Today's Comments:
It is about 10 PM right now, and it is the day after Christmas. And all through my house, not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. I did see a squirrel in my back yard, the other day, but that doesn’t count, I guess. I do hope that each and every one who reads this message had a wonderful Christmas and will have a happy New Year, as well.
I just finished emptying the last remnants of my kitchen, since the remodeling crew will be here to begin work on Tuesday. I have a few things to remove after I unload the dishwasher, and some things to move out of my back bathroom, but I figure that if I get up a half hour earlier tomorrow, that will all get done before I leave for my adventure in Israel. In the meantime, it is my intent (although, I cannot give a firm promise) to journal in my blog, if I find time and can get a connection.
Please pray for our safety and that this time of travel will bring all of us 42 Talbot students and staff closer to God, as we walk where Jesus Christ walked so many years ago.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Today's Verses:
Isaiah 52:7-10
Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12)
John 1:1-14
Psalm 98
O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Today's Comments: Today is Christmas, and I think that it would be inappropriate to discuss, as I usually do, Ken Copeland's Bible verse of the day, since it does not even mention the Christmas Story or the Birth of Christ. Instead, I have included links above to the Revised Common Lectionary, which we use during the Christmas Day service.
You may notice, however, that the Gospel does not discuss the Christmas story in the sense that we usually hear it. The Gospel reading, instead, is from the first chapter of John's Gospel. Most people would prefer to hear Luke's account of the Nativity of our Lord (Chapter 2, Verses 1-20). The Revised Common Lectionary gives us that option, if we so wish to use it. But John's Gospel, in my opinion, was more relevant to the sermon that I preached this morning. I say that, because, although Luke's Gospel chronicles the events of our Lord's birth, John's Gospel explains why Jesus came. And, I felt that it was more appropriate for the content of my sermon.
My Christmas Day Sermon:
GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! The Old Testament lesson announces the return of God to His Temple in Jerusalem. But this time, God does not come to His people as a pillar of fire or a cloud. As both the Epistle and Gospel tell us clearly, our God came to us in human form and for a period of 33 years, or so, ministered to us and brought us salvation.
There are several things that are, of course, remarkable about the events of Christmas. If you think about it, although, as the psalm reminds us, it is a time of joy and celebration, we can also find it to be a time of contrast and anomaly.
For example, consider the location and circumstances. Who could ever imagine a king, much less our God incarnate, being born in a stable with a manger for a bed? Isn’t a manger a trough for feeding animals? Kings are born in palaces, aren’t they? And why Bethlehem? Why Israel? There were bigger and much more powerful nations, and the biggest was Rome from which the great Roman Empire now ruled Israel. And Bethlehem? It was only 6-1/2 miles away from Jerusalem. So, why not Jerusalem, or even Rome?
And then, there are the shepherds. Don’t we read that it was the shepherds in the fields to whom the angels first announced the birth of Jesus? Aren’t the princes and kings of the land more important than just plain old shepherds? Well, I guess that if we count the Wise Men, then at least three kings got the word, too. Unfortunately, Herod did, as well. And he ordered the newborns in his kingdom up to the age of two, slaughtered.
And then, there is the country, itself. Israel? I unfolded and hung a six foot map of Israel from the pulpit.
We are talking about a country in that day of not much more than 6,000 square miles. It is a country of mountains, valleys, and crooked roads either running through valleys or along mountain ridges. Compared to the size of California, which is almost 164,000 square miles, we are talking about a country which is a little more than one-fifth the size of California. The North/South distance, from Dan to Beersheba, the original length of the promised land given to Joshua and the twelve tribes of Israel, was barely 150 miles. Its widest point was only 85 miles. And, the distance is only about 120 miles from either Nazareth or Capernaum to Jerusalem. In fact, if we think about all this, we can easily deduce that, if we exclude Jesus’ travels as a child from Egypt to Nazareth, the longest distance that Jesus walked, from one place to another during His adult ministry, was probably about the distance of from here to San Diego.
And yet out of such small beginnings, out of such a small nation, and out of such a small city came such great things. Why? How?
God had a plan. And that plan had been unfolding from the beginning of time. Isaiah prophesied the events of that plan, and John explained them. But, the fulfillment of that plan did not come with just the birth of a baby that Christmas morning. It came with the death of Jesus Christ, both man and God, on a cross for our sins and His resurrection from the dead. It was the birth of that helpless little child on that Christmas morning and the death and resurrection of that man, and Son of God, Jesus Christ, that would send shock waves through the world so that, even today, the world shudders in amazement how such a tiny baby, born in such a tiny country, in such a small town, could have such great impact.
Most people that I know, think that Israel is much bigger than it really is. And yet, although it is small in size, this tiny country bridges two continents, Asia and Africa. And, its position on the Mediterranean gives it shipping access to Greece, Turkey, and other European nations, including Rome. Whoever controlled the trade routes through Israel could control commercial access to the whole world of that time. Solomon’s reign demonstrated that. The Romans understood that. We also understand that Israel was the nation of God’s chosen people and that He had given them the land to make them the most powerful kingdom on earth, but exiled them during their apostasy, and then returned them to the land, only for them to renew that apostasy. Yet, despite all this, God would not abandon His people, but would fulfill His plan for them by sending His son to live among them, and then to die for their sins.
When Isaiah, in Chapter 40 promised comfort for God’s people, he was specifically describing the country of Israel when he wrote:
1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the LORD’s hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
That voice crying in the wilderness was John the Baptist.
Isaiah’s prophesy clearly describes the lack of straight highways and level places in Israel.
And yet, the good news would spread, along all those winding roads through both hill and valley.
This was prophesy, not just for kings, but for God’s people. You didn’t have to be a king or a prince to get the picture. This was a prophecy for the shepherds. The good news of the savior’s birth would spread through them to the common people, as well as to the kings. And, in another thirty-three years, the good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ would begin to spread from Jerusalem to Judah, and then to the rest of the world, even to the world in which we live today.
On Good Shepherd Sunday, I talked about what it was like to be a shepherd. The shepherds were one of the most important groups of people in Israel. We know that shepherds watched their flocks of sheep. We know that they were nomads and often traveled great distances. We also know that shepherds were important in the commerce of Israel. Sheep provided wool for clothing and meat for eating. Ironically, shepherds were under Rabbinic ban, because their isolated lifestyle prevented them from strict observance of the Jewish law. Yet many of the sheep that they watched were destined for sacrifice in the temple. And, without these same shepherds, proper temple sacrifice would be impossible.
Shepherds were also a trusted group. How could you not trust someone who was willing to give up his life for the animals that they tended? As a class, they were widely respected, and many people tended sheep either part time or full time, so there was a certain amount of general identification with this group. Consequently, who else might God better choose to spread the good news of the birth of His Son to all God’s people? Especially since the shepherd was the model of Jesus Christ’s ministry in the world. And what would be more apt than the Good Shepherd, himself, Jesus Christ, that helpless baby, laying in the manger where the sheep would normally feed, being worshiped and adored and watched by shepherds. The lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world, appropriately loved and honored by those shepherds of lambs. And one day, like so many of those lambs that those shepherds watched, this little lamb, helpless in the manger, watched over by those shepherds, would, himself, be destined for sacrifice.
The message of Christmas is that our God humbled Himself for us and took human form. He did so, not because he needed our love and devotion, but because He loves us and was willing be born for the purpose of death on a cross.
As your Deacon, I am especially reminded of this fact every time that we celebrate the Eucharist. As you know, or may have observed, one of the Deacon’s primary duties is to set the table for Communion. That includes pouring the wine and water into the chalices. After the priest blesses the water, and as the Deacon pours the water, it is customary for the Deacon to recite the following prayer, “by the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.” It is precisely this day that, at least for this Deacon, these words take on such special meaning. As I pour the water into the wine, I can’t imagine a picture of greater humility than our God as a helpless baby, lying in that manger. And so, may we, as we partake of the Blessed Sacrament that was instituted by Our Lord Jesus Christ, remember that little baby on that wonderful Christmas morning, and because of His sacrifice, may we share in His divinity as we experience the real presence of our Lord in the sacrament.
You may notice, however, that the Gospel does not discuss the Christmas story in the sense that we usually hear it. The Gospel reading, instead, is from the first chapter of John's Gospel. Most people would prefer to hear Luke's account of the Nativity of our Lord (Chapter 2, Verses 1-20). The Revised Common Lectionary gives us that option, if we so wish to use it. But John's Gospel, in my opinion, was more relevant to the sermon that I preached this morning. I say that, because, although Luke's Gospel chronicles the events of our Lord's birth, John's Gospel explains why Jesus came. And, I felt that it was more appropriate for the content of my sermon.
My Christmas Day Sermon:
GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! The Old Testament lesson announces the return of God to His Temple in Jerusalem. But this time, God does not come to His people as a pillar of fire or a cloud. As both the Epistle and Gospel tell us clearly, our God came to us in human form and for a period of 33 years, or so, ministered to us and brought us salvation.
There are several things that are, of course, remarkable about the events of Christmas. If you think about it, although, as the psalm reminds us, it is a time of joy and celebration, we can also find it to be a time of contrast and anomaly.
For example, consider the location and circumstances. Who could ever imagine a king, much less our God incarnate, being born in a stable with a manger for a bed? Isn’t a manger a trough for feeding animals? Kings are born in palaces, aren’t they? And why Bethlehem? Why Israel? There were bigger and much more powerful nations, and the biggest was Rome from which the great Roman Empire now ruled Israel. And Bethlehem? It was only 6-1/2 miles away from Jerusalem. So, why not Jerusalem, or even Rome?
And then, there are the shepherds. Don’t we read that it was the shepherds in the fields to whom the angels first announced the birth of Jesus? Aren’t the princes and kings of the land more important than just plain old shepherds? Well, I guess that if we count the Wise Men, then at least three kings got the word, too. Unfortunately, Herod did, as well. And he ordered the newborns in his kingdom up to the age of two, slaughtered.
And then, there is the country, itself. Israel? I unfolded and hung a six foot map of Israel from the pulpit.
We are talking about a country in that day of not much more than 6,000 square miles. It is a country of mountains, valleys, and crooked roads either running through valleys or along mountain ridges. Compared to the size of California, which is almost 164,000 square miles, we are talking about a country which is a little more than one-fifth the size of California. The North/South distance, from Dan to Beersheba, the original length of the promised land given to Joshua and the twelve tribes of Israel, was barely 150 miles. Its widest point was only 85 miles. And, the distance is only about 120 miles from either Nazareth or Capernaum to Jerusalem. In fact, if we think about all this, we can easily deduce that, if we exclude Jesus’ travels as a child from Egypt to Nazareth, the longest distance that Jesus walked, from one place to another during His adult ministry, was probably about the distance of from here to San Diego.
And yet out of such small beginnings, out of such a small nation, and out of such a small city came such great things. Why? How?
God had a plan. And that plan had been unfolding from the beginning of time. Isaiah prophesied the events of that plan, and John explained them. But, the fulfillment of that plan did not come with just the birth of a baby that Christmas morning. It came with the death of Jesus Christ, both man and God, on a cross for our sins and His resurrection from the dead. It was the birth of that helpless little child on that Christmas morning and the death and resurrection of that man, and Son of God, Jesus Christ, that would send shock waves through the world so that, even today, the world shudders in amazement how such a tiny baby, born in such a tiny country, in such a small town, could have such great impact.
Most people that I know, think that Israel is much bigger than it really is. And yet, although it is small in size, this tiny country bridges two continents, Asia and Africa. And, its position on the Mediterranean gives it shipping access to Greece, Turkey, and other European nations, including Rome. Whoever controlled the trade routes through Israel could control commercial access to the whole world of that time. Solomon’s reign demonstrated that. The Romans understood that. We also understand that Israel was the nation of God’s chosen people and that He had given them the land to make them the most powerful kingdom on earth, but exiled them during their apostasy, and then returned them to the land, only for them to renew that apostasy. Yet, despite all this, God would not abandon His people, but would fulfill His plan for them by sending His son to live among them, and then to die for their sins.
When Isaiah, in Chapter 40 promised comfort for God’s people, he was specifically describing the country of Israel when he wrote:
1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the LORD’s hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
That voice crying in the wilderness was John the Baptist.
Isaiah’s prophesy clearly describes the lack of straight highways and level places in Israel.
And yet, the good news would spread, along all those winding roads through both hill and valley.
This was prophesy, not just for kings, but for God’s people. You didn’t have to be a king or a prince to get the picture. This was a prophecy for the shepherds. The good news of the savior’s birth would spread through them to the common people, as well as to the kings. And, in another thirty-three years, the good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ would begin to spread from Jerusalem to Judah, and then to the rest of the world, even to the world in which we live today.
On Good Shepherd Sunday, I talked about what it was like to be a shepherd. The shepherds were one of the most important groups of people in Israel. We know that shepherds watched their flocks of sheep. We know that they were nomads and often traveled great distances. We also know that shepherds were important in the commerce of Israel. Sheep provided wool for clothing and meat for eating. Ironically, shepherds were under Rabbinic ban, because their isolated lifestyle prevented them from strict observance of the Jewish law. Yet many of the sheep that they watched were destined for sacrifice in the temple. And, without these same shepherds, proper temple sacrifice would be impossible.
Shepherds were also a trusted group. How could you not trust someone who was willing to give up his life for the animals that they tended? As a class, they were widely respected, and many people tended sheep either part time or full time, so there was a certain amount of general identification with this group. Consequently, who else might God better choose to spread the good news of the birth of His Son to all God’s people? Especially since the shepherd was the model of Jesus Christ’s ministry in the world. And what would be more apt than the Good Shepherd, himself, Jesus Christ, that helpless baby, laying in the manger where the sheep would normally feed, being worshiped and adored and watched by shepherds. The lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world, appropriately loved and honored by those shepherds of lambs. And one day, like so many of those lambs that those shepherds watched, this little lamb, helpless in the manger, watched over by those shepherds, would, himself, be destined for sacrifice.
The message of Christmas is that our God humbled Himself for us and took human form. He did so, not because he needed our love and devotion, but because He loves us and was willing be born for the purpose of death on a cross.
As your Deacon, I am especially reminded of this fact every time that we celebrate the Eucharist. As you know, or may have observed, one of the Deacon’s primary duties is to set the table for Communion. That includes pouring the wine and water into the chalices. After the priest blesses the water, and as the Deacon pours the water, it is customary for the Deacon to recite the following prayer, “by the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.” It is precisely this day that, at least for this Deacon, these words take on such special meaning. As I pour the water into the wine, I can’t imagine a picture of greater humility than our God as a helpless baby, lying in that manger. And so, may we, as we partake of the Blessed Sacrament that was instituted by Our Lord Jesus Christ, remember that little baby on that wonderful Christmas morning, and because of His sacrifice, may we share in His divinity as we experience the real presence of our Lord in the sacrament.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Today's Verse: 2 Kings 7:3-5 (ESV)
The Syrians Flee
3 Now there were four men who were lepers3 iat the entrance to the gate. And they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘Let us enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us we shall but die.” 5 So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no one there.
3 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
i [Lev. 13:46]
The scene, of course, is Samaria, where Ben hadad, King of Syria had laid siege to the land. The king of Israel had blamed Elisha the Prophet for the situation, rather than the apostasy of Israel, which had continued after the death of Ahab, through his successors. It was the sin of the continued worship of Baal that had caused the problem, not Elisha. When Elisha was confronted, he promised that the next day the famine would end. Although not believed, God caused the Arameans to panic and leave. In the meantime, the four lepers had decided to surrender to the Syrians, but found that their camp had been abandoned.
Today's Comments: The point of this lesson is that, even in their apostasy, Elisha showed Israel that God was still with them. And, even in our apostasy, God will still be with us. He will look for those, like Elisha, who will believe and do God's will and will work through them. God does not expect our perfection. Instead, he expects our repentance. He loves us enough to forgive us. We just have to ask for it.
The Syrians Flee
3 Now there were four men who were lepers3 iat the entrance to the gate. And they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘Let us enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us we shall but die.” 5 So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no one there.
3 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
i [Lev. 13:46]
The scene, of course, is Samaria, where Ben hadad, King of Syria had laid siege to the land. The king of Israel had blamed Elisha the Prophet for the situation, rather than the apostasy of Israel, which had continued after the death of Ahab, through his successors. It was the sin of the continued worship of Baal that had caused the problem, not Elisha. When Elisha was confronted, he promised that the next day the famine would end. Although not believed, God caused the Arameans to panic and leave. In the meantime, the four lepers had decided to surrender to the Syrians, but found that their camp had been abandoned.
Today's Comments: The point of this lesson is that, even in their apostasy, Elisha showed Israel that God was still with them. And, even in our apostasy, God will still be with us. He will look for those, like Elisha, who will believe and do God's will and will work through them. God does not expect our perfection. Instead, he expects our repentance. He loves us enough to forgive us. We just have to ask for it.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Today's Verse: 2 Timothy 1:6-9 (ESV)
6 For this reason I remind you nto fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us oa spirit not of fear but pof power and love and self-control. 8 Therefore qdo not be ashamed of rthe testimony about our Lord, nor of sme his prisoner, but tshare in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 uwho saved us and vcalled us to1 a holy calling, wnot because of our works but because of vhis own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus xbefore the ages began,2
n 1 Tim. 4:14; [1 Thess. 5:19]
o Rom. 8:15; [John 14:27; Rev. 21:8]
p Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8
q See Mark 8:38
r See 1 Cor. 1:6
s [ver. 16]; See Eph. 3:1
t ch. 2:3, 9; 4:5
u 1 Tim. 1:1; Titus 3:4
v [Heb. 3:1]; See Rom. 8:28
1 Or with
w Titus 3:5; See Rom. 3:27
v [Heb. 3:1]; See Rom. 8:28
x Titus 1:2; [Rom. 16:25]; See Eph. 1:4
2 Greek before times eternal
It is, of course obvious that Paul is writing this letter to Timothy from a prison cell. We also know that Timothy is spiritually gifted, but that he also is somewhat timid in his approach to his ministry. We also know that sometimes God's leaders were required to suffer for the Gospel. Therefore, Paul chose, at this time to light the proverbial fire under the behind of this new minister to bolster both his confidence and, perhaps, to minimize Timothy's apprehension.
Today's Comments: I think that, sometimes, God lights the proverbial fire under our behinds by giving us challenges of adversity that sometimes we must meet. We learn in such instances that we are not always able to rely on ourselves, but we must call on the Holy Spirit to help us in such situations. We must call down the fire that will spur us onward and upward toward the calling that God gives to us.
O for a faith that will not shrink
tho pressed by many a foe,
that will not tremble on the brink
of any earthly woe.
That will not murmur nor complain
beneath the chast’ning rod,
but in the hour of grief or pain
will lean upon its God.
A faith that shines more bright and clear
when tempests rage without,
that, when in danger, knows no fear,
in darkness feels no doubt.
Lord, give me such a faith as this,
and then, whate’er may come,
I’ll taste e’en now the hallowed bliss
of an eternal home.
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 321
Poem of the Week:
by Beverly Caruso
He sends a message
On soft summers breeze.
My dear Jesus speaks to me
Through rustling trees.
As I stand on glorious peaks
Of mountainous terrain
A mountain where before the world's foundation
God staked out his claim.
This mighty mountain in the sky;
God proclaimed.
"One day Salvation
Will be your name."
Lift me higher, lift me higher,
My Jewish roots cry out.
To another mountain
Where a spear went through my Savior's heart.
"Yeshua," my Saviour,
My soul cries out his name.
"SEND DOWN THE FIRE"
From where Abraham first heard your name.
6 For this reason I remind you nto fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us oa spirit not of fear but pof power and love and self-control. 8 Therefore qdo not be ashamed of rthe testimony about our Lord, nor of sme his prisoner, but tshare in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 uwho saved us and vcalled us to1 a holy calling, wnot because of our works but because of vhis own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus xbefore the ages began,2
n 1 Tim. 4:14; [1 Thess. 5:19]
o Rom. 8:15; [John 14:27; Rev. 21:8]
p Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8
q See Mark 8:38
r See 1 Cor. 1:6
s [ver. 16]; See Eph. 3:1
t ch. 2:3, 9; 4:5
u 1 Tim. 1:1; Titus 3:4
v [Heb. 3:1]; See Rom. 8:28
1 Or with
w Titus 3:5; See Rom. 3:27
v [Heb. 3:1]; See Rom. 8:28
x Titus 1:2; [Rom. 16:25]; See Eph. 1:4
2 Greek before times eternal
It is, of course obvious that Paul is writing this letter to Timothy from a prison cell. We also know that Timothy is spiritually gifted, but that he also is somewhat timid in his approach to his ministry. We also know that sometimes God's leaders were required to suffer for the Gospel. Therefore, Paul chose, at this time to light the proverbial fire under the behind of this new minister to bolster both his confidence and, perhaps, to minimize Timothy's apprehension.
Today's Comments: I think that, sometimes, God lights the proverbial fire under our behinds by giving us challenges of adversity that sometimes we must meet. We learn in such instances that we are not always able to rely on ourselves, but we must call on the Holy Spirit to help us in such situations. We must call down the fire that will spur us onward and upward toward the calling that God gives to us.
O for a faith that will not shrink
tho pressed by many a foe,
that will not tremble on the brink
of any earthly woe.
That will not murmur nor complain
beneath the chast’ning rod,
but in the hour of grief or pain
will lean upon its God.
A faith that shines more bright and clear
when tempests rage without,
that, when in danger, knows no fear,
in darkness feels no doubt.
Lord, give me such a faith as this,
and then, whate’er may come,
I’ll taste e’en now the hallowed bliss
of an eternal home.
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 321
Poem of the Week:
SEND DOWN THE FIRE
by Beverly CarusoHe sends a message
On soft summers breeze.
My dear Jesus speaks to me
Through rustling trees.
As I stand on glorious peaks
Of mountainous terrain
A mountain where before the world's foundation
God staked out his claim.
This mighty mountain in the sky;
God proclaimed.
"One day Salvation
Will be your name."
Lift me higher, lift me higher,
My Jewish roots cry out.
To another mountain
Where a spear went through my Savior's heart.
"Yeshua," my Saviour,
My soul cries out his name.
"SEND DOWN THE FIRE"
From where Abraham first heard your name.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Today's Verse: Proverbs 17:8 (ESV)
yA bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;
wherever he turns he prospers.
y ver. 23; ch. 18:16; 19:6; 21:14; [Ex. 23:8; Isa. 1:23; Amos 5:12]
According to Matthew Henry, those who have money assume that they can do anything with it. It is a magic stone that gives them power and influence. This verse is not suggesting that we resort to bribery. It is only stating what exists in the real world. It is observational in nature.
Today's Comments: This section of the Book of Proverbs deals with issues that involve wicked people. Bribery is one of those issues. Such people are fixed on their own corruption and themselves rather than upon true wisdom. Solomon was, when he wrote this verse, describing his world, as it was, and as it still is.
yA bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;
wherever he turns he prospers.
y ver. 23; ch. 18:16; 19:6; 21:14; [Ex. 23:8; Isa. 1:23; Amos 5:12]
According to Matthew Henry, those who have money assume that they can do anything with it. It is a magic stone that gives them power and influence. This verse is not suggesting that we resort to bribery. It is only stating what exists in the real world. It is observational in nature.
Today's Comments: This section of the Book of Proverbs deals with issues that involve wicked people. Bribery is one of those issues. Such people are fixed on their own corruption and themselves rather than upon true wisdom. Solomon was, when he wrote this verse, describing his world, as it was, and as it still is.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Today's Verse: Titus 3:3-7 (ESV)
3 For cwe ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when dthe goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, enot because of works done by us in righteousness, but faccording to his own mercy, by gthe washing of regeneration and hrenewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he ipoured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that jbeing justified by his grace we might become kheirs laccording to the hope of eternal life.
c See 1 Cor. 6:11
d See Rom. 2:4
e See Rom. 3:27
f Eph. 2:4; 1 Pet. 1:3
g See John 3:5; 1 Cor. 6:11; 1 Pet. 3:21
h See Rom. 12:2
i Joel 2:28; Acts 2:33; 10:45; Rom. 5:5
j ch. 2:11
k Rom. 8:17
l See ch. 1:2
The Bible Readers Companion tells us that these verses remind us what happens when we accept Christ. We are reborn and renewed spiritually, and we are totally forgiven for our past sins. We become adopted heirs and given the promise of eternal life.
Today's Comments: I think that sometimes we forget what being a Christian really means. I am in the process of writing my Christmas Day sermon. From such small beginnings came such great things. And this particular verse, in Paul's pastoral letter to Titus should remind us what it truly means to be a Christian and why we celebrate Christmas.
Hymn of the Day:
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
greater than all my sin;
how shall my tongue describe it,
where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
setting my spirit free,
for the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
reaching to all the lost,
by it I have been pardoned,
saved to the uttermost;
chains have been torn asunder,
giving me liberty,
for the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
reaching the most defiled,
by its transforming power making
him God’s dear child,
purchasing peace and heaven
for all eternity—
and the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Chorus:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
higher than the mountain,
sparkling like a fountain,
all sufficient grace for even me;
broader than the scope of my transgressions,
greater far than all my sin and shame;
O magnify the precious name of Jesus,
praise His name!
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 174
3 For cwe ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when dthe goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, enot because of works done by us in righteousness, but faccording to his own mercy, by gthe washing of regeneration and hrenewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he ipoured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that jbeing justified by his grace we might become kheirs laccording to the hope of eternal life.
c See 1 Cor. 6:11
d See Rom. 2:4
e See Rom. 3:27
f Eph. 2:4; 1 Pet. 1:3
g See John 3:5; 1 Cor. 6:11; 1 Pet. 3:21
h See Rom. 12:2
i Joel 2:28; Acts 2:33; 10:45; Rom. 5:5
j ch. 2:11
k Rom. 8:17
l See ch. 1:2
The Bible Readers Companion tells us that these verses remind us what happens when we accept Christ. We are reborn and renewed spiritually, and we are totally forgiven for our past sins. We become adopted heirs and given the promise of eternal life.
Today's Comments: I think that sometimes we forget what being a Christian really means. I am in the process of writing my Christmas Day sermon. From such small beginnings came such great things. And this particular verse, in Paul's pastoral letter to Titus should remind us what it truly means to be a Christian and why we celebrate Christmas.
Hymn of the Day:
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
greater than all my sin;
how shall my tongue describe it,
where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
setting my spirit free,
for the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
reaching to all the lost,
by it I have been pardoned,
saved to the uttermost;
chains have been torn asunder,
giving me liberty,
for the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
reaching the most defiled,
by its transforming power making
him God’s dear child,
purchasing peace and heaven
for all eternity—
and the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Chorus:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
higher than the mountain,
sparkling like a fountain,
all sufficient grace for even me;
broader than the scope of my transgressions,
greater far than all my sin and shame;
O magnify the precious name of Jesus,
praise His name!
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 174
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Today's Verse: Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
rdo not be anxious about anything, sbut in everything by prayer and supplication twith thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
r See Matt. 6:25
s [Prov. 16:3]
t See Rom. 1:8
The New Testament, and especially Paul's Epistle to the Philippians, makes it clear that Jesus is a source of joy to us. That joy has nothing to do with what goes on outside of us. It is internal and the result of the Holy Spirit which dwells within. While we care about the things that we pray for, we should also remember that God cares for those things as much, if not more, than we do.
Today's Comments: Does the passage above mean that we are called to a carefree life? I think not. Gnosticism was one of the big heresies of the early Christian Church. Gnostics taught that the body doesn't matter. One could live in whatever way that they wanted, as long as he or she knew the special secrets of Gnostic thought. We can care for the people for whom we pray. But we also should trust that God knows what he is doing for them. Where worry gets in our way is when it interferes with our trust in God.
Also note that the passage mentions not only prayer, but supplication and thanksgiving, as well. Right praying involves all three. We should pray in adoration, earnestly sharing our concerns with God. Finally, we should show our appreciation for God and what He does in our lives and the lives of others. Anxiety and worry get us nowhere. Faith and Trust of God does.
Hymn of the Day:
If the world from you withhold
of its silver and its gold,
and you have to get along with meager fare,
just remember, in His word,
how He feeds the little bird—
Take your burden to the Lord
and leave it there.
If your body suffers pain
and your health you can’t regain,
and your soul is almost sinking in despair;
Jesus knows the pain you feel;
He can save and He can heal—
Take your burden to the Lord
and leave it there.
When your enemies assail
and your heart begins to fail,
don’t forget that God in heaven answers prayer;
He will make a way for you
and will lead you safely thru—
Take your burden to the Lord
and leave it there.
When your youthful days are gone
and old age is stealing on,
and your body bends beneath the weight of care,
He will never leave you then;
He’ll go with you to the end—
Take your burden to the Lord
and leave it there.
Chorus: Leave it there, leave it there;
take your burden to the Lord
and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt,
He will surely bring you out—
Take your burden to the Lord
and leave it there.
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 218
rdo not be anxious about anything, sbut in everything by prayer and supplication twith thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
r See Matt. 6:25
s [Prov. 16:3]
t See Rom. 1:8
The New Testament, and especially Paul's Epistle to the Philippians, makes it clear that Jesus is a source of joy to us. That joy has nothing to do with what goes on outside of us. It is internal and the result of the Holy Spirit which dwells within. While we care about the things that we pray for, we should also remember that God cares for those things as much, if not more, than we do.
Today's Comments: Does the passage above mean that we are called to a carefree life? I think not. Gnosticism was one of the big heresies of the early Christian Church. Gnostics taught that the body doesn't matter. One could live in whatever way that they wanted, as long as he or she knew the special secrets of Gnostic thought. We can care for the people for whom we pray. But we also should trust that God knows what he is doing for them. Where worry gets in our way is when it interferes with our trust in God.
Also note that the passage mentions not only prayer, but supplication and thanksgiving, as well. Right praying involves all three. We should pray in adoration, earnestly sharing our concerns with God. Finally, we should show our appreciation for God and what He does in our lives and the lives of others. Anxiety and worry get us nowhere. Faith and Trust of God does.
Hymn of the Day:
If the world from you withhold
of its silver and its gold,
and you have to get along with meager fare,
just remember, in His word,
how He feeds the little bird—
Take your burden to the Lord
and leave it there.
If your body suffers pain
and your health you can’t regain,
and your soul is almost sinking in despair;
Jesus knows the pain you feel;
He can save and He can heal—
Take your burden to the Lord
and leave it there.
When your enemies assail
and your heart begins to fail,
don’t forget that God in heaven answers prayer;
He will make a way for you
and will lead you safely thru—
Take your burden to the Lord
and leave it there.
When your youthful days are gone
and old age is stealing on,
and your body bends beneath the weight of care,
He will never leave you then;
He’ll go with you to the end—
Take your burden to the Lord
and leave it there.
Chorus: Leave it there, leave it there;
take your burden to the Lord
and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt,
He will surely bring you out—
Take your burden to the Lord
and leave it there.
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 218
Friday, December 18, 2009
Today's Verse: Ephesians 6:14-15 (ESV)
14 Stand therefore, rhaving fastened on the belt of truth, and shaving put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, tas shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
r 1 Pet. 1:13; [Isa. 11:5]; See Luke 12:35
s Isa. 59:17; 1 Thess. 5:8; [Isa. 61:10; 2 Cor. 6:7]
t Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:15; [Ex. 12:11]
The Teacher's Commentary reminds us that Paul concluded his Epistle to the Ephesians by reminding them of Satan's active struggle against God and our part in it. Satan tries to use his power to stand between us and God. His tactics include bringing dissension and corruption into the family. God, on the other hand, gives us tools to withstand Satan's attacks.
Hymn of the Day:
Soldiers of Christ, arise
and put your armor on,
strong in the strength which God supplies
thru His eternal Son;
strong in the Lord of hosts
and in His mighty pow’r:
Who in the strength of Jesus trusts
is more than conqueror.
Stand then in His great might,
with all His strength endued,
and take, to arm you for the fight,
the panoply of God;
that having all things done,
and all your conflicts past,
ye may o’ercome thru Christ alone
and stand entire at last.
Leave no unguarded place,
no weakness of the soul;
take ev’ry virtue, ev’ry grace,
and fortify the whole.
From strength to strength go on;
Wrestle and fight and pray;
tread all the pow’rs of darkness down
and win the well-fought day.
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 317
14 Stand therefore, rhaving fastened on the belt of truth, and shaving put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, tas shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
r 1 Pet. 1:13; [Isa. 11:5]; See Luke 12:35
s Isa. 59:17; 1 Thess. 5:8; [Isa. 61:10; 2 Cor. 6:7]
t Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:15; [Ex. 12:11]
The Teacher's Commentary reminds us that Paul concluded his Epistle to the Ephesians by reminding them of Satan's active struggle against God and our part in it. Satan tries to use his power to stand between us and God. His tactics include bringing dissension and corruption into the family. God, on the other hand, gives us tools to withstand Satan's attacks.
- The belt of truth means that we are open and honest with each other.
- The breastplate of righteousness means that we shun immorality of any sort.
- Our feet being fitted with the Gospel of peace means that we are grounded in the Gospel and that grounding allows us reconciliation with God, who grants us His peace, which, through the Holy Spirit, holds us together in unity.
- We are no longer open and honest with each other. Schism and heresy divide the church, and instead of working out problems among its own members, the church leaders, in defiance of scripture, seek remedy in the courts instead of in God.
- Sexual immorality runs rampant, not only in the members but in the leaders, while they ignore everything that the Bible says about the sins of homosexual behavior.
- The Episcopal Church is no longer grounded in the Gospel. Instead, justice without love is preached, and those who preach it seek to minimize or even remove those who disagree with them. Thus, we can no longer have the Peace of God which leads to unity.
Hymn of the Day:
Soldiers of Christ, arise
and put your armor on,
strong in the strength which God supplies
thru His eternal Son;
strong in the Lord of hosts
and in His mighty pow’r:
Who in the strength of Jesus trusts
is more than conqueror.
Stand then in His great might,
with all His strength endued,
and take, to arm you for the fight,
the panoply of God;
that having all things done,
and all your conflicts past,
ye may o’ercome thru Christ alone
and stand entire at last.
Leave no unguarded place,
no weakness of the soul;
take ev’ry virtue, ev’ry grace,
and fortify the whole.
From strength to strength go on;
Wrestle and fight and pray;
tread all the pow’rs of darkness down
and win the well-fought day.
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 317
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Today's Verse: Psalm 112:1,7 (ESV)
1 hPraise the Lord!
iBlessed is the man who fears the Lord,
who jgreatly delights in his commandments!
7 He is not tafraid of bad news;
his uheart is firm, vtrusting in the Lord.
1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each line beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet
h See Ps. 104:35
i Ps. 128:1, 4; [Ps. 111:10; 115:13]
j See Ps. 1:2
t Prov. 1:33
u Ps. 57:7
v Ps. 11:1; 64:10
The summary of what this Psalm is saying is that whoever fears the Lord and delights in His Law is blessed (cf. 1:1-2). True fear of God produces honor, respect, obedience, and happiness, as well as trust in the Lord.
Today's Comments: If we fear the Lord and trust in Him, then we will not sweat the small things. We were talking about this during our Bible study of Paul's Epistle to the Philippians. Sometimes we fail to give things to God that we should, and we spend time worrying that we could use for more productive things, like prayer and helping our neighbors. Paul talks about the Peace of God which surpasses all understanding. Here was a man who was writing a letter from the worst place one could think of--- a Roman Prison. Paul didn't, however, worry. He had given his worries to the Lord and, in return for his fear and a firm heart, trusting in the Lord, he was given that Peace of God, even in that jail cell.
Hymn of the Day:
No one understands like Jesus.
He’s a friend beyond compare;
meet Him at the throne of mercy;
He is waiting for you there.
No one understands like Jesus;
ev’ry woe He sees and feels;
tenderly He whispers comfort,
and the broken heart He heals.
No one understands like Jesus
when the foes of life assail;
you should never be discouraged;
Jesus cares and will not fail.
No one understands like Jesus
when you falter on the way;
tho you fail Him, sadly fail Him,
He will pardon you today.
Refrain: No one understands like Jesus
when the days are dark and grim;
no one is so near, so dear as Jesus—
Cast your ev’ry care on Him.
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 209
1 hPraise the Lord!
iBlessed is the man who fears the Lord,
who jgreatly delights in his commandments!
7 He is not tafraid of bad news;
his uheart is firm, vtrusting in the Lord.
1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each line beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet
h See Ps. 104:35
i Ps. 128:1, 4; [Ps. 111:10; 115:13]
j See Ps. 1:2
t Prov. 1:33
u Ps. 57:7
v Ps. 11:1; 64:10
The summary of what this Psalm is saying is that whoever fears the Lord and delights in His Law is blessed (cf. 1:1-2). True fear of God produces honor, respect, obedience, and happiness, as well as trust in the Lord.
Today's Comments: If we fear the Lord and trust in Him, then we will not sweat the small things. We were talking about this during our Bible study of Paul's Epistle to the Philippians. Sometimes we fail to give things to God that we should, and we spend time worrying that we could use for more productive things, like prayer and helping our neighbors. Paul talks about the Peace of God which surpasses all understanding. Here was a man who was writing a letter from the worst place one could think of--- a Roman Prison. Paul didn't, however, worry. He had given his worries to the Lord and, in return for his fear and a firm heart, trusting in the Lord, he was given that Peace of God, even in that jail cell.
Hymn of the Day:
No one understands like Jesus.
He’s a friend beyond compare;
meet Him at the throne of mercy;
He is waiting for you there.
No one understands like Jesus;
ev’ry woe He sees and feels;
tenderly He whispers comfort,
and the broken heart He heals.
No one understands like Jesus
when the foes of life assail;
you should never be discouraged;
Jesus cares and will not fail.
No one understands like Jesus
when you falter on the way;
tho you fail Him, sadly fail Him,
He will pardon you today.
Refrain: No one understands like Jesus
when the days are dark and grim;
no one is so near, so dear as Jesus—
Cast your ev’ry care on Him.
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 209
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Today's Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:2 (ESV)
For wone who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
w ver. 18–23, 27, 28
Paul uses this passage to compare the spiritual gifts of prophecy and speaking in tongues. According to The Teacher's Commentary, while speaking in tongues was a common occurrence in the church, even the person who was doing the speaking did not understand what he or she was saying. Consequently, the understanding of what was said required interpretation. Paul, therefore, used this section of his Epistle to the Corinthians to put the practice of speaking in tongues into perspective. Speaking in tongues was actually a practice that carried over from pagan worship, and it implied that the speaker was close to the Gods. People with epilepsy were often thought to be possessed with a "divine disease," and oracles (one who divines the future) were often given drugs to enhance their pronouncements. Therefore, Paul was concerned that people would be led away from true spirituality by focus on more spectacular manifestations of the spirit. Paul was concerned with building up the church as a body, not personal edification, and he was concerned that people in the church were giving more importance to the speaking of tongues than they were giving to the other spiritual gifts.
Today's Comments: Unfortunately, people often take this single passage out of context. Gloria Copeland, wife of prosperity gospeller Kenneth Copeland, wrote in her daily feed for December 12, 2009:
"By praying in the Spirit. Praying in other tongues is the fastest, most effective method I know of to tune in to God--because instead of praying your own thoughts and plans, you're praying His!
The Bible says that when you pray in tongues, you're speaking mysteries to God. In the Spirit, you're calling forth parts of God's plan you don't even understand with your natural mind. By the unction of the Holy Spirit, you're praying the perfect will of God."
It is so easy to take a single passage in the Bible and quote it out of context. Paul was not extolling the spiritual gift of tongues, he was asking members of the church to put it into perspective.
For wone who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
w ver. 18–23, 27, 28
Paul uses this passage to compare the spiritual gifts of prophecy and speaking in tongues. According to The Teacher's Commentary, while speaking in tongues was a common occurrence in the church, even the person who was doing the speaking did not understand what he or she was saying. Consequently, the understanding of what was said required interpretation. Paul, therefore, used this section of his Epistle to the Corinthians to put the practice of speaking in tongues into perspective. Speaking in tongues was actually a practice that carried over from pagan worship, and it implied that the speaker was close to the Gods. People with epilepsy were often thought to be possessed with a "divine disease," and oracles (one who divines the future) were often given drugs to enhance their pronouncements. Therefore, Paul was concerned that people would be led away from true spirituality by focus on more spectacular manifestations of the spirit. Paul was concerned with building up the church as a body, not personal edification, and he was concerned that people in the church were giving more importance to the speaking of tongues than they were giving to the other spiritual gifts.
Today's Comments: Unfortunately, people often take this single passage out of context. Gloria Copeland, wife of prosperity gospeller Kenneth Copeland, wrote in her daily feed for December 12, 2009:
"By praying in the Spirit. Praying in other tongues is the fastest, most effective method I know of to tune in to God--because instead of praying your own thoughts and plans, you're praying His!
The Bible says that when you pray in tongues, you're speaking mysteries to God. In the Spirit, you're calling forth parts of God's plan you don't even understand with your natural mind. By the unction of the Holy Spirit, you're praying the perfect will of God."
It is so easy to take a single passage in the Bible and quote it out of context. Paul was not extolling the spiritual gift of tongues, he was asking members of the church to put it into perspective.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Today's Verse: Luke 2:13-14 (ESV)
13 And suddenly there was with the angel ha multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 i“Glory to God jin the highest,
jand on earth kpeace lamong those with whom he is pleased!”3
h Gen. 28:12; 32:1, 2; 1 Kgs. 22:19; 2 Chr. 18:18; Ps. 103:21; 148:2; Dan. 7:10; Rev. 5:11
i ch. 19:38; [Ps. 148:1; Matt. 21:9]
j [ch. 10:21; Matt. 6:10; 28:18; John 17:4; Acts 7:49; Eph. 3:15; Col. 1:16, 20; Rev. 5:13]
j [ch. 10:21; Matt. 6:10; 28:18; John 17:4; Acts 7:49; Eph. 3:15; Col. 1:16, 20; Rev. 5:13]
k ch. 1:79; Ps. 85:10; Isa. 9:6, 7; Hag. 2:9; Acts 10:36; Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14, 17; Col. 1:20
l [ch. 3:22; 12:32; Eph. 1:5, 9; Phil. 2:13]
3 Some manuscripts peace, good will among men
One of the parts of the Christmas story is the witness of the shepherds. The Teacher's Commentary asks an interesting question: "Why the Shepherds?" The answer: here is the Lamb of God lying in a manger. Here are the shepherds, who protect their flocks through dark and stormy nights in the fields. Here are shepherds that are given a momentary glimpse at the shepherd's heart of God, who gives His one Lamb for all.
Today's Comments: The Commentary above is most interesting and is, of course, conjecture. We know that shepherds watched the flocks of sheep, many of which were destined for sacrifice of the temple.
We also know that shepherds were important in the commerce of Israel. Shepherds were under the Rabbinic ban, because of their isolated lifestyle which prevented them from rendering strict legal observances. Yet, without them, proper temple sacrifices would be impossible.
Shepherds were also a trusted group. How could one not be able to trust someone who was willing to give up his life for the animals that he tended. My blog entry of May 2, 2009 talks about shepherds. As a class, they were widely respected, and many people tended sheep either part or full time, so there was a certain amount of identification with this group. Consequently, who else might God better choose to spread the good news of the birth of His Son?
And so, as we look forward to the birth of the baby Jesus, we must even look further ahead to the death of the shepherd who gave all for us, His flock.
Hymn of the Day:
What more fitting carol to proclaim the announcement of our savior's birth:
Angels we have heard on high,
sweetly singing o’er the plains,
and the mountains, in reply,
echoing their joyous strains.
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
which inspire your heav’nly song?
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the new-born King.
See Him in a manger laid,
Jesus, Lord of heav’n and earth;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
with us sing our Savior’s birth.
Refrain: Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 373
13 And suddenly there was with the angel ha multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 i“Glory to God jin the highest,
jand on earth kpeace lamong those with whom he is pleased!”3
h Gen. 28:12; 32:1, 2; 1 Kgs. 22:19; 2 Chr. 18:18; Ps. 103:21; 148:2; Dan. 7:10; Rev. 5:11
i ch. 19:38; [Ps. 148:1; Matt. 21:9]
j [ch. 10:21; Matt. 6:10; 28:18; John 17:4; Acts 7:49; Eph. 3:15; Col. 1:16, 20; Rev. 5:13]
j [ch. 10:21; Matt. 6:10; 28:18; John 17:4; Acts 7:49; Eph. 3:15; Col. 1:16, 20; Rev. 5:13]
k ch. 1:79; Ps. 85:10; Isa. 9:6, 7; Hag. 2:9; Acts 10:36; Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14, 17; Col. 1:20
l [ch. 3:22; 12:32; Eph. 1:5, 9; Phil. 2:13]
3 Some manuscripts peace, good will among men
One of the parts of the Christmas story is the witness of the shepherds. The Teacher's Commentary asks an interesting question: "Why the Shepherds?" The answer: here is the Lamb of God lying in a manger. Here are the shepherds, who protect their flocks through dark and stormy nights in the fields. Here are shepherds that are given a momentary glimpse at the shepherd's heart of God, who gives His one Lamb for all.
Today's Comments: The Commentary above is most interesting and is, of course, conjecture. We know that shepherds watched the flocks of sheep, many of which were destined for sacrifice of the temple.
We also know that shepherds were important in the commerce of Israel. Shepherds were under the Rabbinic ban, because of their isolated lifestyle which prevented them from rendering strict legal observances. Yet, without them, proper temple sacrifices would be impossible.
Shepherds were also a trusted group. How could one not be able to trust someone who was willing to give up his life for the animals that he tended. My blog entry of May 2, 2009 talks about shepherds. As a class, they were widely respected, and many people tended sheep either part or full time, so there was a certain amount of identification with this group. Consequently, who else might God better choose to spread the good news of the birth of His Son?
And so, as we look forward to the birth of the baby Jesus, we must even look further ahead to the death of the shepherd who gave all for us, His flock.
Hymn of the Day:
What more fitting carol to proclaim the announcement of our savior's birth:
Angels we have heard on high,
sweetly singing o’er the plains,
and the mountains, in reply,
echoing their joyous strains.
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
which inspire your heav’nly song?
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the new-born King.
See Him in a manger laid,
Jesus, Lord of heav’n and earth;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
with us sing our Savior’s birth.
Refrain: Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 373
Monday, December 14, 2009
Today's Verse: Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But nseek first othe kingdom of God and his righteousness, pand all these things will be added to you.
n [ch. 5:6, 20]
o ver. 10
p [1 Kgs. 3:11–14; Mark 10:29, 30; 1 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 3:9]
The scene, of course, is the Sermon on the Mount. And Jesus is telling the crowd that they should not be anxious about their life. If we seek God first, then everything else will fall into place. The Teacher's Commentary, in discussing the overview of Chapter 5 through 7 of Matthew's Gospel, suggests that one who intends to live in Christ's Kingdom should
My parish, Blessed Sacrament, seems to be gradually withdrawing from the Episcopal Church. The coexistence of the parallel Anglican Congregation of the Resurrection and the intended withdrawal of two of our assistant priests from the Episcopal Church to serve that congregation suggests that it may be a matter of time until many others in the congregation follow. Already, approximately forty members of our parish will be taking their names off the Episcopal Church roles and will become members of the Anglican Church Diocese of San Joaquin. Though we will still be worshiping together in one fellowship and internally we will see little change, our outward change will be no doubt noticed by the Episcopal Church hierarchy, just because of our reported numbers. And, even though I will still remain Episcopalian, I plan to serve this group as if I was a member. And so, as we try to seek God first, I hope that there will be plenty of you out there who may be reading this blog that will pray for us.
Hymn of the Day:
But nseek first othe kingdom of God and his righteousness, pand all these things will be added to you.
n [ch. 5:6, 20]
o ver. 10
p [1 Kgs. 3:11–14; Mark 10:29, 30; 1 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 3:9]
The scene, of course, is the Sermon on the Mount. And Jesus is telling the crowd that they should not be anxious about their life. If we seek God first, then everything else will fall into place. The Teacher's Commentary, in discussing the overview of Chapter 5 through 7 of Matthew's Gospel, suggests that one who intends to live in Christ's Kingdom should
- seek to please God, not to please man.
- trust God completely to provide for our needs
- express that trust in prayer
- not only hear, but act on the words of Jesus
My parish, Blessed Sacrament, seems to be gradually withdrawing from the Episcopal Church. The coexistence of the parallel Anglican Congregation of the Resurrection and the intended withdrawal of two of our assistant priests from the Episcopal Church to serve that congregation suggests that it may be a matter of time until many others in the congregation follow. Already, approximately forty members of our parish will be taking their names off the Episcopal Church roles and will become members of the Anglican Church Diocese of San Joaquin. Though we will still be worshiping together in one fellowship and internally we will see little change, our outward change will be no doubt noticed by the Episcopal Church hierarchy, just because of our reported numbers. And, even though I will still remain Episcopalian, I plan to serve this group as if I was a member. And so, as we try to seek God first, I hope that there will be plenty of you out there who may be reading this blog that will pray for us.
Hymn of the Day:
by Karen Lafferty
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you
Allelu, alleluia
Man does not live by bread alone
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Allelu, alleluia
Ask and it shall be given unto you
Seek and ye shall find
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you
Allelu, alleluia
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you
Allelu, alleluia
Man does not live by bread alone
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Allelu, alleluia
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you
Allelu, alleluia
Man does not live by bread alone
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Allelu, alleluia
Ask and it shall be given unto you
Seek and ye shall find
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you
Allelu, alleluia
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you
Allelu, alleluia
Man does not live by bread alone
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Allelu, alleluia
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Today's Verse: Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV)
Alive in Christ
6 hTherefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 irooted and jbuilt up in him and kestablished in the faith, just las you were taught, abounding min thanksgiving.
h ch. 1:10; 1 Thess. 4:1
i Eph. 3:17
j Acts 20:32; Eph. 2:20; See 1 Cor. 3:9
k Heb. 13:9
l Eph. 4:21
m ch. 4:2; Eph. 5:20
While he was at Rome, in prison, around A.D. 62 or 63, Paul wrote the letter to the Church at Colossi to combat the heresy of Gnosticism. Gnostics claimed a special hidden knowledge that was not available to all Christians. Paul wrote his Epistle to the Colossians for the purpose of strengthening the Christianity that had been defined my Christ and not by men. Christian life comes in the receipt of Jesus Christ as Lord and continues as we live in Him. There is no secret or hidden knowledge that we need. It is all out there for us.
Today's Comments: There are no deep, dark Christian secrets out there. There are no deep dark secrets that Leonardo daVinci sneaked into his paintings so that we could discover them later. Everything that we need to know about Christianity is contained in the Bible, as God revealed himself to us. There are no deep dark secrets beyond that. God has spoken clearly. If there are things that He wants us to know, he has revealed them. Anything else is not important. Christian life, according to Amazing Grace, begins with a step of faith into salvation and continues step-by-step as we mature in spirit.
Hymn of the Day:
O for a closer walk with God,
a calm and heav’nly frame,
a light to shine upon the road
that leads me to the Lamb!
The dearest idol I have known,
whate’er that idol be,
help me to tear it from Thy throne,
and worship only Thee.
So shall my walk be close with God,
calm and serene my frame,
so purer light shall mark the road
that leads me to the Lamb.
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 250
Alive in Christ
6 hTherefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 irooted and jbuilt up in him and kestablished in the faith, just las you were taught, abounding min thanksgiving.
h ch. 1:10; 1 Thess. 4:1
i Eph. 3:17
j Acts 20:32; Eph. 2:20; See 1 Cor. 3:9
k Heb. 13:9
l Eph. 4:21
m ch. 4:2; Eph. 5:20
While he was at Rome, in prison, around A.D. 62 or 63, Paul wrote the letter to the Church at Colossi to combat the heresy of Gnosticism. Gnostics claimed a special hidden knowledge that was not available to all Christians. Paul wrote his Epistle to the Colossians for the purpose of strengthening the Christianity that had been defined my Christ and not by men. Christian life comes in the receipt of Jesus Christ as Lord and continues as we live in Him. There is no secret or hidden knowledge that we need. It is all out there for us.
Today's Comments: There are no deep, dark Christian secrets out there. There are no deep dark secrets that Leonardo daVinci sneaked into his paintings so that we could discover them later. Everything that we need to know about Christianity is contained in the Bible, as God revealed himself to us. There are no deep dark secrets beyond that. God has spoken clearly. If there are things that He wants us to know, he has revealed them. Anything else is not important. Christian life, according to Amazing Grace, begins with a step of faith into salvation and continues step-by-step as we mature in spirit.
Hymn of the Day:
O for a closer walk with God,
a calm and heav’nly frame,
a light to shine upon the road
that leads me to the Lamb!
The dearest idol I have known,
whate’er that idol be,
help me to tear it from Thy throne,
and worship only Thee.
So shall my walk be close with God,
calm and serene my frame,
so purer light shall mark the road
that leads me to the Lamb.
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 250
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Today's Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:8 (ESV)
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
Love is the best way to measure and express spirituality. As The Bible Reader's Companion states, love is not an abstract concept. It is practical, can be observed and is expressed in our actions and attitudes. Unlike other gifts that we are given, love is eternal.
Today's Comments: The Bible Exposition Commentary provides us with an interesting observation. 'It was Jonathan Swift, the satirical author of Gulliver’s Travels, who said, “We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.” '
Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. 1 Co 13:1
It points out that, unless we minister in love, we fail in our ministry. The administration of truth and justice have no place in our scheme of things, unless they are accompanied by love. God's continual ministry of salvation to his people is the ultimate example of the ministry that we are called upon to perform. Though God's peoples, throughout their history, steeped themselves in apostasy, God's punishment was never permanent. He always gave them a way back to Him. And, during this Advent Season, as we anticipate the celebration of the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, let us remember that for all time, He was the way that God gave to us in love, so that we could return and be a part of His eternal Kingdom.
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
Love is the best way to measure and express spirituality. As The Bible Reader's Companion states, love is not an abstract concept. It is practical, can be observed and is expressed in our actions and attitudes. Unlike other gifts that we are given, love is eternal.
Today's Comments: The Bible Exposition Commentary provides us with an interesting observation. 'It was Jonathan Swift, the satirical author of Gulliver’s Travels, who said, “We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.” '
Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. 1 Co 13:1
It points out that, unless we minister in love, we fail in our ministry. The administration of truth and justice have no place in our scheme of things, unless they are accompanied by love. God's continual ministry of salvation to his people is the ultimate example of the ministry that we are called upon to perform. Though God's peoples, throughout their history, steeped themselves in apostasy, God's punishment was never permanent. He always gave them a way back to Him. And, during this Advent Season, as we anticipate the celebration of the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, let us remember that for all time, He was the way that God gave to us in love, so that we could return and be a part of His eternal Kingdom.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Today's Verse: Jeremiah 31:16 (ESV)
Thus says the Lord: “Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work, declares the Lord, and nthey shall come back from the land of the enemy.
n Ezra 1:5; Hos. 1:11
Jeremiah preached to those in Judah who were condemned under exile to Babylon. He spoke to a people separated from God. And yet, they were not abandoned. There was still a message of hope. The exiled would rebuild themselves both physically and spiritually and would return to their promised land.
Today's Comments: The exile that the Jews faced was brought on my years of apostasy and disobedience. They were being punished for their disobedience. And yet, they were also being strengthened so that one day God would bring them back. Fierce judgment would give way to blessing. And this time, that blessing would be the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God.
Of course we all know what happened to Jesus. His own chosen people crucified him. And yet, that event was used by God to bless His people through the act of the resurrection and the conquest of sin once and for all.
For those of us who attend churches who are guided by the seasons of the Christian year, we are currently observing the season of Advent. Note that I did not use the word "celebrate." Why not? Well, Advent is a season of looking forward. But, we look forward not just to Christ's birth at Christmas, but we look forward to His death on the cross, as well. Because it was for that end that Jesus Christ the Messiah came to be born in that lowly manger at Bethlehem. We also look behind, as well. We look behind at the apostasy that existed in Israel at the time of Christ's birth. And we must also look behind to our own apostasy and disobedience.
Poem of the Week: I think that our modern apostasy is very well summed up in one of Beverly Caruso's poems, which appears below. Let us pray that we can still bring back the real reason for the season:
Thus says the Lord: “Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work, declares the Lord, and nthey shall come back from the land of the enemy.
n Ezra 1:5; Hos. 1:11
Jeremiah preached to those in Judah who were condemned under exile to Babylon. He spoke to a people separated from God. And yet, they were not abandoned. There was still a message of hope. The exiled would rebuild themselves both physically and spiritually and would return to their promised land.
Today's Comments: The exile that the Jews faced was brought on my years of apostasy and disobedience. They were being punished for their disobedience. And yet, they were also being strengthened so that one day God would bring them back. Fierce judgment would give way to blessing. And this time, that blessing would be the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God.
Of course we all know what happened to Jesus. His own chosen people crucified him. And yet, that event was used by God to bless His people through the act of the resurrection and the conquest of sin once and for all.
For those of us who attend churches who are guided by the seasons of the Christian year, we are currently observing the season of Advent. Note that I did not use the word "celebrate." Why not? Well, Advent is a season of looking forward. But, we look forward not just to Christ's birth at Christmas, but we look forward to His death on the cross, as well. Because it was for that end that Jesus Christ the Messiah came to be born in that lowly manger at Bethlehem. We also look behind, as well. We look behind at the apostasy that existed in Israel at the time of Christ's birth. And we must also look behind to our own apostasy and disobedience.
Poem of the Week: I think that our modern apostasy is very well summed up in one of Beverly Caruso's poems, which appears below. Let us pray that we can still bring back the real reason for the season:
THEY'VE TAKEN MY JESUS AWAY
I don't like shopping anymore
For they've taken my Jesus from
All the stores
There's sadness in my heart today
Because Christmas is on the way
And my Jesus has no place to stay
For 200 years a Manger scene was
in my President's house
Now all of a sudden, this babe
Is not allowed
"No Public place, no public place
Will Jesus be found
They put an X on Christmas
To X out "Christ"
So now it's just "Xmas"
And Holiday lights
Well, I'm not visiting those
stores anymore
I'll take all my money
And give to the poor
"If you do this for the least of
These, the Son of God said
You've done it for me"
So let us always remember
Christmas is not the ornaments
and it isn't the Tree
It's the birth of a Savior
who died
FOR YOU AND ME !!
(Written by: BEVERLY CARUSO)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Today's Verse: Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
Let pthe word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, qsinging psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, rwith thankfulness in your hearts to God. [1]
p John 15:3
q See Eph. 5:19
r ch. 4:6
As previously discussed, Paul applies the basic truths of Christianity to the daily life of those who attended the church at Colossi. In our relationships with each other, we are to bear with each other and allow love to characterize all of our personal relationships. The concept of teaching and admonishing means to teach and warn or advise. The word of Christ includes the words of the Bible, which through study, meditation, and application become permanently abiding as part of one's life and, therefore, becoming part of one's nature. The natural result of this is that we freely, from the heart, with thankfulness, give worship to God through the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
Today's Comments: The key thought here is the Word of God. How can we operate without studying the Bible? How can we ever get to where God wants us to be without faith that the Bible teaches truth, despite the attempt, even, of some mainstream churches to falsely suggest that the Bible contains writing that might be subject to literary and cultural criticism. Our faith should remind us that the Bible was written for all people in all times. God's commandments are just that, not suggestions or options. Truth is absolute and not relative (your truth and my truth, in God's eyes, are the same). Finally, love is the vehicle by which we spread God's truth. By trying to be like Jesus and loving our neighbors, we can spread the truth without speaking. Yet, we can also sing it out in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, always giving thanks to God for all that He has given to us.
Hymn of the Day:
Come, Christians, join to sing—Alleluia! Amen!
Loud praise to Christ our King—Alleluia! Amen!
Let all, with heart and voice, before His throne rejoice;
praise is His gracious choice: Alleluia! Amen!
Come, lift your hearts on high—Alleluia! Amen!
Let praises fill the sky—Alleluia! Amen!
He is our Guide and Friend; to us He’ll condescend;
His love shall never end: Alleluia! Amen!
Praise yet our Christ again—Alleluia! Amen!
Life shall not end the strain—Alleluia! Amen!
On heaven’s blissful shore His goodness we’ll adore,
singing forevermore, “Alleluia! Amen!”
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 328
Let pthe word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, qsinging psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, rwith thankfulness in your hearts to God. [1]
p John 15:3
q See Eph. 5:19
r ch. 4:6
As previously discussed, Paul applies the basic truths of Christianity to the daily life of those who attended the church at Colossi. In our relationships with each other, we are to bear with each other and allow love to characterize all of our personal relationships. The concept of teaching and admonishing means to teach and warn or advise. The word of Christ includes the words of the Bible, which through study, meditation, and application become permanently abiding as part of one's life and, therefore, becoming part of one's nature. The natural result of this is that we freely, from the heart, with thankfulness, give worship to God through the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
Today's Comments: The key thought here is the Word of God. How can we operate without studying the Bible? How can we ever get to where God wants us to be without faith that the Bible teaches truth, despite the attempt, even, of some mainstream churches to falsely suggest that the Bible contains writing that might be subject to literary and cultural criticism. Our faith should remind us that the Bible was written for all people in all times. God's commandments are just that, not suggestions or options. Truth is absolute and not relative (your truth and my truth, in God's eyes, are the same). Finally, love is the vehicle by which we spread God's truth. By trying to be like Jesus and loving our neighbors, we can spread the truth without speaking. Yet, we can also sing it out in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, always giving thanks to God for all that He has given to us.
Hymn of the Day:
Come, Christians, join to sing—Alleluia! Amen!
Loud praise to Christ our King—Alleluia! Amen!
Let all, with heart and voice, before His throne rejoice;
praise is His gracious choice: Alleluia! Amen!
Come, lift your hearts on high—Alleluia! Amen!
Let praises fill the sky—Alleluia! Amen!
He is our Guide and Friend; to us He’ll condescend;
His love shall never end: Alleluia! Amen!
Praise yet our Christ again—Alleluia! Amen!
Life shall not end the strain—Alleluia! Amen!
On heaven’s blissful shore His goodness we’ll adore,
singing forevermore, “Alleluia! Amen!”
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 328
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Today's Verse: Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV)
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with qthe firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your rbarns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
q Ex. 23:19; 34:26; Deut. 26:2
r Deut. 28:8
This particular section of the Book of Proverbs is filled with verses which praise wisdom. These proverbs are designed to teach the reader to lead a disciplined life and to do that which is just and fair. In this particular verse, we are reminded that we should honor God by giving generously. In Israel, the way that one expressed gratitude to God for His help was to give of his or her first fruits.
Today's Comments: The Bible Knowledge Commentary reminds us that, while "godliness results in gain" and "piety brings prosperity"(Walvoord, John F. ; Zuck, Roy B. ; Dallas Theological Seminary: The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983-c1985, S. 1:912. I like that alliteration and need to remember to use it in a sermon sometime.) Yet, this reference cautions against generalization to the point that does not allow God to make exceptions. Otherwise, God does not become the subject of honor, He becomes the object of investment. This is where the prosperity gospellers miss the point. They look upon tithing as an investment rather than as an action from the heart to honor God.
We must also remember that God does not only prosper us with wealth. He also prospers us with other things that are more important, including health and happiness. So, if we truly want to give from our heart, we must also consider giving not only our treasures, but our time and talent as well. And in return, God will give us those things that we really need so that we may truly honor Him and love our neighbor.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with qthe firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your rbarns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
q Ex. 23:19; 34:26; Deut. 26:2
r Deut. 28:8
This particular section of the Book of Proverbs is filled with verses which praise wisdom. These proverbs are designed to teach the reader to lead a disciplined life and to do that which is just and fair. In this particular verse, we are reminded that we should honor God by giving generously. In Israel, the way that one expressed gratitude to God for His help was to give of his or her first fruits.
Today's Comments: The Bible Knowledge Commentary reminds us that, while "godliness results in gain" and "piety brings prosperity"(Walvoord, John F. ; Zuck, Roy B. ; Dallas Theological Seminary: The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983-c1985, S. 1:912. I like that alliteration and need to remember to use it in a sermon sometime.) Yet, this reference cautions against generalization to the point that does not allow God to make exceptions. Otherwise, God does not become the subject of honor, He becomes the object of investment. This is where the prosperity gospellers miss the point. They look upon tithing as an investment rather than as an action from the heart to honor God.
We must also remember that God does not only prosper us with wealth. He also prospers us with other things that are more important, including health and happiness. So, if we truly want to give from our heart, we must also consider giving not only our treasures, but our time and talent as well. And in return, God will give us those things that we really need so that we may truly honor Him and love our neighbor.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Today's Verse: Mark 11:23 (ESV)
lTruly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, m‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not ndoubt in his heart, but obelieves that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.
l Matt. 17:20
m [Ps. 46:2; 1 Cor. 13:2; Rev. 8:8]
n Rom. 4:20; 14:23; James 1:6
o [ch. 16:17; John 14:12]
This passage is contained in the lesson from the withered fig tree. Jesus used this lesson to show His disciples the power of faith in God. According to The Teacher's Commentary , the true power of religion has nothing to do with buildings or ritual but exists in the personal relationship that one has with God and is expressed in faith. And if we trust God completely, even we can move mountains.
Today's Comments: When we read about Jesus cursing the fig tree, our first thought is to ask "why." According to The Bible Reader's Companion, fig trees near Jerusalem were fully leafed out by March or April, but had no fruit till June. Jesus cursed the fig tree as a teaching tool, acting out a parable. The tree represented Israel, in full leaf but fruitless (cf. Hosea 9:10; Nahum 3:12; Zech. 10:2). The cursing of the tree represented the withering away of the nation which rejected its Messiah. Jesus used the phrase "I tell you the truth" to emphasize the importance of this lesson (Richards, Lawrence O.: The Bible Readers Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton : Victor Books, 1991; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996, S. 643).
What kind of faith is Jesus talking about? He is talking about faith that moves mountains. According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary, it is the faith in which doubt is absent and belief and trust in God is total and unwavering. However, The Bible Exposition Commentary reminds us that true faith is based on the Word of God, and the purpose of our prayers should not be to have God do man's will in Heaven, but to have God's will be done on earth.
lTruly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, m‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not ndoubt in his heart, but obelieves that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.
l Matt. 17:20
m [Ps. 46:2; 1 Cor. 13:2; Rev. 8:8]
n Rom. 4:20; 14:23; James 1:6
o [ch. 16:17; John 14:12]
This passage is contained in the lesson from the withered fig tree. Jesus used this lesson to show His disciples the power of faith in God. According to The Teacher's Commentary , the true power of religion has nothing to do with buildings or ritual but exists in the personal relationship that one has with God and is expressed in faith. And if we trust God completely, even we can move mountains.
Today's Comments: When we read about Jesus cursing the fig tree, our first thought is to ask "why." According to The Bible Reader's Companion, fig trees near Jerusalem were fully leafed out by March or April, but had no fruit till June. Jesus cursed the fig tree as a teaching tool, acting out a parable. The tree represented Israel, in full leaf but fruitless (cf. Hosea 9:10; Nahum 3:12; Zech. 10:2). The cursing of the tree represented the withering away of the nation which rejected its Messiah. Jesus used the phrase "I tell you the truth" to emphasize the importance of this lesson (Richards, Lawrence O.: The Bible Readers Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton : Victor Books, 1991; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996, S. 643).
What kind of faith is Jesus talking about? He is talking about faith that moves mountains. According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary, it is the faith in which doubt is absent and belief and trust in God is total and unwavering. However, The Bible Exposition Commentary reminds us that true faith is based on the Word of God, and the purpose of our prayers should not be to have God do man's will in Heaven, but to have God's will be done on earth.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Today's Verse: Mark 11:25 (ESV)
"And whenever ryou stand praying, sforgive, tif you have anything against anyone, so that uyour Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”4
r Matt. 6:5; Luke 18:11
s See Matt. 6:14
t Col. 3:13; [Matt. 5:23; 6:15]
u Matt. 7:11
4 Some manuscripts add verse 26: But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses
In this chapter, Jesus explains to His disciples the power of personal faith. It is important that our relationship with God be a personal one. And, if we cannot forgive our neighbor, there is a loss in that relationship that cannot be repaired until we are willing to forgive. Faith, prayer, and forgiveness are all inseparably linked in that relationship.
Today's Comments: How can we love and worship God if we can't love or forgive our neighbor? That is, I believe, the thought behind this particular passage. When there is something that lingers in our hearts that sours our love, then it not only affects how we treat others, but it affects how we love God.
Hymn of the Day:
Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray;
this is my heart cry day unto day;
I long to know Thy will and Thy way;
teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray.
Power in prayer, Lord, power in prayer,
here ’mid earth’s sin and sorrow and care;
men lost and dying, souls in despair—
O give me power, power in prayer!
My weakened will, Lord, Thou canst renew;
my sinful nature Thou canst subdue;
fill me just now with power anew,
power to pray and power to do!
Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray;
Thou art my Pattern day unto day;
Thou art my surety now and for aye;
teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray.
Chorus:
Living in Thee, Lord, and Thou in me;
constant abiding, this is my plea;
grant me Thy power boundless and free:
Power with men and power with Thee.
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 16
"And whenever ryou stand praying, sforgive, tif you have anything against anyone, so that uyour Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”4
r Matt. 6:5; Luke 18:11
s See Matt. 6:14
t Col. 3:13; [Matt. 5:23; 6:15]
u Matt. 7:11
4 Some manuscripts add verse 26: But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses
In this chapter, Jesus explains to His disciples the power of personal faith. It is important that our relationship with God be a personal one. And, if we cannot forgive our neighbor, there is a loss in that relationship that cannot be repaired until we are willing to forgive. Faith, prayer, and forgiveness are all inseparably linked in that relationship.
Today's Comments: How can we love and worship God if we can't love or forgive our neighbor? That is, I believe, the thought behind this particular passage. When there is something that lingers in our hearts that sours our love, then it not only affects how we treat others, but it affects how we love God.
Hymn of the Day:
Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray;
this is my heart cry day unto day;
I long to know Thy will and Thy way;
teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray.
Power in prayer, Lord, power in prayer,
here ’mid earth’s sin and sorrow and care;
men lost and dying, souls in despair—
O give me power, power in prayer!
My weakened will, Lord, Thou canst renew;
my sinful nature Thou canst subdue;
fill me just now with power anew,
power to pray and power to do!
Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray;
Thou art my Pattern day unto day;
Thou art my surety now and for aye;
teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray.
Chorus:
Living in Thee, Lord, and Thou in me;
constant abiding, this is my plea;
grant me Thy power boundless and free:
Power with men and power with Thee.
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 16
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Today's Verse: Hebrews 2:1 (ESV)
Warning Against Neglecting Salvation
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
The Book of Hebrews speaks to God's communication to us through His word. And this passage reminds us that we must pay attention to it.Warning Against Neglecting Salvation
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
Today's Comments: It certainly seems to me that the Episcopal Church is slipping away from God's Word as revealed to us in scripture. Why else would they be willing to incur the possible wrath of God by electing a lesbian to office as a bishop in their church. Paul was clear in his warning against sexual misconduct, and I think that he was also clear in his view of appointing women to pastoral offices (bishop). And yet, in the face of all the Diocese of Los Angeles chose to ignore Paul. They have also ignored the words of Jesus Christ himself, who, in his discussion of divorce, confirmed that marriage is a God created institution between a man and a woman.
Poem of the Week:
Beverly Caruso recently wrote a poem about spending more time with the Lord in communication. Perhaps the leaders in the Episcopal Church should be spending more time listening to the Lord and less time worrying about injustice that is created by our own sin.
MY DOCUMENTS
Our Savior breaks bread and wishes
His people did not have to send out
His people did not have to send out
beams on microwave dishes
He suggests "prayer"
As a faster way to get us there
To the throne of his grace
For it is from there that he fishes
for the man who will "LISTEN"
and spend time on his knees
waiting in quiet contrition
Who needs microwave dishes?
When our Savior only fishes
for men like this
To carry out his wishes
He suggests "prayer"
As a faster way to get us there
To the throne of his grace
For it is from there that he fishes
for the man who will "LISTEN"
and spend time on his knees
waiting in quiet contrition
Who needs microwave dishes?
When our Savior only fishes
for men like this
To carry out his wishes
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Today's Verse: John 15:7 (ESV)
If eyou abide in me, and my words abide in you, fask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
e See ch. 8:31
f See ch. 14:13
According to the Teacher's Commentary, we are like branches on a vine. In order to bear fruit, the branch must be connected to the vine, because the roots and the trunk support and nourish the branches. The branch, therefore, must remain (or abide) in the vine. Like the vine cannot bear fruit by itself, we cannot bear spiritual fruit without abiding in Christ. And, if we abide in Christ, He will grant our requests and provide for our needs.
Today's Comments: How, then, do we remain in Jesus. We remain in Him by our obedience. He leads, we follow. We pray, and He answers. Christ is the head, and we are the body. Sin is our weakness; Jesus Christ is our strength. Abiding in Christ means that we produce more fruit, and God gives us what we need to produce that fruit by sustaining us, strengthening us and nourishing us.
Today, I presided as Chaplain for the 137th Quartermaster Company. The Salvation Army Bell Shelter for the homeless honored this group of brave men and women with a family celebration and luncheon. My job was to ask God to nourish them, as Christ would nourish the branches of His vine:
If eyou abide in me, and my words abide in you, fask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
e See ch. 8:31
f See ch. 14:13
According to the Teacher's Commentary, we are like branches on a vine. In order to bear fruit, the branch must be connected to the vine, because the roots and the trunk support and nourish the branches. The branch, therefore, must remain (or abide) in the vine. Like the vine cannot bear fruit by itself, we cannot bear spiritual fruit without abiding in Christ. And, if we abide in Christ, He will grant our requests and provide for our needs.
Today's Comments: How, then, do we remain in Jesus. We remain in Him by our obedience. He leads, we follow. We pray, and He answers. Christ is the head, and we are the body. Sin is our weakness; Jesus Christ is our strength. Abiding in Christ means that we produce more fruit, and God gives us what we need to produce that fruit by sustaining us, strengthening us and nourishing us.
Today, I presided as Chaplain for the 137th Quartermaster Company. The Salvation Army Bell Shelter for the homeless honored this group of brave men and women with a family celebration and luncheon. My job was to ask God to nourish them, as Christ would nourish the branches of His vine:
Oh God, Creator of the universe and all that is within; We hold up before you the brave and courageous soldiers of the 137th Quartermaster Company. We honor their commitment to military service and ask you to keep them safe from harm.
Let us especially remember at this moment those whose lives were sacrificed in service to this country, including Sergeant First Class Kelley Bolor, a member of this unit. But let us also remember that in your plan for us, all things work for good.
We also thank you for their spouses, families, friends, and supporters, who commit themselves daily and are here to show their love and care for the sacrifices that these soldiers make to preserve the freedom, peace, and safety of this country.
May all enjoy the festivities of this day, and may they be nourished, sustained, and protected as they spend this day together partaking in food and fellowship. Help us all to do your will as we strive to serve you and protect this great country
Amen
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