Notes from my Bible Study for April 14, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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