Passages Read: Psalm 16, Genesis 17, 1 Chronicles 17, Luke 10:25‐42
Psalm 16 - 4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.
I'm preaching a message in church today on following false gods. It's part of my series through the life of Elijah. We are nearing the end of our Elijah series. Ahaziah, the son of Ahab is now king. He seeks after the false god Baal-Zabub and God literally takes his life for his sin.
God hates when we pursue false gods. David was correct to write that the sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply.
Sometimes we Americans run after gods like money, fame, prestige, family, work, pleasure, etc. While they may not look like little idols, they are. And, pursuing any of those things above God will bring us sorrow.
Genesis 17 - Genesis 17 records God's covenant with Abraham. He had already promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, but now Abraham was 99 years old. God begins the chapter by asking Abraham to walk before him and be blameless that he might make a covenant between he and Abraham and bless him greatly.
Abraham had disobeyed God. God was asking him to walk with Him. Abraham fell on his face before God. God changed his name from Abram to Abraham and told him that he would have a child with Sarah his wife. Abraham's response? He laughed at God. Amazing that after vowing to walk with God, Abraham now laughs.
Nevertheless, God chooses to do what God will do. He promises Abraham that Sarah (whose name had been changed from Sarai) would become pregnant. They were to name their child Isaac.
God then instructs Abraham to seal the covenant by becoming circumcised. Every male in his household was to be circumcised as well.
Abraham would see God do mighty things through him, even though his life had fallen so short time and time again. This should give all of us hope that God can work through us, despite our shortcomings and lack of faith.
1 Chronicles 17 - 1 Chronicles 17 tells the beautiful story of God's covenant with David. The Lord makes a promise to David that one of his sons will build the house of the Lord. He says in verses 12-14 that 12 He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, 14 but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.’”
The chronicler does not include everything that is recorded in 2 Samuel 7:14. God's covenant to David will be fulfilled in Messiah. Solomon would build a temple, but the Kingdom is an eternal Kingdom that will be established through Jesus Christ.
What a beautiful foreshadowing of the Father's love for the Son is shown in this passage!
Luke 10:25-42 - For years when I read the parable of the Good Samaritan, I assumed that Jesus was trying to teach us that we were supposed to be like the Good Samaritan, reaching out to those in need, unlike the fake religious leaders who passed the wounded man by. Then I read some fantastic sermons on this passage.
The idea of the parable of the Good Samaritan is that we are the man who has been left half dead. God is the Good Samaritan. We are helpless to do anything about our sinful state unless Jesus comes to rescue us. Jesus has called us to be like Him. To be a Christian literally means to be a "little Christ."
Jesus asked the lawyer who asked the initial question in Luke 10, "Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" The man answered that it was the one who showed mercy. Jesus then told him to go and do likewise.
There are surely some people in your life who need to be rescued by Jesus. Will you go find them and bring them to the Savior?
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Notes from my Bible Study for January 16, 2010
Passages Read: Psalm 15, Genesis 16, 1 Chronicles 16:4‐43,Luke 9:51‐10:24
Psalm 15 - Read the list of qualifications for who can dwell on the holy hill of the Lord, and you might get discouraged. How many of us can say that we live our lives like that which is described 100 % of the time? Probably none of us. The Psalm is a description of the ideal worshiper of the Lord. Those who sang this psalm would try to live up to these standards. We should strive to live this way as well.
Genesis 16 - How long would it take Abram and Sarai to trust the Lord. God said that Abram would be the father of a great nation, but it had been ten years since the promise was made. Sarai had become impatient. She doubted God. She may have even wondered if Abram had heard God correctly. Either way, she devises her own scheme to have children by having her servant sleep with Abram. What a disappointing way for Sarai and Abram to act. The pregnancy happens, and Ishmael is born to Hagar. Abram not only became the father of the Jewish people, but of the adversaries of the Jewish people. We need to get out of the way so that God can work.
1 Chronicles 16:4-43 - I am blown away today as I think about David's heart of worship. He loved to worship the Lord. Every time I read one of the psalms that he wrote, I am impressed. This was a man who lived to worship. It doesn't mean that everything he did was worship. David failed often. But, he also understood worship and by watching and reading about David's life, we get a sense of what drove him.
I think 1 Chronicles 16:4-43 could be a worship leaders delight. You see David, but you also see Aseph and his brothers. Many of the psalms were written by Aseph. What a combination of worshippers.
David's song of thanks is beautiful. Each stanza seems to include words that have withstood the test of time. Many of our modern worship songs have their roots in these ancient words.
Luke 9:51-10:24 - I love Jesus' model of ministry. He sent out the twelve, equipped to do ministry, in Luke 9. Now, at the beginning of Luke 10, He send out the seventy-two. The mandate is the same. These seventy-two, who had followed Jesus closely, were ready to be used by God in the work of ministry.
Like the twelve, when the seventy-two come back, they are excited about what God did through them. They tell Jesus all about demons being subject to the name of Jesus. Jesus exhorts them to not rejoice in their ability to cast out demons in Jesus name as much as in the fact that their names are written down in heaven.
It is a miracle that God would choose to redeem any of us, let alone use us in His service. May we rejoice when God chooses to use us. May we also rejoice continually over the fact that, if we are believers, God has saved us. That is the ultimate thing to rejoice in.
Psalm 15 - Read the list of qualifications for who can dwell on the holy hill of the Lord, and you might get discouraged. How many of us can say that we live our lives like that which is described 100 % of the time? Probably none of us. The Psalm is a description of the ideal worshiper of the Lord. Those who sang this psalm would try to live up to these standards. We should strive to live this way as well.
Genesis 16 - How long would it take Abram and Sarai to trust the Lord. God said that Abram would be the father of a great nation, but it had been ten years since the promise was made. Sarai had become impatient. She doubted God. She may have even wondered if Abram had heard God correctly. Either way, she devises her own scheme to have children by having her servant sleep with Abram. What a disappointing way for Sarai and Abram to act. The pregnancy happens, and Ishmael is born to Hagar. Abram not only became the father of the Jewish people, but of the adversaries of the Jewish people. We need to get out of the way so that God can work.
1 Chronicles 16:4-43 - I am blown away today as I think about David's heart of worship. He loved to worship the Lord. Every time I read one of the psalms that he wrote, I am impressed. This was a man who lived to worship. It doesn't mean that everything he did was worship. David failed often. But, he also understood worship and by watching and reading about David's life, we get a sense of what drove him.
I think 1 Chronicles 16:4-43 could be a worship leaders delight. You see David, but you also see Aseph and his brothers. Many of the psalms were written by Aseph. What a combination of worshippers.
David's song of thanks is beautiful. Each stanza seems to include words that have withstood the test of time. Many of our modern worship songs have their roots in these ancient words.
Luke 9:51-10:24 - I love Jesus' model of ministry. He sent out the twelve, equipped to do ministry, in Luke 9. Now, at the beginning of Luke 10, He send out the seventy-two. The mandate is the same. These seventy-two, who had followed Jesus closely, were ready to be used by God in the work of ministry.
Like the twelve, when the seventy-two come back, they are excited about what God did through them. They tell Jesus all about demons being subject to the name of Jesus. Jesus exhorts them to not rejoice in their ability to cast out demons in Jesus name as much as in the fact that their names are written down in heaven.
It is a miracle that God would choose to redeem any of us, let alone use us in His service. May we rejoice when God chooses to use us. May we also rejoice continually over the fact that, if we are believers, God has saved us. That is the ultimate thing to rejoice in.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Notes from my Bible Study for January 15, 2010
Passages Read: Psalm 14, Genesis 15, 1 Chronicles 15:1‐16:3, Luke 9:1‐50
Psalm 14 - "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" is a theme that is seen in many places in Scripture. The idea that God is watching and that there is no one who seeks God, no one who does good, not even one should shake us to the core.
David is speaking of the godless in this passage, but he could just as easily be speaking about the propensity to sin that many of us find ourselves in. We may not say, "There is not God," but sometimes we act as if God's existence should have no impact on our daily lives. When we do such things, we are fools.
May we be a people who live our very lives as an act of worship to Almighty God! May we recognize that how we live matters. What we do says to others what we believe about God. Our actions speak louder than words.
Genesis 15 - We read about God's covenant with Abram in Genesis 15. This isn't the first time that God told Abram that he would be the father of a great nation, but it was the most important time. The first time had been years earlier, and Abram still had no child. God reassures Abram that He will keep His promises.
Verse six is an important verse. We'll see it talked about again in the book of Romans. "And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness."
Abram's faith was extraordinary, but it is the same type of faith that God wants to see from us. God asked Abram to believe in something that he couldn't see. He asked Abram to trust His word. And, Abram did. And that act of faith was seen as righteousness in the eyes of God. May God see you as righteous when he looks upon you!
1 Chronicles 15:1-16:3 - What a difference in how the Children of Israel approach the Ark of the Covenant here. The mishandling of the Ark had led to death a couple chapters ago. Now, David makes sure that the Ark is handled by Levites in the way that God had prescribed through Moses.
There is a great celebration that comes with bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. David leads the celebration with dancing, and his wife despises him for it. He was willing to become "undignified" so that God might be glorified.
Luke 9:1-50 - What an amazing passage of Scripture! Luke 9:1-50 begins with the sending out of the twelve apostles. They were ready to go. Whether they knew it or not, God intended to work through them to do miraculous things.
Jesus would later say that they would do even "greater things" than He had done while on earth.
They come back from their first ministry trip excited! They have seen God work. And, they also come back worn out. It's not uncommon, when serving the Lord, to feel fatigue. Serving God is spiritual battle. It can be intense. It's people work. People can say mean things, or do mean things. Jesus even told his disciples that might happen.
So, even though they come back excited, they are ready for rest. But, when they come back they encounter a crowd of 5,000 men, and many more women and children, who have come to hear Jesus teach and see the disciples. That's right, news had spread about what God was doing through the disciples.
I write all of this to point out something that Jesus said in Luke 9:13. After telling Jesus to send the crowd away, for evening was coming, the disciples were tired, and they were in a desolate place with no food, Jesus said, "You give them something to eat."
The feeding of the 5,000 is one of the most famous stories in the Bible. Have you ever heard a pastor speak about Jesus' first solution to the problem? He said, "You give them something to eat."
The disciples had just been the instruments of God, casting out demons and curing diseases. Jesus knew, if they would let God do it, that the disciples could feed the crowd. The disciples immediately responded to Jesus by showing Him why they couldn't feed the crowd. Jesus then preformed the miracle.
I wonder how many miracles we miss out on because we don't trust the Lord. He wants to do something great, and we miss it. I'm praying that I won't miss my "You give them something to eat" moment.
Psalm 14 - "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" is a theme that is seen in many places in Scripture. The idea that God is watching and that there is no one who seeks God, no one who does good, not even one should shake us to the core.
David is speaking of the godless in this passage, but he could just as easily be speaking about the propensity to sin that many of us find ourselves in. We may not say, "There is not God," but sometimes we act as if God's existence should have no impact on our daily lives. When we do such things, we are fools.
May we be a people who live our very lives as an act of worship to Almighty God! May we recognize that how we live matters. What we do says to others what we believe about God. Our actions speak louder than words.
Genesis 15 - We read about God's covenant with Abram in Genesis 15. This isn't the first time that God told Abram that he would be the father of a great nation, but it was the most important time. The first time had been years earlier, and Abram still had no child. God reassures Abram that He will keep His promises.
Verse six is an important verse. We'll see it talked about again in the book of Romans. "And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness."
Abram's faith was extraordinary, but it is the same type of faith that God wants to see from us. God asked Abram to believe in something that he couldn't see. He asked Abram to trust His word. And, Abram did. And that act of faith was seen as righteousness in the eyes of God. May God see you as righteous when he looks upon you!
1 Chronicles 15:1-16:3 - What a difference in how the Children of Israel approach the Ark of the Covenant here. The mishandling of the Ark had led to death a couple chapters ago. Now, David makes sure that the Ark is handled by Levites in the way that God had prescribed through Moses.
There is a great celebration that comes with bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. David leads the celebration with dancing, and his wife despises him for it. He was willing to become "undignified" so that God might be glorified.
Luke 9:1-50 - What an amazing passage of Scripture! Luke 9:1-50 begins with the sending out of the twelve apostles. They were ready to go. Whether they knew it or not, God intended to work through them to do miraculous things.
Jesus would later say that they would do even "greater things" than He had done while on earth.
They come back from their first ministry trip excited! They have seen God work. And, they also come back worn out. It's not uncommon, when serving the Lord, to feel fatigue. Serving God is spiritual battle. It can be intense. It's people work. People can say mean things, or do mean things. Jesus even told his disciples that might happen.
So, even though they come back excited, they are ready for rest. But, when they come back they encounter a crowd of 5,000 men, and many more women and children, who have come to hear Jesus teach and see the disciples. That's right, news had spread about what God was doing through the disciples.
I write all of this to point out something that Jesus said in Luke 9:13. After telling Jesus to send the crowd away, for evening was coming, the disciples were tired, and they were in a desolate place with no food, Jesus said, "You give them something to eat."
The feeding of the 5,000 is one of the most famous stories in the Bible. Have you ever heard a pastor speak about Jesus' first solution to the problem? He said, "You give them something to eat."
The disciples had just been the instruments of God, casting out demons and curing diseases. Jesus knew, if they would let God do it, that the disciples could feed the crowd. The disciples immediately responded to Jesus by showing Him why they couldn't feed the crowd. Jesus then preformed the miracle.
I wonder how many miracles we miss out on because we don't trust the Lord. He wants to do something great, and we miss it. I'm praying that I won't miss my "You give them something to eat" moment.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Notes from my Bible Study for January 14, 2010
Passages Read: Psalm 13, Genesis 14, 1 Chronicles 14, Luke 8:22‐56
Psalm 13 - Years ago, DC Talk recorded a song entitled, The Hard Way. It was a song that dealt with the stubbornness of some of us when it came to what God wanted to teach us. Aren't you glad that God loves even stubborn people?
In Psalm 13:5 David writes, "But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation."
No matter what we do, no matter what our past, no matter what we will do in the future; God's love for us remains steadfast.
As a pastor, I talk to so many hurting people. Not a week goes by where I am not in conversations with people who feel like their entire world is crashing. The good news is, God knows. He knows right where you are. He knows where you have been. He knows right where you will be. And, His love for you remains steadfast.
Wouldn't it be nice if everyone in our lives loved us with that type of love? Without God, that type of love is impossible. The best friendships, the best marriages, the best parent/child relationships, the best jobs are all impacted by love that doesn't remain steadfast.
If God has called us to be like Him, and if His love is steadfast, then by His power, we too can show this kind of love.
So, let's stop learning the hard way. Let's stop running in every direction but the direction that will lead to fulfillment. Run to God's open arms. Let your hear rejoice in His salvation. And, show that type of love to others.
Genesis 14 - This is an interesting chapter as Abram shows himself to be dependent upon God and God alone for his provisions. I have always been fascinated by Melchizedek, King of Salem. Some scholars believe that Salem is short for Jerusalem, and that Melchizedek was actually an early high priest/king of Jerusalem. He shows himself to be righteous as he blesses Abram.
Abram rejects the King of Sodom's suggestion that Abram take the goods from the peoples that were just defeated in battle; showing that God alone is where his provision comes from.
1 Chronicles 14 - We learn a lot about why David was so blessed by God as a leader in 1 Chronicles 14. Before entering into battle with the dreaded Philistines, David sought God. Verse ten tells us that "David inquired of God, 'Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?' And the Lord said to him, 'Go up, and I will give them into your hand.'"
This was one of the most important battles of his early monarchy. And, David refused to go to battle with the enemy before first doing battle on his knees before God.
God did give him the victory of the Philistines. But, the Philistines were a mighty adversary. So, the Philistines now go on another raid against Israel. David again goes to God to inquire if he should go to battle. God again answers that he should.
Verses 16-17 show us the results of David's obedience to God.
16 And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. 17 And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.
Luke 8:22-56 - The power of Jesus is so evident in Luke 8:22-56. In verses 22-25 we read an account of Jesus calming a storm. In a boat, with His disciples, Jesus is sound asleep. A enormous storm comes. On this boat are some veteran fishermen. Even they are afraid at this storm. So, they awaken Jesus. (Interesting how the humanity of Jesus is shown here. Jesus got tired. So tired, that he could sleep through a ferocious storm.)
Jesus responds by rebuking the wind and the raging waves. The Bible simply states that they ceased and there was a calm. Jesus then looks at the disciples and says, "Where is your faith?"
I love the response of the disciples, "Who is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?"
Later on in the chapter Jesus heals a man from demons and the crowd is blown away. Then he heals a woman and Jairus' daughter. There can be no doubt that Jesus is the Christ.
So, where is your faith today? Is it in yourself, in others, or in God? Place it in Jesus today.
Psalm 13 - Years ago, DC Talk recorded a song entitled, The Hard Way. It was a song that dealt with the stubbornness of some of us when it came to what God wanted to teach us. Aren't you glad that God loves even stubborn people?
In Psalm 13:5 David writes, "But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation."
No matter what we do, no matter what our past, no matter what we will do in the future; God's love for us remains steadfast.
As a pastor, I talk to so many hurting people. Not a week goes by where I am not in conversations with people who feel like their entire world is crashing. The good news is, God knows. He knows right where you are. He knows where you have been. He knows right where you will be. And, His love for you remains steadfast.
Wouldn't it be nice if everyone in our lives loved us with that type of love? Without God, that type of love is impossible. The best friendships, the best marriages, the best parent/child relationships, the best jobs are all impacted by love that doesn't remain steadfast.
If God has called us to be like Him, and if His love is steadfast, then by His power, we too can show this kind of love.
So, let's stop learning the hard way. Let's stop running in every direction but the direction that will lead to fulfillment. Run to God's open arms. Let your hear rejoice in His salvation. And, show that type of love to others.
Genesis 14 - This is an interesting chapter as Abram shows himself to be dependent upon God and God alone for his provisions. I have always been fascinated by Melchizedek, King of Salem. Some scholars believe that Salem is short for Jerusalem, and that Melchizedek was actually an early high priest/king of Jerusalem. He shows himself to be righteous as he blesses Abram.
Abram rejects the King of Sodom's suggestion that Abram take the goods from the peoples that were just defeated in battle; showing that God alone is where his provision comes from.
1 Chronicles 14 - We learn a lot about why David was so blessed by God as a leader in 1 Chronicles 14. Before entering into battle with the dreaded Philistines, David sought God. Verse ten tells us that "David inquired of God, 'Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?' And the Lord said to him, 'Go up, and I will give them into your hand.'"
This was one of the most important battles of his early monarchy. And, David refused to go to battle with the enemy before first doing battle on his knees before God.
God did give him the victory of the Philistines. But, the Philistines were a mighty adversary. So, the Philistines now go on another raid against Israel. David again goes to God to inquire if he should go to battle. God again answers that he should.
Verses 16-17 show us the results of David's obedience to God.
16 And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. 17 And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.
Luke 8:22-56 - The power of Jesus is so evident in Luke 8:22-56. In verses 22-25 we read an account of Jesus calming a storm. In a boat, with His disciples, Jesus is sound asleep. A enormous storm comes. On this boat are some veteran fishermen. Even they are afraid at this storm. So, they awaken Jesus. (Interesting how the humanity of Jesus is shown here. Jesus got tired. So tired, that he could sleep through a ferocious storm.)
Jesus responds by rebuking the wind and the raging waves. The Bible simply states that they ceased and there was a calm. Jesus then looks at the disciples and says, "Where is your faith?"
I love the response of the disciples, "Who is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?"
Later on in the chapter Jesus heals a man from demons and the crowd is blown away. Then he heals a woman and Jairus' daughter. There can be no doubt that Jesus is the Christ.
So, where is your faith today? Is it in yourself, in others, or in God? Place it in Jesus today.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Notes from my Bible Study for January 13, 2010
Passages Read: Psalm 12, Genesis 13:2‐18, 1 Chronicles 13, Luke 8:4‐21
Psalm 12 - 12 The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.
What a description of God's words! There is nothing false in them. His words are absolutely true. They are absolutely pure. There is no impurity in them. They are strong words, in other words they can be counted on. Aren't you glad you can count on the word of God? Every word of it!
Genesis 13:2-18 - Can you imagine what Abram must have been thinking as God spoke to him in Genesis 13:14-17? God made a promise to Abram that was unlike any he had made with any other man before. He told Abram that he would have offspring as numerous as dust. Dust can't be counted, and neither would Abram's future offspring. That is quite a thing to promise to an old man that is too old to bear children. He also promised Abram all of the land around him as far as the eye could see. Wow! He was already very rich in livestock, silver and gold. Now, he would be rich in family. Remember, Abram didn't have any children at this point. What a promise!
God has fulfilled that promise. Abram's offspring are too numerous to count. The generations that have followed are the Children of Israel.
1 Chronicles 13 - It had been a long time since the Ark of the Covenant had been treated with the respect that it deserved. The Ark has always been a mysterious thing. Containing the stone tablets of God's covenant with His children, the ark was to be treated with dignity. It had been largely ignored during Saul's reign, placed in the small town of Kiriath-Jearim. Now the ark is being transported to Jerusalem. Along the way, the Israelites decide to carry the ark on a cart. This went against God's regulations that the ark be carried on a pole by Levites. Somewhere along the way the oxen who were pulling the cart with the ark stumbled. Uzzah put out his hand to stop the ark from falling, and he was struck dead.
There are many who wonder why God would do such a thing. God was communicating to the people just how serious He was about respecting Him. How the people treated the ark was symbolic about how they treated God. They had ignored God's regulations, and God was setting the standard.
We have no idea what happened to the ark. But, we do learn a valuable lesson from this encounter. How we treat God matters. God cares. He may not strike us dead for our lack of reverence, but nonetheless, He takes note of how casually we use His name, break His commands, or go our own way. May we recognize the awesome holiness of God!
Luke 8:4-21 - Jesus loved to teach by telling stories. In Luke 8:4-21 he tells us two parables, the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Lamp.
The Parable of the Sower talks about several different types of soil that a sower sows his seed on. He throws some seed along the path, and that seed is trampled underfoot. Some seed falls on the rock and quickly withers away because of a lack of moisture. Some falls among thorns and when it grows it is choked out by the roots. Some of the seed falls on good soil and grows and yields a hundredfold.
Many pastor's have preached messages on this passage and said, "What kind of soil are you?"
But, I wonder if the point is less about the soil and more about the sowing. Maybe the point of the parable is that we would become sowers, recognizing that not every seed we throw will bear fruit, but we need to thrown the seed. Remember, the seed is the Word of God. Let's keep working to get His Word heard, but not just heard, let's live incarnationally and let it be seen!
Psalm 12 - 12 The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.
What a description of God's words! There is nothing false in them. His words are absolutely true. They are absolutely pure. There is no impurity in them. They are strong words, in other words they can be counted on. Aren't you glad you can count on the word of God? Every word of it!
Genesis 13:2-18 - Can you imagine what Abram must have been thinking as God spoke to him in Genesis 13:14-17? God made a promise to Abram that was unlike any he had made with any other man before. He told Abram that he would have offspring as numerous as dust. Dust can't be counted, and neither would Abram's future offspring. That is quite a thing to promise to an old man that is too old to bear children. He also promised Abram all of the land around him as far as the eye could see. Wow! He was already very rich in livestock, silver and gold. Now, he would be rich in family. Remember, Abram didn't have any children at this point. What a promise!
God has fulfilled that promise. Abram's offspring are too numerous to count. The generations that have followed are the Children of Israel.
1 Chronicles 13 - It had been a long time since the Ark of the Covenant had been treated with the respect that it deserved. The Ark has always been a mysterious thing. Containing the stone tablets of God's covenant with His children, the ark was to be treated with dignity. It had been largely ignored during Saul's reign, placed in the small town of Kiriath-Jearim. Now the ark is being transported to Jerusalem. Along the way, the Israelites decide to carry the ark on a cart. This went against God's regulations that the ark be carried on a pole by Levites. Somewhere along the way the oxen who were pulling the cart with the ark stumbled. Uzzah put out his hand to stop the ark from falling, and he was struck dead.
There are many who wonder why God would do such a thing. God was communicating to the people just how serious He was about respecting Him. How the people treated the ark was symbolic about how they treated God. They had ignored God's regulations, and God was setting the standard.
We have no idea what happened to the ark. But, we do learn a valuable lesson from this encounter. How we treat God matters. God cares. He may not strike us dead for our lack of reverence, but nonetheless, He takes note of how casually we use His name, break His commands, or go our own way. May we recognize the awesome holiness of God!
Luke 8:4-21 - Jesus loved to teach by telling stories. In Luke 8:4-21 he tells us two parables, the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Lamp.
The Parable of the Sower talks about several different types of soil that a sower sows his seed on. He throws some seed along the path, and that seed is trampled underfoot. Some seed falls on the rock and quickly withers away because of a lack of moisture. Some falls among thorns and when it grows it is choked out by the roots. Some of the seed falls on good soil and grows and yields a hundredfold.
Many pastor's have preached messages on this passage and said, "What kind of soil are you?"
But, I wonder if the point is less about the soil and more about the sowing. Maybe the point of the parable is that we would become sowers, recognizing that not every seed we throw will bear fruit, but we need to thrown the seed. Remember, the seed is the Word of God. Let's keep working to get His Word heard, but not just heard, let's live incarnationally and let it be seen!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Notes from my Bible Study for January 12, 2010
Passages Read Today: Psalm 11, Genesis 12‐13:1, 1 Chronicles 12,
Luke 7:36‐8:3
Psalm 11 - 4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.
Verse four is the turning point in a short psalm about God's protection for the righteous. David is writing as one whose enemies are on the prowl. His enemies have their arrows aimed and ready. In verse three he asks what the righteous can do.
And then, in his anxiety he recognizes God's protection. God is aware. God is on the throne. His eyes are watching over us continually. David could have confidence in life because he could have confidence in his God. He ends with a reminder that the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. It's a promise to those who are followers of God. Some day we shall see Him face to face. Until then, we must trust in His righteous character.
Genesis 12-13:1 - What a picture is painted for us of God's ability to work despite flawed men in Genesis 12! God chose Abram. He decided that He would make a great nation out of a flawed man. And, he told Abram to go to a land that God would show him.
Abram, by faith, obeys God. But then his faith disappears. For whatever reason, Abram does not feel that God can protect him in the land of Egypt; the land of the mighty Pharaoh. So, Abram does a most selfish thing. In order to protect himself, he tells his wife to lie and say that she is his sister. Abram's wife, Sarai, was a beautiful woman. Pharaoh would certainly want to take her as his wife.
Can you imagine doing such a thing to your wife? Instead of trusting God to take care of him, Abram would devise a scheme for his own protection. How often do we do a similar thing. It's probably not asking our spouse to lie, but we come up with our own plans for our lives instead of trusting God.
In the end, God works despite our stupidity. He did, despite Abram's stupidity. Pharaoh's family suffers great plagues because of Sarai and Pharaoh gives her back to Abram. Abram's wife and marriage suffered because he didn't just trust God. May we learn to trust before it's too late!
1 Chronicles 12 - “We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.”
Imagine what it was like for David to hear such words from these mighty warriors. Do you have a friend who is "with you all the way?" We all need people like this in our lives. We need friends who will walk alongside of us no matter what comes our way. It's important to pursue friendship.
Luke 7:36-8:3 - Jesus came into this world for sinners. There are few places in Scripture where this is as apparent as Luke 7:36-8:3. The guest of a Pharisee, Jesus seems almost out of place at his table. Jesus is righteous. The Pharisee is self-righteous. Jesus is concerned with matters of the heart. The Pharisee is concerned with matters of the head. Jesus is concerned for all people. The Pharisee is concerned about the "right people." When a sinful woman comes in to anoint Jesus' body with oil, the Pharisee saw only the sin in the woman. Christ saw her faith. Christ saw her potential. Christ saw her as the woman that He created her to be.
I'm glad that Christ came for sinners like me. And, I'm glad he came with the power to forgive. One more thing He saw that the Pharisee didn't -- He saw her forgiven. He saw her redeemed. And, Jesus forgave her. For the first time, we see Jesus say that He has the power to forgive. This was blasphemy to the Pharisee, and jubilee to the woman. Has He forgiven you? He can. 1 John 1:9 tells us that when we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all iniquity. Praise God!
Luke 7:36‐8:3
Psalm 11 - 4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.
Verse four is the turning point in a short psalm about God's protection for the righteous. David is writing as one whose enemies are on the prowl. His enemies have their arrows aimed and ready. In verse three he asks what the righteous can do.
And then, in his anxiety he recognizes God's protection. God is aware. God is on the throne. His eyes are watching over us continually. David could have confidence in life because he could have confidence in his God. He ends with a reminder that the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. It's a promise to those who are followers of God. Some day we shall see Him face to face. Until then, we must trust in His righteous character.
Genesis 12-13:1 - What a picture is painted for us of God's ability to work despite flawed men in Genesis 12! God chose Abram. He decided that He would make a great nation out of a flawed man. And, he told Abram to go to a land that God would show him.
Abram, by faith, obeys God. But then his faith disappears. For whatever reason, Abram does not feel that God can protect him in the land of Egypt; the land of the mighty Pharaoh. So, Abram does a most selfish thing. In order to protect himself, he tells his wife to lie and say that she is his sister. Abram's wife, Sarai, was a beautiful woman. Pharaoh would certainly want to take her as his wife.
Can you imagine doing such a thing to your wife? Instead of trusting God to take care of him, Abram would devise a scheme for his own protection. How often do we do a similar thing. It's probably not asking our spouse to lie, but we come up with our own plans for our lives instead of trusting God.
In the end, God works despite our stupidity. He did, despite Abram's stupidity. Pharaoh's family suffers great plagues because of Sarai and Pharaoh gives her back to Abram. Abram's wife and marriage suffered because he didn't just trust God. May we learn to trust before it's too late!
1 Chronicles 12 - “We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.”
Imagine what it was like for David to hear such words from these mighty warriors. Do you have a friend who is "with you all the way?" We all need people like this in our lives. We need friends who will walk alongside of us no matter what comes our way. It's important to pursue friendship.
Luke 7:36-8:3 - Jesus came into this world for sinners. There are few places in Scripture where this is as apparent as Luke 7:36-8:3. The guest of a Pharisee, Jesus seems almost out of place at his table. Jesus is righteous. The Pharisee is self-righteous. Jesus is concerned with matters of the heart. The Pharisee is concerned with matters of the head. Jesus is concerned for all people. The Pharisee is concerned about the "right people." When a sinful woman comes in to anoint Jesus' body with oil, the Pharisee saw only the sin in the woman. Christ saw her faith. Christ saw her potential. Christ saw her as the woman that He created her to be.
I'm glad that Christ came for sinners like me. And, I'm glad he came with the power to forgive. One more thing He saw that the Pharisee didn't -- He saw her forgiven. He saw her redeemed. And, Jesus forgave her. For the first time, we see Jesus say that He has the power to forgive. This was blasphemy to the Pharisee, and jubilee to the woman. Has He forgiven you? He can. 1 John 1:9 tells us that when we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all iniquity. Praise God!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Notes from my Bible Study for January 11, 2010
Passages Read Today: Psalm 10, Genesis 11, 1 Chronicles 11, Luke 7:1‐35
Psalm 10 - Two times in Psalm 10, the psalmist uses the word "fatherless." In both instances, he speaks about the truth that God is a helper to the fatherless and that God brings justice to the fatherless.
Aren't you glad we have a God that is concerned with those who need Him most? I'm blessed to still have my father with me. He is the man in this world that I admire the most. So many of my friends who have lost their Dads talk about the intense emotional loss that comes with that. My Christian friends have also talked about after the loss of their Dad, God has become even closer. Maybe it is because they are drawing nearer to God, maybe it's because God is drawing nearer to them, or maybe it is a combination of the two. Either way, I'm glad we have a God that has compassion for those who need Him most.
Genesis 11 - Two monumental events in the history of the world take place in Genesis 11. The first is the incident at the Tower of Babel where God confuses the language of the people. They go from speaking one common language, and living in close proximity to one another to speaking many languages and being dispersed throughout the entire earth.
The second great event is the birth of Abraham, called Abram, in this chapter. Abraham would become the father of a great nation. Things don't look promising for that happening in this chapter as it is announced that Sarai (Sarah), Abraham's wife is barren.
It's tragic that so many "Christians" are now saying that Genesis 1-11 never happened. There is a Christian college in my area that has a teacher in the Bible department that says that Genesis 1-11 are allegory. What a tragedy! The power of the Bible is diminished when we sacrifice the truth of Scripture for convenient conjecture.
1 Chronicles 11 - What an interesting chapter! I don't recall reading the account of how David took the city of Jerusalem. This is why it is called the City of David. It is clear from 1 Chronicles 11 that David's victories were not the sole result of his brilliant military mind, but because the hand of the Lord was on him (see verse 9).
How awesome and encouraged the young king must have been to have 30 mighty men who were faithful to him and stood alongside of him. The description of the bravery and loyalty of these men in this chapter are awesome. It's sad, knowing David's future history, that Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba's husband is mentioned here. He would have done anything for David, but in the end, David has him killed because of his affair.
Luke 7:1-35 - John the Baptist sat in a prison cell. He was there because he had spoken against King Herod's sin. He had seen much in his life. God had allowed him to grow up in a godly home. His parents always doted on him. They called him their "miracle child." And, to be fair, he was! Everything about John's life spelled miracle. His birth was announced by an angel. He was born to a couple well past childbearing years. He was filled by the Holy Spirit from the womb. And, despite his strange diet and appearance, and his less than ideal ministry setting, God used him to impact hundreds, perhaps thousands of people.
Crowds used to come to see John in droves. Now all that saw him were a few prison guards, some disciples who occasionally visited him, and his fellow prisoners. Jail gave him lots of time to think. Was Jesus really who John thought that He was? It had been so clear. At the baptism of Jesus, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit were present. Jesus had been so tender and yet powerful with his words. But that didn't change John's location. "Why?" John must have thought. "Why has God put me here?"
Even spiritual giants can have doubts from time to time. John the Baptist was no exception. In Luke 7:20, two of John's disciples are sent to ask Jesus if He really is the one who is to come (the Messiah). Why did John ask this? Because he needed reassurance.
Jesus gave John reassurance. Just before the disciples of John found Jesus, he had done something spectacular. He had healed a centurion's servant and raised a widow's son from the dead.
Jesus knew John would have doubts. He knew John's friends would come to find Him in that town. And, He healed and raised the dead not just as a blessing to those families impacted by the healing and resurrection, but as a blessing to John as he sat in that prison cell.
Sometimes God encourages us by allowing us to see what He is doing in the lives of others. Has he done that for you? If so, thank Him for it, and rejoice while others rejoice.
Psalm 10 - Two times in Psalm 10, the psalmist uses the word "fatherless." In both instances, he speaks about the truth that God is a helper to the fatherless and that God brings justice to the fatherless.
Aren't you glad we have a God that is concerned with those who need Him most? I'm blessed to still have my father with me. He is the man in this world that I admire the most. So many of my friends who have lost their Dads talk about the intense emotional loss that comes with that. My Christian friends have also talked about after the loss of their Dad, God has become even closer. Maybe it is because they are drawing nearer to God, maybe it's because God is drawing nearer to them, or maybe it is a combination of the two. Either way, I'm glad we have a God that has compassion for those who need Him most.
Genesis 11 - Two monumental events in the history of the world take place in Genesis 11. The first is the incident at the Tower of Babel where God confuses the language of the people. They go from speaking one common language, and living in close proximity to one another to speaking many languages and being dispersed throughout the entire earth.
The second great event is the birth of Abraham, called Abram, in this chapter. Abraham would become the father of a great nation. Things don't look promising for that happening in this chapter as it is announced that Sarai (Sarah), Abraham's wife is barren.
It's tragic that so many "Christians" are now saying that Genesis 1-11 never happened. There is a Christian college in my area that has a teacher in the Bible department that says that Genesis 1-11 are allegory. What a tragedy! The power of the Bible is diminished when we sacrifice the truth of Scripture for convenient conjecture.
1 Chronicles 11 - What an interesting chapter! I don't recall reading the account of how David took the city of Jerusalem. This is why it is called the City of David. It is clear from 1 Chronicles 11 that David's victories were not the sole result of his brilliant military mind, but because the hand of the Lord was on him (see verse 9).
How awesome and encouraged the young king must have been to have 30 mighty men who were faithful to him and stood alongside of him. The description of the bravery and loyalty of these men in this chapter are awesome. It's sad, knowing David's future history, that Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba's husband is mentioned here. He would have done anything for David, but in the end, David has him killed because of his affair.
Luke 7:1-35 - John the Baptist sat in a prison cell. He was there because he had spoken against King Herod's sin. He had seen much in his life. God had allowed him to grow up in a godly home. His parents always doted on him. They called him their "miracle child." And, to be fair, he was! Everything about John's life spelled miracle. His birth was announced by an angel. He was born to a couple well past childbearing years. He was filled by the Holy Spirit from the womb. And, despite his strange diet and appearance, and his less than ideal ministry setting, God used him to impact hundreds, perhaps thousands of people.
Crowds used to come to see John in droves. Now all that saw him were a few prison guards, some disciples who occasionally visited him, and his fellow prisoners. Jail gave him lots of time to think. Was Jesus really who John thought that He was? It had been so clear. At the baptism of Jesus, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit were present. Jesus had been so tender and yet powerful with his words. But that didn't change John's location. "Why?" John must have thought. "Why has God put me here?"
Even spiritual giants can have doubts from time to time. John the Baptist was no exception. In Luke 7:20, two of John's disciples are sent to ask Jesus if He really is the one who is to come (the Messiah). Why did John ask this? Because he needed reassurance.
Jesus gave John reassurance. Just before the disciples of John found Jesus, he had done something spectacular. He had healed a centurion's servant and raised a widow's son from the dead.
Jesus knew John would have doubts. He knew John's friends would come to find Him in that town. And, He healed and raised the dead not just as a blessing to those families impacted by the healing and resurrection, but as a blessing to John as he sat in that prison cell.
Sometimes God encourages us by allowing us to see what He is doing in the lives of others. Has he done that for you? If so, thank Him for it, and rejoice while others rejoice.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Notes from my Bible Study for January 10, 2010
Passages Read Today: Psalm 9, Genesis 9:20-10:32; 1 Chronicles 10; Luke 6:17-49
Psalm 9 - Psalm 9 is a psalm of praise to God for his wonderful deeds.
The verses that struck me most were the verses that spoke about God's righteous judgment and His justice (4, 7-8). We spoke in church today about the wrath of God. Only God has the right to judge man's heart, and He is the ultimate righteous Judge.
God's faithfulness is spoken of in verses 9-10. I love the truth of verse 10, "And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you."
I love that God wants us to seek after Him. He desires to be pursued by us. And, when we do, He promises that He will not forsake us.
Genesis 9:20-10:32 It's hard to believe that Noah, the patriarch of the one righteous family on earth, succumbed to drunkenness so soon after the worldwide flood. It didn't take long for the effects of sin to show their ugly head after the flood. Noah sins, his son Ham sins by dishonoring his father in Noah's drunkenness, but hope arises too. For, Shem and Japheth do the honorable thing. Like their father Noah, who acted honorably when the rest of the earth rebelled against God, Shem and Japheth choose the high road. They honor their father by refusing to look upon his nakedness in his drunken state. God was at work in the lives of these young men.
Noah was a godly man, but he wasn't a perfect man. Aren't you glad that God isn't looking for perfect people? He is looking for men and women who are willing to seek after Him; men and women who are willing to be changed by Him.
1 Chronicles 10 - Saul was Israel's first king. He didn't reach that position because of birth. He became king, because God chose him to be king. And, he began as a fine king.
But, as the year's went by, Saul became power hungry and broke his faith in the Lord. He even consulted a medium, seeking guidance. 1 Chronicles 10 is the sad story of Saul's death, and not only Saul's death but the death of his armor bearer and his three sons.
This morning in church we talked about God's judgement. We like to talk about God's grace and love, but His judgement is a topic we tend to ignore. Scripture doesn't sugarcoat the wrath of God. It's seen in many places in the Old Testament and New, including in the chroniclers theological explanation of Saul's death in 1 Chronicles 10:13-14. Reread these words now: "13 So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. 14 He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse."
Luke 6:17-49 - "19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all." - What a picture of our great God's power! I would have loved to be an eyewitness of this account; to see with my own eyes the people swarming, not just to see Jesus, but to touch Him. This is one of the few occasions where Jesus healed everyone. Often times, Jesus chose to heal some, and not heal others. There must have been great celebration that day!
I love the Beatitudes. There is so much rich truth in our Savior's words. He takes the world's system and turns it on its head. The poor are given the kingdom. The hungry will be satisfied. Those who weep will laugh. Those who are hated on account of Christ can rejoice for their great reward in heaven. How often, when we find ourselves in poverty, hunger, hated or persecuted do we rejoice? Not often. And, yet, if it's on account of Him, we can take joy in our future position.
It's interesting how Jesus turns it around again in verses 24-26, speaking woes upon those who live for this life only.
He contiues His "turn the world upside down" teaching when he calls us to love our enemies, not judge, and bear fruit.
None of what Jesus calls us to do is possible without building our spiritual house on the solid rock of Christ.
Psalm 9 - Psalm 9 is a psalm of praise to God for his wonderful deeds.
The verses that struck me most were the verses that spoke about God's righteous judgment and His justice (4, 7-8). We spoke in church today about the wrath of God. Only God has the right to judge man's heart, and He is the ultimate righteous Judge.
God's faithfulness is spoken of in verses 9-10. I love the truth of verse 10, "And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you."
I love that God wants us to seek after Him. He desires to be pursued by us. And, when we do, He promises that He will not forsake us.
Genesis 9:20-10:32 It's hard to believe that Noah, the patriarch of the one righteous family on earth, succumbed to drunkenness so soon after the worldwide flood. It didn't take long for the effects of sin to show their ugly head after the flood. Noah sins, his son Ham sins by dishonoring his father in Noah's drunkenness, but hope arises too. For, Shem and Japheth do the honorable thing. Like their father Noah, who acted honorably when the rest of the earth rebelled against God, Shem and Japheth choose the high road. They honor their father by refusing to look upon his nakedness in his drunken state. God was at work in the lives of these young men.
Noah was a godly man, but he wasn't a perfect man. Aren't you glad that God isn't looking for perfect people? He is looking for men and women who are willing to seek after Him; men and women who are willing to be changed by Him.
1 Chronicles 10 - Saul was Israel's first king. He didn't reach that position because of birth. He became king, because God chose him to be king. And, he began as a fine king.
But, as the year's went by, Saul became power hungry and broke his faith in the Lord. He even consulted a medium, seeking guidance. 1 Chronicles 10 is the sad story of Saul's death, and not only Saul's death but the death of his armor bearer and his three sons.
This morning in church we talked about God's judgement. We like to talk about God's grace and love, but His judgement is a topic we tend to ignore. Scripture doesn't sugarcoat the wrath of God. It's seen in many places in the Old Testament and New, including in the chroniclers theological explanation of Saul's death in 1 Chronicles 10:13-14. Reread these words now: "13 So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. 14 He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse."
Luke 6:17-49 - "19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all." - What a picture of our great God's power! I would have loved to be an eyewitness of this account; to see with my own eyes the people swarming, not just to see Jesus, but to touch Him. This is one of the few occasions where Jesus healed everyone. Often times, Jesus chose to heal some, and not heal others. There must have been great celebration that day!
I love the Beatitudes. There is so much rich truth in our Savior's words. He takes the world's system and turns it on its head. The poor are given the kingdom. The hungry will be satisfied. Those who weep will laugh. Those who are hated on account of Christ can rejoice for their great reward in heaven. How often, when we find ourselves in poverty, hunger, hated or persecuted do we rejoice? Not often. And, yet, if it's on account of Him, we can take joy in our future position.
It's interesting how Jesus turns it around again in verses 24-26, speaking woes upon those who live for this life only.
He contiues His "turn the world upside down" teaching when he calls us to love our enemies, not judge, and bear fruit.
None of what Jesus calls us to do is possible without building our spiritual house on the solid rock of Christ.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Notes from my Bible Study for January 9, 2010
Passages Read Today: Psalm 8, Genesis 8:20‐9:19, 1 Chronicles 9, Luke 5:1‐6:16
Psalm 8 - It's amazing how many of our modern worship songs have come out of this Psalm. What is it about these words that resonate with us so much. We love a God who is majestic, whose name is renowned. We love the fact that God is so big and even though we are so insignificant in comparison, God is crazy about us.
I love the wording of the psalmist in verse 3. "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers. . ."
The heavens are the work of God's fingers! How many times do we use phrases like "the works of your fingers?" Not often. Works of your hands. Sure. Works of your labors. Sure. But, works of your fingers. I think of the works of fingers being works of art. Our fingers do fine detail work. They create. And, that's what God did in creation.
When a Jewish writer wanted to emphasize something, he might bookend it. That is, he would use the same phrase at the beginning and the end of his writing. That is what David did in Psalm 8. How majestic is our God's name in all the earth!
Genesis 8:20-9:19 - God had acted swiftly and justly. His judgment was final. There had never been a death toll like it. There would never be again. We read the covenant that God made with Noah and his family in Genesis 9:9. It is the first covenant ever recorded in the Bible. God's grace is good. He would move forward with His redemptive plan with this family. You and I are here because of this covenant, and are heirs to the covenant.
1 Chronicles 9 - It's interesting that Saul's geneaology is repeated in this chapter. It was also recorded in 1 Chronicles 8:29-38.
Luke 5:1-6:16 - Luke 5:1-6:16 records the calling of the first disciples. Our precious Lord chose ordinary men to follow Him as His disciples. And, their response to follow often times came because of that they had seen Him do. I find it interesting that Jesus came to save sinners, but Simon Peter, after seeing the miracle of the fish said, "Depart from me, I am a sinful man, O Lord." Jesus didn't want to depart from Peter, He wanted to save him. He came here because we needed Him. He came for sinful men and women.
These chapters really help us understand that it was because of to redeem sinful men that Jesus came to earth. Simon was right to ask Jesus to depart from his presence, because he felt guilty about his life. Jesus redeems Simon, and also offers this redemption to us.
I love after the calling of Matthew, the tax collector, that the Pharisees and Scribes accuse Jesus of hanging out with sinners. Jesus responds beautifully by explaining the the righteous don't need a doctor, the sick do. He came for sinners.
Luke, the doctor, is quick to point out the miraculous healings that took place in this chapter. These healings were needed because of the effects of the fall of man. Sin brought death, and Christ brings life. Embrace His gift of life today!
Psalm 8 - It's amazing how many of our modern worship songs have come out of this Psalm. What is it about these words that resonate with us so much. We love a God who is majestic, whose name is renowned. We love the fact that God is so big and even though we are so insignificant in comparison, God is crazy about us.
I love the wording of the psalmist in verse 3. "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers. . ."
The heavens are the work of God's fingers! How many times do we use phrases like "the works of your fingers?" Not often. Works of your hands. Sure. Works of your labors. Sure. But, works of your fingers. I think of the works of fingers being works of art. Our fingers do fine detail work. They create. And, that's what God did in creation.
When a Jewish writer wanted to emphasize something, he might bookend it. That is, he would use the same phrase at the beginning and the end of his writing. That is what David did in Psalm 8. How majestic is our God's name in all the earth!
Genesis 8:20-9:19 - God had acted swiftly and justly. His judgment was final. There had never been a death toll like it. There would never be again. We read the covenant that God made with Noah and his family in Genesis 9:9. It is the first covenant ever recorded in the Bible. God's grace is good. He would move forward with His redemptive plan with this family. You and I are here because of this covenant, and are heirs to the covenant.
1 Chronicles 9 - It's interesting that Saul's geneaology is repeated in this chapter. It was also recorded in 1 Chronicles 8:29-38.
Luke 5:1-6:16 - Luke 5:1-6:16 records the calling of the first disciples. Our precious Lord chose ordinary men to follow Him as His disciples. And, their response to follow often times came because of that they had seen Him do. I find it interesting that Jesus came to save sinners, but Simon Peter, after seeing the miracle of the fish said, "Depart from me, I am a sinful man, O Lord." Jesus didn't want to depart from Peter, He wanted to save him. He came here because we needed Him. He came for sinful men and women.
These chapters really help us understand that it was because of to redeem sinful men that Jesus came to earth. Simon was right to ask Jesus to depart from his presence, because he felt guilty about his life. Jesus redeems Simon, and also offers this redemption to us.
I love after the calling of Matthew, the tax collector, that the Pharisees and Scribes accuse Jesus of hanging out with sinners. Jesus responds beautifully by explaining the the righteous don't need a doctor, the sick do. He came for sinners.
Luke, the doctor, is quick to point out the miraculous healings that took place in this chapter. These healings were needed because of the effects of the fall of man. Sin brought death, and Christ brings life. Embrace His gift of life today!
Friday, January 08, 2010
A Poem By My Grandpa from 1978
My Dad sent me this poem that my Grandpa Art wrote about his four Schulenburg grandsons back in 1978. OUR SCHULENBURG GRANDSONS
Our thoughts drift backward to you boys,
Of course, you know we miss you.
Your grandma counts each passing day
‘Till she can hug and kiss you.
Your grandpa pictures you each day,
Stretched on the floor a‐rolling,
With Rebel joining in the fun
That’s your when you go strolling.
Mark figures out minute details
He’s bound to be a banker.
He even knows, on fishing trips
Just where to drop the anchor.
Ran’s in a class beyond compare
When he picks up his trumpet,
Or dribbles through in basketball,
He knows just where to drop it.
Bri with his inner charm, so sweet,
Makes all our hearts beat faster.
In fact, we hope in God’s great plan,
Some day he’ll be a pastor.
Kev may be last, but never least,
His smile is sweet as honey.
He out performs a circus clown,
And every day is sunny.
So boys, you know just what we think,
You bring us both such pleasure.
There’s nothing we would trade you for,
You’re such a priceless treasure.
Grandpa Arthur T. Elfstrom
June, 1978
Notes from my Bible Study for January 8, 2010
Passages Read Today: Psalm 7, Genesis 8:1‐19, 1 Chronicles 8, Luke 4:14‐44
Psalm 7 - What does it mean to take refuge in the Lord? David paints a beautiful picture of the safety that comes from following God in Psalm 7. I love verses one and two.
"O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me, lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver."
These verses bring to mind a youtube video that took the Internet by storm a few years back. A group of tourists were on an African safari when they came upon a pitiful scene. A pack of wildebeests were trying to cross a pond at Kruger Animal Park in South Africa when a juvenile wildebeest escaped from the herd. A pride of lions was lurking in the nearby grass, waiting for an opportunity to attack. The video shows the attack and what happened next. Watch it. The ending is incredible. And, it's a beautiful picture of the safety that comes when we take refuge. God is our ultimate refuge, the only One who will never fail us?
How has God been your Refuge?
Genesis 8:1-19 - 18 So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him. 19 Every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out by families from the ark.
What a scene! Noah and his family had obeyed God, they had endured the years of mocking before the flood, they had endured the flood and the long days at sea, and now they were about to begin a new life.
It must have been so strange. As they stepped off of the ark, the world would have looked different. The devastating effects of the flood changed the landscape, the scenery, and if a canopy of water had surrounded the earth, as many creationists believe, the sun and sky probably looked different.
God was faithful. He remembered Noah and all the beasts and livestock that were with him in the ark. He always has been and always will be faithful.
1 Chronicles 8 - I added no notes to my Bible here, but found it interesting that both Saul and Jonathan had sons whose names included Baal. My study Bible note said that these names were changed in 2 Samuel 2, because of the negative connotations that came with the pagan god Baal. These sons were not named after Baal.
Luke 4:14-44 - The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
I love this passage dealing with the beginning of Jesus' ministry. He speaks to the crowd gathered at Nazareth's synagogue the words of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit of God had anointed Jesus to proclaim good news to the poor, help proclaim liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind and liberty for those who are oppressed. Jesus proclaimed the year of the Lord's favor.
I find it interesting to note that some of the first to testify as to who Jesus was, were the demons. It's one more evidence of the fact that we are in a very real spiritual battle, and Jesus is feared by the devil.
Psalm 7 - What does it mean to take refuge in the Lord? David paints a beautiful picture of the safety that comes from following God in Psalm 7. I love verses one and two.
"O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me, lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver."
These verses bring to mind a youtube video that took the Internet by storm a few years back. A group of tourists were on an African safari when they came upon a pitiful scene. A pack of wildebeests were trying to cross a pond at Kruger Animal Park in South Africa when a juvenile wildebeest escaped from the herd. A pride of lions was lurking in the nearby grass, waiting for an opportunity to attack. The video shows the attack and what happened next. Watch it. The ending is incredible. And, it's a beautiful picture of the safety that comes when we take refuge. God is our ultimate refuge, the only One who will never fail us?
How has God been your Refuge?
Genesis 8:1-19 - 18 So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him. 19 Every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out by families from the ark.
What a scene! Noah and his family had obeyed God, they had endured the years of mocking before the flood, they had endured the flood and the long days at sea, and now they were about to begin a new life.
It must have been so strange. As they stepped off of the ark, the world would have looked different. The devastating effects of the flood changed the landscape, the scenery, and if a canopy of water had surrounded the earth, as many creationists believe, the sun and sky probably looked different.
God was faithful. He remembered Noah and all the beasts and livestock that were with him in the ark. He always has been and always will be faithful.
1 Chronicles 8 - I added no notes to my Bible here, but found it interesting that both Saul and Jonathan had sons whose names included Baal. My study Bible note said that these names were changed in 2 Samuel 2, because of the negative connotations that came with the pagan god Baal. These sons were not named after Baal.
Luke 4:14-44 - The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
I love this passage dealing with the beginning of Jesus' ministry. He speaks to the crowd gathered at Nazareth's synagogue the words of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit of God had anointed Jesus to proclaim good news to the poor, help proclaim liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind and liberty for those who are oppressed. Jesus proclaimed the year of the Lord's favor.
I find it interesting to note that some of the first to testify as to who Jesus was, were the demons. It's one more evidence of the fact that we are in a very real spiritual battle, and Jesus is feared by the devil.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Notes from my Bible Study for January 7, 2010
Passages Read Today: Psalm 6, Genesis 7, 1 Chronicles 7, Luke 3:23:-4:13
Psalm 6 -One of the things that I love about David, is that he was a man's man. He conquered nations. He was a warrior king. He defeated a giant and some ferocious animals. He was brave. And yet, he was tender.
David played the harp. He sang. He worshipped with passion. And, he sinned with passion. Everything he did, David did with passion. Even weeping.
This man's man wasn't afraid to admit that he wept. In Psalm 6:6-7, David gives one of the most vivid descriptions of despair that I have ever read. He writes, "I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes."
Doesn't quite sound like a conquering king, does it? Even those who hold great positions of power, struggle with emotional pain from time to time. David was no exception. But, David knew too, where his source of strength and healing was. It was God.
He ends this psalm with the truth that God had heard his plea and accepted his prayer. God would have his back. May we remember in our dark nights of the soul that God is watching over us. He loves us. He knows how tough life can be. And, he stands ready to heal us, if we'll serve Him fully.
Genesis 7 - Genesis 7 ends with these words, "Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark. And the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days."
It got me thinking . . .
"Noah, it's time."
"Lord, is that you?"
"Yes, Noah. Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. . ."
"It's time. It's really time," Noah thought to himself as he hastily rushed the animals onto the ark.
It was so surreal. Animals were coming to him, and this huge vessel that he and his sons had built. The jeers and taunts of godless friends and neighbors had taken their toll over the years. There had been more than one discussion with his wife and sons over just how God expected them to endure under such hostility. They had felt like fools on more than one occasion. But now, even as they saw the miracle of the animals coming, all Noah felt was sadness.
Why had the people turned their backs upon God? Why was it that only Noah and his family could hear the voice of God? The distractions of the world had so drowned out the voice of God in the lives of the people.
Those distractions would soon be gone. The lust of the flesh would soon be replaced with rotting of flesh. God's judgment was sure to come. God always kept His promises. Noah felt sad.
God said that he would send rain, whatever that was, for forty days and forty nights and every living thing that he had made would be blotted out from the face of the earth.
Noah had never seen God so angry. He had walked with God for all 600 years of his life. He had seen such a change in the people during those years. A people who just a couple hundred years back had served and followed God had forgotten about Him.
"Forgotten, Dad? Forgotten, or ignored?" It was the voice of Shem. Shem, one of Noah's triplets had always had a special place in Noah's heart. He asked good questions. He, like Noah, loved the Lord.
"I suppose, ignored would be the better word, son? The evidence of God is all around, isn't it? How can you see the sunrise and forget the Creator? How can you see these magnificent beasts, and ignore the Lord?"
Just an hour before, Shem had been talking with his brothers about the dinosaurs that entered the ark so peacefully. These were indeed fascinating times. Shem wondered about the effects of this impending judgment on the big meat eaters like the dinosaurs. How would they survive? And, if they did, how would the other animals survive. It was so complicated. And so. . . sad. So, sad.
When the last of the animals boarded the ark it happened. Rain came. "So this is what rain is," thought Noah. It was drops of water at first, but within moments it became violent. The best way to describe it is that the fountains of the great deep burst fourth and the windows of heaven were opened.
The screams were awful. There were a few who knocked on the ark begging for mercy. But, God had shut the door. The people had their chance long ago. And the people chose pleasure, temporary pleasure, over God.
There wasn't just weeping on the outside of the ark, there was weeping in the ark too. Weeping for everyone, EVERYONE, else on planet earth. Weeping that God had chosen this family to survive while all else perished. Weeping that life would be so lonely. And, there was hope. Hope that God would do something new. Hope that this line of people would stay faithful to God. Hope that never again would the earth choose to reject God like this.
Only Noah was left, and those who were with him on the ark. And the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days.
1 Chronicles 7 - I did not add any notes to my Bible here.
Luke 3:23-4:13When I read about the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, I reminded of how easily I fall for Satan's traps, and how much power we have in Christ to resist the devil. Jesus didn't fall for any of Satan's schemes. Not once! Never, ever! And, that, to me, brings great joy.
Psalm 6 -One of the things that I love about David, is that he was a man's man. He conquered nations. He was a warrior king. He defeated a giant and some ferocious animals. He was brave. And yet, he was tender.
David played the harp. He sang. He worshipped with passion. And, he sinned with passion. Everything he did, David did with passion. Even weeping.
This man's man wasn't afraid to admit that he wept. In Psalm 6:6-7, David gives one of the most vivid descriptions of despair that I have ever read. He writes, "I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes."
Doesn't quite sound like a conquering king, does it? Even those who hold great positions of power, struggle with emotional pain from time to time. David was no exception. But, David knew too, where his source of strength and healing was. It was God.
He ends this psalm with the truth that God had heard his plea and accepted his prayer. God would have his back. May we remember in our dark nights of the soul that God is watching over us. He loves us. He knows how tough life can be. And, he stands ready to heal us, if we'll serve Him fully.
Genesis 7 - Genesis 7 ends with these words, "Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark. And the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days."
It got me thinking . . .
"Noah, it's time."
"Lord, is that you?"
"Yes, Noah. Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. . ."
"It's time. It's really time," Noah thought to himself as he hastily rushed the animals onto the ark.
It was so surreal. Animals were coming to him, and this huge vessel that he and his sons had built. The jeers and taunts of godless friends and neighbors had taken their toll over the years. There had been more than one discussion with his wife and sons over just how God expected them to endure under such hostility. They had felt like fools on more than one occasion. But now, even as they saw the miracle of the animals coming, all Noah felt was sadness.
Why had the people turned their backs upon God? Why was it that only Noah and his family could hear the voice of God? The distractions of the world had so drowned out the voice of God in the lives of the people.
Those distractions would soon be gone. The lust of the flesh would soon be replaced with rotting of flesh. God's judgment was sure to come. God always kept His promises. Noah felt sad.
God said that he would send rain, whatever that was, for forty days and forty nights and every living thing that he had made would be blotted out from the face of the earth.
Noah had never seen God so angry. He had walked with God for all 600 years of his life. He had seen such a change in the people during those years. A people who just a couple hundred years back had served and followed God had forgotten about Him.
"Forgotten, Dad? Forgotten, or ignored?" It was the voice of Shem. Shem, one of Noah's triplets had always had a special place in Noah's heart. He asked good questions. He, like Noah, loved the Lord.
"I suppose, ignored would be the better word, son? The evidence of God is all around, isn't it? How can you see the sunrise and forget the Creator? How can you see these magnificent beasts, and ignore the Lord?"
Just an hour before, Shem had been talking with his brothers about the dinosaurs that entered the ark so peacefully. These were indeed fascinating times. Shem wondered about the effects of this impending judgment on the big meat eaters like the dinosaurs. How would they survive? And, if they did, how would the other animals survive. It was so complicated. And so. . . sad. So, sad.
When the last of the animals boarded the ark it happened. Rain came. "So this is what rain is," thought Noah. It was drops of water at first, but within moments it became violent. The best way to describe it is that the fountains of the great deep burst fourth and the windows of heaven were opened.
The screams were awful. There were a few who knocked on the ark begging for mercy. But, God had shut the door. The people had their chance long ago. And the people chose pleasure, temporary pleasure, over God.
There wasn't just weeping on the outside of the ark, there was weeping in the ark too. Weeping for everyone, EVERYONE, else on planet earth. Weeping that God had chosen this family to survive while all else perished. Weeping that life would be so lonely. And, there was hope. Hope that God would do something new. Hope that this line of people would stay faithful to God. Hope that never again would the earth choose to reject God like this.
Only Noah was left, and those who were with him on the ark. And the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days.
1 Chronicles 7 - I did not add any notes to my Bible here.
Luke 3:23-4:13When I read about the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, I reminded of how easily I fall for Satan's traps, and how much power we have in Christ to resist the devil. Jesus didn't fall for any of Satan's schemes. Not once! Never, ever! And, that, to me, brings great joy.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Notes from my Bible Study for January 6, 2010
Passages Read Today: Psalm 5, Genesis 6, 1 Chronicles 6, Luke 3:1-22
Psalm 5 - When you read verses like Psalm 5:4-6 you get a picture of just how much God hates evil. I love how verse four says "evil may not dwell with you." And, at the same time it can be terrifying. We are all evil. We have all abandoned the things of God for our own desires. That is why His grace is so beautiful. When He sees Christians, God does not see our sin, but His grace.
Genesis 6 - Genesis 6 is a sad chapter. It teaches us much about the holiness of God. Our wickedness grieves God. It always has and always will. But, there are those in every generation who find favor in the eyes of God. I've heard it said that God has a remnant who are faithful to Him in every generation. It's tragic, that in the days of Noah, that remnant consisted only of His family. It's interesting to note here too that the progression of man's sin was so grave that, according to verse 5, "every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."
Does it ever feel to you like this world is becoming a place like that? My heart broke this morning as I drove into work, listening to Minneapolis talk radio, and heard nothing but wickedness coming from my radio. The hosts were joking about how uptight Christians were about things that God clearly calls sin. May we, like Noah, be people who find favor in the eyes of the Lord.
I'm preaching through the life of Elijah at WCC right now. One of the marks of Elijah has been his continued obedience to God, no matter what it was that God asked him to do.
Noah was like this. The chapter ends with this verse: "Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him." May we do likewise!
1 Chronicles 6 - There is a lot of space devoted to the descendants of Levi. This is because, their job, as the priestly line, was so important. These were the men who went to God on behalf of the people. I read a note in my ESV Study Bible today that said that this genealogy was given such prominence in the listing of genealogies because of the importance of the priestly role. The chronicler placed the line of Levi in the center of the genealogical lists to show that the role of the priests was central to Jewish life. It was a role as important as that of the king.
It was interesting to read about the men who David put in charge of the service of song in 1 Chronicles 6:31-33. How awesome to picture years of ministering in the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and then picture the day that they moved into Solomon's temple. What a day that must have been!
The importance of the offerings was also shown in verse 49. Again, this is the chronicler's way of showing just how important the role of the priest was.
Verse 3 struck me too. What a family! "The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses and Miriam." There aren't many women included in genealogies, but Miriam is included. Here role in the exodus is crucial. You don't hear a lot about Amram in Scripture, but you do hear about his wife, who courageously defied Pharaoh and rescued her son.
Luke 3:1-22 -Jesus had high regard for John the Baptist. In Matthew 11:11, Jesus says, "11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
You can see why in verses like John 3:10-14. John's message of repentence was simple enough, "Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise." Tax collectors were told to "collect no more money than you are authorized to do." Soliders were told to "not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be content with your wages."
John showed people how to live like people of God. He called people to act like God's chosen people.
When Jesus comes to be baptized in verses 21-22 you see a significant thing happen. Jesus wasn't coming for forgiveness of sins. He came as an example and to identify with humanity's sin, which he would take upon Himself on the cross. We should follow his example in baptism.
His baptism is also one of the few occasions in Scripture where you see all three members of the Trinity shown in one place. The Father speaks, the Holy Spirit decends like a dove, and Christ is baptized.
Psalm 5 - When you read verses like Psalm 5:4-6 you get a picture of just how much God hates evil. I love how verse four says "evil may not dwell with you." And, at the same time it can be terrifying. We are all evil. We have all abandoned the things of God for our own desires. That is why His grace is so beautiful. When He sees Christians, God does not see our sin, but His grace.
Genesis 6 - Genesis 6 is a sad chapter. It teaches us much about the holiness of God. Our wickedness grieves God. It always has and always will. But, there are those in every generation who find favor in the eyes of God. I've heard it said that God has a remnant who are faithful to Him in every generation. It's tragic, that in the days of Noah, that remnant consisted only of His family. It's interesting to note here too that the progression of man's sin was so grave that, according to verse 5, "every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."
Does it ever feel to you like this world is becoming a place like that? My heart broke this morning as I drove into work, listening to Minneapolis talk radio, and heard nothing but wickedness coming from my radio. The hosts were joking about how uptight Christians were about things that God clearly calls sin. May we, like Noah, be people who find favor in the eyes of the Lord.
I'm preaching through the life of Elijah at WCC right now. One of the marks of Elijah has been his continued obedience to God, no matter what it was that God asked him to do.
Noah was like this. The chapter ends with this verse: "Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him." May we do likewise!
1 Chronicles 6 - There is a lot of space devoted to the descendants of Levi. This is because, their job, as the priestly line, was so important. These were the men who went to God on behalf of the people. I read a note in my ESV Study Bible today that said that this genealogy was given such prominence in the listing of genealogies because of the importance of the priestly role. The chronicler placed the line of Levi in the center of the genealogical lists to show that the role of the priests was central to Jewish life. It was a role as important as that of the king.
It was interesting to read about the men who David put in charge of the service of song in 1 Chronicles 6:31-33. How awesome to picture years of ministering in the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and then picture the day that they moved into Solomon's temple. What a day that must have been!
The importance of the offerings was also shown in verse 49. Again, this is the chronicler's way of showing just how important the role of the priest was.
Verse 3 struck me too. What a family! "The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses and Miriam." There aren't many women included in genealogies, but Miriam is included. Here role in the exodus is crucial. You don't hear a lot about Amram in Scripture, but you do hear about his wife, who courageously defied Pharaoh and rescued her son.
Luke 3:1-22 -Jesus had high regard for John the Baptist. In Matthew 11:11, Jesus says, "11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
You can see why in verses like John 3:10-14. John's message of repentence was simple enough, "Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise." Tax collectors were told to "collect no more money than you are authorized to do." Soliders were told to "not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be content with your wages."
John showed people how to live like people of God. He called people to act like God's chosen people.
When Jesus comes to be baptized in verses 21-22 you see a significant thing happen. Jesus wasn't coming for forgiveness of sins. He came as an example and to identify with humanity's sin, which he would take upon Himself on the cross. We should follow his example in baptism.
His baptism is also one of the few occasions in Scripture where you see all three members of the Trinity shown in one place. The Father speaks, the Holy Spirit decends like a dove, and Christ is baptized.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Notes from my Bible Study for January 5, 2010
Passages Read Today: Psalm 4, Genesis 5, 1 Chronicles 5, Luke 2:22-52
Psalm 4 - I love this Psalm! It gives us such a proper understanding of how to respond when people speak lies about us.
I have a friend who has had such terrible lies spread about him over the years. I remember asking him once, "Why don't you just set the record straight? Why not go after the people who are spreading lies about you? You could have your attorney threaten to sue them for defamation of character."
He responded, "Brian, it wouldn't be worth it. I'd be playing into their game. God is watching over me. He knows the truth, and He will reveal the truth in time."
This man was a great example of verse four - "Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent."
Sometimes it is so tough to be silent. When everything in you wants to scream at the person who has hurt you, remember the words of David. And, if you live by those words maybe like David, and my friend, you'll be able to say verse eight with a pure heart, claiming it as your verse:
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Genesis 5 - I have to admit, genealogies aren't my favorite reading, but this one fascinates me! I love it because of the way that it tells how old each father was when he became a father with the child mentioned in the genealogy. So, we can conclude based upon this passage that from the time Adam was created, until the time Noah was born was 1056 years. Noah was born 126 years after Adam died.
We can also infer that Methuselah, the oldest man to ever live at 969 years, died in the year of the flood. He was Noah's Grandpa. I wonder if he was a godly man in his generation, and if God spared him by allowing him to die before the flood came.
There is a fascinating article about long life before the flood here: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2008/06/04/did-people-live-over-900-years. It's worth reading.
1 Chronicles 5 - You can see the pagan influence beginning to set into these generations of Israelites. There is a taking on of the name Baal in the naming of son of the sons. God's chosen people were abandoning him for false gods.
Luke 2:22-52 - There aren't many glimpses that we get of the child, Jesus in Scripture. This is one of them. I love the wise and tender words of Simeon the priest. In a day when Jewish religious leaders would not even consider a Gentile worthy of dignity, Simeon said that Jesus would be a light for revelation to the Gentiles. These are srtong words.
Once again we see Mary in her state of pondering as the chapter ends. Jesus had just been at the temple. His parents didn't even realize that he was gone, due to the fact that they were traveling with a large group for Passover. I love that even as a twelve year old boy, Jesus was about His Father's business.
Psalm 4 - I love this Psalm! It gives us such a proper understanding of how to respond when people speak lies about us.
I have a friend who has had such terrible lies spread about him over the years. I remember asking him once, "Why don't you just set the record straight? Why not go after the people who are spreading lies about you? You could have your attorney threaten to sue them for defamation of character."
He responded, "Brian, it wouldn't be worth it. I'd be playing into their game. God is watching over me. He knows the truth, and He will reveal the truth in time."
This man was a great example of verse four - "Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent."
Sometimes it is so tough to be silent. When everything in you wants to scream at the person who has hurt you, remember the words of David. And, if you live by those words maybe like David, and my friend, you'll be able to say verse eight with a pure heart, claiming it as your verse:
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Genesis 5 - I have to admit, genealogies aren't my favorite reading, but this one fascinates me! I love it because of the way that it tells how old each father was when he became a father with the child mentioned in the genealogy. So, we can conclude based upon this passage that from the time Adam was created, until the time Noah was born was 1056 years. Noah was born 126 years after Adam died.
We can also infer that Methuselah, the oldest man to ever live at 969 years, died in the year of the flood. He was Noah's Grandpa. I wonder if he was a godly man in his generation, and if God spared him by allowing him to die before the flood came.
There is a fascinating article about long life before the flood here: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2008/06/04/did-people-live-over-900-years. It's worth reading.
1 Chronicles 5 - You can see the pagan influence beginning to set into these generations of Israelites. There is a taking on of the name Baal in the naming of son of the sons. God's chosen people were abandoning him for false gods.
Luke 2:22-52 - There aren't many glimpses that we get of the child, Jesus in Scripture. This is one of them. I love the wise and tender words of Simeon the priest. In a day when Jewish religious leaders would not even consider a Gentile worthy of dignity, Simeon said that Jesus would be a light for revelation to the Gentiles. These are srtong words.
Once again we see Mary in her state of pondering as the chapter ends. Jesus had just been at the temple. His parents didn't even realize that he was gone, due to the fact that they were traveling with a large group for Passover. I love that even as a twelve year old boy, Jesus was about His Father's business.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Notes from my Bible Study for January 4, 2010
Passages Read Today: Psalm 3, Genesis 4, 1 Chronicles 4, Luke 2:1‐21
Psalm 3 - "Salvation belongs to the Lord." The words are simple enough, but the meaning is profound. Whenever we face stress, danger, opposition, etc. it is God whom we can turn to. David was fleeing from Absalom, his own son during the time that he wrote this psalm. It was God who would deliver him.
Genesis 4 - I find comfort in God's words to Cain in Genesis 4:6-7. I think that Cain felt like a victim. He was angry that God didn't approve of his offering, but God wanted Cain to know that he could do better. He warned Cain about the consequences of getting entangled in sin, and told him that he didn't need to get ensnared in sin. Cain had the ability to choose good. He didn't. The tragic results of Cain's sin is shown later on in this chapter as he kills Abel.
I always find the land of Nod, East of Eden (vs. 16) a fascinating phrase. It makes me wonder who the people were who lived there.
1 Chronicles 4 - I had forgotten the fact that in the middle of 1 Chronicles 4, and the listing of the genealogies, Jabez appears. I love the two verses that talk about his life. In 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, Jabez shows himself to be more honorable than his brothers. His name wouldn't have given a contemporary of his any indication that he was special, for it means that his mother bore him in pain.
But, his life must have been a delight to his mother. For, his life was a delight to God. Honor delights the Lord.
I want to be a man who lives a life that honors God. Jabez prayed for four very specific things in 1 Chronicles 4:10.
1) He prayed for God to bless him. Sometimes we are afraid to pray about such things. I remember hearing Louie Giglio speak once about prayer, and he encouraged us not to pray for God's blessings, because we have already been blessed. To be fair, Giglio was trashing trite prayers that a lot of people pray. I agree, we can't be careless in our prayer. And, we do need to recognize that God has already blessed us in incredible ways. But, Jabez's prayer would indicate that it is okay to ask God to bless you.
2) Jabez asked God to enlarge his border. This means that Jabez asked God to bless him specifically around the area of wealth and influence.
3) Jabez asked God to put his hand on him. He wanted his life to be marked by the working of God in his life. He wanted it to be clear that God was working in and through him.
4) Jabez asked for God to keep him from harm, so that he might not have pain.
In some ways, Jabez's prayer sounds like a lot of prayers that I have heard people pray over the years. God chose to grant what he asked.
God could have said, "No."
Jabez prayer is not a prescription for how all Christians should pray. It is one example of a prayer, that God chose to bless. But, I believe God blessed the prayer because Jabez asked for it with a pure heart. As an honorable man, he wanted to use what he had to advance the cause of Christ. Could I say the same when I pray such a prayer. And would I be content if God's answer was, "No. I'm going to allow you to go through hardship to be an example to others about living for me and living by faith in difficult circumstances."
Luke 2:1-21 - This passage brings back so many memories of childhood. Christmas Eve dinners at Grandma and Grandpa's house, school programs, church Christmas pageants, even the Charlie Brown Christmas pageant. This is what Christmas is all about. I thank the Lord for the beauty of this passage and for the awesome truth that it contains. Jesus was born! Jesus came for us. We have great news, because the Savior has been born.
Verse 19 has alwyas been my favorite verse in this chapter. The thought that Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart has always struck me. Mary's entire life changed in the span of nine months. God had done something wonderful in and through her. I wonder what was going through Mary's mind during these days.
Psalm 3 - "Salvation belongs to the Lord." The words are simple enough, but the meaning is profound. Whenever we face stress, danger, opposition, etc. it is God whom we can turn to. David was fleeing from Absalom, his own son during the time that he wrote this psalm. It was God who would deliver him.
Genesis 4 - I find comfort in God's words to Cain in Genesis 4:6-7. I think that Cain felt like a victim. He was angry that God didn't approve of his offering, but God wanted Cain to know that he could do better. He warned Cain about the consequences of getting entangled in sin, and told him that he didn't need to get ensnared in sin. Cain had the ability to choose good. He didn't. The tragic results of Cain's sin is shown later on in this chapter as he kills Abel.
I always find the land of Nod, East of Eden (vs. 16) a fascinating phrase. It makes me wonder who the people were who lived there.
1 Chronicles 4 - I had forgotten the fact that in the middle of 1 Chronicles 4, and the listing of the genealogies, Jabez appears. I love the two verses that talk about his life. In 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, Jabez shows himself to be more honorable than his brothers. His name wouldn't have given a contemporary of his any indication that he was special, for it means that his mother bore him in pain.
But, his life must have been a delight to his mother. For, his life was a delight to God. Honor delights the Lord.
I want to be a man who lives a life that honors God. Jabez prayed for four very specific things in 1 Chronicles 4:10.
1) He prayed for God to bless him. Sometimes we are afraid to pray about such things. I remember hearing Louie Giglio speak once about prayer, and he encouraged us not to pray for God's blessings, because we have already been blessed. To be fair, Giglio was trashing trite prayers that a lot of people pray. I agree, we can't be careless in our prayer. And, we do need to recognize that God has already blessed us in incredible ways. But, Jabez's prayer would indicate that it is okay to ask God to bless you.
2) Jabez asked God to enlarge his border. This means that Jabez asked God to bless him specifically around the area of wealth and influence.
3) Jabez asked God to put his hand on him. He wanted his life to be marked by the working of God in his life. He wanted it to be clear that God was working in and through him.
4) Jabez asked for God to keep him from harm, so that he might not have pain.
In some ways, Jabez's prayer sounds like a lot of prayers that I have heard people pray over the years. God chose to grant what he asked.
God could have said, "No."
Jabez prayer is not a prescription for how all Christians should pray. It is one example of a prayer, that God chose to bless. But, I believe God blessed the prayer because Jabez asked for it with a pure heart. As an honorable man, he wanted to use what he had to advance the cause of Christ. Could I say the same when I pray such a prayer. And would I be content if God's answer was, "No. I'm going to allow you to go through hardship to be an example to others about living for me and living by faith in difficult circumstances."
Luke 2:1-21 - This passage brings back so many memories of childhood. Christmas Eve dinners at Grandma and Grandpa's house, school programs, church Christmas pageants, even the Charlie Brown Christmas pageant. This is what Christmas is all about. I thank the Lord for the beauty of this passage and for the awesome truth that it contains. Jesus was born! Jesus came for us. We have great news, because the Savior has been born.
Verse 19 has alwyas been my favorite verse in this chapter. The thought that Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart has always struck me. Mary's entire life changed in the span of nine months. God had done something wonderful in and through her. I wonder what was going through Mary's mind during these days.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Notes from my Bible Study for January 3, 2010
Passages read today: Psalm 2, Genesis 3, 1 Chronicles 3, Luke 1:57-80
Psalm 2 - I know that this psalm is referring to nations plotting against David and the people of Israel, whom God had chosen as His own; but I think this could relate even further to anyone who plots against the Lord. It is a plotting that happens in vain. We are guilty of standing against the Lord when we willfully choose that which we know would dishonor Him or bring him pain.
Genesis 3 - It could rightfully be said that this is the most sad chapter in all of Scripture, because this chapter tells the story of the fall of man. Adam and Eve knew God unlike any human who has lived since. They lived in perfect harmony with their Creator. And, they lived in a world that had yet to be corrupted by the effects of sin.
I find it interesting to note that in verse 8, when Adam and Eve had sinned, their natural inclination was to hide from God. They heard God walking in the garden and they hid themselves from the presence of God.
The presence of God had always been a source of delight before this time; now the presence of Holy God was a reminder of the sin that had entered their world.
As awful as this chapter is, with curses pronounced on Adam, Eve and the serpent, it is also beautiful, for here in the same chapter where the fall is recorded, God shows His grace.
First, He reveals the plan for Jesus to come. Then, He clothes Adam and Eve. Then, He banishes them from the Garden; a true blessing, for it meant that they could not eat from the tree again and live forever in their sinful condition.
1 Chronicles 3 - What a list! The descendants of David, Israel's greatest king show us the tragedy that comes when we reject God to follow own desires. David's family could have, and should have been Israel's greatest blessing. Instead, after Solomon's death, Israel was never the same. Even David's own sons had terrible disputes between them.
Luke 1:57-80 - I get touched every time I read about Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were a faithful couple, who loved the Lord. For years they had dreamt about having a child. Little could they have imagined that God would answer their prayers when they were well past childbearing years.
I love what happens to Zechariah and Elizabeth's neighbors and relatives when God finally allows Zechariah to speak. They are blown away and realize that God has big plans for John the Baptist. I wonder how closely the people watched John as he grew up. I wonder if some became his disciples.
Zechariah's song is the first prophecy recorded in Israel in more than 400 years. These are important words, announcing not only who John will become, but announcing that Messiah will come soon!
Psalm 2 - I know that this psalm is referring to nations plotting against David and the people of Israel, whom God had chosen as His own; but I think this could relate even further to anyone who plots against the Lord. It is a plotting that happens in vain. We are guilty of standing against the Lord when we willfully choose that which we know would dishonor Him or bring him pain.
Genesis 3 - It could rightfully be said that this is the most sad chapter in all of Scripture, because this chapter tells the story of the fall of man. Adam and Eve knew God unlike any human who has lived since. They lived in perfect harmony with their Creator. And, they lived in a world that had yet to be corrupted by the effects of sin.
I find it interesting to note that in verse 8, when Adam and Eve had sinned, their natural inclination was to hide from God. They heard God walking in the garden and they hid themselves from the presence of God.
The presence of God had always been a source of delight before this time; now the presence of Holy God was a reminder of the sin that had entered their world.
As awful as this chapter is, with curses pronounced on Adam, Eve and the serpent, it is also beautiful, for here in the same chapter where the fall is recorded, God shows His grace.
First, He reveals the plan for Jesus to come. Then, He clothes Adam and Eve. Then, He banishes them from the Garden; a true blessing, for it meant that they could not eat from the tree again and live forever in their sinful condition.
1 Chronicles 3 - What a list! The descendants of David, Israel's greatest king show us the tragedy that comes when we reject God to follow own desires. David's family could have, and should have been Israel's greatest blessing. Instead, after Solomon's death, Israel was never the same. Even David's own sons had terrible disputes between them.
Luke 1:57-80 - I get touched every time I read about Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were a faithful couple, who loved the Lord. For years they had dreamt about having a child. Little could they have imagined that God would answer their prayers when they were well past childbearing years.
I love what happens to Zechariah and Elizabeth's neighbors and relatives when God finally allows Zechariah to speak. They are blown away and realize that God has big plans for John the Baptist. I wonder how closely the people watched John as he grew up. I wonder if some became his disciples.
Zechariah's song is the first prophecy recorded in Israel in more than 400 years. These are important words, announcing not only who John will become, but announcing that Messiah will come soon!
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Notes from my Study Bible for January 2, 2010
Passages read today: Psalm 1, Genesis 2, 1 Chronicles 2, Luke 1:26-56
Psalm 1 - This entire Psalm blows me away with its simplicity and practical truth. How many people have been led astray by the company that they keep? God makes it so clear in this first psalm that our delight, our purpose, and our meaning stem from Him.
To the Jewish person, Torah, the law, (Genesis-Deuteronomy) represented the way, the truth and the life. The law was revered. It was worth giving one's all to. I wonder if we feel the same way.
The results of living a life with God's purposes is shown in verse 3. We bear fruit. We prosper in what we do, because our lives are about bringing glory and honor to Him. Does that prospering always happen this side of heaven? I wish. But, biblical prosperity must be understood in the context of eternity. Our lives on earth are but a blip. But, don't mistake it. That blip matters to God. We must be a people who live for Him on this side of eternity to experience prosperity on the other side of eternity. Bruce Wilkinson's book, A Life God Rewards, is a good study on spiritual rewards.
Genesis 2 - I love the description that Moses gave to the seventh day. It was the day of completion. The heavens and the earth had been created, and on the seventh day God rested. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it, God rested from all His work that He had done in creation.
Do you think God values rest? He commanded His people to honor the Sabbath and keep it holy. I know in my life, I take far too few Sabbaths. As 2010 starts, I want to honor this commandment. I want to truly take a sabbath. And, I want to remember why I do this. I do this because God loves this. He knew we needed rest.
I'm so glad that in verse 18, God knew that Adam would need a companion. There are times in my life that I like to energize by spending time alone. I find that isolation can be incredibly refreshing after busy seasons of ministry, or even after just a lot of time with people. But, a life of total isolation would be awful. Every human being was created with a need for companionship. I'm glad we have a God who meets our needs.
As I read verse 24, I was reminded of the many weddings that I have been a part of, including my own. When I married Cyndi, we became one. Little did I know what that meant on that day eighteen years ago. We had a chance to visit Cyndi's parents in Colorado this past week. It was a wonderful time to spend with Cyndi's mom and dad, who have very much become my second set of parents too. I love them. But, part of growing up for Cyndi and I, and every married couple, meant forming a new home. I realized this week that my father-in-law was three years older than I am right now when I met him. Life goes by so fast! There will come a time when my children will need to leave our home and form a new home. That will be a hard day for me. But, it is a good thing. It is a God-ordained and God-created thing. May we always value the sanctity of marriage!
1 Chronicles 2 - When I read about Judah's heirs, my heart breaks. And, I am blown away that Jesus came from this family tree. God is truly a God of grace. He can turn our destruction into beauty.
I am also stuck by how the Bible does not shy away from showing the flaws of the men and women whose lives are chronicled on its pages.
Luke 1:26-56 - There is a paragraph heading in my Bible that is located before verse 26. It simply says, "Birth of Jesus Foretold."
If words could jump off a page and shake a reader, these words should do so. I wish the words said, "Hey you . . . the one reading this passage of Scripture! Pay attention to what you are about to read because it changed EVERYTHING! History hinged upon this event. God sent an angel named Gabriel with the most fantastic bit of news that anyone in this world would ever hear. So, pay attention to the message! Keep reading about this One who was born and called the Son of teh Most High. He will change your life if you'll let Him!" That would be a much better and much more appropriate paragraph heading. But, then again, it might just be a little too wordy:)
I love how Gabriel addresses Mary; "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" A little bit later he says, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."
So, how did she find favor with God? I read Psalm 1 earlier today. It spoke about the blessing that comes when we follow God. Mary followed God. She grew up in Nazareth, a terrible town if there ever was one. Nazareth was better known for its houses of prostitution than its houses of worship. But, Mary lived a righteous life in that unrighteous city. In verse 50, after seeing God work and after spending time with her cousin Elizabeth, Mary sang a song of worship to God. The song actually encompasses verses 46-55, but verse 50 gives us a clue into Mary's character. She sings that God's mercy is for those who "fear him from generation to generation."
Mary understood what Psalm 1 was all about. She understood what it meant to fear God and honor Him.
There is a prophetic nature to verses 31-33. Verses 32-33 tell us that Jesus will be given the throne of his father David and that he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. Christ presently sits at the right hand of God the Father in the throne room of heaven. He reigns today, but I believe that he will actually be given the throne of David where He will reign in the future. That reign will never end.
Jesus is God . . . as God He reigns today . . . there are many who refuse to worship Him . . . one day all will worship Him. . . as God He will reign forever.
I love Elizabeth's faith! In verse 37 she says, "For nothing will be impossible with God." She is, of course, right. Nothing is impossible with God. May we recognize that truth when we are gripped with worry and fear! May we remember it when the world causes us to doubt!
Psalm 1 - This entire Psalm blows me away with its simplicity and practical truth. How many people have been led astray by the company that they keep? God makes it so clear in this first psalm that our delight, our purpose, and our meaning stem from Him.
To the Jewish person, Torah, the law, (Genesis-Deuteronomy) represented the way, the truth and the life. The law was revered. It was worth giving one's all to. I wonder if we feel the same way.
The results of living a life with God's purposes is shown in verse 3. We bear fruit. We prosper in what we do, because our lives are about bringing glory and honor to Him. Does that prospering always happen this side of heaven? I wish. But, biblical prosperity must be understood in the context of eternity. Our lives on earth are but a blip. But, don't mistake it. That blip matters to God. We must be a people who live for Him on this side of eternity to experience prosperity on the other side of eternity. Bruce Wilkinson's book, A Life God Rewards, is a good study on spiritual rewards.
Genesis 2 - I love the description that Moses gave to the seventh day. It was the day of completion. The heavens and the earth had been created, and on the seventh day God rested. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it, God rested from all His work that He had done in creation.
Do you think God values rest? He commanded His people to honor the Sabbath and keep it holy. I know in my life, I take far too few Sabbaths. As 2010 starts, I want to honor this commandment. I want to truly take a sabbath. And, I want to remember why I do this. I do this because God loves this. He knew we needed rest.
I'm so glad that in verse 18, God knew that Adam would need a companion. There are times in my life that I like to energize by spending time alone. I find that isolation can be incredibly refreshing after busy seasons of ministry, or even after just a lot of time with people. But, a life of total isolation would be awful. Every human being was created with a need for companionship. I'm glad we have a God who meets our needs.
As I read verse 24, I was reminded of the many weddings that I have been a part of, including my own. When I married Cyndi, we became one. Little did I know what that meant on that day eighteen years ago. We had a chance to visit Cyndi's parents in Colorado this past week. It was a wonderful time to spend with Cyndi's mom and dad, who have very much become my second set of parents too. I love them. But, part of growing up for Cyndi and I, and every married couple, meant forming a new home. I realized this week that my father-in-law was three years older than I am right now when I met him. Life goes by so fast! There will come a time when my children will need to leave our home and form a new home. That will be a hard day for me. But, it is a good thing. It is a God-ordained and God-created thing. May we always value the sanctity of marriage!
1 Chronicles 2 - When I read about Judah's heirs, my heart breaks. And, I am blown away that Jesus came from this family tree. God is truly a God of grace. He can turn our destruction into beauty.
I am also stuck by how the Bible does not shy away from showing the flaws of the men and women whose lives are chronicled on its pages.
Luke 1:26-56 - There is a paragraph heading in my Bible that is located before verse 26. It simply says, "Birth of Jesus Foretold."
If words could jump off a page and shake a reader, these words should do so. I wish the words said, "Hey you . . . the one reading this passage of Scripture! Pay attention to what you are about to read because it changed EVERYTHING! History hinged upon this event. God sent an angel named Gabriel with the most fantastic bit of news that anyone in this world would ever hear. So, pay attention to the message! Keep reading about this One who was born and called the Son of teh Most High. He will change your life if you'll let Him!" That would be a much better and much more appropriate paragraph heading. But, then again, it might just be a little too wordy:)
I love how Gabriel addresses Mary; "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" A little bit later he says, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."
So, how did she find favor with God? I read Psalm 1 earlier today. It spoke about the blessing that comes when we follow God. Mary followed God. She grew up in Nazareth, a terrible town if there ever was one. Nazareth was better known for its houses of prostitution than its houses of worship. But, Mary lived a righteous life in that unrighteous city. In verse 50, after seeing God work and after spending time with her cousin Elizabeth, Mary sang a song of worship to God. The song actually encompasses verses 46-55, but verse 50 gives us a clue into Mary's character. She sings that God's mercy is for those who "fear him from generation to generation."
Mary understood what Psalm 1 was all about. She understood what it meant to fear God and honor Him.
There is a prophetic nature to verses 31-33. Verses 32-33 tell us that Jesus will be given the throne of his father David and that he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. Christ presently sits at the right hand of God the Father in the throne room of heaven. He reigns today, but I believe that he will actually be given the throne of David where He will reign in the future. That reign will never end.
Jesus is God . . . as God He reigns today . . . there are many who refuse to worship Him . . . one day all will worship Him. . . as God He will reign forever.
I love Elizabeth's faith! In verse 37 she says, "For nothing will be impossible with God." She is, of course, right. Nothing is impossible with God. May we recognize that truth when we are gripped with worry and fear! May we remember it when the world causes us to doubt!
Friday, January 01, 2010
Notes from my Bible Study - Day One
I'm writing a daily devotional for our church's blog, http://wccchallenge2010.blogspot.com, based upon the daily readings in our journey through the Bible in 2010. I've decided to include the notes that I am putting in my study Bible on this page.
Here are today's notes.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - What an interesting way to begin the New Year! As I begin another season of life, looking back at what is behind and looking forward to what is ahead, it is important also to look within. What season of life am I in? What do I want to see God do during this season? How will I respond to His leading?
2009 was such a difficult year for so many people that I love. I'm praying that 2010 will be a better year, and that this season of life, which was a time to mourn for so many, will turn into a time for dancing.
No matter what happens this year, may it be a year where we seek to know and understand God; keeping Him as priority number one in all that we do.
Genesis 1 - It only took four words in our English language translations of Scripture before the Subject of the greatest book ever to be written was presented front and center for all to behold. In the beginning God . . .
History is His story from beginning to end. As I begin this year, I want to focus more on knowing my Creator. I want to please Him with my life. I want to live the great purpose for which He created me.
1 Chronicles 1 - I added no notes to my study Bible in this passage. But, I am curious as to what verse 19 is speaking about when it talks about the days that the earth was divided.
Luke 1:1-25 - I am blown away when I read the description of who John the Baptist would become, and what his calling in life would be. What an awesome calling it would be to make ready for the Lord a people prepared. I love the way that the ESV translates verse 17. John was to prepare a people for the Lord. He would be used by God to turn many of the Children of Israel to God (vs. 16). Notice it doesn't tell us that all people will be prepared. Not everyone is willing to hear the voice of God in their life. May our hearts be the hearts of people who are prepared for God's calling.
I love the way that Gabriel responds to to Zechariah's doubt. His words, "I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and bring you this good news," are awesome words. I think there are times when I doubt God that the Lord must want to use similar words with me. "Hey Brian, I am God! I have it under control. Are you doubting My word? Do you know who I am?"
May we be a people who trust God for who He says He is.
Here are today's notes.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - What an interesting way to begin the New Year! As I begin another season of life, looking back at what is behind and looking forward to what is ahead, it is important also to look within. What season of life am I in? What do I want to see God do during this season? How will I respond to His leading?
2009 was such a difficult year for so many people that I love. I'm praying that 2010 will be a better year, and that this season of life, which was a time to mourn for so many, will turn into a time for dancing.
No matter what happens this year, may it be a year where we seek to know and understand God; keeping Him as priority number one in all that we do.
Genesis 1 - It only took four words in our English language translations of Scripture before the Subject of the greatest book ever to be written was presented front and center for all to behold. In the beginning God . . .
History is His story from beginning to end. As I begin this year, I want to focus more on knowing my Creator. I want to please Him with my life. I want to live the great purpose for which He created me.
1 Chronicles 1 - I added no notes to my study Bible in this passage. But, I am curious as to what verse 19 is speaking about when it talks about the days that the earth was divided.
Luke 1:1-25 - I am blown away when I read the description of who John the Baptist would become, and what his calling in life would be. What an awesome calling it would be to make ready for the Lord a people prepared. I love the way that the ESV translates verse 17. John was to prepare a people for the Lord. He would be used by God to turn many of the Children of Israel to God (vs. 16). Notice it doesn't tell us that all people will be prepared. Not everyone is willing to hear the voice of God in their life. May our hearts be the hearts of people who are prepared for God's calling.
I love the way that Gabriel responds to to Zechariah's doubt. His words, "I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and bring you this good news," are awesome words. I think there are times when I doubt God that the Lord must want to use similar words with me. "Hey Brian, I am God! I have it under control. Are you doubting My word? Do you know who I am?"
May we be a people who trust God for who He says He is.
Monday, December 21, 2009
My 10 Favorite Sermons To Preach of 2009
One of my favorite parts about being a pastor is the opportunity to preach week after week. Like those who sit in the pews, pastors have favorite sermons too. There are some sermons that I really enjoyed preaching because of how our congregation responded. Some of the sermons are favorites because of what I learned or how I was impacted in my preparation time. Some are favorites because God used them in ways that I could have never imagined during my study time. Here are my favorite sermons that I preached in 2009. All of these are available for download on iTunes by searching for Woodbury Community Church in the iTunes store, or by clicking on this link. 10. In The Beginning. . . Love - The Bible, from beginning to end is a love story between God and us. This message deals with God's love for humanity as demonstrated in creation, fall and redemption.
This is a sermon that I preached on October 4, 2009. It was the first sermon of our 2009 Spiritual Emphasis Week. God did awesome things during that week, and I remember having a hard time sleeping the night before the message because I couldn't wait to see what God would do with Spiritual Emphasis Week. The week led to four people coming into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
9. Getting It Right - What Is The Gospel? - Study after study shows that the majority of churched people can no longer articulate the Gospel. When asked what makes Christianity different than any other religion many are content to give trite answers like, “It’s a relationship,” or “Jesus.” But, what it is the Gospel? What is it that makes someone a true follower of Jesus Christ?
This is a sermon that I preached on September 6, 2009. I believe that it is so important that Christians understand and can articulate what the Gospel is. If we can't do that, are we truly saved? This was the sermon that introduced our series on evangelism.
8. "Perhaps God Will Go With Us" - The Armor Bearer and the Prince -Jonathan and his armor bearer are two of Scripture's most underrated heroes. They were men who in the face of insurmountable odds believed God instead of men. Their story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever taken a risk for God. People who recognize that their life is a mist, and God is most important are willing to take courageous risks for God. Big Idea: Courage happens when we persevere under pressure. It happens when we say, “No” to fleshly desires in order to say "Yes" to God's desires.
Part of our Mist Stories series, this sermon, given on May 17, 2009, was so fun to preach. There is something incredible about taking risks for God. I love the passion of Jonathan and his armor bearer. I had a lot of interesting conversations after this message. One woman told me that she had studied this passage extensively, and believes that Jonathan's armor bearer was a young King David. Another person, a friend who lives in Israel, told me that he has a friend who believes that he has discovered where Micmash Pass, the site of this famous confrontation, is located. I'm traveling to Israel in 2010 and hope to get a chance to visit this site.
7. Jesus: The Champion - It was a day unlike any other. Grief was replaced with joy. Sin's curse had been broken. Jesus had defeated Satan. Everything in John's Gospel comes down to Easter! Easter changed everything. Big Idea: Want life? Believe. The Resurrection changes everything.
What pastor doesn't love preaching on Easter Sunday? April 12, 2009 was a special day. This was my second-to-last sermon in a series through the book of John. I hadn't planned it this way, but I came to the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. God works in awesome ways during the sermon planning process. I brought EPPIC Ministries, a mime team that had traveled with me to Guatemala on multiple occasions, to act out the story of creation, fall and redemption. They came in about five minutes into my sermon. You can view that mime on the sermon page of our web site.
6. Jesus: The Good Shepherd - In John 10, Jesus identifies himself as the Good Shepherd, and he talks about who His sheep are. What are the signs of genuine faith? How does a follower of Christ live? What does it mean to hear God's voice?
It was on January 25, 2009 that I had the privilege of preaching about Jesus, our good shepherd. In the sermon I remember showing a couple videos of sheep, and telling about how dumb sheep can be. One video that struck me was how utterly helpless sheep are if they fall over. We desperately need Jesus. I'm so glad we have a Good Shepherd in Him.
5. Good Name or Great Wealth - What does your life say about you and your God to world around you? Who are you when nobody else is around? How serious are you about protecting both your reputation and the reputation of your Heavenly Father. Your name is more valuable than any amount of money, because you are created in the image of God and for His glory. Big Idea: A good name is a byproduct of a life that seeks to honor God.
On August 23, 2009 I preached a sermon in our Proverbs series on the importance of integrity. I told one of my favorite stories from childhood about meeting my hero, Pete Rose. I showed our congregation a baseball with two signatures. On one side of the ball is the autograph of my childhood hero, Pete Rose. On the other side of the ball is A. Bartlett Giamatti's signature. Giamatti was, at the time, the President of the National League. He eventually became the commissioner of baseball and banned Pete Rose from life for betting on the game.
As great a player as Rose was, he is most remembered for betting on the game. Our names matter. It's great to know that if we are Christians we carry the name of Christ with us. At the end of the sermon everyone was encouraged to come up and grab a football (this was the week Brett Favre signed with the hometown Vikings) and to sign it with their name on one side, and "child of God," on the other side.
4. When God Shapes Your Character - Elijah bursts onto the scene, pronounces judgment upon the land and then just as quickly is told to hide away in the Kerith Ravine. Sustained only by the hand of God, Elijah the Prophet learns much about the character and nature of God. This sermon will challenge us to live our lives trusting God one day at a time. Big Idea: Where God guides, He provides.
Part of our Elijah series, this sermon was preached on October 25, 2009. I think I enjoyed preaching this one so much because I could relate so much to Elijah's feelings in it. Does God ever take you somewhere that makes no sense to you, only to shape you and mold you into someone that you couldn't have become had He not? I incorporated much from a sermon by Craig Groeschel into this message. I was so encouraged by listening to some of what he preached to his congregation on this passage, and I'm glad that I did. Many people talked to me after this message about the impact that it made on them.
3. "I'm Speechless" - Zechariah's Story - Zechariah is one of the most intriguing people in Scripture. The old man dreamt of the day that he would chosen to go into the temple of the Lord to burn incense. When his turn finally came, he got more than he bargained for. This sermon will be given in the first person, as a dramatic interpretation of the life of Zechariah. Big Idea: We are tools in the hands of Almighty God. Embrace your place in His story.
Based upon congregational response, this December 6, 2009 sermon was probably the favorite of 2009. I preached this sermon as a dramatic monologue. I had a makeup artist come to our home and make me look like an old man, early in the morning. This was such a fun sermon to preach because it was unlike anything else I had done all year long. People told me that they readily identified with Zechariah. It helped them understand and appreciate the faith of Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, and helped them understand God's grace in a new light. The video of that sermon is available on our sermon page at WCC's website.
2. Your Life Is a Mist: What Are You Doing With It? - We all have one life to live on this earth, and only what is done for Christ will last for eternity. So, why is it so hard to not get wrapped up in the world's system of acquiring as much as we can for ourselves? This message focuses on living our lives for God and His priorities. Big idea: God has given us everything we need to know and to live the life that He desires for us.
I'll never forget what God did after this message was preached on May 3, 2009. This was the first message in a series entitled Mist Stories: The Intersection of Faith, Life and Love. In the message I challenged our congregation to basically live like they were dying. In other words, we need to recognize that we have not been promised tomorrow, and only what is done for Christ in our lives will last. Then each attendee was given a can of Sierra Mist to keep as a reminder that our life is a mist. They were supposed to keep the can in a prominent location, and to try to give it away before the week was through. Each week, they were supposed to pick up another can. It was one small way to show love to someone else. If possible, I encouraged each member to try and find an even greater way to show love. I also asked them to e-mail me their mist stories. We started a page on our website to chronicle the mist stories of our congregation. The month of May saw over 40 mist stories e-mailed in to me. I couldn't put many of them on our web page because they were far too personal. Our congregation was changed as a result of this series. I'm still hearing stories today about how God is using members of our church to reach out to others. God has also given me the opportunity to preach this message to about 500 other people this year in various venues. You can view the Mist Stories page by clicking here.
1. My Big Dysfunctional Family - The genealogy of Jesus is full of less than perfect people. But, it’s the stories of some of these people that help us to see just how beautiful the grace of God is. Jesus’ coming into this family should give all of us hope about what can happen when God takes over a life. Big Idea: No one is beyond the grace of God.
Nothing could have prepared me for what God did on November 29, 2009 at Woodbury Community Church. It was the Sunday after Thanksgiving and I was expecting a small crowd. We had one of our largest Sunday attendances of the year! I had been on vacation in Illinois all week, and had promised my family not to work on my message during our vacation. It wasn't until the ride home on Saturday that I was able to work on my message. (I plan my basic outline months in advance but write my messages out in manuscript form on the week of the sermon). I drove to our lunch stop in Wisconsin Dells, and then my daughter Breanna took over driving. That is when the Lord just really spoke to me as I typed my sermon out. Throughout my preparation, I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to give an invitation to accept Christ at the end of the sermon. I felt that the Spirit was calling me not to just invite people to come to Christ, but to indicate it by raising their hands at the end of the prayer. I give invitations often, but not usually accompanied by raised hands. I asked my wife, Cyndi, to pray about this, because this isn't something that we do much in Minnesota.
God worked in incredible ways! By the end of the second service seventeen people in our congregation prayed to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. That is about ten percent of our average attendance. Fourteen of those seventeen people are adults. Youth for Christ has a statistic that says that 95% of those who come to faith in Jesus Christ do so before the age of 21. We saw God work in miraculous ways that day.
I'm praising God for what He did in 2009, and can't wait to see what He does in 2010.
The Challenge Is Coming!
Woodbury Community Church is sponsoring a churchwide challenge to read through the entire Bible in a year in 2010. I'm so excited about what God is going to do through this time. You can access our Challenge Blog at http://wccchallenge2010.blogspot.com/ Click on the link to find out more!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Imagine Hearing the Christmas Story for the First Time
God is doing something amazing on the African continent. He is using a team of translators from all around the world to translate the Christmas story into nine languages. Woodbury Community Church sent the Gilmore family to Tanzania, Africa years ago to be a part of this team. Last year the Zinza people received the Christmas story for the first time in their language. This year nine language groups will receive the story. Take the time to watch this story about the Christmas translation miracle! God is doing awesome things.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
"I'm Speechless" - Zechariah's Story
On Sunday, I preached a dramatic sermon entitled "I'm Speechless" - Zechariah's Story. It's a first person monologue about the birth of John the Baptist from Zechariah's perspective. This is part of our Advent Series Meet the Family: Lessons from Jesus' Family Tree.
God is doing some amazing things at Woodbury Community Church. The Sunday before this, 17 people came to faith in Jesus Christ. Keep our church in your prayers. We're looking forward to seeing what God does throughout the remainder of this Advent Season.
God is doing some amazing things at Woodbury Community Church. The Sunday before this, 17 people came to faith in Jesus Christ. Keep our church in your prayers. We're looking forward to seeing what God does throughout the remainder of this Advent Season.
"I'm Speechless - Zechariah's Story" Woodbury Community Church, December 6, 2009 from Brian Schulenburg on Vimeo.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
God's Chisel - The Skit Guys
I showed this video in church today and many of you have asked where you can view it. It's available on YouTube, or you can just watch it right here. There is great theology here. Enjoy, and be encouraged and convicted.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Spiritual Emphasis Week Preview Video
Many thanks to Erik Lundin who did an awesome job editing this expanded video preview of Spritual Emphasis Week, 2009: You + God. . . It's A Love Story, happening at Woodbury Community Church, October 4-11, 2009.
Woodbury Community Church Spiritual Emphasis Week 2009 Promo from Brian Schulenburg on Vimeo.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Spiritual Emphasis Week Is Coming to Woodbury Community Church, October 4-11, 2009
I'm so excited about a very special week that is coming to Woodbury Community Church, October 4-11, 2009. We're calling it You + God . . . It's A Love Story.There is nothing like fall in Minnesota; a new school year, the start of another NFL Season with hopes of a Viking championship (or the Bears if you happen to have the privilege of pastoring this church), the MLB playoffs, the chill of fall mornings, the closing of cabins and pulling of docks, and full churches. As a new fall season approaches, how about committing to a fresh start in your spiritual life as well? Join us, at Woodbury Community Church, October 4-11, for Spiritual Emphasis Week. You + God. . . It’s a Love Story. We'll examine the theme of God's amazing love and what our response to that love should be.
Seminars are offered Monday-Saturday from 10:00-11:30 and 1:00-2:30. Seminars Include: Couples Communication Builder with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Pastor's Wife, Marsha Schauer; Parenting in Perilous Times with Brian Schulenburg and Dan Boal; Healthy Habits sponsored by UpLift Fitness with Amy Rodriguez and Jill Strand; Personal Peacemaking Seminar with John Kimball; Raising Kids With Confidence with Jason Barthelemy, Senior High Pastor at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, MN; Using Your Retirement Years To Make A Difference with Roger and Linda Proch, Building Our Faith Through Prayer and Worship with John and Kathryn Kimball, a Golf Clinic Dick Nelson, Teaching Pro at Indian Hills Golf Course in Stillwater, MN; and a Biking the Gateway Trail trip with Dan and Terri Beran. All seminars are free, and you may register for any seminar by following this link.
General Sessions will happen each evening at 6:30 and on Sunday mornings at 9:00 and 10:30 AM. The general sessions will feature nine diffferent speakers and worship leaders. Here is a schedule of our general sessions.
Sunday, October 4 at 9:00 and 10:30 AM - Speaker: Brian Schulenburg, Senior Pastor of Woodbury Community Church
Worship Leaders: Monte Abeler, Worship Director at Woodbury Community Church featuring special guest musician Huntley Brown
Sunday, October 4 at 6:30 PM - Speaker: Huntley Brown, Worship Leader: Huntley Brown
Monday, October 5 at 6:30 PM - Speaker: Troy Dobbs, Senior Pastor of Grace Church of Eden Prairie, MN, Worship Leaders: Lightswitch
Tuesday, October 6 at 6:30 PM - Speaker: Dan Schauer, Senior Pastor of New Heights Community Church in Inver Grove Heights, MN, Worship Leader: Matt Klein, Worship Director at Brookwood Church in Shakopee, MN
Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30 PM - Speaker: Rob O'Neal, Senior Pastor of Brookwood Church in Shakopeee, MN, Worship Leaders: Josiah Smith Band
Thursday, October 8 at 6:30 PM - Speaker: Matt Milligan, Senior Pastor of a new church plant in Hudson, Wisconsin, Worship Leader: Kara Doten
Friday, October 9 at 6:30 PM - Speaker: Jeff Holton, Senior Pastor of Spring Valley Congregational Church, Worship Leaders: Heidi Haskin and Heartbeat
Saturday, October 10 at 6:30 PM - Speaker: John Kimball, Director of Conference Care & Church Redevelopment for the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, Worship Leader: Mark Aardahl
Sunday, October 11 at 9:00 and 10:30 AM - Speaker: Ron Hamilton, Director of Church Multiplication and Placement for the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, Worship Leaders: Monte Abeler and the Youth Worship Team from Woodbury Community Church.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Family Camp Memories
Last week was a special one for our family. We were at Camp Lebanon in Upsala, MN for Family Camp Week B. I was asked to be the camp speaker earlier this year, and we had been to family camps before, but never as the speaker's family. Wow. What a wonderful experience. The staff at Camp Lebanon are fantastic. Bill Abeler has been the Camp Director for over 20 years, and that experience shines through in everything that he and his wonderful wife do. He is a mentor to the high school and college students that are employed by the camp over the summer, and a tireless servant to the families.
Camp Lebanon's motto is A Meeting Place With God. The camp, which is set on the beautiful Cedar Lake truly does allow one to meet with God. There is such beauty surrounding the camp. One night as I fished on the dock I watched a shooting star blaze across the night sky. The bass fishing is great. Camp Lebanon allows campers to use the camp's pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes, etc. There are beautiful hiking trails and opportunities for recreation abound with a zip line, beach, disc golf course, and more.
But, it was the people who made Camp Lebanon truly special. There were about 80 campers last week, from a wide variety of denominational and church backgrounds. My highlight, by far, came on Tuesday night. It was my last night in my thirties and I had the opportunity to share the Gospel. Ten people invited Christ to be their Savior and Lord, including an entire family. What a wonderful way to end a decade of life! God worked in an awesome way. I'll be back at Camp Lebanon for "Family Camp A" next year. It happens towards the end of June. I hope your family will consider joining us. Everyone in our family loved their time at Camp Lebanon. You will too.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Chicago Mission Team Departs
My daughter and son (Breanna and Chris) left for a youth group mission trip to Chicago this morning with our church youth group. It's the first time that either one of them have done a mission trip without me. I'm so excited about what God is going to teach them as they minister in the city this week. And, as a former youth pastor, I have to admit that I'm a bit jealous that I won't be with them. You'll be able to follow the progress of the trip at http://wccmissiontrips.blogspot.com. Please keep our team in your prayers.
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