Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 5
NT: Luke 5
W&W: Psalm 45
Today’s Reflection:
Nehemiah 5 describes how many of the people of God were under financial strain and some others were taking advantage of them. When Nehemiah heard of this, he made an interesting demand: “You are exacting usury from your own countrymen… As far as possible, we have bought back our Jewish brothers who were sold to the Gentiles. Now you are selling your brothers, only for them to be sold back to us… What you are doing is not right. Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies? I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let the exacting of usury stop! Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the usury you are charging them—the hundredth part of the money, grain, new wine and oil."
The “church” was buying back the people of God sold into slavery. That was good! The bad thing was that they often had to buy back those who were sold out by members of the “church.” The sad thing was that they were often being sold out over a difference in values of 1% – a miniscule amount! (Can you imagine paying 1% interest on a loan today? Wouldn't that be great!) And, all this was happening in front of the “un-churched,” causing reproach on the “church.”
Do we not do the same today? Do we not divide over minor differences? When we disagree, do we then sell out our brothers and their families – those whom Jesus died to redeem?
Also, do we – through judgmental legalism – sell out and discourage those who have started with Jesus? Do we do this when they do not make it up to our standards of understanding and behavior? And, by our attitudes are we consigning them to spiritual defeat?
Finally, do we sell out the watching world? Jesus died, paying the price for their redemption from slavery to sin. When the church divides and sells out, are we casing such reproach on Christ that they refuse to be saved?
Friends, let us not sell out our brothers and sisters over miniscule amounts. Let us not consign new believers to defeat by expecting them to be where we are. And finally, let’s not sell out the world through division in the body of Christ. After all, didn’t Jesus say, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”?
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.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
No Shortcuts
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 4
NT: Luke 4
W&W: Psalm 44
Today’s Reflection:
In Luke’s account of Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness (Luke 4.1-13) something jumped out at me from verse 2: “where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” That was “new” to me. I don’t know why I’ve missed it all these years, but I have usually pictured the fasting and temptation differently from this description. I have thought more along the lines of Jesus fasting and then at the end of the fast the devil coming to him to tempt him (as seen in the second part of verse 2 and beginning of verse 3: “at the end of them [the forty days] he was hungry. The devil said to him…”)
But, the first part of verse 2 makes it clear that during the entire time of fasting the devil was tempting our Savior: “for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” I think we can safely assume that the temptations summarized in vv. 3-13 had been at least a part of the temptations Jesus faced in the preceding 40 days.
As I considered all this, I thought of how many of you are in the wilderness and may be fasting even now. In the wilderness there are temptations. You have entered an unseen battlefield for the coming of the Kingdom of God. It is a warfare that is taking place in high places, at spiritual levels. I again tell you, do not be surprised at any temptations that the devil will throw at you. I don’t know what they might be, but I do know that they are coming – as part of your spiritual warfare.
Let me share with you what I saw in the temptations of Jesus as recorded in my biblical journal. I hope it is of help to you in those times you are engaged in spiritual battles.
Jesus was tempted by the devil to take shortcuts. He refused to take the shortcuts:
· Bread (the first temptation) is to be earned by hard work.
· Influence (the second temptation) is to be gained by integrity and humility.
· Results (the third temptation) are achieved by faithfully trusting in God’s plan.
The devil will tempt you and me to take shortcuts also. But we must stay true.
There is no shortcut to hard work:
· Pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the harvest…
· “Prayer is the work…” (Oswald Chambers)
· Labor in prayer…
· Zion will not bring forth children until she travails as in labor…
· We worked night and day, laboring and toiling…
· They have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it…
There is no short cut to integrity and humility:
· Worship God
· Be true to yourself
There is no short cut to God’s plan:
· Stay in step with the Savior
· Do not test God presumptuously – especially in times of spiritual endeavors such as fasting
· Wait on God to work, then join him in the battle for souls
· We must point to Jesus, not our work
Be encouraged and strengthened in the battle! The impact of your fasting will be seen for years to come – even generations!
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 4
NT: Luke 4
W&W: Psalm 44
Today’s Reflection:
In Luke’s account of Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness (Luke 4.1-13) something jumped out at me from verse 2: “where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” That was “new” to me. I don’t know why I’ve missed it all these years, but I have usually pictured the fasting and temptation differently from this description. I have thought more along the lines of Jesus fasting and then at the end of the fast the devil coming to him to tempt him (as seen in the second part of verse 2 and beginning of verse 3: “at the end of them [the forty days] he was hungry. The devil said to him…”)
But, the first part of verse 2 makes it clear that during the entire time of fasting the devil was tempting our Savior: “for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” I think we can safely assume that the temptations summarized in vv. 3-13 had been at least a part of the temptations Jesus faced in the preceding 40 days.
As I considered all this, I thought of how many of you are in the wilderness and may be fasting even now. In the wilderness there are temptations. You have entered an unseen battlefield for the coming of the Kingdom of God. It is a warfare that is taking place in high places, at spiritual levels. I again tell you, do not be surprised at any temptations that the devil will throw at you. I don’t know what they might be, but I do know that they are coming – as part of your spiritual warfare.
Let me share with you what I saw in the temptations of Jesus as recorded in my biblical journal. I hope it is of help to you in those times you are engaged in spiritual battles.
Jesus was tempted by the devil to take shortcuts. He refused to take the shortcuts:
· Bread (the first temptation) is to be earned by hard work.
· Influence (the second temptation) is to be gained by integrity and humility.
· Results (the third temptation) are achieved by faithfully trusting in God’s plan.
The devil will tempt you and me to take shortcuts also. But we must stay true.
There is no shortcut to hard work:
· Pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the harvest…
· “Prayer is the work…” (Oswald Chambers)
· Labor in prayer…
· Zion will not bring forth children until she travails as in labor…
· We worked night and day, laboring and toiling…
· They have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it…
There is no short cut to integrity and humility:
· Worship God
· Be true to yourself
There is no short cut to God’s plan:
· Stay in step with the Savior
· Do not test God presumptuously – especially in times of spiritual endeavors such as fasting
· Wait on God to work, then join him in the battle for souls
· We must point to Jesus, not our work
Be encouraged and strengthened in the battle! The impact of your fasting will be seen for years to come – even generations!
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.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Stand in the Gap
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 1-3
NT: Luke 3
W&W: Psalm 43
Today’s Reflection:
In the Bible and in the lives of people we know, we often find that the sin of individuals negatively impact the whole people. In today’s Old Testament reading, we understand the sin of the people can afflict one righteous man. But, we find that the repentance of that one man can have positive impact on the whole people.
If you read today’s scripture, you will see that Nehemiah – when told about the trouble and disgrace of the remnant who had returned to Jerusalem – sat down and wept, mourned and fasted. He prayed, “I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you” (Nehemiah 1.6).
Once again, we see a leader truly – not just ceremonially – identifying with the sin of the whole people. Nehemiah had not been part of the cause of the exile (He hadn’t been born yet.), but he did acknowledge that he was part of the people who had acted wickedly toward God. He was guilty for they were guilty. He meant it.
Having recognized his guilt, however, he threw himself upon the mercy of God. He called upon god to remember his promises for a people who would return to God. Since he repented, representing all the people, he could return, representing all the people. Thus in the return of one man all were returning to God. Through this one man’s faith, all would participate in the gathering.
God has said in another place, “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall stand before me in the gap,… but, I found none” (Ezekiel 22.30). Two generations later, God found Nehemiah and sent him to gather the people to build up the wall and stand in the gap.
We know that God has appointed Jesus to stand in the gap on behalf of the sins of the whole world. Yet today, God is looking for men and women who will build up the wall and stand in the gap in their own communities and churches, as did Nehemiah. Will you be one who – like Nehemiah – will identify completely with the sins of the people? Will you then repent and plead for God’s mercy? Will you then go and gather the redeemed people? If you will, God will use you to bring about great revival in your land.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
OT: Nehemiah 1-3
NT: Luke 3
W&W: Psalm 43
Today’s Reflection:
In the Bible and in the lives of people we know, we often find that the sin of individuals negatively impact the whole people. In today’s Old Testament reading, we understand the sin of the people can afflict one righteous man. But, we find that the repentance of that one man can have positive impact on the whole people.
If you read today’s scripture, you will see that Nehemiah – when told about the trouble and disgrace of the remnant who had returned to Jerusalem – sat down and wept, mourned and fasted. He prayed, “I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you” (Nehemiah 1.6).
Once again, we see a leader truly – not just ceremonially – identifying with the sin of the whole people. Nehemiah had not been part of the cause of the exile (He hadn’t been born yet.), but he did acknowledge that he was part of the people who had acted wickedly toward God. He was guilty for they were guilty. He meant it.
Having recognized his guilt, however, he threw himself upon the mercy of God. He called upon god to remember his promises for a people who would return to God. Since he repented, representing all the people, he could return, representing all the people. Thus in the return of one man all were returning to God. Through this one man’s faith, all would participate in the gathering.
God has said in another place, “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall stand before me in the gap,… but, I found none” (Ezekiel 22.30). Two generations later, God found Nehemiah and sent him to gather the people to build up the wall and stand in the gap.
We know that God has appointed Jesus to stand in the gap on behalf of the sins of the whole world. Yet today, God is looking for men and women who will build up the wall and stand in the gap in their own communities and churches, as did Nehemiah. Will you be one who – like Nehemiah – will identify completely with the sins of the people? Will you then repent and plead for God’s mercy? Will you then go and gather the redeemed people? If you will, God will use you to bring about great revival in your land.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Be That Leader!
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezra 10
NT: Luke 2
W&W: Psalm 42
Today’s Reflection:
When a leaders leads the way in repentance and humility as did Ezra in the Old Testament, when he – like Jesus – takes the sin and guilt of his people as his own, when she throws herself and her people on the mercy of God, then something amazing happens: “A large crowd of Israelites – men, women, and children – gathered around him [Ezra]. They too wept bitterly” (Ezra 10.1).
When the people saw their leader identifying with them (chapter 9), they wanted to identify themselves with him. Their identification with their leader, however, did not end in weeping. Not only did they “own” the problem; the “owned” the solution. Looking through chapter 10 you see the following responses:
OT: Ezra 10
NT: Luke 2
W&W: Psalm 42
Today’s Reflection:
When a leaders leads the way in repentance and humility as did Ezra in the Old Testament, when he – like Jesus – takes the sin and guilt of his people as his own, when she throws herself and her people on the mercy of God, then something amazing happens: “A large crowd of Israelites – men, women, and children – gathered around him [Ezra]. They too wept bitterly” (Ezra 10.1).
When the people saw their leader identifying with them (chapter 9), they wanted to identify themselves with him. Their identification with their leader, however, did not end in weeping. Not only did they “own” the problem; the “owned” the solution. Looking through chapter 10 you see the following responses:
- We have been unfaithful…
- There is still hope…
- Let’s make a covenant to correct this problem…
- Let’s follow the input of this man of God who has led us to humility and repentance…
- Let’s do it “by the book” (the Law)…
- We pledge our support to the solution…
- We encourage our leader…
- We will help complete the solution…
“God, though I am unworthy, your work demands and deserves a leader who is contrite and humble, one who is willing to identify with the weaknesses of the people. Your work demands and deserves a people who will gather around a leader in this manner. God, may I be that leader! Give me that place!”
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
True Leaders Lead to and through Repentance
Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezra 9
NT: Luke 1
W&W: Psalm 41
Today’s Reflection:
Ezra 9 shares an alarming development among God’s people after the great victory that the Lord had brought about in bringing the people back to Jerusalem:
1 After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, "The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices, like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians and Amorites. 2 They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness."
As we often see in the Bible, tragedy results when people don’t follow God-ordained leadership. But how much more tragic when “the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness!” (v. 2)
Man / Woman of God – leader of the people of God – give careful attention to your life. You call yourself a leader, and thus it is clear that you expect people to follow you. Know where you are leading them!
The leader Ezra led the people out of their sin. He repented and humbled himself on behalf of the sin of the people and leaders. He himself was not the least guilty of engaging in this sinful behavior of which he repented. But, he took the guilt of the others as his own. This is evident in his actions, revealing genuine repentance:
OT: Ezra 9
NT: Luke 1
W&W: Psalm 41
Today’s Reflection:
Ezra 9 shares an alarming development among God’s people after the great victory that the Lord had brought about in bringing the people back to Jerusalem:
1 After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, "The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices, like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians and Amorites. 2 They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness."
As we often see in the Bible, tragedy results when people don’t follow God-ordained leadership. But how much more tragic when “the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness!” (v. 2)
Man / Woman of God – leader of the people of God – give careful attention to your life. You call yourself a leader, and thus it is clear that you expect people to follow you. Know where you are leading them!
The leader Ezra led the people out of their sin. He repented and humbled himself on behalf of the sin of the people and leaders. He himself was not the least guilty of engaging in this sinful behavior of which he repented. But, he took the guilt of the others as his own. This is evident in his actions, revealing genuine repentance:
- He tore his clothes.
- He pulled out his hair and beard.
- He sat down appalled.
- He fell on his knees.
- He spread out his hands to heaven.
- He prayed.
- He fasted (Ezra 10.6).
Leader, are you willing to pay such a price? Will you identify with the sin of your people as did Ezra? As did Moses? As did Paul? As did Jesus?
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Ezra Proclaimed a Fast
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Today’s Reflection:
In Ezra 8, we read that Ezra led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem. Before, they set out on their journey, Ezra proclaimed a fast. The purpose of the fast was so…
That the pilgrims might humble themselves before God.
That they would then be in a position to ask God for a safe journey.
That they could also ask God for a safe journey for their children.
That God would honor their trust and their testimony of his faithfulness.
That God would keep their possessions intact:
Join me in prayer and fasting for God to bless you on your journey to spiritual blessings and renewal!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
- OT: Ezra 8
- NT: Mark 16
- W&W: Psalm 40
Today’s Reflection:
In Ezra 8, we read that Ezra led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem. Before, they set out on their journey, Ezra proclaimed a fast. The purpose of the fast was so…
That the pilgrims might humble themselves before God.
That they would then be in a position to ask God for a safe journey.
That they could also ask God for a safe journey for their children.
That God would honor their trust and their testimony of his faithfulness.
That God would keep their possessions intact:
- Household goods – things of life
- Articles for worship
- Sacrificial offerings
- Strength and provision for the journey
- Hope and expectation of God’s favor
- Something to present to God upon their arrival
Join me in prayer and fasting for God to bless you on your journey to spiritual blessings and renewal!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Praying the Words of Jesus
Today’s Scripture Readings:
Today’s Reflection:
When I read Mark 15, two statements from Jesus stood out to me: “Yes, it is as you say” (Mark 15.2), and “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15.34). I invite you to “listen in” on my conversation with the Lord…
First of all, I know, Lord, it is as you say. I wait for you to speak in my future, for you have spoken in my past. All you have decreed is, and all you shall decree will be. Speak, Lord:
Also, Lord, I see that Pilate said more than he understood when he called you the King of the Jews. May the same be the case for those involved in calling me and for those praying for me. Would it be possible that a “word of prophesy” – a word that goes beyond human understanding and calculation – might be spoken by them? May it be so obviously from God that it would be said of all those involved, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” So may it be as they say!
To that end, Lord, may I speak words that will bring about your will. By faith may my words – “Be removed and thrown into the sea” – move all mountains and bring about the Kingdom of God. Do this in my preaching (revivals and pulpit supply coming up) and in my situation with job and ministry. May I be discerning and courageous enough so that it will be as I say!
Lord Jesus, your next statement recorded in Mark 15 arose from the depth of your identifying with my sinfulness. I could never understand what you experienced as the Son of God to feel forsaken by your Father. Yet, there is a cry that arises from my heart. I feel afraid, at times overwhelmed. Alone. Hearing your cry from the cross, I know, Lord, that you understand me. As a matter of fact your understanding of my situation goes deeper than my own understanding of it. In that I am comforted.
My Jesus, may I never “feel sorry for myself,” but may I always look to your example and find courage in your courage, faith in your faith, and obedience in your obedience.
Amen.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
- OT: Ezra 7
- NT: Mark 15
- W&W: Psalm 39
Today’s Reflection:
When I read Mark 15, two statements from Jesus stood out to me: “Yes, it is as you say” (Mark 15.2), and “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15.34). I invite you to “listen in” on my conversation with the Lord…
First of all, I know, Lord, it is as you say. I wait for you to speak in my future, for you have spoken in my past. All you have decreed is, and all you shall decree will be. Speak, Lord:
- To me so that I can know your will
- To Lana so that she can know your will
- To those involved in calling me to my next assignment so they can know your will
- To my children so they can help us discover your will
Also, Lord, I see that Pilate said more than he understood when he called you the King of the Jews. May the same be the case for those involved in calling me and for those praying for me. Would it be possible that a “word of prophesy” – a word that goes beyond human understanding and calculation – might be spoken by them? May it be so obviously from God that it would be said of all those involved, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” So may it be as they say!
To that end, Lord, may I speak words that will bring about your will. By faith may my words – “Be removed and thrown into the sea” – move all mountains and bring about the Kingdom of God. Do this in my preaching (revivals and pulpit supply coming up) and in my situation with job and ministry. May I be discerning and courageous enough so that it will be as I say!
Lord Jesus, your next statement recorded in Mark 15 arose from the depth of your identifying with my sinfulness. I could never understand what you experienced as the Son of God to feel forsaken by your Father. Yet, there is a cry that arises from my heart. I feel afraid, at times overwhelmed. Alone. Hearing your cry from the cross, I know, Lord, that you understand me. As a matter of fact your understanding of my situation goes deeper than my own understanding of it. In that I am comforted.
My Jesus, may I never “feel sorry for myself,” but may I always look to your example and find courage in your courage, faith in your faith, and obedience in your obedience.
Amen.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.2-3: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
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