Psalm 40
All right, can we all just stop and memorize this incredible Psalm! What an encouragement! He set my feet upon a rock; He drew me up from the pit; He put a new song in my heart.
V.4 is a great promise, Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust. What does that look like in your life? V.5, None can compare with you . . . so why do we so often settle for less Lord?
V.10, the psalmist refuses to be quiet about what the Lord has done for him. Are you speaking up about what the Lord has done for you!
Check out v.16, But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually "Great is the Lord." Are you saying this continually?!! We need to be. I want to be! Great is the Lord!
Genesis 37
You can see this one coming, the trouble Joseph is going to get into with his brothers. He gives his dad a bad report of his brothers' activities, he tells on them; he gets a special coat from his Dad, and his brothers are jealous. Then he reveals a dream to his brothers about how they will all bow down to him. This has sell your brother to slave traders written all over it.
Interesting that it's Reuben who wants to intercede for Joe. Maybe he is more mature, maybe he has kids of his own and appreciates how Joseph's loss will impact his dad.
Jacob pondering Joseph's dream reminds me of Mary pondering all those things about Jesus in her heart.
The sale price for Joseph, shekels of silver, anticipates the betrayal of Jesus.
2 Chronicles 14
Asa sounds like a great King. I love how his reforms are said to bring rest to Israel. What a blessing. Asa plunders the Ethopians, recalls Moses plundering the Egyptians. Asa's declaration reminds me of David's Psalm 40 we read today. V.11, Asa says, Oh Lord there is none like you to help.
Acts 8
This is a great chapter in Acts, with two great characters - Simon the Magician, and the Ethopian Eunuch.
The Church is being persecuted and that sends the gospel beyond Judea, just as Jesus had foretold at His ascension, Acts 1.8: You will be my witnesses . . .
Simon, you wonder, did things ever turn around for him? Did he repent, or was it too late? - See Peter's comment, pray to the Lord that if possible . . .
The Holy Spirit is withheld until it can be witnessed by Peter and John, so they could affirm the Samaritans were truly in Christ.
Philip and the Ethopian reminds me much of the Road to Emmaus encounter. It's on the road. Philip shows the eunuch the gospel as it appears in the OT. Philip vanishes after, like Jesus vanishes from the disciples' sight in Luke 24. Are you willing to share the gospel with those who ask for an explanation? Do you know His word so you can be prepared?
I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart. Psalm 40.8
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
David, Esau, Abijah, and Stephen
Psalm 39
These sound like hard days for David. He's holding something in, about to explode, and then he does according to the end of v.3.
In vv.4-6 he's asking the Lord to enforce in his mind the brevity of life. Why? Is it to discourage the pursuit of foolish gain? Is this a don't sweat the silly stuff self talk? V.7, My hope is in you Lord. Vv.10-11 tell me this is a time of enduring God's discipline in David's life, coming via David's enemies. David is like, enough already Lord, your discipline is killing me. What honesty with God. No doubt God can handle and welcomes the pouring out of my troubled heart.
Genesis 36
Not a real exciting chapter. Esau's still taking wives from the Canaanites, a pagan people. This can't be good. We also see that Esau and Jacob can't live together because of their great wealth. I suppose a conflict because of expanding territories would be inevitable, and eventually they would battling over what belongs to whom. But I do find it sad, these brothers couldn't live in peace because they had to much stuff. We are surely going to see this again.
2 Chronicles 13
We are past the time of Solomon and David, and now we are reviewing the succession of the Kings of Judah. Here's Abijah in chapter 13, Solomon's grandson. He's having it out with Jerboam, King of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In v.5, covenant of salt - what is that? My notes in my study Bible aren't real helpful here.
I appreciate Abijah's confidence in the Lord, in his pre-battle speech. Too bad the North didn't take heed - a civil war that cost half a million Israeli lives - really? Wow. I know there is some discussion about how the Hebrew numbers should be translated - need to learn more.
I am also thinking that in the Chronicles, the author is going easier on these Kings, then the Books of Kings do, lifting up more of what God was accomplishing by His grace through them, rather than highlighting their adultery and wickedness. I will keep an eye on this as we move toward the exile.
Acts 6.8-7.60
This is a huge section. The charges against Stephen and his death certainly recall the experiences of Jesus. Stephen is accused of speaking against the temple and the law - like Jesus. And then - talk about a sermon that didn't go over well. At the end they cry out, plug their ears, rush Stephen, cast him out and stone him. And wow - guess who is there watching it all.- Saul/Paul. Then Stephen is praying like Jesus did on the cross, except he is praying to Jesus - Lord Jesus receive my Spirit. I wonder if anyone was converted at the death of Stephen. Surely it made an impression on Saul. What was it like when Saul and Stephen met in heaven? Stephen stoned for Christ - Paul decapitated for Christ.
Keep reading. God's Word is living and active and it will teach you and train you and correct you and rebuke you, making you ready and able to do God's work. Great job!!
These sound like hard days for David. He's holding something in, about to explode, and then he does according to the end of v.3.
In vv.4-6 he's asking the Lord to enforce in his mind the brevity of life. Why? Is it to discourage the pursuit of foolish gain? Is this a don't sweat the silly stuff self talk? V.7, My hope is in you Lord. Vv.10-11 tell me this is a time of enduring God's discipline in David's life, coming via David's enemies. David is like, enough already Lord, your discipline is killing me. What honesty with God. No doubt God can handle and welcomes the pouring out of my troubled heart.
Genesis 36
Not a real exciting chapter. Esau's still taking wives from the Canaanites, a pagan people. This can't be good. We also see that Esau and Jacob can't live together because of their great wealth. I suppose a conflict because of expanding territories would be inevitable, and eventually they would battling over what belongs to whom. But I do find it sad, these brothers couldn't live in peace because they had to much stuff. We are surely going to see this again.
2 Chronicles 13
We are past the time of Solomon and David, and now we are reviewing the succession of the Kings of Judah. Here's Abijah in chapter 13, Solomon's grandson. He's having it out with Jerboam, King of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In v.5, covenant of salt - what is that? My notes in my study Bible aren't real helpful here.
I appreciate Abijah's confidence in the Lord, in his pre-battle speech. Too bad the North didn't take heed - a civil war that cost half a million Israeli lives - really? Wow. I know there is some discussion about how the Hebrew numbers should be translated - need to learn more.
I am also thinking that in the Chronicles, the author is going easier on these Kings, then the Books of Kings do, lifting up more of what God was accomplishing by His grace through them, rather than highlighting their adultery and wickedness. I will keep an eye on this as we move toward the exile.
Acts 6.8-7.60
This is a huge section. The charges against Stephen and his death certainly recall the experiences of Jesus. Stephen is accused of speaking against the temple and the law - like Jesus. And then - talk about a sermon that didn't go over well. At the end they cry out, plug their ears, rush Stephen, cast him out and stone him. And wow - guess who is there watching it all.- Saul/Paul. Then Stephen is praying like Jesus did on the cross, except he is praying to Jesus - Lord Jesus receive my Spirit. I wonder if anyone was converted at the death of Stephen. Surely it made an impression on Saul. What was it like when Saul and Stephen met in heaven? Stephen stoned for Christ - Paul decapitated for Christ.
Keep reading. God's Word is living and active and it will teach you and train you and correct you and rebuke you, making you ready and able to do God's work. Great job!!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Praise Befits the Upright, Some Crazy Breeding Programs
Psalm 33
Praise befits the upright. What does that mean? I think it's saying we should be praising the Lord; from the mouths of righteous people we should be hearing expressions of praise, and thanksgiving to God. How is that going for you? Can you stop right now and praise God. Use the words of this very psalm to help you.
V.12, Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD - oh if this was true for you America. See v.16, our great strength can not deliver us. He delivers those who fear Him and hope in Him.
Psalm 33.20-22 would be a great memory verse. I dare you to memorize it.
Genesis 29.31-30.43
What kind of contest is this? I'm just seeing this for the first time, Leah and Rachel's son breeding program laid along side Jacob's sheep breeding program.
Rachel demanding from Jacob give me children or I will die. Poor Jacob. Is it his fault? Maybe it is. He certainly doesn't seem to be providing godly leadership. He lets his wives buy and sell him, and lays with their servant girls. What a strange way to launch a nation.
Do you get the whole sheep breeding program? What is it about the the pealed sticks that causes the speckled sheep? Any ranchers out there to explain this one?
2 Chronicles 7
We are here. We have come to the one chapter in the two books of Chronicles that most of us know a verse contained within. I'm talking about 2 Chronicles 7.14. What I'm observing in this passage is two recipes, one for restoration and one for disaster. Of course the recipe for restoration comes from our v.14 - humble themselves, pray, seek My face and turn from their wicked ways - and what results? God will hear, forgive and heal.
Check out recipe for disaster in v.19 - turn aside, forsake the Lord's commands, go and serve other gods and worship them - and what results? God will pluck, cast away, and make us an object of ridicule.
Pray for the restoration of our nation and that we might be spared the disaster. These prayers definitely apply on a personal level as well. Can you see how?
Luke 23.26-56
I recently preached these verses, the first sermon on the crucifixion and the second on the death of Jesus. The conversation among the three dying men still awes me. What a picture of the two responses to the gospel, to disdain Jesus, or plead with Him for mercy. The Lord's statement to the second criminal, Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. It's one of the most fantastic statements in all of Scripture, so loaded with meaning. I encourage you to go to poulsbocc.com and download that message.
What most impresses you about the crucifixion account here? How about His death?
Jesus loves you! Love Him back!
Praise befits the upright. What does that mean? I think it's saying we should be praising the Lord; from the mouths of righteous people we should be hearing expressions of praise, and thanksgiving to God. How is that going for you? Can you stop right now and praise God. Use the words of this very psalm to help you.
V.12, Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD - oh if this was true for you America. See v.16, our great strength can not deliver us. He delivers those who fear Him and hope in Him.
Psalm 33.20-22 would be a great memory verse. I dare you to memorize it.
Genesis 29.31-30.43
What kind of contest is this? I'm just seeing this for the first time, Leah and Rachel's son breeding program laid along side Jacob's sheep breeding program.
Rachel demanding from Jacob give me children or I will die. Poor Jacob. Is it his fault? Maybe it is. He certainly doesn't seem to be providing godly leadership. He lets his wives buy and sell him, and lays with their servant girls. What a strange way to launch a nation.
Do you get the whole sheep breeding program? What is it about the the pealed sticks that causes the speckled sheep? Any ranchers out there to explain this one?
2 Chronicles 7
We are here. We have come to the one chapter in the two books of Chronicles that most of us know a verse contained within. I'm talking about 2 Chronicles 7.14. What I'm observing in this passage is two recipes, one for restoration and one for disaster. Of course the recipe for restoration comes from our v.14 - humble themselves, pray, seek My face and turn from their wicked ways - and what results? God will hear, forgive and heal.
Check out recipe for disaster in v.19 - turn aside, forsake the Lord's commands, go and serve other gods and worship them - and what results? God will pluck, cast away, and make us an object of ridicule.
Pray for the restoration of our nation and that we might be spared the disaster. These prayers definitely apply on a personal level as well. Can you see how?
Luke 23.26-56
I recently preached these verses, the first sermon on the crucifixion and the second on the death of Jesus. The conversation among the three dying men still awes me. What a picture of the two responses to the gospel, to disdain Jesus, or plead with Him for mercy. The Lord's statement to the second criminal, Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. It's one of the most fantastic statements in all of Scripture, so loaded with meaning. I encourage you to go to poulsbocc.com and download that message.
What most impresses you about the crucifixion account here? How about His death?
Jesus loves you! Love Him back!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Into Your Hands Psalm, Jacob's Ladder, Ark Moved
Psalm 31
This is the Psalm Jesus quotes, His last words on the cross. Into your hand I commit my spirit. David was praying for deliverance from enemies when he prayed this. Jesus was also praying for deliverance, trusting that God would save him, even from death. It is definitely a prayer of faith. Note how many times in this Psalm David declares he trusts the Lord.
Here's a great promise in v.19 -
Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
Genesis 28.10-22
This is the Psalm Jesus quotes, His last words on the cross. Into your hand I commit my spirit. David was praying for deliverance from enemies when he prayed this. Jesus was also praying for deliverance, trusting that God would save him, even from death. It is definitely a prayer of faith. Note how many times in this Psalm David declares he trusts the Lord.
Here's a great promise in v.19 -
Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you
and worked for those who take refuge in you,
in the sight of the children of mankind!
What is the great encouragement for you in v.24? -
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the LORD!
all you who wait for the LORD!
Genesis 28.10-22
I can imagine Jacob being fearful about all that was ahead, leaving home, perhaps for the first time, he's just lost his father, his brother wants to kill him. How gracious of God to meet him in this place and extend to him the covenant He made with Abraham and Isaac.To hear from the Lord in this moment that Behold I am with you and will keep you wherever you go. What a promise.
We have that same promise in Christ and it seems to me our response to that promise should be like Jacob's - Worship the LORD - Commit our lives to Him, a commitment that will cost us in tangible ways.
Have you made this commitment to the Lord yourself???
2 Chronicles 5
Big day - the Ark is moved to the temple. Then God shows up in a big way with the cloud. This is the cloud that indicated his presence with Israel during the Exodus. Note editor insertion about the poles in v.10 - And they are there to this day. Does this mean the poles were there in the rebuilt temple at the time of this book being written, i.e. restoration period. Does this mean the poles are all that's left? Has the Ark been destroyed?
I thought there was other stuff in the ark - Aaron's staff and a jar of manna???
A truth to believe - For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Luke 22.1-46
Wow, Luke is picking up the pace as we move toward the cross. So much happens in these 46 verses - Judas makes his deal; Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper; Jesus predicts Peter's denial; Jesus praying at Gethsemane. How weak are we as seen in the actions of the men in these chapters. We need a savior.
I love, I mean I really love v.32. Jesus telling Peter He prays for him, that his faith might not fail, and then commissions him, that when Peter turns again, back to Christ, he will strengthen his brothers.
Jesus is praying for you, believer, that your faith will not fail. He prays for your restoration from sin, and he calls you to strengthen fellow strugglers. Who could you strengthen even today?? You can do it! Jesus is praying for you!!
Are you seeing the fruits of being in God's Word after a whole month of reading through the Bible? Tell me about it.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Vindication, Abraham Dies, David Dies, Jesus on Humility.
Psalm 26
Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. So I'm thinking the context here is that someone has falsely accused David, and instead of defending himself, David is asking the LORD to defend him. That is some wise counsel. Linc, you don't need to defend yourself, let God do it. And then take the vow of v.11, But as for me, I shall walk in integrity; redeem me and be gracious to me.
Then the psalm closes with a vow to worship the Lord.
Genesis 25.1-18
Interesting, Abraham takes a 2nd wife. Lives 175 years. Ishmael and Isaac are brought together by the death of their father. I think Abraham would have liked that. So is Ishmael the father of the Persians?? Is Esau the father of the Arabs?? Anybody know?
1 Chronicles 29.22-30
Here we are at the end of our first book. David dies at a good age, full of days, riches and honor. Sounds great! It sounds like Solomon is firmly established on the throne. This 2nd coronation was David trying to make the road ahead for Solomon easier - trying to defuse future challenges to Solomon's right to rule. David was really thinking ahead, regarding the Lord's house, and his descendants' rule. But in the end it wasn't David who made Solomon great, but the Lord - see v.25.
What am I doing now to prepare my children to serve the Lord after I am dead and in heaven? How about you?
Luke 18.1-30
Jesus is looking for a few humble men. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is a classic. The tax collector can't even lift up his eyes to heaven. Wow! What sin would you confess in light of this parable?
Then there is Jesus calling his disciples to receive the kingdom of God like a child. And then you've got the ruler who tells Jesus He's kept all the commandments - humility needed here! What keeps you humble??
Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. So I'm thinking the context here is that someone has falsely accused David, and instead of defending himself, David is asking the LORD to defend him. That is some wise counsel. Linc, you don't need to defend yourself, let God do it. And then take the vow of v.11, But as for me, I shall walk in integrity; redeem me and be gracious to me.
Then the psalm closes with a vow to worship the Lord.
Genesis 25.1-18
Interesting, Abraham takes a 2nd wife. Lives 175 years. Ishmael and Isaac are brought together by the death of their father. I think Abraham would have liked that. So is Ishmael the father of the Persians?? Is Esau the father of the Arabs?? Anybody know?
1 Chronicles 29.22-30
Here we are at the end of our first book. David dies at a good age, full of days, riches and honor. Sounds great! It sounds like Solomon is firmly established on the throne. This 2nd coronation was David trying to make the road ahead for Solomon easier - trying to defuse future challenges to Solomon's right to rule. David was really thinking ahead, regarding the Lord's house, and his descendants' rule. But in the end it wasn't David who made Solomon great, but the Lord - see v.25.
What am I doing now to prepare my children to serve the Lord after I am dead and in heaven? How about you?
Luke 18.1-30
Jesus is looking for a few humble men. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is a classic. The tax collector can't even lift up his eyes to heaven. Wow! What sin would you confess in light of this parable?
Then there is Jesus calling his disciples to receive the kingdom of God like a child. And then you've got the ruler who tells Jesus He's kept all the commandments - humility needed here! What keeps you humble??
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Shepherd Psalm, Sacrifice of Isaac, Roll Call, and Lost Things
Psalm 23
In today's reading we encounter two of the best known chapters in the Bible, Psalm 23, the Shepherd's Psalm, and Luke 15, The Parable of the Prodigal. I was looking at this Psalm with my daughters this morning. They keyed on vv.3 and 4. It's the Lord who restores my soul; if I'm to walk in paths of righteousness, the Lord has to lead me. He does it for His glory, not for mine - for His name's sake.
Our church family has been walking through the valley of the shadow of death, having recently lost a dear family member. I think about Donald Grey Barnhouse's illustration about the death of his wife, and how Jesus was hit by death, but only the shadow of death passes over the believer. WOW. I will fear no evil. What does that look like in the life of a believer, not fearing evil? Obviously it involves completely trusting God - I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. God help me to believe and embrace every truth in this Psalm. No wonder it's everyone's favorite.
Genesis 22
I'm struck by how much Genesis 22.2 sounds like John 3.16. This chapter is full of parallel's Christ to Isaac, looking ahead to God's provision of salvation in Jesus. See how Abraham tells the servants that he and Isaac will be returning. Abraham really did believe the LORD, that his offspring would come through Isaac.
Last Sunday I was asking one of our Sunday School kids what animal was sacrificed by Abraham in this passage, rather than Isaac. He told me a moose. - Okay, I didn't see that one coming. A MOOSE?
1 Chronicles 27
Some more lists. God what do you want to show us with these lists? Here's one cool insight - given how we are studying the life of Abraham at the same time, and just read God's promise to make Abraham's descendants as numerous as the stars, and the sands - God has done it. By the time we get to 1 Chronicles, here we have lists of thousands, hundreds of thousands of living descendants of Abraham in the time of David. See the note in v.23 to that very effect. God you did it all through Isaac. Amazing. How can I doubt your promises????
Is this the result of the census that David got in so much trouble for - 3 days of plague?
Luke 15
Is there a better chapter in the Bible? The stories of the Lost Things. We spent 5 weeks on this chapter in our Sunday studies a while back. I love how in v.21 the lost son isn't able to get his prepared speech of repentance out, before his Father interrupts him with instructions for the party to be thrown in celebration of his homecoming. I love how the passage makes the point we are all lost. See the increasing percentages. 1% of sheep lost; 10% of coins lost, 50% of sons lost . . . scratch that last one . . . turns out both boys are lost, one in sin of rebellion, other in sin of self righteousness - 100% sons lost - i.e. we are all lost.
What's your favorite verse in Luke 15? Do you see your story of salvation in this parable?
I am praying that you will keep reading. Great job!!
In today's reading we encounter two of the best known chapters in the Bible, Psalm 23, the Shepherd's Psalm, and Luke 15, The Parable of the Prodigal. I was looking at this Psalm with my daughters this morning. They keyed on vv.3 and 4. It's the Lord who restores my soul; if I'm to walk in paths of righteousness, the Lord has to lead me. He does it for His glory, not for mine - for His name's sake.
Our church family has been walking through the valley of the shadow of death, having recently lost a dear family member. I think about Donald Grey Barnhouse's illustration about the death of his wife, and how Jesus was hit by death, but only the shadow of death passes over the believer. WOW. I will fear no evil. What does that look like in the life of a believer, not fearing evil? Obviously it involves completely trusting God - I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. God help me to believe and embrace every truth in this Psalm. No wonder it's everyone's favorite.
Genesis 22
I'm struck by how much Genesis 22.2 sounds like John 3.16. This chapter is full of parallel's Christ to Isaac, looking ahead to God's provision of salvation in Jesus. See how Abraham tells the servants that he and Isaac will be returning. Abraham really did believe the LORD, that his offspring would come through Isaac.
Last Sunday I was asking one of our Sunday School kids what animal was sacrificed by Abraham in this passage, rather than Isaac. He told me a moose. - Okay, I didn't see that one coming. A MOOSE?
1 Chronicles 27
Some more lists. God what do you want to show us with these lists? Here's one cool insight - given how we are studying the life of Abraham at the same time, and just read God's promise to make Abraham's descendants as numerous as the stars, and the sands - God has done it. By the time we get to 1 Chronicles, here we have lists of thousands, hundreds of thousands of living descendants of Abraham in the time of David. See the note in v.23 to that very effect. God you did it all through Isaac. Amazing. How can I doubt your promises????
Is this the result of the census that David got in so much trouble for - 3 days of plague?
Luke 15
Is there a better chapter in the Bible? The stories of the Lost Things. We spent 5 weeks on this chapter in our Sunday studies a while back. I love how in v.21 the lost son isn't able to get his prepared speech of repentance out, before his Father interrupts him with instructions for the party to be thrown in celebration of his homecoming. I love how the passage makes the point we are all lost. See the increasing percentages. 1% of sheep lost; 10% of coins lost, 50% of sons lost . . . scratch that last one . . . turns out both boys are lost, one in sin of rebellion, other in sin of self righteousness - 100% sons lost - i.e. we are all lost.
What's your favorite verse in Luke 15? Do you see your story of salvation in this parable?
I am praying that you will keep reading. Great job!!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Rejoicing, Laughing, Singing, and Healing
Psalm 21
Did you see the structure in this Psalm? Blessings in the first half and curses in the second. Then at the end a statement of praise. Which is your favorite blessing? I want v.6 - You make Him glad with the joy of his presence. I encourage you to pray, Lord, make me glad with the joy of your presence!
I shared v.13 with Pastor Gordy this morning prior to worship - Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power. Pastor Gordy and worship team, thank you for leading us as we sing and praise the power of God!
Genesis 21.1-21
It was okay for Sarah to laugh at the birth of Isaac, but not for Ishmael, Hagar's son. Sarah is certainly at fault her. Her solution to bareness was giving Hagar to Abraham. A child resulted and now Sarah will have none of it, or him. Sarah, we reap what we sow!
Note the Lord's promise, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named.
What is the great nation that resulted from Ishmael? I assume these were the seed nations to those nations who are so hostile to Israel today.
1 Chronicles 25
David organizes the musicians who will serve in the house of the LORD. For a guy who didn't actually build the house of the LORD, David sure got things ready to do just that. What a great encouragement to those who begin a work for the glory of God but they don't know if they will live to see the end result. Faithfulness is the key, not living to see the day.
Makes me think of Moses. Moses dying before the Israelites entered the Promised Land certainly didn't diminish Moses contribution to seeing them prepared to enter it. Prayer: Lord, give me projects to invest my resources in that are bigger than myself, or even my lifespan, for the Kingdom's sake. What a privilege just to play a part! Amen
Luke 13.10-35
Jesus heals a woman with a disabling spirit on the Sabbath and the opposition goes nuts! Jesus is like, You hypocrites, you love your donkeys and your oxen, and you couldn't care less about this daughter of Abraham suffering bound for 18 years. These guys should have been doing cartwheels of celebration, but no. Jesus puts them to shame, the people rejoice and the woman glorifies God. Here is a good text for healing ministries - who is getting the glory in those ministries, the minister or the Lord?
That makes me think. I haven't heard a lot from or about some of the those well known Word of Faith Healers like I did some 10 years ago. How about you?
Anyway, I praise God He still heals today, and everyday! He is the great physician, and the great exorcist! Glorify Him!
Did you see the structure in this Psalm? Blessings in the first half and curses in the second. Then at the end a statement of praise. Which is your favorite blessing? I want v.6 - You make Him glad with the joy of his presence. I encourage you to pray, Lord, make me glad with the joy of your presence!
I shared v.13 with Pastor Gordy this morning prior to worship - Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power. Pastor Gordy and worship team, thank you for leading us as we sing and praise the power of God!
Genesis 21.1-21
It was okay for Sarah to laugh at the birth of Isaac, but not for Ishmael, Hagar's son. Sarah is certainly at fault her. Her solution to bareness was giving Hagar to Abraham. A child resulted and now Sarah will have none of it, or him. Sarah, we reap what we sow!
Note the Lord's promise, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named.
What is the great nation that resulted from Ishmael? I assume these were the seed nations to those nations who are so hostile to Israel today.
1 Chronicles 25
David organizes the musicians who will serve in the house of the LORD. For a guy who didn't actually build the house of the LORD, David sure got things ready to do just that. What a great encouragement to those who begin a work for the glory of God but they don't know if they will live to see the end result. Faithfulness is the key, not living to see the day.
Makes me think of Moses. Moses dying before the Israelites entered the Promised Land certainly didn't diminish Moses contribution to seeing them prepared to enter it. Prayer: Lord, give me projects to invest my resources in that are bigger than myself, or even my lifespan, for the Kingdom's sake. What a privilege just to play a part! Amen
Luke 13.10-35
Jesus heals a woman with a disabling spirit on the Sabbath and the opposition goes nuts! Jesus is like, You hypocrites, you love your donkeys and your oxen, and you couldn't care less about this daughter of Abraham suffering bound for 18 years. These guys should have been doing cartwheels of celebration, but no. Jesus puts them to shame, the people rejoice and the woman glorifies God. Here is a good text for healing ministries - who is getting the glory in those ministries, the minister or the Lord?
That makes me think. I haven't heard a lot from or about some of the those well known Word of Faith Healers like I did some 10 years ago. How about you?
Anyway, I praise God He still heals today, and everyday! He is the great physician, and the great exorcist! Glorify Him!
Friday, January 20, 2012
General vs. Special Revelation, Sister Sarah, a Giant Round Up and a Rich Fool
Psalm 19
Many of us are familiar with this Psalm. It lifts up how God reveals Himself in two different ways. - General Revelation and Special Revelation. God reveals himself generally in the created order - v.1, The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
In v.7 there is the change of focus to special revelation of God in His word - the law of the LORD is perfect! Here are some fantastic descriptions of God's Word and what it accomplishes in our lives!
What do you think v.9 means? - the fear of the Lord is clean.?
Genesis 20
Abraham is at it again, trying to pass Sarah of as his sister. This time I wonder, was Sarah that attractive that she would be taken into Abimelech's harem? Isn't she in her 90's at this point? She must have worn it well!
1 Chronicles 20
Is the comment, David remained at Jerusalem, while Joab led out the army, is this a rebuke of David?
The rest of the text is all about the giant roundup.I wonder if the vikings were descended from these guys???
Luke 12.13-48
The Parable of the Rich Fool has always been one of my favorite parables. I'm tickled when the rich fool says, I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods . . . But God says, This night your soul will be required of you. I used to have a buddy, when he would tell us story, he would say, I said to myself, Self . . . .
Well the rich fool's soul doesn't fare too well. I am convicted by the mandate here - Be rich toward God. Are you being rich toward God?
This parable is followed up with an encouragement not to be anxious about going without. Interesting that in the same chapter we are being charged not to let wealth or the lack of it take our focus of the Lord.
Don't miss two big purpose statements at the end of this chapter. Jesus came to cast fire, and Jesus came to divide. Not what we usually think of when we think of the purposes of the incarnation. Oops, I'm reading ahead. I can't help it; it's just so good! We will finish Luke 12 tomorrow.
What's your favorite verse in this 2nd half of Luke 12?
Many of us are familiar with this Psalm. It lifts up how God reveals Himself in two different ways. - General Revelation and Special Revelation. God reveals himself generally in the created order - v.1, The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
In v.7 there is the change of focus to special revelation of God in His word - the law of the LORD is perfect! Here are some fantastic descriptions of God's Word and what it accomplishes in our lives!
What do you think v.9 means? - the fear of the Lord is clean.?
Genesis 20
Abraham is at it again, trying to pass Sarah of as his sister. This time I wonder, was Sarah that attractive that she would be taken into Abimelech's harem? Isn't she in her 90's at this point? She must have worn it well!
1 Chronicles 20
Is the comment, David remained at Jerusalem, while Joab led out the army, is this a rebuke of David?
The rest of the text is all about the giant roundup.I wonder if the vikings were descended from these guys???
Luke 12.13-48
The Parable of the Rich Fool has always been one of my favorite parables. I'm tickled when the rich fool says, I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods . . . But God says, This night your soul will be required of you. I used to have a buddy, when he would tell us story, he would say, I said to myself, Self . . . .
Well the rich fool's soul doesn't fare too well. I am convicted by the mandate here - Be rich toward God. Are you being rich toward God?
This parable is followed up with an encouragement not to be anxious about going without. Interesting that in the same chapter we are being charged not to let wealth or the lack of it take our focus of the Lord.
Don't miss two big purpose statements at the end of this chapter. Jesus came to cast fire, and Jesus came to divide. Not what we usually think of when we think of the purposes of the incarnation. Oops, I'm reading ahead. I can't help it; it's just so good! We will finish Luke 12 tomorrow.
What's your favorite verse in this 2nd half of Luke 12?
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
More Covenants, The Good Samaritan
Psalm 16
Every time I read the Psalm for the day, I'm saying to myself, This is such a great Psalm. And it is! There is such truth and encouragement here. Check out v.4: The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply. How true is that? And then the encouragement in v.10 that the Lord will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see decay. We know this applies both to Jesus and His followers. And then v.11: You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. I know that in Christ this is true, and I hope you do to!
Genesis 17
Here is the call to circumcision and more of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. I note it is an everlasting covenant between God and the children of Abraham. The circumcision is a sign of this covenant, a sign that Jesus received in his own human body, so we read in Luke a couple of weeks ago.
Why do you think Abraham asks the Lord that Ishmael be the child of this covenant? Is it Abraham's love for Ishmael, or his lack of faith that Sarah will bear a child? Is this the first instance of someone getting a new name from God?? Recalls God naming Adam. Look for Abraham/Adam comparisons. I saw one in the last chapter where Abraham listened to the voice of Sarah and took Hagar into his bed. Does this compare to Eve offering Adam the fruit?
1 Chronicles 17
More covenant, this time with David. I love that David considered his home and was convicted that he should invest in a home for the Lord. Interesting that Nathan says go for it, but then the Lord says no. David's not the one to build the Lord a house; his son will. This may be a reminder to seek the Lord before we offer someone else council.
And then the Lord says, David, you won't build my house, but I will build yours. WOW! And of course this promise looks ahead to a king who will sit on the eternal throne - that would be Jesus!
Luke 10.25-42
One of the best known texts in all the Bible, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The interaction of Jesus with the lawyer is great - you tell me what the Bible says; do this and live - like anyone could love God and neighbor perfectly.
I'm struck by the generosity of the Samaritan in the story, reading it this time. Take care of him and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back. This guy's a stranger to the Samaritan. This incredible generosity convicts me, challenges me, calls me to consider the generosity Christ shows to me.
See that Luke bundles this account with the Martha and Mary account. Call to give Jesus our first attentions lifted up even before showing mercy, serving others. Hmmm.
What strikes you about this passage from Luke??
Friday, January 13, 2012
Don't Touch That Ark - OOPS! Too Late.
Psalm 12
Boy does this Psalm start off depressing: Save, O LORD, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man. See the contrast between our words and the Lords words in v.6. The Lord's words are pure words. Reminds me of Proverbs 30.5. Hear the warning at the end - On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man. Where do you see vileness exalted among the children of man?
Genesis 13
Abraham and Lot go their own way. Lot is moving toward Sodom and Gomorrah - we know that's not going to end well. More promises to Abraham. Offspring like the dust. Abraham did you begin to fathom God's great promise? Do we have an inkling of how God's great promises will be realized for us?
1 Chronicles 13
Uzzah puts his hand on the ark to keep it from coming off the cart and is struck down. Wow, this seems harsh. Could it be Gods' judgment for blowing off the instructions for how the ark should be moved - with poles by Levites. David seems to be looking for a shortcut to God's blessings. Now Obed-edom is receiving the blessings of the Lord hoped for by David. What do you think are the lessons for us here? What does it say about how we should approach God? Do you think George Lucas read this prior to writing the script for the 1st Indiana Jones movie - Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Luke 8.4-21
What an announcement by Jesus - Luke 8.21 - My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it. My relationship to Jesus is not via blood relation, but I have a relationship with Jesus if I am hearing his word and doing it. I can't say I am a believer while I'm blowing of his commandments. Here's a big one - Can I say I'm a believer if I am forsaking the fellowship of believers, Heb 10.24-25, i.e. not going to church? What do you think?
Boy does this Psalm start off depressing: Save, O LORD, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man. See the contrast between our words and the Lords words in v.6. The Lord's words are pure words. Reminds me of Proverbs 30.5. Hear the warning at the end - On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man. Where do you see vileness exalted among the children of man?
Genesis 13
Abraham and Lot go their own way. Lot is moving toward Sodom and Gomorrah - we know that's not going to end well. More promises to Abraham. Offspring like the dust. Abraham did you begin to fathom God's great promise? Do we have an inkling of how God's great promises will be realized for us?
1 Chronicles 13
Uzzah puts his hand on the ark to keep it from coming off the cart and is struck down. Wow, this seems harsh. Could it be Gods' judgment for blowing off the instructions for how the ark should be moved - with poles by Levites. David seems to be looking for a shortcut to God's blessings. Now Obed-edom is receiving the blessings of the Lord hoped for by David. What do you think are the lessons for us here? What does it say about how we should approach God? Do you think George Lucas read this prior to writing the script for the 1st Indiana Jones movie - Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Luke 8.4-21
What an announcement by Jesus - Luke 8.21 - My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it. My relationship to Jesus is not via blood relation, but I have a relationship with Jesus if I am hearing his word and doing it. I can't say I am a believer while I'm blowing of his commandments. Here's a big one - Can I say I'm a believer if I am forsaking the fellowship of believers, Heb 10.24-25, i.e. not going to church? What do you think?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Wicked Psalm, Babel, Mighty Men, The Centurion of Great Faith
Psalm 10
Some great descriptions of the wicked in this Psalm. Boastful of his desires, greedy for gain, renounces the Lord, doesn't seek God, all his thoughts are there is no God.Says in his heart God will not call him to account. I can do what ever I want. But God does see and no one is getting away with anything! God will see justice done.
Great line, Ps 10.16: The Lord is king forever and ever; the nations perish from the land. Wicked you think you are all that. You are here today and gone tomorrow. God is here forever. And you say There is no God - Fool!
Genesis 11
Man's big construction project - the Tower of Babel. Plan - big tower, ascends to heaven; purpose - make big name for ourselves. Why is being dispersed over the face of the earth a fear for man? Wasn't this part of the creation mandate - to be fruitful, multiply, exercise dominion.
The Lord recognized these as evil purposes and His judgment brings about opposite of their ambitions -they are scattered. Note that HS coming down at Pentecost is a reverse of this event. God takes the initiative in Acts 2 and comes down to man. Man can't reach up to God. Can't achieve heaven by his own effort.
At end of chapter 11 we meet Abraham. Introduced to problem - Sarah is barren, she has no child. This will be the background to God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants a great nation in Genesis 12.1-3.
1 Chronicles 11
David is crowned king after Saul's death. Capital is moved to Jerusalem. David's mighty men are introduced. We never learn who the big three of the thirty are. 1 Chron 11.10, these are the chiefs of David's mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom . . . according to the word of the Lord. Who are the mighty men the Lord has placed in your life, appointed to give you strong support?
Luke 7.1-35
You've got to love this Roman Centurion. He gets that he's not worthy; he gets authority; and best of all he gets Jesus. No wonder Jesus says, I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.
When the people say in Luke 7.16 God has visited his people, after Jesus raises the widow's son - they said a mouthful. They didn't realize that God was literally visiting His people in Jesus.
John 's doubt is the subject of the rest of the chapter. If the prophet to the messiah can become so discouraged by difficult circumstances (prison), how vulnerable am I? Jesus says to remind John of what He, Jesus, has done. When I'm discouraged I need to review who Jesus is, what He has done.
What do you think about the Centurion? Why does Jesus praise him so?
Some great descriptions of the wicked in this Psalm. Boastful of his desires, greedy for gain, renounces the Lord, doesn't seek God, all his thoughts are there is no God.Says in his heart God will not call him to account. I can do what ever I want. But God does see and no one is getting away with anything! God will see justice done.
Great line, Ps 10.16: The Lord is king forever and ever; the nations perish from the land. Wicked you think you are all that. You are here today and gone tomorrow. God is here forever. And you say There is no God - Fool!
Genesis 11
Man's big construction project - the Tower of Babel. Plan - big tower, ascends to heaven; purpose - make big name for ourselves. Why is being dispersed over the face of the earth a fear for man? Wasn't this part of the creation mandate - to be fruitful, multiply, exercise dominion.
The Lord recognized these as evil purposes and His judgment brings about opposite of their ambitions -they are scattered. Note that HS coming down at Pentecost is a reverse of this event. God takes the initiative in Acts 2 and comes down to man. Man can't reach up to God. Can't achieve heaven by his own effort.
At end of chapter 11 we meet Abraham. Introduced to problem - Sarah is barren, she has no child. This will be the background to God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants a great nation in Genesis 12.1-3.
1 Chronicles 11
David is crowned king after Saul's death. Capital is moved to Jerusalem. David's mighty men are introduced. We never learn who the big three of the thirty are. 1 Chron 11.10, these are the chiefs of David's mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom . . . according to the word of the Lord. Who are the mighty men the Lord has placed in your life, appointed to give you strong support?
Luke 7.1-35
You've got to love this Roman Centurion. He gets that he's not worthy; he gets authority; and best of all he gets Jesus. No wonder Jesus says, I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.
When the people say in Luke 7.16 God has visited his people, after Jesus raises the widow's son - they said a mouthful. They didn't realize that God was literally visiting His people in Jesus.
John 's doubt is the subject of the rest of the chapter. If the prophet to the messiah can become so discouraged by difficult circumstances (prison), how vulnerable am I? Jesus says to remind John of what He, Jesus, has done. When I'm discouraged I need to review who Jesus is, what He has done.
What do you think about the Centurion? Why does Jesus praise him so?
Monday, January 9, 2012
Majesty Psalm, Capital Punishment, Returned Exiles, Fishers of Men
Psalm 8
Here's another familiar psalm, or at least it has some familiar verses. Many of us have sung the chorus, O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth. The psalm starts with the twin assertions, big God, little man, but then the "yet" highlights the important idea that man is valued by God, God has great purposes for man. Man is to have dominion over creation; that's still the plan even after the fall of man. The creation mandate still stands.
I know in the initial chapters of Hebrews we are told that this dominion of man over creation will be fully realized in Christ, now that man is fallen.
Bible study tip here - look for the words that set up a contrast - in this case yet. Such little words like yet, but, still, so, for, therefore - they often set up the big idea in the text. Watch for them!
Genesis 8.20-9.19
The Ark has landed and everyone out. Time for a barbecue. First reference to sacrifice causing a pleasing aroma for God.
Noah and sons get to eat everything but the blood. Blood sacred to God, acknowledges all life comes from God. Capital punishment - note revenge is not the issue, but rather a reckoning required by God from both offending men and beasts. Human life held so dear, to take it means one's own life to be forfeit. This seems to be a pretty straight forward support for capital punishment - what do you think?
God's Covenant with Noah's offspring - guess that includes us. It's initiated by God, a promise not to destroy by flood, it's eternal, two parties, there's a sign, the rainbow. If it's made in the context of the sacrifices at the end of chapter 8, then a meal/sacrifice involved as well -seals the deal. Keep these elements in mind as we encounter other covenants in the Bible. Compare to Lord's Supper - initiated by God, salvation promise, two parties, sign, two signs bread and wine, sacrifice made to seal deal - Jesus himself, meal. Keep your eye out for covenant language in the Bible. Even the name LORD is God's covenant name for Himself in relationship to His People Israel.
1 Chronicles 9
Yeah, we are at the end of the lists of names! See 1 Chron 9.2, we are given the reason for Judah's exile - they breached faith with their God and the exile was His judgment/punishment. The return of the exiles demonstrates that God remains faithful to His people.
One question that struck me is this. Where is the ark of the covenant? Not the ark in Gen 8 but the one that's made to hold the law. Was it lost in the exile or even before the exile, when Judah was being plundered by foreign empires? Did the exiles return it to Jerusalem? Is it mentioned in the Book of Ezra? Was the ark in the temple at the time of Jesus? I don't remember a reference to it. Any thoughts? When do we lose track of the ark in the Biblical records? Comment if you know - please!
Luke 5.1-6.16
Big doings in these chapters. Luke 5.1, the crowds pressing on Jesus to hear the word of God. I wonder if this wore on Jesus, all the people pressing in on Him. I'm thinking give me some space people. Stepping into the boat was brilliant.
Jesus tells Peter put out to the deep and let down the nets. Peter offers up a reason they shouldn't, but does relent and obey. How often God says do this, and we say I don't think that's going to work God. I can always find a good reason not to do what God asks.
Peter's response classic - Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O lord. Must be his first real sense of who Jesus was. Jesus response classic, like the angels on Christmas to the Shepherds, or Gabriel to Mary, Do not be afraid.
You will be catching men - a mandate for the church.
See many references to Jesus praying in rest of chapter.If Jesus needed to pray, how about me?
Lk 5.17 Does this verse imply there were times when the power of the Lord was not on Jesus to heal? In Nazareth? Among faithless people?
Lk 5.26 People responding to healing of paralytic. We have seen extraordinary things today. Now that's an understatement!
Lk 5.32 Very important purpose statement!
End of Luke 5 beginning of Luke 6, getting the impression the Pharisees aren't crazy about Jesus.
See Jesus praying again in Lk 6.12. Need to pray!
Here's another familiar psalm, or at least it has some familiar verses. Many of us have sung the chorus, O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth. The psalm starts with the twin assertions, big God, little man, but then the "yet" highlights the important idea that man is valued by God, God has great purposes for man. Man is to have dominion over creation; that's still the plan even after the fall of man. The creation mandate still stands.
I know in the initial chapters of Hebrews we are told that this dominion of man over creation will be fully realized in Christ, now that man is fallen.
Bible study tip here - look for the words that set up a contrast - in this case yet. Such little words like yet, but, still, so, for, therefore - they often set up the big idea in the text. Watch for them!
Genesis 8.20-9.19
The Ark has landed and everyone out. Time for a barbecue. First reference to sacrifice causing a pleasing aroma for God.
Noah and sons get to eat everything but the blood. Blood sacred to God, acknowledges all life comes from God. Capital punishment - note revenge is not the issue, but rather a reckoning required by God from both offending men and beasts. Human life held so dear, to take it means one's own life to be forfeit. This seems to be a pretty straight forward support for capital punishment - what do you think?
God's Covenant with Noah's offspring - guess that includes us. It's initiated by God, a promise not to destroy by flood, it's eternal, two parties, there's a sign, the rainbow. If it's made in the context of the sacrifices at the end of chapter 8, then a meal/sacrifice involved as well -seals the deal. Keep these elements in mind as we encounter other covenants in the Bible. Compare to Lord's Supper - initiated by God, salvation promise, two parties, sign, two signs bread and wine, sacrifice made to seal deal - Jesus himself, meal. Keep your eye out for covenant language in the Bible. Even the name LORD is God's covenant name for Himself in relationship to His People Israel.
1 Chronicles 9
Yeah, we are at the end of the lists of names! See 1 Chron 9.2, we are given the reason for Judah's exile - they breached faith with their God and the exile was His judgment/punishment. The return of the exiles demonstrates that God remains faithful to His people.
One question that struck me is this. Where is the ark of the covenant? Not the ark in Gen 8 but the one that's made to hold the law. Was it lost in the exile or even before the exile, when Judah was being plundered by foreign empires? Did the exiles return it to Jerusalem? Is it mentioned in the Book of Ezra? Was the ark in the temple at the time of Jesus? I don't remember a reference to it. Any thoughts? When do we lose track of the ark in the Biblical records? Comment if you know - please!
Luke 5.1-6.16
Big doings in these chapters. Luke 5.1, the crowds pressing on Jesus to hear the word of God. I wonder if this wore on Jesus, all the people pressing in on Him. I'm thinking give me some space people. Stepping into the boat was brilliant.
Jesus tells Peter put out to the deep and let down the nets. Peter offers up a reason they shouldn't, but does relent and obey. How often God says do this, and we say I don't think that's going to work God. I can always find a good reason not to do what God asks.
Peter's response classic - Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O lord. Must be his first real sense of who Jesus was. Jesus response classic, like the angels on Christmas to the Shepherds, or Gabriel to Mary, Do not be afraid.
You will be catching men - a mandate for the church.
See many references to Jesus praying in rest of chapter.If Jesus needed to pray, how about me?
Lk 5.17 Does this verse imply there were times when the power of the Lord was not on Jesus to heal? In Nazareth? Among faithless people?
Lk 5.26 People responding to healing of paralytic. We have seen extraordinary things today. Now that's an understatement!
Lk 5.32 Very important purpose statement!
End of Luke 5 beginning of Luke 6, getting the impression the Pharisees aren't crazy about Jesus.
See Jesus praying again in Lk 6.12. Need to pray!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Sons of God and Daughters of Men; Jesus' Baptism
Psalm 5
All right you night people, here it is in Ps 5.3, in the morning you hear my voice. So set your alarms, we need to meet with the Lord in the morning, giving Him the first moments of our day. What do you think? I know, I'm not awake in the morning either, but it's hard to ignore all the examples in Scripture of people meeting the Lord in the morning. Even the Lord met the Lord in the morning - Jesus getting up early to pray. How does the morning work for you?
Other standout lines in this Psalm for me include v.4 God does not delight in wickedness. This one strikes me because I'm a gamer, and I think about these games out there. I don't play them, these ones that delight in wickedness, but really their focus is delighting in wickedness, embracing the observation and pseudo participation of wicked behavior as entertainment in many of these games.
God does not delight in wickedness. How about many of the movies that feature violence, often done by the hero? Am I delighting in that by viewing it as entertainment? Philippians 4 comes to mind and the verse that tells me to set my mind on whatever is excellent and praiseworthy.
I also appreciate v.8 - make your ways straight before me Lord. Here the idea of straight paths involves deliverance from enemies, a little different than how I have thought about God making straight paths for me according to Proverbs 3.5-6.
Genesis 6
Yes, this is that passage with the Sons of God taking for wives the daughters of men. There's no little debate surrounding this passage - are the Sons of God angels/demons? Are they wicked kings and rulers? Or are they descendents of Seth's godly line, intermarrying with Cain's descendants? I do not know, but lean toward the latter, given how the focus of the chapter is on how evil all men have become, resulting in God sending the flood.
Noah - a righteous man, blameless in his generation, walking with God - What a description! Recalls Adam and Enoch, both described as walking with God.
Interesting that this reading with the ark, falls on the same day as description of Jesus' baptism in Luke 3, with ark like image at Jesus baptism - the dove, the water, Jesus an ark for believers, who in Christ are sheltered from God's judgment, like Noah saved from the Flood via the ark. What do you think - is the connection a stretch??
1 Chronicles 6
Descendants of Levi. Lots more names. Cities were given to the Levites since the tribe had no official territory like other tribes. Interesting phrase in v.31, the men who David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the Lord. I think they took their choirs very seriously.
Luke 3.1-22
The first paragraph of this chapter is so Luke, and reminds me of the first paragraph of the 2nd chapter. Luke is a historian and he is telling us these real events surrounding the life of Jesus, took place at a real time in history, in real places, and involved real people. The gospel is no fairy tale.
How do we get ready for the Lord to work in our lives? - We repent of our sin. We seek his forgiveness, and in comes the Lord - v.3.
Note people don't like to be called to repentance - Herod throws John in prison for doing so.
Jesus will baptize with Holy Spirit and fire v.16. I heard a sermon last Sunday on the ministry of the Holy Spirit as traced through the gospel of Luke. How can I know I have the Holy Spirit? If I turn from sin and turn to Jesus I know I have been baptized in the Holy Spirit. From 1 John 3.23-24: And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12.3, Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
If I say Jesus is Lord, if I love Jesus, it seems the Spirit must be alive in me.
The Baptism of Jesus with all three person of the Trinity present, Father, Son, Spirit. Spirit descends on Jesus. If I'm in Christ, the Spirit has descended on me, I have power to walk in His ways! Wahoo!
You Tell Me What You Think
About meeting God in the morning, the identity of the Sons of God in Genesis, the Baptism of Jesus, the presence of the Holy Spirit in the Believer? How is God encouraging you in these passages?
All right you night people, here it is in Ps 5.3, in the morning you hear my voice. So set your alarms, we need to meet with the Lord in the morning, giving Him the first moments of our day. What do you think? I know, I'm not awake in the morning either, but it's hard to ignore all the examples in Scripture of people meeting the Lord in the morning. Even the Lord met the Lord in the morning - Jesus getting up early to pray. How does the morning work for you?
Other standout lines in this Psalm for me include v.4 God does not delight in wickedness. This one strikes me because I'm a gamer, and I think about these games out there. I don't play them, these ones that delight in wickedness, but really their focus is delighting in wickedness, embracing the observation and pseudo participation of wicked behavior as entertainment in many of these games.
God does not delight in wickedness. How about many of the movies that feature violence, often done by the hero? Am I delighting in that by viewing it as entertainment? Philippians 4 comes to mind and the verse that tells me to set my mind on whatever is excellent and praiseworthy.
I also appreciate v.8 - make your ways straight before me Lord. Here the idea of straight paths involves deliverance from enemies, a little different than how I have thought about God making straight paths for me according to Proverbs 3.5-6.
Genesis 6
Yes, this is that passage with the Sons of God taking for wives the daughters of men. There's no little debate surrounding this passage - are the Sons of God angels/demons? Are they wicked kings and rulers? Or are they descendents of Seth's godly line, intermarrying with Cain's descendants? I do not know, but lean toward the latter, given how the focus of the chapter is on how evil all men have become, resulting in God sending the flood.
Noah - a righteous man, blameless in his generation, walking with God - What a description! Recalls Adam and Enoch, both described as walking with God.
Interesting that this reading with the ark, falls on the same day as description of Jesus' baptism in Luke 3, with ark like image at Jesus baptism - the dove, the water, Jesus an ark for believers, who in Christ are sheltered from God's judgment, like Noah saved from the Flood via the ark. What do you think - is the connection a stretch??
1 Chronicles 6
Descendants of Levi. Lots more names. Cities were given to the Levites since the tribe had no official territory like other tribes. Interesting phrase in v.31, the men who David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the Lord. I think they took their choirs very seriously.
Luke 3.1-22
The first paragraph of this chapter is so Luke, and reminds me of the first paragraph of the 2nd chapter. Luke is a historian and he is telling us these real events surrounding the life of Jesus, took place at a real time in history, in real places, and involved real people. The gospel is no fairy tale.
How do we get ready for the Lord to work in our lives? - We repent of our sin. We seek his forgiveness, and in comes the Lord - v.3.
Note people don't like to be called to repentance - Herod throws John in prison for doing so.
Jesus will baptize with Holy Spirit and fire v.16. I heard a sermon last Sunday on the ministry of the Holy Spirit as traced through the gospel of Luke. How can I know I have the Holy Spirit? If I turn from sin and turn to Jesus I know I have been baptized in the Holy Spirit. From 1 John 3.23-24: And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12.3, Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
If I say Jesus is Lord, if I love Jesus, it seems the Spirit must be alive in me.
The Baptism of Jesus with all three person of the Trinity present, Father, Son, Spirit. Spirit descends on Jesus. If I'm in Christ, the Spirit has descended on me, I have power to walk in His ways! Wahoo!
You Tell Me What You Think
About meeting God in the morning, the identity of the Sons of God in Genesis, the Baptism of Jesus, the presence of the Holy Spirit in the Believer? How is God encouraging you in these passages?
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Day 4, Brothers and Sons
Psalm 3
The superscript describes this as a Psalm David wrote as he fled from his son Absalom. I don't know about you, but I think that is just a sad title. To suffer a broken relationship with one of your kids, I don't know that hurt . . . yet (?). . . but worse, David's son wanted him dead. Wow!
I love the line and I know we have sung it, Ps 3.3, But, you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head. I pray right now, Lord will you lift the head of those persons who are devastated by the pain of a broken family relationship, in Jesus name.
Genesis 4
Another relationship gone bad, Cain and Abel. The Lord's question to Cain after he rejects Cain's sacrifice - If you do well will you not be accepted?- seems to imply Cain did not do well. Gift not given with right heart??? With arrogance, holding back, competing with Abel???
Compare events to Adam and Eve's sin in Gen 3 - God asks Where is Abel? like he asked Adam Where are you? References to hiding in both events; curses result from both sins; Cain leaves God's presence, like his parents were ejected from the Garden. Sin results in estrangement from God, frustration in work, wandering, broken family relationships.
Lamech appears to be first polygamist - Gen 4.19. What did God think about this? Is Lamech's demise connected to this sin.
Contrast line of Seth, they begin to call on name of Lord, verses Cain who went away from the Lord's presence.
1 Chronicles 4
More names. More son of's. Tribes of Judah and Simeon. I see prayer of Jabez tucked in here, 1 Chronicles 4.10. Good prayer - wasn't it Bruce Wilkerson wrote a very popular devotional book on this one verse? Simeon is a tribe that will be eventually assimilated into tribe of Judah. Perhaps that's why they are mentioned in this order.
Luke 2.1-21
This passage never gets old. It's magical, wondrous is probably a better word. The birth of Jesus. Hard not to hear the voice of Linus when we read Luke 2.8-14. What a joy it was to hear my 7 year old son read aloud this passage last week. V.20 is slightly confusing. Where were the shepherds returning to. To Jesus after telling others, or to their flocks?? Jesus like John also given the name provided by the angel, however the reverence to being conceived in the womb (by the HS) is a subtle reference to the superiority of Jesus' birth to John's and therefore the superiority of Jesus' person to John's. It's a theme you see throughout the first 3 chapters of Luke.
What's your favorite line in Psalm 3? What's your favorite part of the Christmas story? Does it still fill you with wonder?
The superscript describes this as a Psalm David wrote as he fled from his son Absalom. I don't know about you, but I think that is just a sad title. To suffer a broken relationship with one of your kids, I don't know that hurt . . . yet (?). . . but worse, David's son wanted him dead. Wow!
I love the line and I know we have sung it, Ps 3.3, But, you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head. I pray right now, Lord will you lift the head of those persons who are devastated by the pain of a broken family relationship, in Jesus name.
Genesis 4
Another relationship gone bad, Cain and Abel. The Lord's question to Cain after he rejects Cain's sacrifice - If you do well will you not be accepted?- seems to imply Cain did not do well. Gift not given with right heart??? With arrogance, holding back, competing with Abel???
Compare events to Adam and Eve's sin in Gen 3 - God asks Where is Abel? like he asked Adam Where are you? References to hiding in both events; curses result from both sins; Cain leaves God's presence, like his parents were ejected from the Garden. Sin results in estrangement from God, frustration in work, wandering, broken family relationships.
Lamech appears to be first polygamist - Gen 4.19. What did God think about this? Is Lamech's demise connected to this sin.
Contrast line of Seth, they begin to call on name of Lord, verses Cain who went away from the Lord's presence.
1 Chronicles 4
More names. More son of's. Tribes of Judah and Simeon. I see prayer of Jabez tucked in here, 1 Chronicles 4.10. Good prayer - wasn't it Bruce Wilkerson wrote a very popular devotional book on this one verse? Simeon is a tribe that will be eventually assimilated into tribe of Judah. Perhaps that's why they are mentioned in this order.
Luke 2.1-21
This passage never gets old. It's magical, wondrous is probably a better word. The birth of Jesus. Hard not to hear the voice of Linus when we read Luke 2.8-14. What a joy it was to hear my 7 year old son read aloud this passage last week. V.20 is slightly confusing. Where were the shepherds returning to. To Jesus after telling others, or to their flocks?? Jesus like John also given the name provided by the angel, however the reverence to being conceived in the womb (by the HS) is a subtle reference to the superiority of Jesus' birth to John's and therefore the superiority of Jesus' person to John's. It's a theme you see throughout the first 3 chapters of Luke.
What's your favorite line in Psalm 3? What's your favorite part of the Christmas story? Does it still fill you with wonder?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The Fall, David's Descendants, Wise and Foolish Kings, and John Gets His Name
There are 4 parts to each day's reading in my plan:
Here's my Day 3 reading.
The Fall, Genesis 3
Big mistake. Big mistake every time we defy the commands of the Living God. Why didn't the talking snake tip them off that something was very wrong? Were all the animals talking? Was this Narnia like? Satan attacks by manipulating God's Word - tells Eve that God said don't touch the fruit - God didn't say that, a subtle lie aimed at twisting the truth. Interesting.
Note the chiasm, God questions Adam, then Eve, then curses serpent, then Eve, then Adam. Puts focus on center curse of serpent - Gen 3.15, the first gospel promise, "he shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel." This is Jesus!
I see Adam is questioned first. Affirms his authority and his responsibility. - He takes a pass - the woman you gave to be with me, she gave me the fruit of the tree and I ate it. Wimp! Adam blames Eve; Adam blames God. No repentance. What would have happened if Adam had repented here?
Adam and Eve made clothes from fig leaves, and later God made clothes from animal skin - suggests Adam and Eve couldn't cover their sin adequately, suggests blood had to be shed to cover sin.
Psalm 2, The Lord's Begotten Son
So who is the King here? David, David's Sons, Jesus, All three. I know this verse gets quoted in Hebrews.
Here's a great promise - Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.
1 Chronicles 3, David's Descendants
Lots of names. Don't get bogged down in lists. Many attempts to read through the Bible get derailed by lists like these in the beginning of Chronicles. Don't be lame and use these sections of the Bible to cop out on your commitment. Keep reading!
There are are always interesting little nuggets buried in these lists. What I thought was interesting here was the reference to Zerubbabel. He led Jews back to Jerusalem from Babylon during the Restoration Period after Cyrus the Great led the Persian Empire to victory over the Babylonians. Way to go Cyrus!
This tidbit of info tells us that this Book of Chronicles was written during/after the restoration period, or at least the contents of the book were collected and put together at this time. So what is the intent of the Chronicler in respect to the book's first readers?? To show the Lord's faithfulness to His promises to David, the Jews, through the period of Kings and Exile??
Luke 1, The Naming Of John, and Zechariah Is De-mutified
Yeah! - John the Baptist is born and his dad gets his voice back! Why did the people make signs to the Zeke? Was he deaf too, or did they assume because he couldn't speak he couldn't hear? John was prepared by the Lord in the wilderness for public ministry. Has the Lord at times placed me in a wilderness to prepare me for the work ahead?
Tell Me What You Think
Was Zechariah deaf as well as mute? What strikes you most about Genesis 3, and the Fall of Adam and Eve?
- Psalms and Wisdom Literature
- The Law and History of Israel
- Chronicles and the Prophets
- Gospel and Epistles.
Here's my Day 3 reading.
The Fall, Genesis 3
Big mistake. Big mistake every time we defy the commands of the Living God. Why didn't the talking snake tip them off that something was very wrong? Were all the animals talking? Was this Narnia like? Satan attacks by manipulating God's Word - tells Eve that God said don't touch the fruit - God didn't say that, a subtle lie aimed at twisting the truth. Interesting.
Note the chiasm, God questions Adam, then Eve, then curses serpent, then Eve, then Adam. Puts focus on center curse of serpent - Gen 3.15, the first gospel promise, "he shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel." This is Jesus!
I see Adam is questioned first. Affirms his authority and his responsibility. - He takes a pass - the woman you gave to be with me, she gave me the fruit of the tree and I ate it. Wimp! Adam blames Eve; Adam blames God. No repentance. What would have happened if Adam had repented here?
Adam and Eve made clothes from fig leaves, and later God made clothes from animal skin - suggests Adam and Eve couldn't cover their sin adequately, suggests blood had to be shed to cover sin.
Psalm 2, The Lord's Begotten Son
So who is the King here? David, David's Sons, Jesus, All three. I know this verse gets quoted in Hebrews.
Here's a great promise - Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.
1 Chronicles 3, David's Descendants
Lots of names. Don't get bogged down in lists. Many attempts to read through the Bible get derailed by lists like these in the beginning of Chronicles. Don't be lame and use these sections of the Bible to cop out on your commitment. Keep reading!
There are are always interesting little nuggets buried in these lists. What I thought was interesting here was the reference to Zerubbabel. He led Jews back to Jerusalem from Babylon during the Restoration Period after Cyrus the Great led the Persian Empire to victory over the Babylonians. Way to go Cyrus!
This tidbit of info tells us that this Book of Chronicles was written during/after the restoration period, or at least the contents of the book were collected and put together at this time. So what is the intent of the Chronicler in respect to the book's first readers?? To show the Lord's faithfulness to His promises to David, the Jews, through the period of Kings and Exile??
Luke 1, The Naming Of John, and Zechariah Is De-mutified
Yeah! - John the Baptist is born and his dad gets his voice back! Why did the people make signs to the Zeke? Was he deaf too, or did they assume because he couldn't speak he couldn't hear? John was prepared by the Lord in the wilderness for public ministry. Has the Lord at times placed me in a wilderness to prepare me for the work ahead?
Tell Me What You Think
Was Zechariah deaf as well as mute? What strikes you most about Genesis 3, and the Fall of Adam and Eve?
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