in God. Is God our all consuming passion, or a cosmic genie in the sky?

I was also blessed by verses 23-26, which say: "23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord,when he delights in his way;24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.26 He is ever lending generously,and his children become a blessing."

The Lord has taken care of my family in more ways that I can count. These verses resonate with me. They reflect the God that I know. I praise Him for His faithfulness today!

Genesis 34 - Here we read a sad chapter from Israel's history. Dinah, the daughter of Jacob had been raped by a man named Shechem. When her brothers found out this news, they were determined to take things into their own hands. They wanted vengeance on the man who did such things to their sister and to his entire family.

In the end, Simeon and Levi kill all of Shechem's male relatives. They take the plunder, (wives, children, land, etc. for themselves).

Jacob is not pleased by this impulsive revenge; worried that others will now take vengeance on his own family.

2 Chronicles 11 - 2 Chronicles 11 tells the story of Rehoboam's reign over the kingdom of Judah. The man who started his reign poorly seemed to redeem himself in the end. Remember yesterday's reading says that he surrounded himself with peers for advisers, and ignored the advice of the elders who had reigned with his father, Solomon. That got him into deep trouble, and divided the kingdom of Israel into two the nation of Judah and the nation of Israel.

I'm glad that we can change our minds when we have made poor choices. How good to read of Rehoboam's revival by the end of 2 Chronicles 11.

Acts 3:1-4:31 - There is something so amazing about seeing a person wholeheartedly following Jesus Christ. Peter and John were men like that. In this passage of Scipture we see Peter and John heal a man who had been lame from birth with just these words, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!"

I guarantee you that the lame man was more excited about walking than he would have been about any amount of money that Peter and John could have offered him.

By the end of the day, Peter and John were arrested. Their crime? Proclaiming the powerful name of Jesus.

That did not deter Peter and John. They used their new platform to continue to be a witness for Christ.

The people took notice of the boldness of Peter and John. Look at verse 13, "13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus."

May the same be said of us! Have you been with Jesus? If so, your life will reflect it. Keep working through the Challenge and let Christ shape you!

Notes from my Bible Study for February 6, 2010

2010-02-06T18:29:00.006-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 36, Genesis 33, 2 Chronicles 10, Acts 2

Psalm 36 - King David wrote some pretty scary words in Psalm 36:1-4, the scariest of which are, "there is no fear of God before his eyes."

He was speaking about the wicked. To live one's life with no fear of the Lord is a certain path to destruction. It may not happen in this life, but it surely will in the hereafter.

Remember, in Psalm 14:1, David told us that it was the fool who says in his heart that there is no God. The wicked person has not only said such thing in his heart, but has acted upon that belief with callous disregard for the Lord.

May you live your life with a constant awareness and holy reverence for the Lord.

Genesis 33 - What a beautiful story of redemption! Esau had every reason to hold bitterness towards his brother, Jacob. But, God had blessed Esau. When Esau saw Jacob, he chose to run towards him with unabashed love. A note in my Bible described this run as the run of the father in Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son.

It's interesting that Jacob compares seeing Esau's face with the face of God, for he had just wrestled God the night before.

Both God and Esau showed Jacob unmerited favor.

There are people in almost every person's life that need to be shown unmerited favor. Esau had no human reason to show such love to his brother. His love helped change Jacob. Who can you show love like this to? Who can you forgive? Who can you reconcile with? Maybe God will use you to change them for good.

2 Chronicles 10 - Rehoboam was the grandson of King David, the son of King Solomon, and a very stupid leader. It was under his leadership that the nation of Israel was divided. His stubborn refusal to listen to the wise counsel of his father's advisers, in favor of listening to his younger peers, led to incredible rebellion in the nation.

As a pastor, I want to always keep verse 8 in front of me, as a reminder about what happens when we don't respect the heritage of a church, a nation, a family, etc.

8 But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him.

Acts 2 - Acts 2 is the chapter of the Bible where everything changed! After Jesus ascended to heaven, the apostles gathered in the upper room, praying and waiting for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

I love the way Acts 2 describes the coming of the Holy Spirit. There could be no doubt that this was the Spirit that Jesus promised. It would have been amazing to be in that upper room, but what happened next was even more incredible.

Peter, the impulsive, Jesus-denying, foot-in-mouth, act before you think, incredible leader of a man; spoke to thousands about the God who had so marvelously restored and forgiven him. And everyone in the crowd heard Peter's sermon in his own language. What a sermon! Three thousand people came to faith in Christ, and the early church started!

The description of the early church in Acts 2:42-47 shows a group of people who understood the irreducible core of the Christian life - love God, love others and make disciples as you go.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 5, 2010

2010-02-05T21:29:00.008-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 35, Genesis 32, 2 Chronicles 9, Acts 1

Psalm 35 - If ever there were a prayer that showed that it is okay to pray for your own needs, this is it. David is asking the Lord to work on his behalf because there are people who are actively seeking to harm him.

As you read this prayer, you can't help but be struck at the desperation in David's words. He also seems to have full confidence that God will not only deliver him, but that his heart will praise God when he is delivered.

Genesis 32 - This is a fascinating chapter of Scripture. First, Jacob prepares to be reunited with his brother, Esau. Jacob is scared to death about this meeting with Esau. And, why wouldn't he be? He had betrayed Esau. It's interesting to see Jacob's bargaining with God continue in this passage. He is pleading with God for Esau to show mercy on him. Jacob even instructs his servants to tell Esau that "your servant" Jacob is coming to meet him. I believe that Jacob is convinced that he will truly become Esau's servant.

The second half of the chapter deals with Jacob's wrestling with God. It's interesting that God would choose to deal with Jacob in this way. I don't have much to write about the wrestling match, but I do find it interesting that at the conclusion, when God blesses Jacob, that He tells him that his name shall be Israel. This is the first mention of Israel in the Bible.

2 Chronicles 9 - The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon was a spectacle to behold. She was amazed at both the wisdom and the wealth of Solomon. Her visit shows that the rulers of the world had taken notice of Solomon's wealth. She even infers that Solomon's wealth was the talk of her kingdom, but the talk didn't do it justice.

Then she does something spectacular. She says, "Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on his throne as king for the LORD your God! "

She praised God for Solomon's blessings. She also showered Solomon with blessings.

May we recognize that God has blessed our land. He has given us more than we deserve. We should be praising Him every day for the blessings that He has given to us.

The end of 2 Chronicles 9 records the wealth of Solomon increasing, and then his death. There is much more information about Solomon's reign in 1 Kings.

Acts 1 - The book of Acts was written by the Apostle Luke. We finished Luke's Gospel yesterday, and now we get to dive into his account of the early church.

Luke explains to Theophilus that his first letter was all about Jesus, and that this is a continuation of the Jesus story. Even though Jesus had ascended into heaven, He was still spiritually present on earth, and He continued to teach through His disciples and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:8 is one telling of the Great Commission. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Jesus gave His disciples a model for ministry. They were to share Christ in their hometown (Jerusalem), in their region(Judea), with their neighboring region(Samaria - even though the Samaritans were enemies of the Jews), and to the ends of the earth.

We are to do the same thing. God has called us to reach people like us and people that are not at all like us with the Gospel. How active are we in seeking to share Christ with the world around us? It is Christ's desire for us, and should be our consuming passion.

Notes from my Bible Study for Feburary 4, 2010

2010-02-04T15:35:00.002-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 34, Genesis 31, 2 Chronicles 8, Luke 24

Psalm 34 - David has experienced that God is good over and over again in his life when he writes Psalm 34. This passage is written after God had once again delivered David from great trouble.

David encourages the children of Israel to worship and magnify the Lord together with him. And then he says something marvelous in verse 8. "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!"

Those who have experienced the grace and love of God know that these words are good. I talk to so many people who have rejected Christ for one reason or another. I can't help but think if they would taste and see, they would experience that Christ is everything that they ever needed in life. He fills the longings of our heart better than anything this side of heaven.

So, taste and see that the LORD is good. Let us exalt his name together, forever!

Notes from my Bible Study for February 3, 2010

2010-02-03T22:38:00.006-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 33, Genesis 29:31‐30:43, 2 Chronicles 7, Luke 23:26‐56

Psalm 33 - Are you getting the idea that David liked to talk about the love of the Lord? David ends Psalm 33 with these words: "Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you."

If David knew anything about God, it is that his God knew how to show love to people who sometimes didn't deserve it. David had failed God over and over again, and yet God was still so good to him. He marveled at the steadfast love of his powerful God.

What is it about God's love that strikes you today?

Genesis 29:31-30:43 - You can speculate, just from reading this passage, that there will be trouble ahead for Jacob's family. The rivalry that is brewing between his wives and the continued deceitful attitudes about so many things (children, flocks, etc.) reveal a family that is not yet trusting in Jehovah.

2 Chronicles 7 - What a chapter! How can one read the words of 2 Chronicles 7 and not be in awe of our God?

As soon as Solomon had finished his prayer of the dedication of the temple, fire came down from heaven and consumed all the burn offering and sacrifices and the glory of God filled the temple.

What a sight this must have been! I can hardly imagine seeing Solomon then sacrifice 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep.

But, even bigger than the fire that consumed the offering was the fact that God spoke to the people.

2 Chronicles 7:14 has long been one of my favorite Bible verses. Why? Because it details the plan for national repentance and blessing. God didn't call heathens to repent in order for the land of Israel to be healed. He called for His chosen people to repent. If we want to see healing in America, or any other country, it is going to take God's people humbling ourselves, praying turning from our wicked ways, and seeking God's face, in order for our land to be healed.

The same powerful God that showed up in 2 Chronicles 7, wants to show up in your life today. Humble yourself. Pray, Turn from your wicked ways, and seek God's face.

Luke 23:26-56 - As I read this passage tonight, I thought about the people mentioned in the crucifixion account.

First, there is Simon of Cyrene. Simon was from Africa. Most likely a black man, Simon stood out in the Jewish crowds. He was picked out to carry the cross for Jesus, and I wonder how he felt.

Then there are the "Daughters of Jerusalem," whom Jesus picked out and told not to weep for Him, but for themselves and their children.

Then there were the criminals. One turned to Christ, the other mocked Him.

Then the soldiers, men who mocked Christ and gambled for his clothing.

Then there were those who were gathered in the temple, when the curtain was ripped in two. They aren't mentioned by name, but there were some who were there.

Finally, I read of Joseph of Arimathea and some women who had come from Galilee.

All of these people's stories were intertwined with Christ's story. I'm sure many were changed by the crucifixion, and then the resurrection.

I praise God that he died for people like the soldiers and the criminal. I praise God that he died for you and for me. I stand in awe of His great sacrifice.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 2, 2010

2010-02-02T18:52:00.005-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 32, Genesis 29:1‐30, 2 Chronicles 6, Luke 22:47‐23:25

Psalm 32 - Psalm 32 is a very important passage. It records the joy that David felt after being forgiven. Most scholars believe that verses 3-4 speak of the time that David shut himself off to the Lord after his sin with Bathsheba. For almost two years, David did not speak with God. After being confronted by the Prophet Nathan, David repented and God forgave him.

Genesis 29:1-30 - Laban was as much a deceiver as his sister Rebekah. I wonder if he favored Leah over Rachel, or if he was just a father who didn't think that Leah would ever find a husband because of her appearance. Either way, Jacob shows that he loves Rachel so much that he was willing to wait another week to marry her and then work another seven years for her hand in marriage.

2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's prayer for the dedication of the temple tells much of the history between the Children of Israel and God. His prayer would be a good primer for the people of Israel on what God had promised and how God had moved in Israel's past.

Luke 22:47‐23:25 - It is difficult to read the words of Luke 22:47-23:25. As we do, we read about the betrayal, abuse, mock trials, and denial of our Savior. All of this is prior to Jesus actually going to the cross.

Jesus went through this abuse because of us. He came to earth to provide the means to salvation for man. We can be reconciled because of Christ's death.

As you read through these passages, think about this -- would a loving Father (God the Father) allow His only Son (Jesus) to go through these abuses, if in the end He was going to let everyone into heaven?

Of course not! Christ's death was necessary for us and it is necessary for us to humble ourselves and accept his gift of salvation.

Notes from my Bible Study for February 1, 2010

2010-02-01T21:27:00.006-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 31, Genesis 28:10‐22, 2 Chronicles 5, Luke 22:1‐46

Psalm 31 - 14 But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!

How much do you really trust God? For David, his trust extended to his very life. His times, according to verse 15 were in the Lord's hands. His desire was to be rescued from his enemies, but nevertheless, he would trust in God.

I was talking with one of my children the other day about persecution of Christians in China. He said that he would like to visit China some day. But, he didn't want to go until it was "legal" to be a Christian.

We talked together about what it is like to be a persecuted believer in Jesus Christ. Did you know that when the church has been persecuted it actually grows. Persecution leads to a deeper faith. It's almost always been that way.

One of the men who has influenced my life the most is Josef Tson. He was a Romanian pastor who led the largest Protestant church in all of Europe. He pastored for large number of years under extreme persecution. His life, like David's was in God's hands. He lived his life with the assurance that God was in control. Despite the persecution that Josef and his family endured, God blessed them and the church he pastored.

Do you trust God? Do you believe that your life is in His hands? If so, live for Him, no matter the cost! Persecution may come. In fact, if you are a follower of Jesus persecution is guaranteed to come. God will use that persecution for His glory and your maturity.

Genesis 28:10-22 - It's interesting to me that even though God made a covenant with his Grandfather, Abraham, and reaffirmed that covenant to his father, Isaac; Jacob has trouble placing his faith in God.

It's easy for people to assume that faith will pass down from one generation to the next. It doesn't just happen. The Holy Spirit was pursuing Jacob. Jacob makes a deal with God, regarding faith in this passage. God will come through, but it isn't because of Jacob's deal, it is because of God's sovereign will.

2 Chronicles 5 - I got chills tonight as I read the account of the completion of the temple, and the first worship service held in the new temple.

I remember when I was growing up. I attended Fox Valley Bible Church in St. Charles, Illinois. Our church was growing rapidly, and the church needed to move to a new location. Property was purchased and a larger church was built. Moving into the new church was a special Sunday. There was such an excitement about moving into the house of God that the people had so faithfully built. But, it was nothing like the experience that Solomon and the people of Israel had.

The glory of God actually descended upon this building. God's glory dwelt in Solomon's temple. What an awesome thought. The priests could not even stay in the temple because of the glory of God.

I also got shivers thinking about the fact that we still often times sing the words of the very first worship song sung in the temple.

"For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."

Luke 22:1-46 - Alone and betrayed are two words that come to mind when I read this passage. Jesus was never truly alone that night, because He had perfect union and communion with the Father and Holy Spirit, but he was abandoned by those He loved. As I read this passage I'm struck by the intensity of the attack that Jesus went through on the night He was betrayed.

1) He battled Satan in the flesh, who had entered into the body of Judas Iscariot.

2) He dealt with bickering disciples, arguing over, of all things, who was the greatest.

3) He dealt with the physical and emotional trauma of preparing to go to the cross as he sweat drops of blood.

4) He dealt with the foreknowledge that His disciples would each take turns betraying Him, disowning Him, and abandoning Him.

5) He dealt with disciples who would rather sleep than pray with Him.

Our God went through so much that we might be redeemed!

Notes from my Bible Study for January 31, 2010

2010-01-31T15:27:00.008-06:00

Today’s Reading: Psalm 30, Genesis 27:41‐28:9, 2 Chronicles 4, Luke 20:45‐21:38

Psalm 30 – What is the most down you’ve ever been? If you are a human being, and I am assuming if you are reading this blog you are :), then you have had periods of time that you are discouraged, upset, or downright depressed.

Life includes a series of good days and bad days. When we are stuck in the bad days, we can find ourselves wondering if the good ones will ever come again. Psalm 30 includes timeless truth for those who struggle with depression. Our God is a God who loves to turn mourning into dancing. He is a God that can take the worst days and turn them into the best.

Two verses I want to highlight here.

Verse five says, “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

Verse eleven says, “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,”

That is the power of Christ in us. When we struggle, it’s important to ask, “Why?” Is our struggle our doing, God’s doing, or someone or something else’s doing? If it’s our doing, then confess it. God is a God of grace. Our weeping may last for a night, but rejoicing will come in the morning.

If it is God’s doing, remember that God is sovereign and good. His plans for us remain good. They are greater than our plans are for ourselves. Trust.

If the pain is coming from someone or something else, remember that God is greater than any force, person, or situation that can come into our lives. He will take care of us. One day, our mourning will turn into dancing.

Genesis 27:41-28:9 – The drama in the life of the family of Isaac and Rebekah continues in this section. Isaac is close to death when Esau determines in his heart that he will kill his brother upon Isaac’s death. Rebekah hears of Esau’s plan and sends Jacob to live with his uncle Laban. She tells Isaac how displeased she is at the Hittite women that Esau had married. She commands Jacob to marry a woman from Laban’s homeland.

When Esau gets wind of this, he realizes that his choice of wives must have displeased his father. So, he added a third wife. This time he marries the daughter of Ishmael, the son of Abraham. Therefore, he marries his cousin.

2 Chronicles 4 – This chapter speaks of all of the temple furnishings that Solomon and Huram-Abi made for the temple. So many items needed to be constructed for temple worship. I’m constantly stuck at the detail that went into the temple and the worship of Jehovah. There were such incredible preparations that went into worshipping God. I wonder if we have lost something in our 21st century worship of God. Have we lost some of the wonder and awe with which the people approached the LORD.

Luke 20:45-21:38 – There are three distinct events that are recorded in this section of Scripture. The first is a teaching that Jesus gave regarding the religious leaders of that day. He warned those listening to him to be careful about those that they were holding up as being godly men. Many of these religious leaders were just making a show of their love for God. They worshipped God publicly, but they had hearts that were far from God. They were living their lives for the praise of men, not the honor of God.

As a religious leader (a pastor), I am constantly questioning my motives. Why do I pray the way I do, speak the way I do, act the way I do? Am I doing my “job” for God’s glory or mine? Any time I get in the way, I am ineffective. We need to be a people that live for His renown.

The second event was the offering that a widow gave at the temple. She was poor and gave the modern equivalent of a few cents. There were others who gave much larger gifts. Their gifts were presented in front of men, with great pomp and circumstance. These people, according to Jesus had received their reward in full. The widow’s gift was greater than that of those who made great show of their gifts. She gave out of a heart of love and true sacrifice. The others gave to make a show. We need to examine our motives in giving to Christ.

Finally, Jesus gave his listeners signs of the end of the age in this passage. It’s one of the most famous passages in all of Scripture dedicated to what the world will look like when Christ returns. I remember listening to a pastor recently who said, “The world has never looked more like the world that Jesus said He would return to than the world we live in today.”

As you read this passage, what are some things that stick out to you about the days that Christ will return? Why is it important for us to study biblical prophecy? How can the study of biblical prophecy help us grow in our faith? What are some of the dangers in studying biblical prophecy?

Notes from my Bible Study for January 30, 2010

2010-01-30T15:20:00.004-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 29, Genesis 27:1‐40, 2 Chronicles 3, Luke 19:47‐20:44

Psalm 29 - This has to be the favorite psalm of Christian meteorologists. David wants us to catch a glimpse of just how glorious our God is. He is the God who sits enthroned above all others. He is the God who controls the weather. He is the God whose power is displayed throughout the world. I love the way that David describes God's voice breaking the strongest cedar trees of Lebanon. I love how he talks about God's voice being over the waters, thundering over many waters. Our God is powerful and majestic. We need to ascribe to the Lord, the glory due His name, as David so aptly put it in verse 2.

Genesis 27:1-40 - The sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau reach new lows in this chapter as Jacob steals the blessing that so belonged to Esau.

When the birthright was taken from Esau, it was because of Esau's own stupidity and desire for food. The blessing was taken out of pure deceit on the part of Jacob and Rebekah.

God had a plan to work through Jacob, despite Jacob's wickedness. Isaac had quite a blessing for Esau, but the blessing would be Jacob's.

This chapter reminds me that God's ways are not our ways.

2 Chronicles 3 - What is recorded as such simple words at the beginning of 2 Chronicles 3, "Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. . ." was probably the most exciting moment in the life of Solomon up to that moment in time.

Men love projects. We love to give ourselves over to a great task. There would be no greater task in Solomon's kingdom than the task of building the temple of the LORD. When we have big tasks before us, may we never forget the greatest responsibilities that God has given us.

We will read later of the tragedy of Solomon's family. Had Solomon expended an equal amount of energy in reaching out to his children, his life would have been even better.

Luke 19:47-20:44 - I am always moved when I read the parable of the wicked tenants. Here, the owner of the vineyard sent his servants to the vineyard they were mistreated. Then he sent his son, and his son was killed.

Jesus asked the crowd what they thought the owner would do to those tenants. Then he said, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."

Jesus would be put to death by many in that very crowd. We need to recognize our culpability in the death of Christ. Our sin put Christ on the cross. But, His grace offers forgiveness and life everlasting.

Notes from my Bible Study for January 29, 2010

2010-01-29T22:31:00.006-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 28, Genesis 26, 2 Chronicles 2, Luke 19:28‐46

Psalm 28 - I'm struck as I read this Psalm at just how much David counted God as the strength of his life. David was the mightiest king in all of the world, but he counted God as his strength. He didn't take pride in his military genius. He took pride in his God. David knew that nothing that he accomplished was possible without the strength of God. David relied upon God's strength and knew that he was nothing without it.

Genesis 26 - Genesis 26 is a good chapter to point out that the sins of the father so often visit the next generation. Such was the case with Isaac, who like his father Abraham lied about his relationship with his wife when he went to dwell in a foreign land. Like his father, Isaac feared that the men of the city would kill him so that they could have his beautiful wife. And, like God had done with her mother-in-law, God protected Rebekah.

We who are fathers should remember the story of Abraham and Isaac when we are tempted to sin. Our children learn best by observation, and if they observe sin in us it teaches them sin isn't serious.

2 Chronicles 2 - Solomon knew how to manage projects and people. He was the ultimate project manager, getting 153,600 people involved in the tasks of building the temple and quarrying in the hill country. He also knew how to work with other rulers. Hiram, the King of Tyre had a special place in his heart for the family of David.

I love what Solomon said in verse 5, "The house I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods."

Yesterday I spent some time in the Basilica of St. Mary in downtown Minneapolis. This beautiful Catholic church is marvelously ornate. But, it would not even come close to comparing with Solomon's temple. I'm blown away at how many times people shy away from giving to the house of the Lord. We should seek to make His house beautiful, for he is great, greater than all Gods!

Luke 19:28-46 - The triumphal entry marked the beginning of the passion week for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It's amazing to think that this crowd of people who were so enamored with Christ on Sunday could turn so quickly against him.

It's also interesting to see how quickly Jesus moved from the adoration of the crowd to the rebuking of the people gathered at the temple who had turned the house of God into a "den of robbers."

I'm glad that Jesus wept over Jerusalem after the triumphal entry. It gives us a glimpse into the tender heart of God. He loved those who rejected Him.

New Sermon Series Begins Sunday

2010-01-28T19:02:00.001-06:00

Our new sermon series, Ultimate Love begins this Sunday. This series is based on one of the most beloved passages in all of Scripture, 1 Corinthians 13.

Services are held at Woodbury Community Church, 2975 Pioneer Drive, Woodbury, MN at 9:00 and 10:30 AM. For more information you can visit our website at www.wccmn.org, or call our church office at (651) 739-1427.

January 31 - How To Make God Look Really Bad
February 7 - Ten Qualities of True Love
February 14 - How To Make Love Last

Notes from my Bible Study for January 28, 2010

2010-01-28T18:12:00.003-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 27, Genesis 25:19-34, 2 Chronicles 1, Luke 18:31-19:27

Psalm 27 - Psalm 27:1 says, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid."

What an awesome truth! I don't know how many times in my life that I have come back to the power and simplicity of this verse. It is God from whom my salvation comes. He is my light. I don't have to be afraid, when God is the foundation upon Whom my life is built.

David goes on to list the many enemies and things that God has protected him from. I could go on and on to.

I wonder what would happen if you were to take out a sheet of paper and begin to list down the many ways that God has protected you over the years. There would be so many items that you would leave off of that list, because the simple truth is, God protects us in ways that we never see.

Is God your light and salvation? If He is your Savior, the answer is, "Yes!" Thank Him anew for what He has done in you.

Genesis 25:19-34 - This passage tells the fascinating story of the birth of Jacob and Esau and the foolish choice that Esau made to sell his birthright to his brother.

If ever there was a family where sibling rivalry was present, it was this one. Isaac's two sons were pit against each other by their parents. Isaac favored Esau and Rebekah favored Jacob. Oh how much damage can be done in a home where one child is favored over another!

Like God did with their Grandfather, Abraham, God promised that a great nation would come from Jacob and a great nation would come from Esau.

2 Chronicles 1 - The book of 2 Chronicles opens with the newly crowned king, Solomon, worshipping the LORD, and the LORD doing for Solomon what He has done for no other human being. God gave Solomon the opportunity to ask for whatever he would from God, and God promised that He would grant the request. Solomon did something remarkable. He asked for wisdom!

What would you ask for? I'm not sure that I would have been wise enough to ask for wisdom. Solomon's request pleased God, and God promised Solomon that he would not only be given wisdom but riches like no king before or after had or would experience.

The New Testament book of James tells us that we too can ask for wisdom. In James 1:5we read, "5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

We may not have a "ask for whatever you want and I'll give it to you" guarantee, like Solomon was given. But, we do have a "ask for wisdom and I'll give it" guarantee. Why don't we ask more often? May we be a wise people, because our wisdom comes from God.

Luke 18:31-19:27 - I love how Jesus did ministry. He broke all of the rules of organized religion by hanging out with people who desperately needed redemption. In Luke 19, Jesus encounters a chief tax collector who was curious to see what this Jesus fellow was all about. We know, according to the text that Zacchaeus was vertically challenged. He was also quite the swindler. When Jesus saw Zacchaeus, up in a tree, He told him to come down. He was going to dine in the home of Zacchaeus that very day. Another thing I love about Jesus was that He wasn't afraid to invite himself over to the home of someone else for dinner:O)

When Jesus made the decision to dine with Zacchaeus, He opened himself up to criticism from the religious elite. They couldn't understand how Christ could justify dining with such a well known sinner. Jesus could care less what the religious leaders thought of Him. He was here for people like Zacchaeus. He was here to cleanse people like Zacchaeus for sin. Zacchaeus was so touched by Jesus' presence that He vowed to repay his debts fourfold and to give half of his goods to the poor. Jesus responded by saying that salvation had come to that home today.

From the time He was born, Jesus was about restoring broken people into fellowship with God. I'm so glad for that! Aren't you?

Notes from my Bible Study for January 27, 2010

2010-01-27T15:37:00.004-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 26, Genesis 25:1‐18, 1 Chronicles 29:22b‐30, Luke 18:1‐30

Psalm 26 - David time and time again in the Psalms talks about the danger that comes when we hang out with those who are wicked. Who we spend time with impacts us. A wise man once said the biggest difference between you five years from now and today are the books you read, the places you go and the people you meet.

Make sure you are investing time in relationships with other believers. Those should be the most life-giving relationships we have.

Genesis 25:1-18 - How interesting to see Abraham's sons, Isaac and Ishmael coming together at the death of their father. I had forgotten that Abraham took another wife after Sarah and had many more sons.

1 Chronicles 29:22b-30 - Solomon becomes king and David dies. God's blessing is with Solomon as he becomes king. The peaceful transition from David's rule to Solomon's also ushers in an even greater time of prosperity for the nation of Israel.

Luke 18:1-30 - Why is it that we compare ourselves to other people so much, and so little to God? We like to say things like, "I'm not as bad as so-and-so!" or "Thank God I'm not a _______."

Jesus warned people against this in Luke 18. Other people aren't the standard to which Christ is calling us to live. He is. And when we compare ourselves to Him, we all fall short. And, that's the point. We all need a Savior.

Romans 3 tells us that we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Comparing ourselves to other people leads to the sort of Pharisaical attitudes that were exhibited by the religious leaders in Jesus' day, and unfortunately by too many of us who call ourselves Christians. Let's let God be the judge, and thank Him for giving any of us grace.

Notes from my Bible Study for January 26, 2010

2010-01-26T18:13:00.003-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 25, Genesis 24, 1 Chrronicles 29:1‐22a, Luke 17:11‐37

Psalm 25 - I’m struck by the simplicity of the words in verse 14, “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.”

There are many things that I think about when I think about my relationship with the LORD. “Friend” isn’t normally the first thing that comes to mind. Who am I that the LORD would seek to be friends with me? And yet there are several in Scripture who are called friends of God. God loves friendship with His children.

So, what does a friend of God do?

Like real friends he communicates with God. He spends time with him. He stands up for Him. He looks for ways to bless Him, and so much more.

So, how is that friendship going? Is God a friend? Are you His friend? If not, God’s waiting with open arms. Take the step and become a friend of God.

Genesis 24 – Abraham was a good father to Isaac. He did not want Isaac to take a wife from the Canaanites, and instructed his servant to find a wife for Isaac amongst Abraham’s relatives. I love the way that the servant sought to not only honor his master, but to seek God’s direction as he sought out a wife for Isaac. God directed and found a beautiful and faithful woman to be Isaac’s wife. I love that God brought comfort to Isaac after his mother’s death in his bride, Rebekah.

1 Chronicles 29:1-22a – King David was nearing the end of his life. His ultimate triumph wasn’t in victories won in battle, but in preparing the people to build the temple under the leadership of his son Solomon. You can’t read 1 Chronicles 29 without marveling at the exuberant generosity of King David. The king was so excited about the ability to give good gifts to the Lord that the people caught the passion too. It’s so cool to see how excited the people are about building the temple in this chapter.

I loved the words of David in verse 1b, “The task is great, because this palatial structure is not for human beings but for the LORD God.” What a testament to what is truly important! May we desire to give like this! How quick we are to build mansions to self, but not think about blessing God.

Luke 17:11-37 – We serve a God who is omniscient. He knows everything that will happen. As such, he knew that when he healed the lepers, only one would come back to thank Him. Did that stop Christ from healing? No! He didn’t heal for thanks. He healed because it was the right thing to do. Did you notice who came back to thank Christ? It was the Samaritan leper.

Lepers were the scourge of ancient society. Lepers were relegated to living outside of the town. With no known cure, leprosy was easily spread and it killed. Jesus loved to heal lepers. He healed some by touching them. It would have been the first time in years that they had felt another human being touch them. He could have just healed with his words, like he seemed to do here, but for some, it was His touch. If lepers were society’s scourge, then Samaritan lepers were several steps lower, as far as a righteous Jew was concerned. The Samaritans were enemies of the Jews. These races hated each other. And yet Jesus healed a Samaritan. It would have been a valuable lesson for His followers. Jesus loved Samaritans. Jesus loved lepers. And, Jesus loves you.

Leprosy has largely disappeared from the medical world today, but Christ’s love still reaches out to those who are society’s outcasts. So should our love be!

Notes from my Bible Study for January 25, 2010

2010-01-25T21:09:00.005-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 24, Genesis 23, 1 Chronicles 28, Luke 16:1-17:10

Psalm 24 - When I read the qualifications of the person who may stand in the holy place of the LORD in Psalm 24:4, I think, this is the type of man I want to be. I want to be a person who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up my soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.

I'm particularly struck by being a person who does not lift up my soul to what is false. There are so many lies all around us. If there is a continual spiritual battle around us, and I believe there is, and if our adversary is the father of lies, then we should expect that we are regularly hearing lies. As such, it becomes easy to lift our souls to what is false. It might be a false philosophy, or self-importance, or a craving for the things that are clearly against God.

Lord, help me to be someone who is continually seeking Your truth. Help me to be a man who runs after the things of Christ, not the things of this world. Help me to recognize that I can be a person with a pure heart through the power of your Holy Spirit.

Genesis 23 - I did not add any notes to this section of my Bible.

1 Chronicles 28 - There is something beautiful about the charge that a father gives to his son, when it is a charge that glorifies God.

That is the type of charge that David gave to Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28. We have already read in 1 Chronicles that David and Solomon had many conversations, but we have not been made privy to what was said in those conversations.In this chapter we get to read what David said to his son, and it is awesome.

David calls Solomon to worship God with a whole heart and a willing mind. Those are words coming from a man who was called a man after God's own heart. David wanted his son to know the joy of wholehearted servanthood to God. I find the words "willing mind" interesting. He didn't tell Solomon to have an intellectual mind or a discerning mind. He told him to have a willing mind. Our minds need to be willing to let God be God. He then challenges Solomon to seek God, and reminds him that if Solomon seeks God, God will be found. This is a promise repeated in so many places in the Bible. He also warns him not to forsake God, because if he does, Solomon is told that he will be cast off forever.

How awesome would it be if every Dad had that kind of talk with his sons? May we teach the next generation to seek after God's heart!

Luke 16:1-17:10 - Wow! There is so much here. It's tough to know where to start. Let me just say I am struck by the fact that God continually reminds us that He is God and only He is God. We cannot serve both God and money.

As a pastor, I'm struck by how many times I struggle with this. I know that God is the answer to my toughest problems, but somehow think that if I had more money my problems would somehow go away. That could not be further from the truth. I need God, not money, and until I come to grips with that, money will compete for the place that God deserves to be in my life.

Interesting that the religious leaders in Jesus' day were lovers of money. I wonder how far we have come.

Jesus didn't mince words when it came to divorce and remarriage. He is a God who truly does hate divorce. We need to view marriage as precious and not be so quick to throw marriage away when stress comes.

How severe God treats those who cause others to sin! I don't want to be the source of other's sin. No wonder Jesus, in the Lord's prayer, prayed "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." May we not be the one leading others into temptation!

I want faith that is larger than a mustard seed! Imagine what could happen with that kind of faith.

Notes from my Bible Study for January 24, 2010

2010-01-24T14:29:00.002-06:00

Today’s Reading: Psalm 23, Genesis 22, 1 Chronicles 27, Luke 15

Psalm 23 – One of my favorite parts of being a pastor the privilege that I am given to enter people’s lives at some of their most tender and precious moments. I love when I get to be in a hospital room with a new mother and her child. I love being there to celebrate moments like high school graduations, weddings, and special anniversaries. And, at times I am in the room when a person says “Good bye,” to this life and walks into the arms of Jesus.

I remember one of those times a few years back. I was called at midnight to join a family who was gathered around the hospital bedside of Geva Lou, the matriarch of the family. Her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren were gathered at her side, as was her sister and brother-in-law. It was a shocking day for them. Just earlier in the day, this dear woman was getting her hair styled at her favorite salon. Now, she lay dying in a hospital bed. She had been unaware of the fact that her organs had been shutting down for the past couple of weeks. When she experienced abdominal pain and went to the ER, she had no idea that she would be in surgery minutes later, only to be closed back up with the dire realization that nothing could be done. She would die within hours.

I joined the family in those dying moments. They asked if I would read Scripture, so I opened my Bible to Psalm 23. As I read this precious Psalm, Geva Lou’s breathing grew more faint. I came to Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
As I finished reading that verse, Geva Lou’s sister said, “Go. Dwell in the house of the LORD forever. I will see you on the other side. I love you.”

And with that, Geva Lou died. She went from suffering in a bed into the arms of Jesus.

Psalm 23 has been a psalm of comfort to so many generations of people. David truly wrote words that were inspired by God. What is your favorite part of the 23rd Psalm?

Genesis 22 – I have a confession to make. For years I hated Genesis 22. I didn’t like what the passage said about God. I didn’t like to think about the trauma that God’s request caused Abraham. And, I sure didn’t like what it would have done to Isaac. But, I’ve grown. And, today I see Genesis 22 in an entirely different light. It is a beautiful picture not only of God’s love but of the growth of a man and his faith.

If you’ve been taking The Challenge you may have noticed that Abraham’s faith frustrates me sometimes. He is seen as a giant in the faith, and yet he blows it over and over again. He lacks faith in God’s ability to protect him, two different times calling Sarah his sister instead of his wife to save his own skin. He impregnates his wife’s servant when he ceases to trust that God will follow through on his covenant with him. And, there are a host of other situations.

But, in Genesis 22 an entirely different Abraham emerges. This is a man who is convinced that if God can grant him a child at 100 years old, that God can protect that child even if it is from God’s hand that God might be protecting the child.

When God asks Abraham to shed his own son’s blood, it isn’t because God wants Isaac dead, it’s because he wants to see just how far Abraham would obey Him. Abraham has now passed the point where I would ever go. I couldn’t do what God asked Abraham to do. My faith would be so weak. But, Abraham follows God, even so far as to put Isaac on the altar. Then God says, “Stop,” and provides Abraham with a sacrificial lamb.

Abraham had grown in his faith. There was hope for this sinful man. And, there is hope for you and me. But, our hope is in Jesus. While God allowed Abraham’s son to live, He did not spare His own Son, Jesus Christ. Christ came into the world and became our salvation. Through His death, we can be healed. Through His resurrection power we can be forgiven. Our God is THE AWESOME GOD.

1 Chronicles 27 – The preparation for the transfer of the monarchy continues as David numbers the army and appoints officers for the tribes and overseers of the king’s business. I’m impressed at the order of the divisions, each with 24,000 men. I’m also impressed by David’s new obedience when it comes to the census. He refused to number all men 20 and under, because God had promised his descendents would be as numerous as the stars. David knew that he could count in God’s promise. This was a step of growth in David’s relationship with the Lord.

Luke 15 – The parables of the lost sheep, lost coin and lost son are perhaps the most famous of all of Jesus’ parables. He tells them together in Luke 15 to show the incredible joy that He has when a sinner repents from the error of his or her ways.

Jesus lived his life with a purpose. He came to earth to set the captives free. Jesus had joy then and still has joy when the lost are found. He gave us all a Great Commission to go into all the world and make disciples. Scripture tells us that the angels in heaven rejoice when one sinner comes to faith in Jesus Christ.

The parable of the lost son, or the Prodigal Son is almost always referred to by these names, but a better title might be, the parable of the faithful father. It’s not tough to become a prodigal. The strength in this parable is in the Father’s love for his child. The Father is representative of God. May your rejoice in your Father’s love today!

Notes from my Bible Study for January 23, 2010

2010-01-23T07:28:00.006-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 22, Genesis 21:22‐34, 1 Chronicles 26, Luke 14

Psalm 22 - Psalm 22 is an important psalm because it not only records the lament and pain of David, it foreshadows the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. There is so much from Psalm 22 that is repeated in the Gospel accounts of Jesus' crucifixion. Matthew 27, in particular, relies upon Psalm 22, with Jesus using the words from verse 1 while on the cross, and seeing the parallels of the actions of the crowd like mockery, casting lots, etc.

Psalm 22 ends with hope, and Christ provided that hope when he rose from the grave.

So, this is a somewhat prophetic psalm that also describes how David was feeling at the time it was written.

Genesis 21:22-34 - God had certainly blessed Abraham, and others were noticing. I found it interesting that Abimelech said, "God is with you in all that you do."

I wonder how grateful we are when the hand of God is clearly upon us. So many of us have been so blessed, but for whatever reason, we don't recognize it. May we be a people who recognize the blessings of God on our lives and thank Him for it.

1 Chronicles 26 - David continues to prepare for the transfer of power from his monarchy to his son's monarchy by organizing the people.

Luke 14 - What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Jesus uses the occasion of Luke 14 to talk about how those who are followers of Him must live.

Disciples are to be people of humility. We are to be people who care for the poor and the oppressed. But, more than anything, we are to be a people with a love for God that supersedes everything else in our lives.

There are those who read Jesus' words about hating fathers, mothers, wives, sisters, brothers, children and even our own lives, and get disgusted. Jesus isn't talking about literally hating them. That would contradict every message that Christ had already given about loving others more than we love ourselves, about showing love to others, etc.

So, what is Jesus talking about? He wants us to be a people who love him so much that any other relationship we have would pale in comparison. It means that we obey Christ above anyone else. When our priorities conflict between obeying Christ and following others that we choose to obey Christ.

Notes from my Bible Study for January 22, 2010

2010-01-22T13:23:00.003-06:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 21, Genesis 21:1‐21, 1 Chronicles 25, Luke 13:10‐35

Psalm 21 - 11 Though they plan evil against you, though they devise mischief, they will not succeed.

Some of the greatest athletes in the world have the ability to turn a game around when it looks like all of the momentum has turned against them. Even the greatest athlete can't win every game. God isn't an athlete, and He isn't playing a game, but He is in a battle and sometimes it looks like the devil is winning. But, God cannot lose to Satan.

David knew this. In Psalm 21:11 he wrote about the futility in taking sides against the Lord. God always wins in the end.

Isn't it good to know that no matter what type of evil is directed against the Lord, He will ultimately prevail? We can depend upon Him for God wins in the end!

Genesis 21:1-21 - The birth of Isaac and the casting out of Hagar and Ishmael are recorded in this chapter. I was struck at the fact that God heard the prayer of Ishmael. He promised Hagar that he would become a great nation too. He had mercy and provided water for the young mother and her son.

1 Chronicles 25 - I think organizing the musicians had to be one of David's favorite jobs as he prepared to turn the kingdom over to Solomon. David was not only a warrior king, he was a tender hearted musician who loved to worship the Lord. I picture David singing praises to God with the musicians as he organized them into a worship leading throng.

Luke 13:10-35 - Jesus shook up the religious system in the world He entered. He saw past the legalism of the Jewish system and spoke to what the spirit of the law was about.

When a woman who had been disabled by an evil spirit for eighteen years came into the synagogue on the Sabbath, Jesus healed her. The ruler of the synagogue made a stink because Jesus healed on the Sabbath. He basically said, "She could have come six other days this week for healing. We don't heal on the Sabbath."

Jesus responded with power and authority, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it? 16 And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” 17 As he said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame, and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.

That's my Jesus! I love Him so much.

Notes from my Bible Study for January 21, 2010

2010-01-21T14:51:00.003-06:00

Passages Read: Psalm 20, Genesis 20, 1 Chronicles 23‐24, Luke 12:49‐13:9

Psalm 20 - 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God

One of the first retreats that I ever went on as a youth pastor was a national youth conference in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The man who had been hired to lead worship for the week was a quirky guy who loved to turn obscure Bible verses into songs. He then added his own sound effects and noises to the music he created.

Psalm 20:7 was one of the verses that he turned into song. And you know what? I'll never forget the song. I can't tell you how many hundreds of times the words to Psalm 20:7 have been replayed in my mind because of quirky dude's music. And, the words have been such a comfort.

I need to trust in God to provide for my needs. So, do you. The Lord is the source of every blessing in our life. When we are blessed, praise the Lord. When we go through trials, turn to the Lord. He is the ultimate source of strength.

Genesis 20 - Abraham sure was a slow learner. Once again he calls Sarah his sister, leading another king to take her into his household as a wife. God again intervenes and saves both Sarah's dignity and preserves his vow with Abraham. I get mad at Abraham when I read this passage, and I get reminded of how easy it is for any of us to stumble, if we are trusting in ourselves instead of God.

1 Chronicles 23-24 - It's interesting to see the detail that David went into to assure that his son, Solomon, would start strong as king. David was a man of preparation. The inclusion of so many names brings credibility to the history of these chapters.

Luke 12:49-13:9 - There have been many books published about the hard sayings of Jesus. These are sayings that are tough for us to swallow. We love to hear about the compassion and grace of Christ, but few of us get as excited about the wrath of God.

Jesus speaks hard truth in Luke 12:49-13:9. He talks about the fact that if we do not repent and turn to Him, we will face eternal punnisment. There are consequences to sin, and Jesus has no problem letting His hearers be aware of the fact they need a Savior.

How do these passages make you feel as you read them? Do they broaden your understanding of the historical Jesus?