Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 1
NT: Revelation 8
W&W: Psalm 148
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 2-3
NT: Revelation 9
W&W: Psalm 149
Today’s Reflection:
Today I want to finish up with my lessons learned standing on the side of an icy road.
By way of update, Monday morning a van slid off the road into a deep ditch near my home. I had gone down the hill and after determining that everyone was OK, I went back up the hill to redirect traffic while emergency and recovery crews did their work. I encountered some interesting people.
At first, folks simply did what I told them, which at first was to just turn around and go back because they couldn’t get through. Shortly I had to turn back a school bus. As I was telling the driver about the situation, my neighbor drove up and offered to lead the bus through his farm lanes and get the kids safely back on their route. After that, I started sending people that way myself.
One guy, however, must have thought I didn’t know what I was talking about, and he headed down the hill. I’m glad he got stopped and was able to back up because there really was no way for him to get through.
One lady thanked me profusely for telling her about the short cut through the farm lanes. She told me to look at her fuel gauge. It was below empty. There was no way she would have made it back to Felicity for gas. She had a baby in a car seat with her. It made me feel good to help her reach her destination.
Another fella headed down the farm lane only to show back up in a few minutes. He asked me, “Did you get the names of the people who were in the accident?” “No,” I admitted, but it was a mom taking her son to high school. He breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn’t his family. He went on.
In their hurry and the confusion some folks didn’t “veer right past the 2nd barn.” They ended up going down a ½ mile long drive, turning around, and coming back where they had left the lane.
All in all, it was an interesting hour and I met some nice people. The morning was made better by the hot cup of coffee that Lana brought me!
So what are some more lessons learned on the side of an icy road?
I learned that most people are trusting of what is told them in a reasonable way and will do what is needed even if it represents an inconvenience.
I learned that I don’t have all the answers. I need to depend on people with better information to find the best path to get the kids to school on time.
I learned that a few people won’t believe you until they see it for themselves.
I learned that some people are travelling on “empty” and need extra grace and understanding for them and their families.
I learned that people are very concerned that their families are OK.
I learned that there will be people who don’t get it right the first time. They will need to turn around and try again.
I learned that I’ve got an awesome soul-mate who takes better care of me than I deserve.
And most of all I learned that people need to be warned. There is danger ahead and they don’t know it. But God has made a path of safety, a way to our final destination. If we can point them to Jesus they’ll get through just fine.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Micah 7:18-19: Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Showing posts with label Evangelism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Evangelism. Show all posts
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
God Forgives Sin!
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Micah 7
NT: Revelation 5
W&W: Psalm 145
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nahum 1
NT: Revelation 6
W&W: Psalm 146
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nahum 2-3
NT: Revelation 7
W&W: Psalm 147
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 1
NT: Revelation 8
W&W: Psalm 148
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 2-3
NT: Revelation 9
W&W: Psalm 149
Today’s Reflection:
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7.18-19)
Our God is a forgiving God. This morning I happened upon a potentially unforgiving situation that proved to be forgiving...
As the dawn broke, I found myself in the kitchen pouring a second cup of coffee. I looked out on the deck and noticed that we had a light dusting of snow. When I stepped out onto the deck, snow was still falling, but almost imperceptibly. "The roadsare going to be slick," I thought.
A few minutes later I saw a small truck pass in front of our house. Since we live on a hill and the road in front of us T’s into a crossroad at the bottom, I was worried that the truck might not be able to stop. So I stepped out onto the deck again. I heard a loud bump. It sounded like the bed of a dump truck being dropped into place. Oh no!
In a few seconds, I saw the little pickup going on up the state route, but I ran out on highway to see if I could see what had made the loud bump. As I went down the hill, I saw the bottom of a mini-van – facing up! – in the 10 foot deep ditch on the side of the road. My stomach instantly knotted. I remembered the time my daughter Amy was in a car that flipped onto its top – 7 years ago. It was a scary feeling then and it was now, too.
I ran back to the house to get my cell phone and called 911 as I made my way down the hill. By the time I arrived where the car was, two other vehicles were there and the drivers were out of their cars. The folks in the minivan had scrambled out of their upside down vehicle and were standing in the field. Whew… They appeared OK.
Tune in tomorrow for more of the story…
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Micah 7:18-19: Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
OT: Micah 7
NT: Revelation 5
W&W: Psalm 145
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nahum 1
NT: Revelation 6
W&W: Psalm 146
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nahum 2-3
NT: Revelation 7
W&W: Psalm 147
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 1
NT: Revelation 8
W&W: Psalm 148
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Habakkuk 2-3
NT: Revelation 9
W&W: Psalm 149
Today’s Reflection:
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7.18-19)
Our God is a forgiving God. This morning I happened upon a potentially unforgiving situation that proved to be forgiving...
As the dawn broke, I found myself in the kitchen pouring a second cup of coffee. I looked out on the deck and noticed that we had a light dusting of snow. When I stepped out onto the deck, snow was still falling, but almost imperceptibly. "The roadsare going to be slick," I thought.
A few minutes later I saw a small truck pass in front of our house. Since we live on a hill and the road in front of us T’s into a crossroad at the bottom, I was worried that the truck might not be able to stop. So I stepped out onto the deck again. I heard a loud bump. It sounded like the bed of a dump truck being dropped into place. Oh no!
In a few seconds, I saw the little pickup going on up the state route, but I ran out on highway to see if I could see what had made the loud bump. As I went down the hill, I saw the bottom of a mini-van – facing up! – in the 10 foot deep ditch on the side of the road. My stomach instantly knotted. I remembered the time my daughter Amy was in a car that flipped onto its top – 7 years ago. It was a scary feeling then and it was now, too.
I ran back to the house to get my cell phone and called 911 as I made my way down the hill. By the time I arrived where the car was, two other vehicles were there and the drivers were out of their cars. The folks in the minivan had scrambled out of their upside down vehicle and were standing in the field. Whew… They appeared OK.
Tune in tomorrow for more of the story…
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Micah 7:18-19: Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
May You Be Pleased to Give Them to Me
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 27
NT: 2 Corinthians 6
W&W: Ecclesiastes 3
Today’s Reflection:
Several years ago I was in the habit of praying the scripture found in Psalm 2.8: “Ask of me and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”
God reminded me of that in this morning’s Old Testament reading: “With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people… and I give it to anyone I please” (Jeremiah 27.5).
God made Bethel and the people in it and around it. He will give this community to anyone he pleases.
Oh, God, give them to me! Give me their ears. Give me their hearts. Enable me to speak Your Word to them and enable them to hear. Give me these souls to feed and nurture, to love and care for, to win and disciple.
Do this so that they may become disciples of Jesus Christ:
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
OT: Jeremiah 27
NT: 2 Corinthians 6
W&W: Ecclesiastes 3
Today’s Reflection:
Several years ago I was in the habit of praying the scripture found in Psalm 2.8: “Ask of me and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”
God reminded me of that in this morning’s Old Testament reading: “With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people… and I give it to anyone I please” (Jeremiah 27.5).
God made Bethel and the people in it and around it. He will give this community to anyone he pleases.
Oh, God, give them to me! Give me their ears. Give me their hearts. Enable me to speak Your Word to them and enable them to hear. Give me these souls to feed and nurture, to love and care for, to win and disciple.
Do this so that they may become disciples of Jesus Christ:
- Knowing God in Worship
- Showing Love in Friendship
- Growing up in Discipleship
- Going Out in Citizenship
- Sowing Seeds of Partnership
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Romans 3.21: But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
I Appointed You as a Prophet
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Jeremiah 1
NT: 1 Corinthians 2
W&W: Psalm 89.30-45
Today’s Reflection:
As I reflect on” today’s Old Testament reading, I rejoice that this is God’s Word to me.
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to speak. I am only a child.”
“Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them for I am with you and will rescue you.” Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth. See today I put you over nations and kingdoms…”
“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand… I am with you and will rescue you.”
(Jeremiah 1.4-10, 17-19, emphasis added)
What encouraging words for a preacher! But, this is God’s Word for you, too! Just this morning, I was speaking with our postman here at the church, and he was telling me about a book he wants me to read. He said, “It is a convicting book about witnessing to those who don’t know Christ as their Savior. It really gets people on fire.” I liked that. I want to be on fire for God’s work. I want my church to be on fire for God.
As I said, Jeremiah’s prophecy is for you, too. Rejoice that God has set you apart as a witness for his Kingdom. Let him touch your mouth and give you words. Don’t be afraid!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.7-8: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks find; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.
OT: Jeremiah 1
NT: 1 Corinthians 2
W&W: Psalm 89.30-45
Today’s Reflection:
As I reflect on” today’s Old Testament reading, I rejoice that this is God’s Word to me.
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to speak. I am only a child.”
“Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them for I am with you and will rescue you.” Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth. See today I put you over nations and kingdoms…”
“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand… I am with you and will rescue you.”
(Jeremiah 1.4-10, 17-19, emphasis added)
What encouraging words for a preacher! But, this is God’s Word for you, too! Just this morning, I was speaking with our postman here at the church, and he was telling me about a book he wants me to read. He said, “It is a convicting book about witnessing to those who don’t know Christ as their Savior. It really gets people on fire.” I liked that. I want to be on fire for God’s work. I want my church to be on fire for God.
As I said, Jeremiah’s prophecy is for you, too. Rejoice that God has set you apart as a witness for his Kingdom. Let him touch your mouth and give you words. Don’t be afraid!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Matthew 7.7-8: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks find; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Sound of the Guns!
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 55-56
NT: Romans 8
W&W: Psalm 81
Today’s Reflection:
In the smoke and dense fog that would surround a Civil War battlefield, it was not always possible to see where you needed to go next. In days of Civil War battles, the good commanders would lead their units to “the sound of the guns.” They knew that this was where they were needed.
What about us in Christ’s army today? Do we go to the sound of the guns? Or, are we more concerned about our own safety and comfort? Isaiah 56 deals, in part, with making sure that the people of God are concerned about those who are strangers to mercy and forgiveness and life in Jesus. God says, “Let no foreigner…say, ‘The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.’ … These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56.3, 7).
God has a big mission! He has engaged the forces of evil to rescue people from sin and darkness. Christ has died on the cross, defeated the grave, and risen from the dead, and now he is working to bring his victory to all nations.
Can you hear the sound of the guns? Leave your comfort and go there. Put on the full armor of God and engage the battle! Christ is calling us to his battlefield of love and sacrifice. He is calling us to do nothing less than change the world!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Put 1 John 1.5-10 together: 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
OT: Isaiah 55-56
NT: Romans 8
W&W: Psalm 81
Today’s Reflection:
In the smoke and dense fog that would surround a Civil War battlefield, it was not always possible to see where you needed to go next. In days of Civil War battles, the good commanders would lead their units to “the sound of the guns.” They knew that this was where they were needed.
What about us in Christ’s army today? Do we go to the sound of the guns? Or, are we more concerned about our own safety and comfort? Isaiah 56 deals, in part, with making sure that the people of God are concerned about those who are strangers to mercy and forgiveness and life in Jesus. God says, “Let no foreigner…say, ‘The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.’ … These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56.3, 7).
God has a big mission! He has engaged the forces of evil to rescue people from sin and darkness. Christ has died on the cross, defeated the grave, and risen from the dead, and now he is working to bring his victory to all nations.
Can you hear the sound of the guns? Leave your comfort and go there. Put on the full armor of God and engage the battle! Christ is calling us to his battlefield of love and sacrifice. He is calling us to do nothing less than change the world!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Put 1 John 1.5-10 together: 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Changed In An Instant
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 19-20
NT: Acts 9
W&W: Proverbs 17
Today’s Reflection:
The first verse of Acts 9 informs us that Saul, a young Jewish scholar, was “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.” Saul hated Christians. He rejected the message of Christ. Undoubtedly he scoffed at the thought of the resurrection. But something happened to Saul and his life was changed forever.
As Saul traveled to Damascus to persecute the followers of Jesus Christ, the risen Savior himself appeared to Saul and called him to become a follower, too. Although his circumstances did not change immediately and his acceptance by The Church was longer in coming, Saul was changed nonetheless. He knew it, and he began to live differently at once. In that instant Saul was changed from persecutor of the gospel to preacher of the gospel.
God’s grace is just as effective in your life and mine today as it was in Saul’s life then. Jesus can change us in an instant. Our circumstances may not immediately change, and it may take others longer to realize it, but we are changed nonetheless. No matter where you are, no matter what you have done, no matter how far you may feel from God, do not despair! God changes who and what you are at once. Then he invites you, like Saul, to become who and what he has changed you to. Oh glorious mystery of God’s grace!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Let’s put the first 4 verses of 1 John together. 1 John 1.1-4: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.
OT: Isaiah 19-20
NT: Acts 9
W&W: Proverbs 17
Today’s Reflection:
The first verse of Acts 9 informs us that Saul, a young Jewish scholar, was “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.” Saul hated Christians. He rejected the message of Christ. Undoubtedly he scoffed at the thought of the resurrection. But something happened to Saul and his life was changed forever.
As Saul traveled to Damascus to persecute the followers of Jesus Christ, the risen Savior himself appeared to Saul and called him to become a follower, too. Although his circumstances did not change immediately and his acceptance by The Church was longer in coming, Saul was changed nonetheless. He knew it, and he began to live differently at once. In that instant Saul was changed from persecutor of the gospel to preacher of the gospel.
God’s grace is just as effective in your life and mine today as it was in Saul’s life then. Jesus can change us in an instant. Our circumstances may not immediately change, and it may take others longer to realize it, but we are changed nonetheless. No matter where you are, no matter what you have done, no matter how far you may feel from God, do not despair! God changes who and what you are at once. Then he invites you, like Saul, to become who and what he has changed you to. Oh glorious mystery of God’s grace!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Let’s put the first 4 verses of 1 John together. 1 John 1.1-4: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Boldly Preach Jesus
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 9-10
NT: Acts 4
W&W: Proverbs 12
Today’s Reflection:
In Acts 4, we find Peter and John boldly preaching Jesus. They had been arrested and then called to give an account before the Jewish rulers “for an act of kindness shown to a cripple…” Without apology, without hesitation, without shame, they proclaimed, “Know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed” (Acts 4.10).
At the end of the proceedings, Peter and John were commanded “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” To which they replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (vv. 18-20).
When I read that, the Holy Spirit seemed to challenge me, saying, “Preach Jesus! Boldly preach Jesus!”
Following the lead of Peter and John, those who would preach Jesus, who would boldly witness to Jesus’ resurrection and power, must be:
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.4-5: We write this to make our joy complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
OT: Isaiah 9-10
NT: Acts 4
W&W: Proverbs 12
Today’s Reflection:
In Acts 4, we find Peter and John boldly preaching Jesus. They had been arrested and then called to give an account before the Jewish rulers “for an act of kindness shown to a cripple…” Without apology, without hesitation, without shame, they proclaimed, “Know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed” (Acts 4.10).
At the end of the proceedings, Peter and John were commanded “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” To which they replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (vv. 18-20).
When I read that, the Holy Spirit seemed to challenge me, saying, “Preach Jesus! Boldly preach Jesus!”
Following the lead of Peter and John, those who would preach Jesus, who would boldly witness to Jesus’ resurrection and power, must be:
- Filled with the Spirit
- Courageous
- Plain and straightforward
- Firm and unapologetic
- Prayerful and dependent
- Willing to face needs with grace (see blog from May 8)
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.4-5: We write this to make our joy complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Large and Spacious
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 7
NT: Luke 7
W&W: Psalm 47
Today’s Reflection:
The following statements in today’s Old Testament and Wisdom and Worship readings stirred my soul:
May God take me – take you – to a place “large and spacious” with room to gather and grow the family of God. Of course, I am praying that he do that for me in a very real way geographically, calling me to a place to serve. But, may he take each of us to a “large and spacious” place – emotionally, mentally, spiritually – where we have room in our hearts and thinking and faith to build up the community of God’s people.
In the Psalm, we read that God is calling “the nobles of the nations” to assemble as his people, as the people of Abraham, the people of faith. Those on the “outside” need to come in. They belong on the “inside.” They are nobles, and it is not fitting that nobles remain outside when the royal family is within praising the King.
Isn’t that exciting? God sees the “lost” as royal rulers! He saw me that way. He sees those in my “new community” that way. He is telling me – telling us – “Bring in my sons and daughters of royal blood. Do not let them perish alone and rejected.”
God help us to see the sons and daughters of the kingdom who are on the outside and then to bring them into the city. May God put it in our hearts to bring them in to grow and rebuild their houses. Then, as we gather them, may he build them as “living stones” into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2.5).
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.4-5: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
OT: Nehemiah 7
NT: Luke 7
W&W: Psalm 47
Today’s Reflection:
The following statements in today’s Old Testament and Wisdom and Worship readings stirred my soul:
- Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and the houses had not yet been rebuilt. So my God put it into my heart… (Nehemiah 7.4-5a).
- The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted (Psalm 47.9).
May God take me – take you – to a place “large and spacious” with room to gather and grow the family of God. Of course, I am praying that he do that for me in a very real way geographically, calling me to a place to serve. But, may he take each of us to a “large and spacious” place – emotionally, mentally, spiritually – where we have room in our hearts and thinking and faith to build up the community of God’s people.
In the Psalm, we read that God is calling “the nobles of the nations” to assemble as his people, as the people of Abraham, the people of faith. Those on the “outside” need to come in. They belong on the “inside.” They are nobles, and it is not fitting that nobles remain outside when the royal family is within praising the King.
Isn’t that exciting? God sees the “lost” as royal rulers! He saw me that way. He sees those in my “new community” that way. He is telling me – telling us – “Bring in my sons and daughters of royal blood. Do not let them perish alone and rejected.”
God help us to see the sons and daughters of the kingdom who are on the outside and then to bring them into the city. May God put it in our hearts to bring them in to grow and rebuild their houses. Then, as we gather them, may he build them as “living stones” into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2.5).
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.4-5: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
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