Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 5
NT: Hebrews 12
W&W: Psalm 127
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 6
NT: Hebrews 13
W&W: Psalm 128
Today’s Reflection:
Ever notice how success sometimes breeds trouble? Daniel was in just such a position. He had been elevated to the third highest in the kingdom of Babylon, and because of his success many were jealous of him. Powerful and influential people sought to destroy his life.
But the Bible says that destroying Daniel was harder than his detractor’s bargained for. Daniel was “trustworthy, and neither corrupt nor negligent.” Frustrated, these men realized, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God." That's a tribute to his character! These jealous co-workers could find no basis for a charge against him except for his high moral and spiritual qualities! So they colluded to trap him in his devotion to his God, and they set him up before the king.
If you know the story, you know that Daniel ended up being thrown in the lion’s den, but the lion’s just weren’t hungry for what was on the menue that day: “Man of God." God protected him. Now, it doesn’t always work that way; sometimes we suffer for our faith – suffer greatly – even face martyrdom. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness” (Matthew 5.10). And of course, Jesus himself was crucified for his testimony of God.
The Apostle Peter says if we suffer because we act foolishly – and bring it on ourselves – then there is no valor in that. “But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:20).
Success often breeds trouble. Sometimes God delivers us from the trouble, sometimes through it. At all times, we should be determined to keep our way just and righteous before him. And, even should you suffer greatly because of your testimony for Jesus – as I stated earlier in the week – “Do not throw away your confidence! It will be richly rewarded!”
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Joel 2. 28-29, 31a: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved;
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Raise Your Sights!
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 4
NT: Hebrews 11
W&W: Psalm 126
Today’s Reflection:
Daniel 4.34 says, “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.”
Through his own vanity and pride, the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar, had found himself driven from the palace and living like an animal. He lived that way for 7 years before he came to his senses and raised his eyes to heaven.
Are you confused? Are you uncertain about the meaning of life? Are you afraid? Raise your eyes to heaven! God will give you wisdom and lead you in the way you should go!
Special Note to Jenny: As I prayed this morning, the Lord gave me this passage to share with you - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4.4-7). That would be a good one to memorize as you are waiting on the Lord to work things out in regards to "stuff."
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Joel 2. 28-29, 31a: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.
OT: Daniel 4
NT: Hebrews 11
W&W: Psalm 126
Today’s Reflection:
Daniel 4.34 says, “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.”
Through his own vanity and pride, the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar, had found himself driven from the palace and living like an animal. He lived that way for 7 years before he came to his senses and raised his eyes to heaven.
Are you confused? Are you uncertain about the meaning of life? Are you afraid? Raise your eyes to heaven! God will give you wisdom and lead you in the way you should go!
Special Note to Jenny: As I prayed this morning, the Lord gave me this passage to share with you - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4.4-7). That would be a good one to memorize as you are waiting on the Lord to work things out in regards to "stuff."
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Joel 2. 28-29, 31a: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Don't throw Away Your Confidence!
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 3
NT: Hebrews 10
W&W: Psalm 125
Today’s Reflection:
The writer of Hebrews wrote: “Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded” (Hebrews 10.35).
There have been times in my life that my confidence has been eroded. Sometimes it has happened due to my own failures, and sometimes through the callous and cold remarks by others. Never has my confidence been eroded by God. I am so thankful that he believes in me and that he tells me to believe in myself! He constantly reminds me of that even when I am filled with self-doubt and fear.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 15.10: “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” I know I have referenced that verse before to many of you – probably on this blog. But I can’t get away from it. God reminds me time and time again that he made just the way I am – all the potential of heaven’s creative power is wrapped up in me. And, it’s wrapped up in you, too!
So, do not throw away your confidence. Christ is in you; that’s the hope of glory! (Colossians 1.27)
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Joel 2. 28-29, 31a: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.
OT: Daniel 3
NT: Hebrews 10
W&W: Psalm 125
Today’s Reflection:
The writer of Hebrews wrote: “Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded” (Hebrews 10.35).
There have been times in my life that my confidence has been eroded. Sometimes it has happened due to my own failures, and sometimes through the callous and cold remarks by others. Never has my confidence been eroded by God. I am so thankful that he believes in me and that he tells me to believe in myself! He constantly reminds me of that even when I am filled with self-doubt and fear.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 15.10: “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” I know I have referenced that verse before to many of you – probably on this blog. But I can’t get away from it. God reminds me time and time again that he made just the way I am – all the potential of heaven’s creative power is wrapped up in me. And, it’s wrapped up in you, too!
So, do not throw away your confidence. Christ is in you; that’s the hope of glory! (Colossians 1.27)
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Joel 2. 28-29, 31a: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.
Monday, October 26, 2009
God Gives Knowledge and Understanding
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 1-2
NT: Hebrews 9
W&W: Psalm 124
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 3
NT: Hebrews 10
W&W: Psalm 125
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 4
NT: Hebrews 11
W&W: Psalm 126
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 5
NT: Hebrews 12
W&W: Psalm 127
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 6
NT: Hebrews 13
W&W: Psalm 128
Today’s Reflection:
The Biblical book of Daniel is the story of a young man of God who was a Jewish exile in Babylon. Included in his story is the account of three other devout Jews: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The story opens with the 4 men being educated and prepared for service to the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. Quite an honor for exiled young men, but there was a problem. They were expected to eat wine and drink foods that were unacceptable to their Jewish customs. These four brave men took a stand and asked to eat just fruits and vegetables, thereby not defiling themselves with the meat of Babylon.
The king’s official charged with their development was reluctant to allow them to follow a fruit and vegetable diet, but relented to a trial period. Daniel and his friends proposed to the test, assured of the Lord’s blessing. Their courage was seen in the fact that they were willing to put God’s name on the line, saying in essence, “God if you don’t help us, your name will be maligned!” God did help them and they were healthier and wiser than the other young men who had entered the king’s service.
The Bible says, “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds” (Daniel 1.17). What an exciting prospect! To those willing to stand on principle and be faithful to him, God gives knowledge and understanding. He even gives visions and dreams to help us know the best course to take.
My prayer today is this: “God, I seek your light. Give me knowledge. Help me understand what I read and learn. Grant me a vision and plant a dream in my heart. Amen.”
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Joel 2. 28-29, 31a: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved;
OT: Daniel 1-2
NT: Hebrews 9
W&W: Psalm 124
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 3
NT: Hebrews 10
W&W: Psalm 125
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 4
NT: Hebrews 11
W&W: Psalm 126
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 5
NT: Hebrews 12
W&W: Psalm 127
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 6
NT: Hebrews 13
W&W: Psalm 128
Today’s Reflection:
The Biblical book of Daniel is the story of a young man of God who was a Jewish exile in Babylon. Included in his story is the account of three other devout Jews: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The story opens with the 4 men being educated and prepared for service to the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. Quite an honor for exiled young men, but there was a problem. They were expected to eat wine and drink foods that were unacceptable to their Jewish customs. These four brave men took a stand and asked to eat just fruits and vegetables, thereby not defiling themselves with the meat of Babylon.
The king’s official charged with their development was reluctant to allow them to follow a fruit and vegetable diet, but relented to a trial period. Daniel and his friends proposed to the test, assured of the Lord’s blessing. Their courage was seen in the fact that they were willing to put God’s name on the line, saying in essence, “God if you don’t help us, your name will be maligned!” God did help them and they were healthier and wiser than the other young men who had entered the king’s service.
The Bible says, “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds” (Daniel 1.17). What an exciting prospect! To those willing to stand on principle and be faithful to him, God gives knowledge and understanding. He even gives visions and dreams to help us know the best course to take.
My prayer today is this: “God, I seek your light. Give me knowledge. Help me understand what I read and learn. Grant me a vision and plant a dream in my heart. Amen.”
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Joel 2. 28-29, 31a: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved;
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
In One Door and Out the Other!
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 46
NT: Hebrews 6
W&W: Psalm 121
Today’s Reflection:
In today’s Old Testament Reading, God said – through the prophet Ezekiel – “When the people of the land come before the LORD at the appointed feasts, whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south gate; and whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which he entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate” (Ezekiel 46.9).
I wonder why God said that. Wouldn’t it just be easier to come and go by the same door? After all, the people undoubtedly parked their chariots as close to the door as possible so that they could hurry off after worship!
But God said something different. Take time to enter into God’s presences and stay there a while. You don’t need to do everything with an eye on the clock. By coming in one gate and going out the other, the people had to pass completely through the temple and be exposed to the full measure of God’s presence among them. And, part of that full measure of God’s presence was his presence in the lives and hearts of fellow worshipers.
When we worship, wouldn’t it be good to do that at least metaphorically? Wouldn’t it be right to avoid just coming in and sitting down and getting up to leave? Wouldn’t we be better off if we took time to “pass through” God’s family and thereby enjoy his presence? We miss much of God when we miss interacting with the people of God. So I challenge you: get to know some new people. Don’t get stuck in a rut or get caught in a hurry. The rewards of new friendships are amazing!
At Bethel Church of the Nazarene, we recently completed an assessment to determine the level of engagement in our church. One of the questions asked of our church-attenders was this: “Do you have a best friend at church?” Experience teaches us that we all need friendships in order to stay connected to our churches and engaged in the mission of our churches. God purposely designed the Christian journey so that we wouldn’t have walk it alone.
So: Come on in! Get to know me, and let me get to know you!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 121: 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
OT: Ezekiel 46
NT: Hebrews 6
W&W: Psalm 121
Today’s Reflection:
In today’s Old Testament Reading, God said – through the prophet Ezekiel – “When the people of the land come before the LORD at the appointed feasts, whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south gate; and whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which he entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate” (Ezekiel 46.9).
I wonder why God said that. Wouldn’t it just be easier to come and go by the same door? After all, the people undoubtedly parked their chariots as close to the door as possible so that they could hurry off after worship!
But God said something different. Take time to enter into God’s presences and stay there a while. You don’t need to do everything with an eye on the clock. By coming in one gate and going out the other, the people had to pass completely through the temple and be exposed to the full measure of God’s presence among them. And, part of that full measure of God’s presence was his presence in the lives and hearts of fellow worshipers.
When we worship, wouldn’t it be good to do that at least metaphorically? Wouldn’t it be right to avoid just coming in and sitting down and getting up to leave? Wouldn’t we be better off if we took time to “pass through” God’s family and thereby enjoy his presence? We miss much of God when we miss interacting with the people of God. So I challenge you: get to know some new people. Don’t get stuck in a rut or get caught in a hurry. The rewards of new friendships are amazing!
At Bethel Church of the Nazarene, we recently completed an assessment to determine the level of engagement in our church. One of the questions asked of our church-attenders was this: “Do you have a best friend at church?” Experience teaches us that we all need friendships in order to stay connected to our churches and engaged in the mission of our churches. God purposely designed the Christian journey so that we wouldn’t have walk it alone.
So: Come on in! Get to know me, and let me get to know you!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 121: 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
What an Honor!
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 45
NT: Hebrews 5
W&W: Psalm 120
Today’s Reflection:
In speaking of the Old Testament high priests, the writer of Hebrews says, “No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was” (Hebrews 5.4). The writer goes on to say that even Christ himself did not take the honor of high priest upon himself. He, too, was appointed by God.
As I think about that, I realize a couple things:
First of all, I realize that serving God and his people is an honor! What greater honor could one have than to serve in the courts of the king of kings and Lord of Lords? What greater trust and confidence could be shown than to entrust the welfare of the King’s family to a servant? Thank God for the honor of his call!
Then, I realize that it is not only me as a pastor – but all of us who are called by God to serve his people as priests. I firmly believe that God has made us all to be priests together in the household of God. We are to serve God and his people in ways that he calls. No one skates by without serving. God calls us all. If you think that you have nothing to offer God and his people in service, go to the scripture that I often think of: “By the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder!” (1 Corinthians 15.10) God has made you what you are to serve him!
What honor to serve the King! What freedom to be what he has made us to be!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 121: 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
OT: Ezekiel 45
NT: Hebrews 5
W&W: Psalm 120
Today’s Reflection:
In speaking of the Old Testament high priests, the writer of Hebrews says, “No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was” (Hebrews 5.4). The writer goes on to say that even Christ himself did not take the honor of high priest upon himself. He, too, was appointed by God.
As I think about that, I realize a couple things:
First of all, I realize that serving God and his people is an honor! What greater honor could one have than to serve in the courts of the king of kings and Lord of Lords? What greater trust and confidence could be shown than to entrust the welfare of the King’s family to a servant? Thank God for the honor of his call!
Then, I realize that it is not only me as a pastor – but all of us who are called by God to serve his people as priests. I firmly believe that God has made us all to be priests together in the household of God. We are to serve God and his people in ways that he calls. No one skates by without serving. God calls us all. If you think that you have nothing to offer God and his people in service, go to the scripture that I often think of: “By the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder!” (1 Corinthians 15.10) God has made you what you are to serve him!
What honor to serve the King! What freedom to be what he has made us to be!
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 121: 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Help Me!
Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 44
NT: Hebrews 4
W&W: Psalm 119.169-176
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 45
NT: Hebrews 5
W&W: Psalm 120
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 46
NT: Hebrews 6
W&W: Psalm 121
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 47
NT: Hebrews 7
W&W: Psalm 122
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 48
NT: Hebrews 8
W&W: Psalm 123
Today’s Reflection:
The Psalmist said, “May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts” (Psalm 119.173). What a comfort when you can pray that prayer! When I read that scripture, I realized that I have chosen God’s precepts, so I can ask for God’s help.
Today, I need God to help me, prepare messages, minister to people, recover from a long trip, keep things in perspective and get over this lousy cold. I believe he will do it because I have chosen to live according to his precepts.
Several years ago, I committed Psalm 121 to memory. Look at it below. I think you will agree that it is a good Psalm for today and every day!
What help do you need? Turn to God and his precepts! He will be your constant help.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 121: 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
OT: Ezekiel 44
NT: Hebrews 4
W&W: Psalm 119.169-176
Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 45
NT: Hebrews 5
W&W: Psalm 120
Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 46
NT: Hebrews 6
W&W: Psalm 121
Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 47
NT: Hebrews 7
W&W: Psalm 122
Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Ezekiel 48
NT: Hebrews 8
W&W: Psalm 123
Today’s Reflection:
The Psalmist said, “May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts” (Psalm 119.173). What a comfort when you can pray that prayer! When I read that scripture, I realized that I have chosen God’s precepts, so I can ask for God’s help.
Today, I need God to help me, prepare messages, minister to people, recover from a long trip, keep things in perspective and get over this lousy cold. I believe he will do it because I have chosen to live according to his precepts.
Several years ago, I committed Psalm 121 to memory. Look at it below. I think you will agree that it is a good Psalm for today and every day!
What help do you need? Turn to God and his precepts! He will be your constant help.
This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Psalm 121: 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
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