Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Fear Has Its Place

"Happy is the man that feareth alway" (Proverbs 28:14).

The fear of the LORD is the beginning and the foundation of all true religion. Without a solemn awe and reverence of God there is no foothold for the more brilliant virtues. He whose soul does not worship will never live in holiness. He is happy who feels a jealous fear of doing wrong. Holy fear looks not only before it leaps, but even before it moves. It is afraid of error, afraid of neglecting duty, afraid of committing sin. It fears ill company, loose talk, and questionable policy, This does not make a man wretched, but it brings him happiness. The watchful sentinel is happier than the soldier who sleeps at his post. He who foreseeth evil and escapes it is happier than he who walks carelessly on and is destroyed. Fear of God is a quiet grace which leads a man along a choice road, of which it is written, "No lion shall be there, neither shall any ravenous beast go up thereon." Fear of the very appearance of evil is a purifying principle, which enables a man, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to keep his garments unspotted from the world. Solomon had tried both worldliness and holy fear: in the one he found vanity, in the other happiness. Let us not repeat his trial but abide by his verdict.

By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Zech. 8-14
Old and New Testaments Together: Isaiah 9-10 & Eph. 3
Historical: 2 Chron. 19-21
Chronological: Malachi
Blended: Ezek. 24-26 & John 13:21-38

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

How big is My God Footprint?

It seems to me that footprints have become a big thing lately. Our society, especially politicians and Hollywood, have gotten into figuring out how large their "Carbon Footprint" is. I looked up what it meant and found out that "a carbon footprint is a "measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide. It is meant to be useful for individuals, nations and organizations to conceptualize their personal (or organizational) impact in contributing to global warming. A conceptual tool in response to carbon footprints are carbon offsets, or the mitigation of carbon emissions through the development of alternative projects such as solar or wind energy or reforestation. The carbon footprint is a subset of the ecological footprint, which includes all human demands on the biosphere."

Alright, so that just seems like a bunch of mumbo jumbo that has been made up so that companies who do carbon footprinting can make money. I understand the concept and think that as Christians, we too, should be careful about how we treat the world God placed us in. But really, God is much bigger then we are and He did create our world to survive for the amount of time He wants it to. What we do and don't to do our world will not utterly destroy it. We've messed it up and can be better with not polluting it.

Going Green and finding your Carbon Footprint is has become the fad of today. I saw a Reality TV show were this person went and found out what her Carbon Footprint was and decided to reduce it. So, with the help of a Carbon Footprint specialist, they went out and bought all "Green" stuff. Then she went home and threw out all the bottles and things that weren't green. Humm . . . . so you still fill the landfills up with the things you threw away. She also got a more eco friendly SUV. Does that make sense? Al Gore has one of the largeest Carbon Footprints and yet, because he owns a bit of the company that does this kind of thing, he gets points off because of it. Yet, he still owns a large home, drives large vehicles and flies in private jets. Humm . . . . do you see something wrong with this picture? Hollywood is BIG into this but they still drive big SUVs and fly in private jets. No one seems to be concerned about giving up what they hold dear to themselves to make a difference. They're all talk talk talk.

As I climb off my soap box, I'm saddened about the fact that we're so concerned about our carbon footprint but not about God's footprints. God's footprints are the opposite of Carbon Footprints. Where one wants to be reduced the other wants to be as BIG as it can be. We want to leave a God Footprint the size of Big Foot so others will stop and say, "What in the world is that!" Which will open the door for you to show them all about God.

The Bible talks about footprints. Psalm 119:133 says, "Establish my footsteps in Your word." Psalm 119:105 says, "You word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

The Bible is God's footprint in our lives. It is one of God's tools in teaching us how to live a life that reflects Him. It guides our steps and lights up the path we should follow. And when we do follow down the right path we will leave footprints for others to follow. What we need to be concerned about it how big our footprints are. If they're too small they don't make a big impact and others will loose their way. But if they're big, they'll be seen and easy to follow.

I guess what I'm getting at is that I think it's great that we are becoming environmentally conscious. But in doing so, we're only falling into the trap Satan has established for the world. He's drawing us more away from the truth and getting us muddled up with the fads of our world. Again, being good stewards of our world is not a bad thing but to get caught up into it and make it more important then God is. Going green and carbon footprinting is sure making someone money at the expense of concerned individuals who want to improve and care for our world. Sadly, we're becoming more concerned about our carbon footprint then we are about what size of footprint we're leaving for God's kingdom.

I leave this morning's devotional time with a question to myself, "How big is My God Footprint?"

Krista Jones

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Zech. 1-7
Old and New Testaments Together: Isaiah 7-8 & Eph. 2
Historical: 2 Chron. 15-18
Chronological: Neh. 11-13 & Psalm 126
Blended: Ezek. 22-23 & John 13:1-20

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Monday, September 28, 2009

My Lover, My Friend

"His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This is my lover, this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem." Song of Songs. 5:16

In knowing and loving you
Deeply
I have become a part of the ground-spring
of love
Which is God.

Sometimes I realize
I have looked at you so often
I hardly see you.
You are more a feeling than a face,
A feeling of what you mean to me,
What you share with me,
What you do for me . . .
But I must remember you have your
own face,
Are your own person.

And to that person I owe
Al the gentleness and respect and sense of wonder
I owe God.
For you are God come closer to me
Than in any other face.

By Gladis and Gordon DePree, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Haggai
Old and New Testaments Together: Isaiah 5-6 & Eph. 1
Historical: 2 Chron. 11-14
Chronological: Neh. 8-10
Blended: Ezek. 20-21 & John 12:27-50

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Weekend Bible Reading

Bible Reading Guide:

Saturday:

Beginning to End: Nahum
Old and New Testaments Together: Isaiah 1-2 & 2 Gal. 5
Historical: 2 Chron. 5-7
Chronological: Neh. 1-5
Blended: Ezek. 16-17 & John 11:30-57

Sunday:

Beginning to End: Habakkuk-Zephaniah
Old and New Testaments Together: Isaiah 3-4 & 2 Gal. 6
Historical: 2 Chron. 8-10
Chronological: Neh. 6-7
Blended: Ezek. 18-19 & John 12:1-26

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Friday, September 25, 2009

How Do we Approach Him?

"I love the Lord, because He listens to my prayers for help. He paid attention to me, so I will call to HIm for help as long as I live." Psalm 116:1-2

God is an exalted friend, a holy Father, and an elevated King. How do we approach Him - as king, as father, or as friend? The answer is: yes!

By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Micah
Old and New Testaments Together: Song of Sol. 6-85 & Gal. 4
Historical: 2 Chron. 1-4
Chronological: Ezra 7-10
Blended: Ezek 14-15 & John 11:1-29

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Do It Yourself (2)

". . . bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ . . ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

Determinedly Discipline Other Things. This is another difficult aspect of the strenuous nature of sainthood. Paul said, according to the Moffatt translation of this verse, ". . . I take every project prisoner to make it obey Christ . . . ." So much Christian work today has never been disciplined, but has simply come into being by impulse! In our Lord’s life every project was disciplined to the will of His Father. There was never the slightest tendency to follow the impulse of His own will as distinct from His Father’s will— "the Son can do nothing of Himself . . . " ( John 5:19 ). Then compare this with what we do— we take "every thought" or project that comes to us by impulse and jump into action immediately, instead of imprisoning and disciplining ourselves to obey Christ.

Practical work for Christians is greatly overemphasized today, and the saints who are "bringing every thought [and project] into captivity" are criticized and told that they are not determined, and that they lack zeal for God or zeal for the souls of others. But true determination and zeal are found in obeying God, not in the inclination to serve Him that arises from our own undisciplined human nature. It is inconceivable, but true nevertheless, that saints are not "bringing every thought [and project] into captivity," but are simply doing work for God that has been instigated by their own human nature, and has not been made spiritual through determined discipline.

We have a tendency to forget that a person is not only committed to Jesus Christ for salvation, but is also committed, responsible, and accountable to Jesus Christ’s view of God, the world, and of sin and the devil. This means that each person must recognize the responsibility to "be transformed by the renewing of [his] mind. . . ." (Romans 12:2 ).

By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost for His Highest"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Obadiah-Jonah
Old and New Testaments Together: Song of Sol. 4-5 & Gal. 3
Historical: I Chron. 28-29
Chronological: Esther 6-10
Blended: Ezek 11-13 & John 10:24-42

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Do It Yourself (1)

". . . casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God . . ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

Determinedly Demolish Some Things. Deliverance from sin is not the same as deliverance from human nature. There are things in human nature, such as prejudices, that the saint can only destroy through sheer neglect. But there are other things that have to be destroyed through violence, that is, through God’s divine strength imparted by His Spirit. There are some things over which we are not to fight, but only to "stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord . . ." (see Exodus 14:13). But every theory or thought that raises itself up as a fortified barrier "against the knowledge of God" is to be determinedly demolished by drawing on God’s power, not through human effort or by compromise (see 2 Corinthians 10:4).

It is only when God has transformed our nature and we have entered into the experience of sanctification that the fight begins. The warfare is not against sin; we can never fight against sin— Jesus Christ conquered that in His redemption of us. The conflict is waged over turning our natural life into a spiritual life. This is never done easily, nor does God intend that it be so. It is accomplished only through a series of moral choices. God does not make us holy in the sense that He makes our character holy. He makes us holy in the sense that He has made us innocent before Him. And then we have to turn that innocence into holy character through the moral choices we make. These choices are continually opposed and hostile to the things of our natural life which have become so deeply entrenched— the very things that raise themselves up as fortified barriers "against the knowledge of God." We can either turn back, making ourselves of no value to the kingdom of God, or we can determinedly demolish these things, allowing Jesus to bring another son to glory (see Hebrews 2:10).

By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost for His Highest"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Amos 6-9
Old and New Testaments Together: Song of Sol. 1-3 & Gal. 2
Historical: I Chron. 26-27
Chronological: Esther 1-5
Blended: Ezek 8-10 & John 10:1-23

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Claim His Presence!

" . . . we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness. We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes; we stumble at noon day as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men." Isaiah 59:9b-10

How can this be if Jesus Christ has come a light into the world?

He has come. Make no mistake about that. He is here. Now. The Bible is filled with reports of His Presence. With guarantees of His Presence. But, as with everything else within the depth and height and breadth of this greatest Book, the promise of the lIght of His Presence is not ours until we take it by faith for ourselves. We do grope for the wall like the blind. We do grope as if we had no eyes. We do stumble at noon day as in the night. We are waiting for light as though Christ had not come.

He has come. And we can stop "beholding obscurity" the very instant we lay hold of the fact of His Presence by faith.

He is here right now.

If you are still beholding only obscurity, realize that He said He would never leave us and as you go on about your day's activities, you will begin to realize (when you least expect it) that the "darkness is past and the true light now shineth."

Even if you don't feel anything, go on about your day, claiming His Presence every time a shadow crosses your mind. "By faith we are saved" from beholding "obscurity." "By faith are we saved" from the unnecessary moods of darkness. Take His Presence and begin to practice it - by faith. As always, we have His Word for it:

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Amos 1-5
Old and New Testaments Together: Eccles. 10-12 & Gal.1
Historical: I Chron. 24-25
Chronological: Zech. 8-14
Blended: Ezek 5-7 & John 9:24-41

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Monday, September 21, 2009

Morning Thoughts in Jeremiah

This morning I'm reading through the portion of Jeremiah that is foretelling about what will happen to the nations that have not followed the Lord. Nations that He sent the Israelites into because of their unfaithfulness and continued sin. Thus, finding something to glean from is proving to be difficult. Yet, not impossible.

Jeremiah 46:28 says, "O Jacob My servant, do not fear," declares the Lord, "For I am with you. For I will make a full end of all the nations where I have driven you, yet I will not make a full end of you; but I will correct you properly and by no means leave you unpunished."

Within this verse is packed many things.

1. "O Jacob My servant, do not fear," declares the Lord, "For I am with you."

This part of the verse leads me back to Psalm 46. Next to this chapter I have written, "If God is for us, it doesn't matter who is against us." The verse that compliments the verse in Jeremiah is Psalm 46:7, "The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold." If I jump one verse above I come to one of my all time favorite verses, Psalm 46:10 "Cease striving and know that I am God." My NIV says to "Be still". What I have learned about being still is that the word "Still" means "to let go."

I am also lead to Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you."

This part of the verse is a reminder that no matter what's going on in my life or the world around me that God is with me. He is the stronghold I can run to in times of trouble. I love what Isaiah 43:2 says about passing through water, rivers and fire and how none of those things will harm me. Interesting enough, I've always had childhood to adulthood fears about drowning and/or burning in a fire. I am also reminded to not take things into my own hands. But to be still. And by being still I need to let everything go so He can take control and deal with it.

2. "For I will make a full end of all the nations where I have driven you, yet I will not make a full end of you;"

Throughout the Bible we come across God's chosen people continuing to sin and God punishing them through various ways. Yet, He has always promised that through their punishment they would be saved. Amos 9:8-9 says, "Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth; nevertheless, I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob," declares the Lord. For behold, I am commanding, and I will shake the house of Israel among all nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, but not a kernel will fall to the ground."

This part of the verse reminds me that my sins have consequences. Yet, God loves me and like a loving Father, he doesn't want to totally destroy me. He wants me to come to a full understanding of what He did for me by dying on the cross to save me from my sin.

3. "but I will correct you properly and by no means leave you unpunished."

Being punished really hurts but is necessary for future growth. Jeremiah 10:24 says, "Correct me, O Lord, but with justice; not with Your anger, or You will being me to nothing."

This part of the verse reminds me of the that although I have sinned and God forgave me, that I will still feel the sting of that sin but because of it I will grow and learn from it. Correcting a child is one of the best things a parent can do for them. It shows them you love and care for them. It shows them what's right and wrong. It gives them boundaries. It gives them a firm foundation to base their life upon. But if you correct a child without love that foundation will not be solid but unstable. And if you don't correct them at all the foundation is laid upon sand that will wash away when life throws them a few waves.

The last verse I am lead to from Jeremiah 46:28 is one that was preached to us by Pastor Steve in his, "Do It Again, God!" sermon. "Lord, I have heard of your fame, I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known." Habakkuk 3:2

No matter what we go through by our own sin or from being hurt by others, we want to properly handle ourselves and continue to look towards the Lord. We need to be moldable so that He can change our sinful habits and help us grow into His image. We want to be renewed so that others may see Him in us. That His fame will be known in our time and in our generation.

Krista Jones
8.25.08

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Joel
Old and New Testaments Together: Eccles. 7-9 & 2 Cor. 13
Historical: I Chron. 21-23
Chronological: Zech. 1-7
Blended: Ezek 3-4 & John 9:1-23

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Weekend Bible Reading

Bible Reading Guide:

Saturday:

Beginning to End: Hos. 1-7
Old and New Testaments Together: Eccles. 1-3 & 2 Cor. 11:16-33
Historical: I Chron. 16-17
Chronological: Ezra 4-6 & Psalm 137
Blended: Amos 7-9 & John 8:1-27

Sunday:

Beginning to End: Hos. 8-14
Old and New Testaments Together: Eccles. 4-6 & 2 Cor. 12
Historical: I Chron. 18-20
Chronological: Haggai
Blended: Ezek. 8-10 & John 8:28-59

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Friday, September 18, 2009

God in Three Persons is for Us

"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

The Scriptures tell us the whole story. Not only have we sinned, but our moral revolt has alienated us from God.

Some people still like to protest God's right to banish the transgressor from His presence forever. They insist upon forming and holding their own humanistic views of God. For that reason I say, let's clear away some of these weeds!

First, there is the old idea that Jesus Christ, the Son, differs from God the Father. People conceive Christ to be a loving Jesus on our side while an angry Father God is against us. Never, never in all of history has there been any truth in that notion. Christ, being God, is for us. The Father, being God, is for us. The Holy Spirit, being God, is for us! That is one of the greatest thoughts we can ever hope to think. That is why the Son came to die for us. That is why the risen Son, our great High Priest, is at the right hand of the Majesty on high, praying for us.

Christ is our advocate above. The Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts is the advocate within. There is no disagreement between Father, Son and Spirit about the Church, the body of Christ.

Thought: God is for us! God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. But He has not made us robots. We may respond to His love or reject it. It is the Triune God who reaches out to us.

By A.W. Tozer

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Daniel 10-12
Old and New Testaments Together: Proverbs 30-31 & 2 Cor. 11:1-15
Historical: I Chron. 13-15
Chronological: Ezra 1-3
Blended: Amos 4-6 & John 7:28-53

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Historical Jesus

"God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him." I John 4:19

Many people doubt whether Jesus ever really existed, but many historians have written about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Around A.D. 114, the Roman historian, Tacitus, wrote that the founder of the Christian religion, Jesus Christ, was put to death by Pontius Pilate in the reign of the Roman Empire Tiberius (Annuals 15:44).

Pliny the Younger wrote a letter to the Emperor Trajan on the subject of Christ and Christians (Letters 10.96-97).

In A.D. 90, the Jewish historian Josephus penned a short biographical note on Jesus: "Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call HIm a man, for He was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as received the truth with pleasure. He drew over to Him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles He was Christ." (Antiquities 18.36).

The Talmud refers to Jesus of Nazareth (Sanhedrian 43a, Abodah Zerah 16b-17a).

Jesus was a man in history. And His claims were true. Do you still doubt His ability to save you?

By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Daniel 7-9
Old and New Testaments Together: Proverbs 27-29 & 2 Cor. 10
Historical: I Chron. 11-12
Chronological: Daniel 10-12
Blended: Amos 1-3 & John 7:1-27

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

How To Become Rich

"Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Luke 12:15

I find it interesting that Jesus taught more about money than anything else. And He wasn’t trying to ratchet up the treasury. As far as we know, He never even asked for an offering. The reason He taught extensively on the subject is that nothing clogs our spiritual arteries more quickly than money—either working to have a lot of it or wishing that we had.

Think of the man who brazenly asked Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me” (Luke 12:13). Amazing! He had an opportunity to “go deep” with Jesus, but instead he wanted deep pockets.

Jesus responded with a stunning, counterintuitive statement: “Beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (v.15). He then went on to tell the parable of a rich man who was wildly successful from a worldly standpoint—having so many crops that he had to keep building bigger barns—but who, in God’s eyes, was actually a “fool.” Not because he was rich, but because he was not rich toward God.

You’ll hear a lot of advice about how to become rich. But only Jesus tells it to us straight. It’s not about the money. It’s about the richness of our relationship with Him and the joy of turning our greed into generosity. — Joe Stowell

The riches of this world are vain,
They vanish in a day;
But sweet the treasures of God’s love—
They never pass away. —Bosch

Taken from "Our Daily Bread"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Daniel 4-6
Old and New Testaments Together: Proverbs 25-26 & 2 Cor. 9
Historical: I Chron. 9-10
Chronological: Daniel 7-9
Blended: Lam. 3-5 & John 6:45-71

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Usefulness to God

"Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time." Judges 4:4

Deborah - the only woman in Israel to become a judge. Who was she? What made her so outstanding that she was given the job? We know that she was a wife (Judges 4:4) and mother (Judges 5:7). How did she juggle her job with her family responsibilities?

The fact that we aren't told these things may be significant. It may be because to her and to the writer of the book of Judges, Deborah herself wasn't the emphasis. Her usefulness to God and to the nation of Israel was what mattered. The fact that she could keep that perspective, rather than thinking about her position, is probably a reason she was uniquely used. Even after the victory over Sisera, when it would have been tempting to take some personal credit, Deborah sang a song in praise of the Lord.

Have you ever experienced a unique time of usefulness to God, then found that in a very short time you had gotten quite far from him? Perhaps it was because you became overwhelmed with your service to God rather than with God himself. The devil has many subtle ways to turn your eyes from God. He knows that if you are all caught up in your own service, regardless of how many people you may be helping you will eventually burn out or become ineffective because your work is simply revolving around you.

Service for the kingdom does not consist of what you do or what you give; it depends on who you are. When you give God control, he will give you ways to serve. You will not need to drum up any areas to be of use to God. He will give you a zestful, fruitful life purely as his gift to you because you gave your life to him.

And then, when he is using you, be careful to keep your eyes on him. To begin to look anywhere else, as Peter discovered when he tried to walk on the water (Matthew 14:30), spells failure.

By June Gunden, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Daniel 1-3
Old and New Testaments Together: Proverbs 22-24 & 2 Cor. 8
Historical: I Chron. 7-8
Chronological: Daniel 4-6
Blended: Lam. 1-2 & John 6:22-44

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Monday, September 14, 2009

Sacred Delight

"those people who know they have great spiritual needs are happy, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them." Matthew 5:3

God promises sacred delight. And He promises it to an unlikely crowd:

• "The poor in spirit." Beggars in God's soup kitchen.
• "Those who mourn." Sinners Anonymous bound together by the truth of their introduction: "Hi, I am me. I'm a sinner." . . .
• "The merciful." Winners of the million-dollar lottery who share the prize with their enemies.
• "The pure in heart." Physicians who love lepers and escape infection.
• "The peacemakers." Architects who build bridges with wood from a Roman cross . . .
• "The persecuted." Those who manage to keep an eye on heaven while walking through hell on hearth.

It is to this band of pilgrims that God promises a special blessing. A heavenly joy. A sacred delight." - The Applesauce of Heaven

By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Ezek. 46-48
Old and New Testaments Together: Proverbs 19-21 & 2 Cor. 7
Historical: I Chron. 6
Chronological: Daniel 1-3
Blended: Judges 19- 21 & John 6:1-21

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Weekend Bible Reading

Bible Reading Guide:

Saturday:

Beginning to End: Ezek. 40-42
Old and New Testaments Together: Proverbs 13-15 & 2 Cor. 5
Historical: I Chron. 1-2
Chronological: Ezek. 46-48
Blended: Judges 13-15 & John 5:1-24

Sunday:

Beginning to End: Ezek. 43-45
Old and New Testaments Together: Proverbs 16-18 & 2 Cor. 6
Historical: I Chron. 3-5
Chronological: Joel
Blended: Judges 16-18 & John 5:25-47

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Friday, September 11, 2009

Which Way to Follow?

Has God ever asked or directed you in a way that seems like the wrong direction? This morning I read about this very thing.

In Jeremiah 42 we find that it was a time of war and many of the Israelites were already taken into Babylon. A remnant was left behind in the land of Judah and they had come to Jeremiah asking for him to go before the Lord for them. "Then all the commanders of the forces, Johanan the son of Kareah, Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people both small and great approached and said to Jeremiah the prophet, "Please let our petition come before you, and pray for us to the Lord your God, that is for all this remnant; because we are left but a few out of many, as your own eyes now see us, that the Lord your God may tell us the way in which we should walk and the thing that we should do." Jer. 42:1-3

Jeremiah responded that he would go before the Lord and pray for them. That he'd come back and tell them everything the Lord had told him not holding anything back. The remnant replied, "Then they said to Jeremiah, "May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with the whole message with which the Lord your God will send you to us. Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will listen to the voice of the Lord our God to whom we are sending you, so that it may go well with us when we listen to the voice of the Lord our God." Jer. 42:5-6

Ten days later Jeremiah came back to them with word from the Lord. God had told them to stay in Judah and not fear the king of Babylon. It will be through the king of Babylon that they will be saved because he will show compassion on them and restore them to their own land (verse 12). But, if the remnant chooses not to do as the Lord commanded that they would fall by the sword, famine and pestilence. No one will survive. (verses 13-22).

God was asking the remnant to stay in the land of Judah even though it seemed like the worse thing to do. That through what seemed like the impossible, they would be saved. They were asked to face their fears and rely upon a king that they were very much afraid of. God even warned them not to take what seems like the easy less painful route. Going into the land of Egypt seemed like the wiser thing to do in their eyes. In Egypt they'd find shelter, food and rest from war.

Yet in chapter 43 we find that the remnant chooses not to follow God's direction. "But as soon as Jeremiah, whom the Lord their God had sent, has finished telling all the people all the words of the Lord their God - that is, these words - Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Karesah, and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, "You are telling a lie! the Lord our God has not sent you to say, 'You are not to enter Egypt to reside there.' But Baruch the son of Neriah is inciting you against us to give us over into the hand of the Chaldeans, so they will put us to death or exile us to Babylon." So Johanan the son of Karesah and all the commanders of the forces, and all the people did not obey the voice of the Lord to stay in the land of Judah." Jer. 43:1-4

We see in chapter 44 that through Jeremiah God tells the people what the outcome will be if they do indeed follow their desire and go into Egypt, "Those who escape the sword will return out of the land of Egypt to the land of Judah few in number." Jer. 44:28a.

I am reminded by my reading this morning to stand firm in the Word of God and follow Him even though the path He is asking me to follow seems like hard route to take. We who know the Lord know that to follow Him is not going to be the easy route. And yet, it's the best route. "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?" Luke 9:23-25

For those who don't know the Lord, they need to realize that going into a distant land and continuing to seek their own way isn't the answer. But that the answer can be found right where they're at. I liked what my Streams in the Desert devotional had to say about this, "Sometimes I am foolish, and in my need I assume that the well is far away. I knew a farmer who for a generation had carried every pail of water from a distant well to meet the needs of his homestead. And one day he sunk a shaft by his own house door, and to his great joy he found that the water was waiting at his own gate! My soul, thy well is near, even here! God not in search of Him! Thy pilgrimage is ended, the waters are at thy feet!"

Bottom Line - It is never good to follow your own way. No matter how impossible, frightening or difficult following the Lord may seem, in the end it is the way to take. I am again reminded about a verse I've been memorizing this summer, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Proverbs 16:25

I will leave you with these verses, "The plans of the heart belong to man. But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the way so f a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives. Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:1-3

Krista Jones
8.24.08

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Ezek. 37-39
Old and New Testaments Together: Proverbs 10-12 & 2 Cor. 4
Historical: Neh. 12-13
Chronological: Ezek. 44-45
Blended: Judges 11- 12 & John 4:41-54

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Thursday, September 10, 2009

He Answered Nothing

"He answered nothing" (Mark 15:3).

There is no spectacle in all the Bible so sublime as the silent Savior answering not a word to the men who were maligning Him, and whom He could have laid prostrate at His feet by one look of Divine power, or one word of fiery rebuke. But He let them say and do their worst, and He stood in THE POWER OF STILLNESS - God's holy silent Lamb.

There is a stillness that lets God work for us, and holds our peace; the stillness that ceases from its contriving and its self-vindication, and its expedients of wisdom and forethought, and lets God provide and answer the cruel blow, in His own unfailing, faithful love.

How often we lose God's interposition by taking up our own cause, and striking for our defense. God give to us this silent power, this conquered spirit! And after the heat and strife of earth are over, men will remember us as we remember the morning dew, the gentle light and sunshine, the evening breeze, the Lamb of Calvary, and the gentle, holy heavenly Dove. - A. B. Simpson

The day when Jesus stood alone
And felt the hearts of men like stone,
And knew He came but to atone
That day "He held His peace."

They witnessed falsely to His word,
They bound Him with a cruel cord,
And mockingly proclaimed Him Lord;
"But Jesus held His peace."

They spat upon Him in the face,
They dragged Him on from place to place,
They heaped upon Him all disgrace;
"But Jesus held His peace."

My friend, have you for far much less,
With rage, which you called righteousness,
Resented slights with great distress?
Your Saviour "held His peace."

-L. S. P.

I remember once hearing Bishop Whipple, of Minnesota, so well known as "The Apostle of the Indians," utter these beautiful words: "For thirty years I have tried to see the face of Christ in those with whom I differed." When this spirit actuates us we shall be preserved at once from a narrow bigotry and an easy-going tolerance, from passionate vindictiveness and everything that would mar or injure our testimony for Him who came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. - W. H. Griffith Thomas

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Ezek. 34-36
Old and New Testaments Together: Proverbs 8-9 & 2 Cor. 3
Historical: Neh. 9-11
Chronological: Ezek. 42-43
Blended: Judges 9-10 & John 4:1-30

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Having a Great Number Two Man

"Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent" (Ex 33:11).

An organization cannot grow without a trusted and skilled second in command or "number two" man or woman. Joshua was Moses' "number two" man. He could trust him explicitly in all matters. He came to Moses as a young man and demonstrated his devotion to Moses early. A situation arose in the camp in which Joshua felt others were seeking to usurp Moses' leadership.

"Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses' aide since youth, spoke up and said, "Moses, my lord, stop them!" But Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!" Then Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp (Num 11:28-30).

His loyalty is an example of what is required of a "number two" man. Joshua never sought to elevate himself. He served Moses until the day came when God promoted him to be the leader. He was a model of servant-hood.

When our ministry began to expand, God sent me a great "number two" man named Joey. He was living in Florida with his wife and their three small children. He learned of our need through our prayer letter. God spoke to him and his wife before we ever talked. We could not pay him what he was worth. He came by faith. God honored his faith and has enabled our work to grow and allow me to be away from the office to minister around the world.

Do you need a "number two" man? Ask God to bring him or her to you.

By Os Hillman, taken from "TGIF Today God Is First"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Ezek. 31-33
Old and New Testaments Together: Proverbs 6-7 & 2 Cor. 2
Historical: Neh. 7-8
Chronological: Ezek. 40-41
Blended: Judges 7-8 & John 3:19-36

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

He of Tender Conscience

"I will judge between cattle and cattle." Ezekiel 34:22

Some are fat and flourishing, and therefore they are unkind to the feeble. This is a grievous sin and causes much sorrow. Those thrustings with side and with shoulder, those pushings of the diseased with the horn, are a sad means of offense in the assemblies of professing believers. The LORD takes note of these proud and unkind deeds, and He is greatly angered by them, for He loves the weak. Is the reader one of the despised? Is he a mourner in Zion and a marked man because of his tender conscience? Do his brethren judge him harshly? Let him not resent their conduct; above all let him not push and thrust in return. Let him leave the matter in the LORD's hands. He is the Judge. Why should we wish to intrude upon His office? He will decide much more righteously than we can. His time for judgment is the best, and we need not be in a hurry to hasten it on. Let the hard-hearted oppressor tremble. Even though he may ride roughshod over others with impunity for the present, all his proud speeches are noted, and for every one of them account must be given before the bar of the great Judge. Patience, my soul! Patience! The LORD knoweth thy grief. Thy Jesus hath pity upon thee!

By Charles Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Ezek. 28-30
Old and New Testaments Together: Proverbs 3-5 & 2 Cor. 1
Historical: Neh. 4-6
Chronological: Ezek. 38-39
Blended: Judges 4-6 & John 3:1-18

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Monday, September 07, 2009

Remaining Faithful

This morning I came to Jeremiah 35 and within this chapter I learn about the Rechobites. The Rechobites were a group of people who were decedents of Rechab. Rachab was an early ancestor of the Kenite Tribe which became identified with the tribe of Judah. They moved into Jerusalem due to the war.

Jeremiah is using the Rechobites as an example in Chapter 35. God command Jeremiah to gather this group of people together, "Go to the house of the Rechabites and speak to them, and bring them into the house of the Lord, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink." (vs. 3). We see in verse 5 that Jeremiah obeyed the Lord, "Then I set before the men of the house of the Rechabites pitchers full of wine and cups; and I said to them, "Drink wine!."

In the following verses we see how the Rechobites responded to Jeremiah's request and why, "But they said, "We will not drink wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, 'You shall not drink wine, you or your sons, forever. You shall not build a house, and you shall not sow seed and you shall not plant a vineyard or own one; but in tents you shall dwell all your days, that you may live many days in the land where you sojourn.' (vs .6-7).

We see in verses 8-11 that these people remained obedient to their father's wishes, "We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, or father, in all that he commanded us, not to drink wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons or our daughters, nor to build ourselves houses to dwell in; and we do not have vineyard or field or seed. We have only dwelt in tents, and have obeyed and have done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us. But when Nebuchadnezzar kind of Babylon came up against the land, we said, 'Come and let us go to Jerusalem before the army of the Chaldeans and before the army of the Armeans,' So we have dwelt in Jerusalem."

The fact that these people didn't drink is not my point. But the fact that they were obedient is. And that is why God told Jeremiah to gather them together and ask them to drink wine. He knew they'd remain faithful to their father's command. "The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, which he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are observed. So they do not drink wine to this day, for they have obeyed their father's command. But I have spoken to you (Judah) again and again; yet you have not listened to Me. Also I have sent to you all My servants the prophets, sending them again and again, saying; 'Turn now every man from his evil way and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to worship them. Then you will dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your forefathers; but you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me. Indeed, the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have observed the command of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to Me." (vs. 14-16)

Remember how God uses repetition to get his point across? We see in these verses He repeats, "again and again" and "you have not listened to Me." My Bible Dictionary says of Jeremiah using the Rechobites as an example, "Jeremiah utilizes the example of the Rechabites and their obedience to their father to drink no wine as a method of sharply berating the nation for their lack of obedience to God. The Rechabites, though thirsty, had refused to partake of the wine rather than break faith. The Israelites, though partakers of the divine blessings, had indeed broken the covenant."

Because these people remained faithful they were blessed, "therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, "Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me always." (vs. 19)

They were thirsty and were given an opportunity to quench that thirst. I'm sure it looked good and would have given them immediate satisfaction. So often we see that something on the other side of our faith fence that looks better then what we're dealing with on our side. Standing upon faith and being obedient can be a difficult thing to remain faithful to when it hurts. You just want to jump over the fence to what looks like a quick resolution because it looks like it'll be better then what you have.

My Streams in the Desert devotional spoke of a couple who were on vacation traveling through a very small town in the middle of nowhere. There they meet a lady who had very little contact with the outside world. The one thing that bothered her was that she didn't have a radio and therefore didn't get to listen to any music. Yet behind her little house was a pond that was full of wildlife. When asked if she had frogs she said, "Yes, and they croak every night!" The traveler was astonished that this woman would rather listen to music then the music of nature. I love what the last paragraph had to say, "this poor 'deaf' woman had her ears tuned to the horizon and never knew that she was missing the wonderful harmonies of nature. Just as so often we fix our eyes on the 'apples on the other side of the wall.'"

What is my lesson to be learned from the Rechabites and the 'deaf' woman? Faithful obedience. No matter what temptation or what looks like a quick fix to a painful time is set before me I need to remain faithful to my Heavenly Father.

Krista Jones
8.23.08

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Ezek. 25-27
Old and New Testaments Together: Proverbs 1-2 & I Cor. 16
Historical: Neh. 1-3
Chronological: Ezek. 35-37
Blended: Judges 1-3 & John 2

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Saturday, September 05, 2009

Weekend Bible Reading

Bible Reading Guide:

Saturday:

Beginning to End: Ezek. 21-22
Old and New Testaments Together: Psalm 146 -147 & I Cor. 15:1-28
Historical: Ezra 6-7
Chronological: Ezek. 28-31
Blended: Psalm 146-147 & John 1:1-28

Sunday:

Beginning to End: Ezek. 23-24
Old and New Testaments Together: Psalm 148 -150 & I Cor. 15:29-58
Historical: Ezra 8-10
Chronological: Ezek. 32-34
Blended: Psalm 147-150 & John 1:29-51

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Friday, September 04, 2009

From Pain to Destiny

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" James 1:2-5

God often allows pain to ignite destiny in our lives. Without motivation, many of us would never fulfill the purposes for which God created us. Oftentimes a measured assault invades our life and creates a depth of pain that all we know to do is press into God with all our being.

At first, our motivation is to alleviate the pain. After a season of extreme emotional and sometimes physical pain, a second phase begins. This phase moves us to discover a new and deeper relationship with God. We begin to discover things about ourselves and about God that we never would have discovered without this motivation. Gradually, our heart changes our motivation from pain to loving obedience because there is a transition of the heart that takes place. No longer do we seek God for deliverance from the pain; we seek God because He is God. We seek His face and not His hand.
When we move to the second phase we often find ourselves moving into a new destiny and calling for our lives because God often separates us from the old life in this process. No doubt Joseph and Peter felt the pain of their individual crises. However, later they could realize God's purposes in their crisis. Like Joseph, we are able to say, "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."

Today, let God move you from the place of pain to the place of destiny. Let God show you the secret things He has reserved for you as a result of the crisis you may find yourself in.

By Os Hillman, taken from "TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Ezek. 18-20
Old and New Testaments Together: Psalm 143-145 & I Cor. 14:21-40
Historical: Ezra 3-5
Chronological: Ezek. 24-27
Blended: Psalm 143-145 & 2 Cor. 13

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Sacrifice and Friendship

"I have called you friends . . ." John 15:15

We will never know the joy of self-sacrifice until we surrender in every detail of our lives. Yet self-surrender is the most difficult thing for us to do. We make it conditional by saying, "I’ll surrender if . . . !" Or we approach it by saying, "I suppose I have to devote my life to God." We will never find the joy of self-sacrifice in either of these ways.

But as soon as we do totally surrender, abandoning ourselves to Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives us a taste of His joy. The ultimate goal of self-sacrifice is to lay down our lives for our Friend (see John 15:13-14 ). When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, our greatest desire is to lay down our lives for Jesus. Yet the thought of self-sacrifice never even crosses our minds, because sacrifice is the Holy Spirit’s ultimate expression of love.

Our Lord is our example of a life of self-sacrifice, and He perfectly exemplified Psalm 40:8, "I delight to do Your will, O my God . . . ." He endured tremendous personal sacrifice, yet with overflowing joy. Have I ever yielded myself in absolute submission to Jesus Christ? If He is not the One to whom I am looking for direction and guidance, then there is no benefit in my sacrifice. But when my sacrifice is made with my eyes focused on Him, slowly but surely His molding influence becomes evident in my life (see Hebrews 12:1-2 ).

Beware of letting your natural desires hinder your walk in love before God. One of the cruelest ways to kill natural love is through the rejection that results from having built the love on natural desires. But the one true desire of a saint is the Lord Jesus. Love for God is not something sentimental or emotional— for a saint to love as God loves is the most practical thing imaginable.

"I have called you friends. . . ." Our friendship with Jesus is based on the new life He created in us, which has no resemblance or attraction to our old life but only to the life of God. It is a life that is completely humble, pure, and devoted to God.

By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost for His Highest"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Ezek. 16-17
Old and New Testaments Together: Psalm 140-142 & I Cor. 14:1-20
Historical: Ezra 1-2
Chronological: Ezek. 22-23
Blended: Psalm 140-142 & 2 Cor. 12

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Lament For A Friend

"I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me." 2 Samuel 1:26

As a pastor, I was often asked to lead funeral services. Typically, the funeral director would give me a 3 x 5 index card with all the particulars about the deceased so I would be informed about him or her. I never got used to that, however. As practical and necessary as it may have been, it seemed a bit trite to take a person’s earthly sojourn and reduce it to an index card. Life is too big for that.

After David received news of Jonathan’s death, he spent time recalling the life of his friend—even writing a lament that others could sing as a way to respect Jonathan (2 Sam. 1:17-27). David recalled his friend’s courage and skill, and he spoke of the grief that caused him to lament deeply. He honored a rich, pleasant, heroic life. For David, it was an intense time of mourning and remembrance.

When we grieve for a loved one, it is vital to recall the cherished details and shared experiences of our lives together. Those memories flood our hearts with far more thoughts than an index card can hold. The day that grief visits our hearts is not a time for short summaries and quick snapshots of our loved one’s life. It is a time to remember deeply, giving God thanks for the details, the stories, and the impact of an entire life. It’s time to pause, reflect, and honor. — Bill Crowder

At journey’s end, take a long look back
At the details of the story;
Take time to review the godly life
Of your loved one now in Glory. —Branon

Precious memories of life can temper the profound sadness of death.

Taken from "Our Daily Bread"

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Ezek. 13-15
Old and New Testaments Together: Psalm 137-139 & I Cor. 13
Historical: Daniel 11-12
Chronological: Ezek. 20-21
Blended: Psalm 137-139 & 2 Cor. 11:16-33

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

September's Memory Verse

Isaiah 41:10

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10 (NASB - New American Standard Bible)

August's Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:31
July's Memory Verse: I John 5:13
June's Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:25
May's Memory Verse: James 1:2-4
April's Memory Verse: Jeremiah 30:17
March's Memory Verse: James 1:5
February's Memory Verse: John 15:5
January's Memory Verse: Ephesians 3:20-21
December's Memory Verse: Lamentations 3:22-23
November's Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15
October's Memory Verse: Proverbs 16:1-3
September's Memory Verse: Proverbs 17:9
January's Memory Verse: Ephesians 3:20-21

Remember the key is to review review review. Always review the verses you've already memorized along with learning this month's verse.

Bible Reading Guide:

Beginning to End: Ezek. 9-12
Old and New Testaments Together: Psalm 135-136 and I Cor. 12
Historical: Daniel 9-10
Chronological: Ezek. 18-19
Blended: Psalm 135-136 & 2 Cor. 11:1-15

The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible