The Honor Of following
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Posted:Nov 10, 2014 5:00 am
Last Updated:Nov 11, 2014 5:05 am 15222 Views
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Read: Matthew 4:18-22
Then [Jesus] said to them, Follow Me.Matthew 4:19
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 48-49; Hebrews 7
While visiting Jerusalem, a friend of mine saw an old rabbi walking past the Wailing Wall. The interesting thing about the aged rabbi was the five young men walking behind him. They too were walking bent over, limping just like their rabbi. An Orthodox Jew watching them would know exactly why they were imitating their teacher. They were followers.
Throughout the history of Judaism, one of the most honored positions for a Jewish man was the privilege of becoming a follower of the local rabbi. Followers sat at the rabbi's feet as he taught. They would study his words and watch how he acted and reacted to life and others. A follower would count it the highest honor to serve his rabbi in even the most menial tasks. And, because they admired their rabbi, they were determined to become like him.
When Jesus called His disciples to follow Him (Matt. 4:19), it was an invitation to be changed by Him, to become like Him, and to share His passion for those who need a Savior. The high honor of being His follower should show in our lives as well. We too have been called to catch the attention of the watching world as we talk, think, and act just like Jesus the rabbi, the teacher, of our souls.
Thank You, Lord, for the high honor of being
called to follow You. May my life so imitate
You that others will know that You are the
pursuit of my life and the rabbi of my soul.
Follow Jesus and let the world know He is your rabbi.
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Multiply It
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Posted:Nov 7, 2014 3:27 am
Last Updated:Nov 8, 2014 8:15 am 16931 Views
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Read: Revelation 22:1-5
There shall be no more curse. —Revelation 22:3
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 40-42; Hebrews 4
Amy had battled cancer for 5 years. Then the doctor told her that the treatments were failing and she had just a few weeks to live. Wanting some understanding and assurance about eternity, Amy asked her pastor, “What will heaven be like?”
He asked her what she liked most about her life on earth. She talked about walks and rainbows and caring friends and the laughter of . “So, then, are you saying I will have all of that there?” she asked longingly.
Amy’s pastor replied, “I believe that your life there will be far more beautiful and amazing than anything you ever loved or experienced here. Think about what’s best here for you and multiply it over and over and over. That’s what I think heaven will be.”
The Bible doesn’t describe in detail what life in eternity will be like, but it does tell us that being with Christ in heaven is “far better” than our present circumstance (Phil. 1:23). “There shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him” (Rev. 22:3).
Best of all, we will see the Lord Jesus face to face. Our deepest yearnings will be fully satisfied in Him.
We’re thankful, Lord, for Your presence now
in our lives. But what an amazing day it will be
when we meet You face to face!
Life with You in heaven will be greater by far.
To be with Jesus forever is the sum of all happiness.
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Power
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Posted:Nov 6, 2014 2:58 am
Last Updated:Nov 7, 2014 3:29 am 19560 Views
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Read: Job 39:19-25
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 37-39; Hebrews 3
Think for a moment of the power, beauty, and majesty of a galloping his head held high, his mane flying in the wind, and his legs working in unison to provide speed, power, and abandon.
What a wonderful example of God's magnificent creation is the ! God created it not just for our amazement and enjoyment but also as a complement to the human race (Job 39). Properly trained, the is fearless when we need a courageous companion. The was used to carry the soldier faithfully into conflict with speed (v.24) and anticipation (v.25).
Although God was using creation to teach Job about His sovereignty, we can also be reminded through this passage about our own value in God's world. We are created not simply as a beautiful creature with a job to do but also as a creature made in God's image. The power of the is amazing, but the value of each human transcends all other creatures.
God created us uniquely to have a relationship with Him and to live with Him forever. While we praise God for the magnificence of the creatures of nature, we also stand in awe that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14).
Thank You, our Almighty God and Father, for Your
creation. You have provided so many majestic
creatures for us to enjoy, but help us to recognize
with thankfulness the special place we have in creation.
Of all God's creation, only humans can experience re-creation.
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Less Than The Least
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Posted:Nov 5, 2014 3:01 am
Last Updated:Nov 5, 2014 3:03 am 21585 Views
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Read: Genesis 32:3-12
I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant. Genesis 32:10
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 34-36; Hebrews 2
Unlike those who think highly of themselves, Jacob knew that he had been ruined by sin
(Gen. 32:10). He thought himself a man unworthy of God's grace. He had cheated his brother Esau out of his birthright (ch.27), and his brother hated him for it. Now, years later, Jacob was going to face Esau again.
I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, Jacob prayed, using a word for least that suggests the tiniest object. Deliver me, I pray
(32:10-11).
How odd to see those phrases side by side: I am unworthy of Your mercies . . . . Deliver me! Yet Jacob could pray for mercy because his hope lay not in his own worth, but in God's promise to look with favor on those who throw themselves at His feet. Humility and contrition are the keys that open the heart of God. Someone has said that the best disposition for praying is being stripped of everything. It is crying out of the depths. It comes from the soul that knows its deep depravity.
Such prayers are offered by those who are thoroughly convicted of God's grace that goes out to undeserving sinners. God hears best those who cry out: God, be merciful to me a sinner! (Luke 18:13).
Lord, I am like Jacob, in need of Your mercy.
I have failed You, and I bow at Your feet today.
Thank You for being a merciful God, ready
and able to forgive and restore me.
It is fitting for a great God to forgive great sinners.
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Perception Or Reality?
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Posted:Nov 4, 2014 12:11 pm
Last Updated:Nov 4, 2014 12:13 pm 22178 Views
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Read: Mark 4:35-41
Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing? Mark 4.38
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 32-33; Hebrews 1
We often hear it said, Perception is reality. That idea for Americans may have dawned on September 26, 1960 the date of the first televised debate between two presidential candidates. In front of the cameras, John Kennedy appeared composed; Richard Nixon appeared nervous. The perception was that Kennedy would be a stronger leader. The debate not only turned that election, but it also changed the way politics is done in the US. Politics by perception became the rule of the day.
Sometimes perception is reality. But not always especially our perceptions about God. When Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee in a small fishing vessel, a sudden storm threatened to sink the boat. With Jesus asleep and the disciples on the verge of panic, they began to stir Him, asking, Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing? (Mark 43.38.
Their question sounds similar to questions I've asked. At times I perceive God's apparent inactivity as a lack of care. But His care for me goes well beyond what I can see or measure. Our God is deeply concerned for what concerns us. He urges us to place all our care upon Him, for He cares for [us] (1 Peter 5.7. That is true reality.
O yes, He cares; I know He cares!
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Even when we don't sense God's presence, His loving care is all around us.
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Does God Care?
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Posted:Nov 3, 2014 12:51 am
Last Updated:Nov 4, 2014 12:13 pm 22239 Views
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Read: Psalm 30
Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper! Psalm 30:10
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 30-31; Philemon
Minnie and George Lacy were faced with some questions: Is Jesus enough? Is our relationship with Christ sufficient to sustain us? Will He be enough to help us want to go on living? Does He care?
While serving as missionaries in 1904, the Lacys youngest fell ill. Then in rapid succession, all five of their died from scarlet fever, none living to see the new year. In letters to the mission board George Lacy wrote about their deep loneliness and grief: Sometimes it seems more than we can bear But then he added, The Lord is with us and is wonderfully helping us. In this, their darkest time, they found that Jesus was near and He was enough.
Many of us will face moments when we will wonder if we can go on. If our health fails, if our job disappears, if we lose those closest to us, will we find our relationship with the Lord real enough to keep us pressing forward?
The psalmist reminds us of God's presence and faithfulness (Ps. 30). When he was deeply depressed, he cried out, Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper! (v.10). God gave Him healing and comfort (vv.2-3).
As believers in Jesus, we will never lack what we need to persevere. The Lord will always be near.
Though tempted and sadly discouraged,
My soul to this refuge will flee
And rest in the blessed assurance,
My grace is sufficient for thee.
Faith in an all-sufficient Christ enables us to press on.
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What Love Is
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Posted:Oct 31, 2014 4:57 am
Last Updated:Nov 5, 2014 3:04 am 22824 Views
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Read: Romans 5:1-8
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5.8
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 22-23; Titus 1
Years ago I asked a young man who was engaged to be married, “How do you know that you love her?” It was a loaded question, intended to help him look at his heart’s motives for the upcoming marriage. After several thoughtful moments, he responded, “I know I love her because I want to spend the rest of my life making her happy.”
We discussed what that meant—and the price tag attached to the selflessness of constantly seeking the best for the other person, rather than putting ourselves first. Real love has a lot to do with sacrifice.
That idea is in line with the wisdom of the Bible. In the Scriptures there are several Greek words for love but the highest form is agape love—love that is defined and driven by self-sacrifice. Nowhere is this more true than in the love our heavenly Father has shown us in Christ. We are deeply valued by Him. Paul stated, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5.8.
If sacrifice is the true measure of love, there could be no more precious gift than Jesus: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only ” (John 3:16
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Amazing love!
How can it be
That Thou, my God,
Shouldst die for me?
The measure of love is what you are willing to give up for it.
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Music And Megaphone
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Posted:Oct 30, 2014 5:34 am
Last Updated:Oct 30, 2014 5:38 am 22801 Views
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Read: 2 Corinthians 3.17-4.7
We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4.7
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 20-21; 2 Timothy 4
Christopher Locke buys old trumpets, trombones, and French horns and transforms them into acoustic amplifiers for iPhones and iPads. His creations are modeled on the trumpetlike speakers used in the first phonographs during the late 1800s. Music played through Christopher's AnalogTelePhonographers has a louder, cleaner, richer, deeper sound than what is heard from the small speakers in the digital devices. Along with being interesting works of art, these salvaged brass instruments require no electrical power as they amplify the music people love to hear.
Paulâ's words to the followers of Jesus in Corinth remind us today that in living for Christ and sharing Him with others, we are not the music but only a megaphone. For we do not preach ourselves, Paul wrote, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus sake (2 Cor. 4:5). Our purpose is not to become the message, but to convey it through our lives and our lips. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us (v.7).
If an old horn can amplify music, then perhaps our flawed lives can magnify the goodness of God. We're the megaphone; the music and the power come from Him!
Thank You, Lord, that You can take our lives
and use them in ways we never thought
possible. Help us to be the instruments
that convey the music of Your love.
Nothing is unusable in God's hands.
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Shadowed
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Posted:Oct 29, 2014 12:13 pm
Last Updated:Oct 29, 2014 12:14 pm 23477 Views
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Read: Jeremiah 42:1-12
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 18-19; 2 Timothy 3
Someone was shadowing me. In a darkened hallway, I turned the corner to go up a flight of stairs and was alarmed by what I saw, stopping dead in my tracks. It happened again a few days later. I came around the back of a favorite coffee shop and saw the large shape of a person coming at me. Both incidents ended with a smile, however. I'd been frightened by my own shadow!
The prophet Jeremiah talked about the difference between real and imagined fears. A group of his Jewish countrymen asked him to find out whether the Lord wanted them to stay in Jerusalem or return to Egypt for safety because they feared the king of Babylon (Jer. 42:1-3). Jeremiah told them that if they stayed and trusted God, they didn't need to be afraid (vv.10-12). But if they returned to Egypt, the king of Babylon would find them (vv.15-16).
In a world of real dangers, God had given Israel reason to trust Him in Jerusalem. He had already rescued them from Egypt. Centuries later, the long-awaited Messiah died for us to deliver us from our own sin and fear of death. May our Almighty God show us today how to live in the security of His shadow, rather than in shadowy fears of our own making.
Trust when your skies are darkening,
Trust when your light grows dim,
Trust when the shadows gather,
Trust and look up to Him.
Under the protecting shadow of God's wing, the little shadows of life lose their terror.
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Working For The Wind
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Posted:Oct 28, 2014 5:16 am
Last Updated:May 13, 2024 1:26 pm 23682 Views
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Read: Ecclesiastes 5:10-17
What profit has he who has labored for the wind? —Ecclesiastes 5:16
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 15-17; 2 Timothy 2
Howard Levitt lost his $200,000 Ferrari on a flooded Toronto highway. He had driven into what seemed like a puddle before realizing that the water was much deeper and rising quickly. When the water reached the Ferrari’s fenders, its 450-horsepower engine seized. Thankfully he was able to escape the car and get to high ground.
Howard’s soggy sports car reminds me of Solomon’s observation that “riches perish through misfortune” (Eccl. 5:14). Natural disasters, theft, and accidents may claim our dearest belongings. Even if we manage to protect them, we certainly can’t haul them with us to heaven (v.15). Solomon asked, “What profit has he who has labored for the wind?” (v.16). There is futility in working only to acquire belongings that will ultimately disappear.
There is something that doesn’t spoil and we can “take with us.” It is possible to store up eternal heavenly treasure. Pursuing virtues such as generosity (Matt. 19:21), humility (5:3), and spiritual endurance (Luke 6:22-23) will yield lasting rewards that can’t be destroyed. Will the kind of treasure you seek expire on earth? Or, are you seeking “those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God”?
(Col. 3:1).
Dear God, please give me a passion for the
unseen, eternal rewards that You offer.
Make me indifferent to the temporary
pleasures of this world.
Treasures on earth can’t compare with the treasures in heaven.
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