The Authority of the Commission - September 30th, 2011

¹⁸ And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Matthew 28:18

History and Context:
For History and context on the book of Matthew you can refer to my post on September 27th; Seek First. 

The Text: 
This verse comes directly before Jesus gives His disciples the Great Commission which we discussed here. Before Jesus sent His disciples out with a commission to make disciples, He made a declaration of the authority that was given to Him. This declaration is important because He was declaring not only His authority but the authority in which He was sending the disciples. He sent His disciples out in this same authority to spread the Gospel. 

The Challenge: 
The church of today seems to be losing this authority that once was so evident. In the book of Acts it was always “what I do have I give you” (Acts 3:6) but in today’s society it often seems to be ‘what I’ve learned I’ll teach you’. We have preachers without conviction and teachers without love, then these leaders produce disciples that are the same. There were times where the church grew with little or no effort from the people, but now we have people working twice as hard and a decreasing church as a reward. What’s the difference between today’s church and the book of Acts? What do we need to change to get back to the place we should be? Where is this place that we should be? If you’ve asked yourself these questions then keep reading, but be sure that your ready to make a change. In James 4:8 God promises that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us, that means He looks to us to make the first step. That step is rarely easy to make but in the end it’s more rewarding than we could ever imagine! In this case the step is a decision. We need to decide what our goal is, and how much we are willing to pay to fulfill this goal. Every Christian, at some point in life, is presented with a decision between a radical life with God, filled with sacrifice and reward, or a comfortable life with a simple goal of making it to heaven. If our goal is simply to get out of hell and get into heaven then we will never live in the authority of the early church, but if we decide to sacrifice our own desires and our own comforts then “with God all things are possible”! The Bible makes it clear that we are “saved by grace through faith” and “not by works lest any man should boast” but there should be something else that drives us to do what we do. We need more Christians in today’s church that like Jeremiah have God’s Word “in [their] heart like a burning fire shut up in [their] bones”! (Jeremiah 20:9)

 

The Prayer:

Lord, help me to understand and walk in the authority that you have given me. Help me to live in the power of the Holy Spirit that enables me to be your witness. I love you Lord and I want to live for you completely! In Jesus' name, Amen! 

The Lord is my shepherd - September 29th, 2011

¹ The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want. ² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Psalm 23:1-3

History and Context:

This is the most popular of the psalms written by King David. As mentioned before David was a shepherd boy who became the best king in the history of Israel. He was the youngest in his family and when the prophet came to anoint one of the sons of Jesse, David's father didn't even invite him in from tending the sheep. But even though on the outside he seemed young and was just a boy, God saw his heart and said that he was a man after God's own heart.

The Text:

As mentioned above, David himself started out as a shepherd. So when he uses the analogy that the Lord is his shepherd, he is using an analogy from his own life. He is saying that it is his Lord that leads him to safety, to food and water, to everything that he needs. David says that because the Lord is his shepherd he has no more wants or desires, because they are all fulfilled. As long as he is with the Lord there is nothing else.

The Challenge:

Allow the Lord to be shepherd in your life. The sheep only recieve safety, comfort, and fulfillment of needs from the shepherd when they learn to follow the shepherd's lead. If they wander off away from the shepherd then they lose that safety. Don't wander away from the shepherd today. Follow Him wherever He leads you. When you do you will find the green pastures and the still waters. You will find safety and comfort. You will find the paths of righteousness.

The Prayer:

Lord, be my shepherd. Lead me and I will follow. Thank you for being one that I can entirely trust and I do trust and rely on you. I love you Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen!


Wisdom of men or power of God? - September 28th, 2011

¹ And I, brethren, when I came to you, I did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. ² For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. ³ I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. ⁴ And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, ⁵ that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

History and Context:

1 Corinthians was written by Paul while he was in Ephesus around 54 AD. In Acts 18 we see the founding of the church in Corinth. Paul spent 18 months there as he established the church. This letter is mainly a response to a letter which Paul received from the Corinthians. He says that some of what he heard about the church made him feel 'uneasy' (1 Corinthians 1:11; 5:1) and so he wanted to address these issues. He also answered questions which were presented in the letter. Corinth was a trade city that was known for being very corrupt. As people converted to following Jesus, they often did not realize that they had to leave their corrupt ways behind. Paul is mainly addressing a group of high status men who have become Christians but left their lives unchanged.

The Text:
Paul is discussing the difference between 'wisdom of men' and 'the power of God'. If anyone had the ability and qualifications to preach the Word in intellectual prowess and with persuasive wisdom, it was Paul. He was a pharisee of the pharisees and could probably quote the majority of the scriptures of that day. But that was not what Paul wanted to do. He said that if he had done that, than the people would've began to trust in the wisdom of men rather than in God. So instead Paul came in the power of God. He said that all he wanted to know as he was preaching to the people was 'Jesus Christ and Him crucified'.  He was determined to come in his own weakness so that the strength of God would shine through.

The Challenge:
Today there is becoming more and more emphasis on seminary and education. Many churches won't hire anybody on staff who does not have a theological degree no matter how much ministry experience they have. It is important to have education and seek knowledge and wisdom, but in this focus on degrees and theology we seem to have lost the power of the Holy Spirit. Those who do not have the degree feel unqualified and often do not even step into ministry and those who do have the degree feel strong and feel they can fulfill their ministry in their own strength and wisdom. The result has been a church led by human wisdom and devoid of the power of God. My challenge to you is to continue to seek knowledge, but always do so with a realization of God's power in you. Your knowledge will never change lives, only God's power can do that. Your knowledge will not get people saved, only God's power can do that. Knowledge is good, seek knowledge, but above all seek God!

The Prayer:
Lord, I'm tired of having knowledge without power. I'm tired of relying on my own strength and forgetting about you. Lord, help me to rely on you completely. Help me to live for you and to follow you. I love you Lord! In Jesus' name, Amen!

Seek first! - September 27th, 2011

³¹ “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:31-34

History and Context: 

The book of Matthew does not actually name an author, but Christian tradition from as far back as we have has claimed Matthew's authorship. The author was clearly a Jewish Christian writing to a main audience of Jewish Christians. For this reason Matthew is careful to clearly lay out how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures. He quotes the Scriptures much more than any of the other Gospel writers. Much of Matthew is very similar to Mark and therefore scholars believe that Matthew drew on the book of Mark for material. The believed date of writing was somewhere around 80 AD but it could be anywhere from 50 to 100 AD.

The Text:

Matthew chapter 5, 6, and 7 make up the famous "Sermon on the Mount". These teachings provide the foundation of Christianity. They show how Jesus interpreted and intended the law and the prophets to be applied to our daily lives. In Matthew 6 Jesus uses the examples of the sparrows and the lilies. He says 'look how the Father provides for them, how much more will He provide for you'. He then ends the analogy with this statement, "do not worry... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." In other words He is telling us that if we simply seek God and His kingdom, we won't have to worry about clothing, food, or shelter. Our needs will be provided for.

The Challenge:

Set aside all worries today and simply seek God. This truly is a challenge, but if you can succeed in this you will find a radical change first in your mood and attitude and eventually in your circumstances as well. If we can truly seek after God and His will on this earth, we will no longer have to worry about the petty things that bother us. This will revolutionize your life and the lives of all in your family.

The Prayer:

Lord, I just want to know you and your kingdom! I want to know who you are, and have the same mind as you. Help me to focus only on seeking you and not to be distracted by any circumstances around me. In Jesus' name, Amen! 

I will bless the Lord at all times! - September 26th, 2011

 ¹ I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
² My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
³ Oh, magnify the LORD with me.

And let us exalt His name together.Psalm 34:1-3

History and Context:

Psalm 34, like many of the psalms, was written by David, Israel's greatest king and the Bible proclaimed, man after God's own heart. David was a man of war and knew how to fight, but even more he knew how to rely on God. He constantly found himself in hopeless situations in which he cried out to God and God came through and saved him. He started out as a shepherd, became the king's musician, and in the end was the King of Israel. His psalms are honest and speak whatever is on his heart in that particular situation.

The Text:

This Psalm was written after one of the many times in which God saves David's life. As usual, David begins with praise to His God. When reading the Psalms that always seems to be his first response. He says that he will praise God at all times, and continually. There is not a time in which he is not praising God. Then in verse three he invites all who listen to also magnify the Lord. He is not content with being the only one praising God because he knows that God is more worthy of praise than that. He wants everyone around to praise and magnify the Lord as well.

The Challenge:

Today, as David did so many thousands of years ago, I invite all around to magnify the Lord. Let us exalt His name together, wherever in the world you may be. Let us make today a day filled with praise and worship of our Lord! Let us boast of the Lord and who He is! Let us praise Him continually!

The Prayer:

I praise you, I worship you, I exalt you o' Lord! I give you all praise and honor and glory! Be high and lifted up in my life and in the lives of those around you! Let my house be a house of praise! 

A root out of dry ground... - September 25th, 2011

 ¹³ Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently;
He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high.
¹⁴ Just as many were astonished at you,
So His visage was marred more than any man,
And His form more than the sons of men;
¹⁵ So shall He sprinkle many nations.
Kings shall shut their mouths at Him;
For what had not been told them they shall see,
And what they had not heard they shall consider.

 ¹ Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
² For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.

Isaiah 52:13 - 53:2


History and Context:

Isaiah is the prophet most quoted by Jesus and by the New Testament authors. There are many Messianic prophecies throughout Isaiah, but the real purpose of the book was to admonish the kings of Judah to rely on the protection of God. Isaiah's ministry focused on the reign of two different kings, Ahaz and Hezekiah. Ahaz did not listen to Isaiah and relied on the protection of Assyria rather than God's protection. Hezekiah also didn't listen at first but as things went bad he turned to God for protection and God rescued the kingdom of Judah. Isaiah continually refers to God as "The Holy One of Israel". This phrase is repeated 26 times in the book of Isaiah and only 6 times in the rest of the Old Testament. Isaiah is also known for having the most messianic prophecies ot of any of the prophets.

The Text:

This passage begins one of the most famous chapters about Jesus. Isaiah is prophesying about Jesus thousands of years before He came. He refers to Him as God's servant. Isaiah starts out by declaring that this Servant will be exalted, but then asks "Who will believe us?" He says that Jesus will not come in the way that would be expected of God coming to earth.  He won't come in beauty or in power, but will come in a tender form, a form of a servant. Many won't recognize Him because of this. He will surprise all who meet Him.

The Challenge:

Remember our example in Jesus. He came as a servant. If He, the Lord and creator of all heavens and earth, can come as a servant, how much more can we? Let us follow the example of our Lord and serve those around us. Don't get caught up in power and authority but in humility and service. As many of you will still go to church today, take this attitude to your church. Continue this attitude as you return home, or wherever else you may go. An attitude of humility and service.

The Prayer:

Lord, thank you for you example of humility and service. I want to follow it, give me the strength and wisdom to do so. Thank you Lord! In Jesus' name, Amen!



Take a step towards God today! - September 24th, 2011

⁷ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

 ⁹ Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

¹⁰ Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

James 4:7-10

History and Context:

The epistle of James over history, has been one of the most controversial books in the Bible. Martin Luther, who led the reformation against the Catholic church, wanted to throw the book out. He had a strong revelation of salvation "by grace trhough faith and not by works", and he felt that James taught salvation by works. But to understand why James is not contradicting, but supporting Paul, one must understand the audience to which they wrote. When reading James you can understand that James wrote to a group of people who felt they could do anything they wanted because of grace. They said that because they had faith they didn't need works. James response was that the true faith will affect the works. This is why he writes, "show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by my deeds." James 2:18

 

The Text:

James covers a lot of ground here in a short time, but I want to focus on verse eight today. If we draw near to God than Go will draw near to us. This is an amazing verse which shows us that God is simply waiting for us to take the first step. Once we take a step towards Him than He will follow up by coming towards us. He doesn't expect us to go the entire way on our own, but He expects us to show through our actions that we do want to be close to Him. He then clarifies that taking a step towards God means to take a step away from sin. This is why James immediately follows up with a command for the sinners to wash their hand and to purify their hearts. This is how we step towards God, by stepping away from sin. Again God does not expect us to do it completely on our own, but He wants us to make the first step. He is waiting for us to move so that He can finish the job.

 

The Challenge:

Take that step today. Whether you've taken a step towards Him in the past or whether you've never even made a decision to become a Christian, today is the day! The Father is waiting. He is waiting for you to show Him that you want to be with Him. He is waiting for you to take a step towards Him so that He can draw near to you. Take a step towards God today!

 

The Prayer:

Lord, draw me near to you! I choose to leave this sin behind and to step towards you. Thank you for your promise to come towards me when I take a step towards you. I choose to follow you Lord, I love you. In Jesus' name, Amen!



Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation - September 22nd, 2011

¹⁵ Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

¹⁶ do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:

¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

¹⁸ the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

¹⁹ and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

²⁰ which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

²¹ far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
²² And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,

²³ which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 1:15-23

History and Context:

The book of Ephesians is quite different than the other letters written by Paul. Due to it's lack of personal greetings, many scholars see it more as a written sermon than an actual letter. In fact, it is likely that it was actually written to multiple churches in the area of Ephesus and was meant to be passed around from church to church. Paul wrote this letter from jail, as he did with Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. One of his largest messages in the book of Ephesians is the plan of God to bring every nation and background together in Christ. As in many other places there was probably great conflict between the Gentiles and the Jewish Christians, so Paul stressed that for God there is no nationality. He wants to bring all to Him.

The Text:
This text is a prayer that Paul says he prays daily for the church to which he is writing. In other words, he bleieves these are the most important things for which he would like the church to receive. wisdom and revelation, enlightened understanding, knowledge of the hope of His calling and of the greatness of His power. Imagine a church receiving true and total revelation in these areas! The thing that is important to note about this prayer is it is all about getting to know God and His will for His people. As Paul says in Philippians, everything else is dung, worthless, in comparison to getting to know God.

The Challenge:
Just try praying this prayer over your life. Pray it over your life today, and over everyone that is close to you, then if you really want to see a difference, continue to pray it over your life every morning. Then follow that prayer with action b reading the Word and spending time seeking Him and watch your entire life and thinking change!

The Prayer:
See Above

Totally reliant on God! - September 21st, 2011

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:10-13

History and Context:

The church in Phillipi was one of the first churches in Europe. This means these are some of the first believers in what we now know as the "Western World". Paul visited them around 49-50 AD and then at least two more times after that in 56 and 57 AD. One of the first Christians in Phillipi was the jailer who was assigned to guard Paul and Silas (and the other prisoners) when they were thrown in prison. God used an earthquake to set them free and to convince this jailer of His reality. (Acts 16:25-34) This letter was written in response to the church sending Epaphroditus to Paul to help him in his time of need.

The Text:

Paul is thanking the church in Phillipi for helping him in his time of need. But he says that his excitement in their helping was not because he was in need but because of the character it showed them having. Here he states that he has learned to be in abundance and in need. The interesting thing is that the word here that is translated 'abased' and, in other translations, translated in need does not mean that he was short or in poverty, as many have taken it to mean. The Greek word here is tapeinousthai which means "to be humbled to a place of total dependence on God". What Paul is saying here is that he has learned to live where he is forced to be completely reliant on God and in situations where he has abundance. He then says that he has learned to be hungry and to suffer need, but he already has shown that the key attitude in those states is to be totally reliant on God. He then, a few verses later, writes the famous verse that "my God shall supply all your needs..."

The Challenge:

Wherever you are learn to be content. If you are in a place of lack then be content to be completely reliant on God, if you are in a place of abundance, then be content and be generous towards those around you. And no matter where you are know that the end result is that God will always supply your needs as you follow Him. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! That means you can go through any situation and trial and you can come out the other side in the abundance that God wants to provide in your life!

The Prayer:

Lord, I know that you are Lord over my life and over all my finances and possessions. Lead me in your way, help me to be totally reliant on you even in my times of abundance. Give me a generous heart so that I can be a blessing to those around me. In Jesus' name, Amen!

The best is yet to come! - September 20th, 2011

When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now." This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

John 2:9-11

History and Context:

The book of John is the fourth Gospel and it is believed to be the last written. John was one of the inner three of Jesus' disciples and referred to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved". John seemed to have written his Gospel for those who had already known the story of Jesus. He focuses on the meaning of the events rather than the events themselves. There is also a strong focus on the words and teachings of Jesus, specifically on Jesus' claims about Himself. These claims are best known as the seven "I am" statements. John probably wrote this Gospel in Ephesus somewhere around 70 AD.

The Text:

This passage comes from the story of Jesus' first miracle. He was at a wedding in Cana and the hosts ran out of wine. Mary, the mother of Jesus, took them to Jesus and, despite Jesus saying it wasn't His time yet, told them to do whatever Jesus said. Jesus then told them to simply take the water jars and fill them up with water, then they took some to the master of the feast. The master of the feast responded by saying that this was the best wine yet to be served. This was unusual because the custom was to serve the good wine first when everyone was still sober, then as people had been drinking they would bring out the lesser quality wine. But Jesus gave the best wine at the end.

The Challenge:

Whenever you think you have had the best you possibly could have, God brings something better. The best is yet to come! The challenge today is to think back to all the times you have had with Jesus. Our tendency is often to romanticize the past, but think back to all the good times you've had with Jesus and know that the best is yet to come! He has something even better coming up for you. He has a closer relationship with Him planned for you. He has greater miracles planned for your life. He has an increased anointing and calling planned for your life. The best is yet to come! Here we talked about how God's plan is always a good one, but today I want to take that a step further, God's plan for your future is always better than your past. He is always moving you forward.

The Prayer:
Lord, thank you that you still have the best waiting for me. Help me to continue to walk in your path and follow after you. I am excited for what you have waiting for me in my future! I love you Lord! In Jesus' name, Amen!

Strength in my weakness! - September 19th, 2011

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

History and Context:

Corinth was a city on the main trade route between Asia and western Europe, and Paul had spent two years there establishing the church. Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians in order to address division and immorality in the church. After that letter he had an opportunity to visit the church. Apparently the visit was a difficult one for both Paul and the members of the church and afterwards Paul talks about writing a letter in "much anguish" (ch 2). Though this letter is only the second letter to the Corinthians which we have, it seems that Paul wrote at least four seperate letters and that this is the fourth. This is his follow up after the difficult visit and the letter of 'tears'.

The Text:

This is the passage in which Paul talks about the "thorn in his side". Theologians have discussed for years what that thorn might be but when it comes down to it, Paul never tells us what it is. All we know is that he has a weakness of some sort, he's asked God multiple times to get rid of, and God didn't get rid of it telling him that it is through that weakness that God's power is made perfect. Paul says that for this reason he will boast in his weaknesses, because this is where God came through the most. Not only that, but Paul says he is happy and content when hardships arise. It is when hardships are present and when he feels weak, that he is truly strong.

The Challenge:

Allow God to come through in your weakness. Too often we allow our weaknesses o keep us from doing what God has called us to do. God wants to come through and show strength in our area of weakness, but if we never step out in that weakness and put ourselves in a place in which we need Him to come through, than we will never see Him come through. So the challenge is to forget about your weakness and do what God is telling you to do anyway. Then watch and see God perform a miracle and come through strong in your weakness.

The Prayer:

Lord, I give you my weakness and ask that you would come through in it. Lead me into your complete will for my life and work in my weaknesses. In Jesus' name, Amen!

The Body of Christ - September 18th, 2011

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 12:27-31

History and Context:

1 Corinthians was written by Paul while he was in Ephesus around 54 AD. In Acts 18 we see the funding of the church in Corinth. Paul spent 18 months there as he established the church. This letter is mainly a response to a letter which Paul recieved from the Corinthians. He says that some of what he heard about the church made him feel 'uneasy' (1 Corinthians 1:11; 5:1) and so he wanted to address these issues. He also answered questions which were presented in the letter. Corinth was a trade city that was known for being very corrupt. As people converted to following Jesus, they often did not realize that they had to leave their corrupt ways behind. Paul is mainly addressing a group of high status men who have become Christians but left their lives unchanged.

The Text:

Paul is using an analogy of the body, saying that this is how the church is. We are all one body with Christ as our head. We all have different functions but should be working together after one goal, and that goal is put in place by our head, Christ. We all have different gifts, but we all are after the same thing, the spreading of the Gospel. He then ends by saying that we should desire the best gifts. In other words we should continually seek God for gifts and methods to be used by Him, but when the Holy Spirit uses another we should rejoice just as much as when He uses us. The more excellent way that Paul is referring to at the end of this passage is love, as we see in 1 Corinthians 13.

The Challenge:

seek God for gifts, then use them to work together in unity towards the Gospel of Christ. The church today is constantly having problems with unity and it is hindering our progress in spreading the Gospel. Be a part of the solution and not the problem. Serve others in love, seek the gifts as methods to spread the Gospel, not as ways to increase your status. If each individual would begin to do this then the church as a whole would begin working as one body and we would reestablish our presence here in society.

The Prayer:

Lord, I choose to lay down my pride and want to act in my role in this body. Lead me into the role that you have for me. Lead me into your gifts and calling. Help me to serve those around me in love. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!

Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David! - September 17th, 2011

Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”
Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”   
So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?”   
They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.

Matthew 20:29-34

History and Context:

The book of Matthew does not actually name an author, but Christian tradition from as far back as we have has claimed Matthew's authorship. The author was clearly a Jewish Christian writing to a main audience of Jewish Christians. For this reason Matthew is careful to clearly lay out how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures. He quotes the Scriptures much more than any of the other Gospel writers. Much of Matthew is very similar to Mark and therefore scholars believe that Matthew drew on the book of Mark for material. The believed date of writing was somewhere around 80 AD but it could be anywhere from 50 to 100 AD.

The Text:

So Jesus is travelling on the road and is surrounded and followed by a multitude of people. Suddenly there is a cry from the side of the road; "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!" All the people respond by telling this man to be quiet, Jesus is too busy for you. Can't you see that Jesus is going somewhere? He can't stop and delay just for you. But these two men didn't listen and they cried out again; "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!" This time Jesus hears and He instantly stops and turns to the two men. He sees that they are blind but still He asks the strange question; "What do you want me to do for you?" The men look at Him strange, isn't it obvious? But they speak out their request anyway; "Lord open our eyes." And Jesus touches their eyes and they are immediately healed.

This is a lot of detail for a simple healing of two blind men on the side of the road. The healing is amazing but it would've been just as amazing if Matthew had just wrote; Jesus was walking along the road to Jordan and two blind men cried out asking for healing. Jesus touched their eyes and healed them. But the details are here to share with us important principles.

The Challenge:

First challenge: Don't be afraid to cry out! Often we seem to get into an attitude in which we don't want to bother God. We think that with all the problems in the world, our problem is just a small one. But God wants us to cry out to Him! He is anxiously awaiting us to cry out to Him so that He can act on our behalf.

Second Challenge: Don't listen to the multitude! People will often speak out against our dreams and our faith. When we don't immediately see a healing in our lives, people around us will tell us that God didn't want to heal us. When we hear from God that we are to go on a mission trip and the money doesn't immediately come in, people will tell us that we heard wrong from God. Whatever it might be in your life, don't listen to the multitude, keep crying out to God until He stops.

Third Challenge: Remember to ask specifically! Tell God what it is you want. Sometimes it seems silly because God knows everything and so He knows what our problem is before we ask it, but James said "You have not because you ask not." (James 4:2) Ask Him specifically what it is you want.

The Prayer:

Lord, I'm crying out to you for ______! Thank you for your promisse in your Word and I stand on thos promises now. In Jesus' name, Amen!

Beware, lest you forget the Lord! - September 16th, 2011

“So it shall be, when the LORD your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant—when you have eaten and are full— then beware, lest you forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. You shall fear the LORD your God and serve Him, and shall take oaths in His name.

Deuteronomy 6:10-13

 

History and Context:

Deuteronomy is Moses' final words to the Israelites. In it he recounts the law and challenges them to stay with Yahweh and not stray to the gods of the surrounding nations. In parts of the book it implies that God already knows they will stray to foreign gods and admonishes them, ahead of time, to return to Him when that happens. Since the Hebrews did not have a form of writing in Moses's day, this book was actually written down around the time of the exile in Babylon. It was passed down orally through the years until a set of scribes wrote it down.

The Text:
The Israelites are finally going into the promised land and things are finally going to be good. Up until now this generation of Israelites had been raised in the wilderness and had been required to rely on God for everything. Their food appeared every morning in the form of manna and half the time their water miraculously came out of rocks. Now they were going into a land in which everything was already prepared for them. They would have the opportunity to use wells, vineyards, and olive trees which someone else had put the hard work into preparing, and Moses knew that it would become easy to forget the Lord and stop seeking Him since they would no longer have a direct need for Him. His warning is not to forget the Lord but to continue to fear and serve Him.

The Challenge:
This is very similar to the situation which today's western society is in. Our countries were founded on God and on Christianity because at that time we needed Him, but now we have grown and prospered so much that we no longer need Him and we have begun to forget Him. Now we are wondering why our economy is in a recession. One thing that is very clear in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, is that when we move close to God things are always good, when we move away from God things go bad. It's a simple principle yet the human race can't seem to remember that. Whenever things become good and comfortable we forget the One who made it good and comfortable; we begin to think that we did it on our own and we turn away from the Lord. At that time, as the situation worsens, God sends men and women who are seeking Him warning the people to turn back to God. So here I am in this generation warning you in the words of Moses; "beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out (...) from the house of bondage." It's time for us as individuals and as nations to remember the Lord! It's time for us to turn back to Him!

The Prayer:
Lord, I choose to remember you, I choose to seek your face and to continue to fear, respect, and honor you! Your are my Lord and my God and I will follow you! In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!

Glory in the Lord! - September 15th, 2011

For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.
But “he who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians 10:14-18

History and Context:

For a bit of history on 2 Corinthians refer to my post on September 1st. There is a long difficult history between Paul and the church in Corinth by this time.

The Text:
This passage comes at the end of Paul's defense of himself and his authority as an apostle. This is actually the fourth letter from Paul to the church in Corinth. There were a lot of difficulties in Corinth and a lot of things which Paul felt that he needed to correct. It is apparent through this passage that at least some of them did not take his correction well. Paul is reminding them that since he was the one that brought the Gospel to them he did have authority to correct them in the living out of that Gospel. Also that the authority did not come from himself but from Christ. It is his final sentence that I would like to focus on today: "But he who glories, let him glory in the Lord."

The Challenge:
Recognize God's hand in your life and give him the glory. It is only through Him that we achieve what we achieve, and it is only through Him that we have any authority or position. For this reason it makes no sense for us to boast in ourselves but instead we should boast in the Lord and what He has done in our lives.

The Prayer:
Thank you Lord for all you have done in my life! Let my life, my actions and my words, bring you glory! In Jesus' name, Amen!

Having one mind... - September 14th, 2011

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians 2:1-4

History and Context:

The church in Phillipi was one of the first churches in Europe. This means these are some of the first believers in what we now know as the "Western World". Paul visited them around 49-50 AD and then at least two more times after that in 56 and 57 AD. One of the first Christians in Phillipi was the jailer who was assigned to guard Paul and Silas (and the other prisoners) when they were thrown in prison. God used an earthquake to set them free and to convince this jailer of His reality. (Acts 16:25-34) This letter was written in response to the church sending Epaphroditus to Paul to help him in his time of need.

 

The Text:

Paul is talking about unity and servanthood. He begins at the end of chapter one talking about unity. That we should be of one mind and one spirit. That we should work together for the Gospel. Than he continues in this passage and leads into a discussion of servanthood; viewing others as better than ourselves, not looking after our own interests of the interests of those around us. Paul then goes on to show us how Jesus set the perfect example of servanthood in the verses to follow. This passage shows a connection between servanthood and unity. We must lay down our own pride and begin to serve those around us before we can achieve unity. True unity is only achieved with an attitude of service and humility, then with this unity we can achieve great things for the Gospel.

 

The Challenge:

If the enemy can't get us to turn against God, his next strategy is to get us to turn against each other. If we are continually fighting with each other than we can do nothing to advance the kingdom of God. If each church is continually trying to pull members from other churches than no one will pull members out of the gates of hell into heaven. It is time for us as Christians to lay down our pride, go after God, and serve one another! It is time for s to finally be of one mind, the mind of Christ.

 

The Prayer:

Lord, help me to have your mind and to look to serve other's needs before my own. Help me to do my part in bringing unity to the church. If I have any grudge against anybody I let it go now. I don't want to hold on to that anymore! In Jesus' name, Amen!



Criteria for handing out food - September 13th, 2011

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Acts 6:1-4

History and Context:

The book of Acts is actually just a continuation of Luke's Gospel. The author is again Luke the physician and it is again written to Theophilus. Acts covers a period of about 30 years as it begins at the ascension of Christ and ends with Paul's imprisonment. This succesfully shows the entire beginning of Christianity and the church, but it focuses on Peter and Paul. When reading one can know which parts of the journey were attended by Luke and which parts were not simply by the change in pronoun from 'they' to 'we'. The book of Acts was probably written around 63 AD.

The Text:

Here we see on of the first practical problems with the early church. There problem was simply that they were growing too fast and they couldn't keep up with their benevolence ministry. One group of people was complaining that their widows were getting missed and not getting taken care of. So the disciples decided that for them preaching the Gospel needed to be the focus but that they should appoint people to head up the giving out of food to the widows. Look at the criteria that they set out for these people. They had to be of good reputation and full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.

The Challenge:

In today's church it seems that we are often so desperate for help that we take whoever is willing and simply throw them into something. We don't look at character or whether they walk in the Spirit, understand the power of God, or anythng. We have compromised the standards of leadership in order to get positions filled. Here we see that even in serving tables they had steep expectations. Even in handing out food they needed people filled with God's wisdom and power. Notice they did not say 'pick seven people who have the best organizational skills'. They said pick seven people who are "full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom". Let us in the church seek out these people for all jobs and leadership. If you do not have someone who is full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom than pray and ask God to send someone who is. If you are not full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, then pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you.

The Prayer:

Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit and wisdom for your work that you have laid out for me today. Bring those people into every leadership position in the church today. Thank you Lrd! In Jesus' name, Amen!
 

Agape love! - September 12th, 2011

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.   
Love never fails.

But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13

History and Context:

For a refresher on the history and context of 1 Corinthians and the church in Corinth go to this post from a few days ago.

The Text:

The church of Corinth seemed to have a great knowledge about the gifts of the spirit and a great ability to act out in them, but they were acting out in the wrong motivation. In chapter 12 Paul goes through a great explanation of the different types of spiritual gifts and how we should all act and think as one body, each using their own gifts to benefit the body. He then comes to this chapter in which he explains the importance of love and what true love is. The word in the greek used in this chapter is Agape, which refers to moral preference, preferring one another before yourself. This is also the word that is used to refer to God's love, divine love.

The Challenge:

The world has so many descriptions of what love is. They depict love as an emotion or a feeling that can come one day and go the next. Sometimes the world's view of love is even selfish (i.e. "You complete me!"). Sometimes they make it out to be physical attraction, or mutual interests, etc. But true love is so much more than all these things. It is a choice, a choice to act according to this description from Paul. And it is a choice that will findly bring worth to everything that we do. If we do not love, everything we do is in vain, it means nothing. The challenge today is to learn wat true love is and act in it.

The Prayer:

Lord, thank you for being the ultimate example of selfless love towards me. Help me to follow your example and learn how to love others in the way that you love me. In Jesus name, Amen!

What are you thinking about? - September 11th, 2011

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.

Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Romans 8:1-11 (emphasis added)

History and Context:

For a refresher on the history and context of the book of Romans go here. The main point to remember is that Paul is addressing two opposite crowds and beliefs, the Greeks and the Jews. For this reason Paul is attempting to show the balance between two extremes.

The Text:

In chapter seven Paul presents a battle that we all face, in which we find ourselves doing things that we do not even want to do, and the things we want to do we avoid doing. Again, for a bit more discussion on that chapter go here. Here in chapter eight he begins laying out the solution for this battle. He says there is no condmenation for those who are in Christ and walk by the Spirit. But how do we walk according to the Spirit? It starts in our mind. "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." What are you thinking about? If you are thinking about the things of the flesh, than you will walking according to your thoughts, but if you are thinking about the things of the Spirit, that is the way you will walk. Set you mind in one direction and your words and actions will follow.

The Challenge:

Check your thoughts! What are you thinking about? What is constantly on your mind? Does it line up with the Word of God, or is it going against the Word? Is it spiritual or is it carnal? Is it Godly or is it sinful? Where your mind goes your actions will follow. Change your way of thinking and you will change your way of living!

The Prayer:

Lord, help me to think on things of you. Help me to get my mind lined up with your Word. Help me to set my mind on the things of the Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen!

Boiling over with passion! - September 9th, 2011

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
 Titus 2:11-14

History and Context:

Titus is not mentioned in Acts but he is mentioned throughout Paul's letters, including Galatians, 2 Corinthians, and 2 Timothy. It is clear that Titus is one of Paul's trusted inner circle aa Paul seemed to continually send him in to take care of difficult situations. At the time of the letter Titus had been left in Crete to greater establish the Paul's work there. Crete was probably one of the first places to hear the Gospel as there were Jews from Crete in the crowd on the day of Pentecost. Crete was known for habitual liars to the point that the Greeks had a slang term for lying; 'to Cretize'. Paul's letter to Titus shows that the Christians in the church were a difficult bunch. This, along with the Timothy's, is know as a 'Pastoral Epistle', because it is Paul's instructions to Titus as he has taken a pastoral position.

The Text: 

Again we see that Jesus' second coming is meant to bring us hope and not fear, but Paul gives us keys to how we are supposed to live as we wait. Last time we looked at this passage of scripture we talked about what it means to live soberly, righteously and godly, but Paul goes beyond that instruction. He says, first of all that we are supposed to be "zealous for good works". Zealous literally means, to boil over with passion. This goes far beyond doing what's right because God told me to. WE are supposed to be boiling over with passion for good works. We should be desiring them, seeking out opportunities to do good things. This is the kind of person that God sets apart and call them His own.

The Challenge:

Find that passion, that zeal. Find the passion that boils over and causes you to continually seek out opportunities for good works. Pray for it, seek the Word for inspiration, find people who act it out and hang around them, then finally just start doing it. Even if you don't feel passionate, start seeking out opportunities to do good works. The more you do it, the more you will want and desire to do it.

The Prayer:

Lord, make me zealous for good works! Help me to find that passion that can boil over in my life onto those around me. Help me to seek out opportunities to do good works. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen!

I have become all things to all men... - September 8th, 2011

 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

History and Context:

1 Corinthians was written by Paul while he was in Ephesus around 54 AD. In Acts 18 we see the funding of the church in Corinth. Paul spent 18 months there as he established the church. This letter is mainly a response to a letter which Paul recieved from the Corinthians. He says that some of what he heard about the church made him feel 'uneasy' (1 Corinthians 1:11; 5:1) and so he wanted to address these issues. He also answered questions which were presented in the letter. Corinth was a trade city that was known for being very corrupt. As people converted to following Jesus, they often did not realize that they had to leave their corrupt ways behind. Paul is mainly addressing a group of high status men who have become Christians but left their lives unchanged.

The Text:

This passage comes directly after Paul's self defense of his calling, actions, and authority. He relates the difficulty of reaching various groups of people and how he has had to adapt to each culture in order to reach the people of that culture. He never compromised his morals or his message but he adapted to the culture of those to whom he was preaching. To those who were under the law, he also became under the law, to those who were not under the law he became as one who was not under the law, but he kept the realization that he was still under the law of Christ. He adapted to each person's situation and came to their level so that he could save them.

The Challenge:

We like to preach to everyone th same. When we are sharing the Gospel, we tend to share it in the way that is easiest and most comfortable for us and expect people to accept it, but sometimes we have to learn to better understand where they are and bring it to them so that they can understand it. We need to learn to listen and adapt. Speak in a language that your listener will understand, but more importantly learn to understand them.

The Prayer:

Lord, help me to understand the people you send me to. Help me to have wisdom in the words and methods that I use to bring your Gospel to the people. Thank you Lord, Amen!

O wretched man that I am! - September 7th, 2011

For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 7:22-25

History and Context:

As noted before the book of Romans was written by Paul to the church in Rome, probably around 55 - 57 AD. The history and beginnings of the church in Rome is not fully known. Most scholars believe that they established themselves without the help of any Apostle and without seeing any signs or miracles. There was a strong mix of Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome at this time and they seem to have gotten in many arguments. The Jewish Christians wanted the Gentiles to be circumcised and to follow the law to the letter, whereas the Gentile Christians attempted to say that they were better and that the Jews were rejected as God's people. The Gentiles also believed that the law was abolished. Paul addresses both of these issues in his letter.

 

The Text:

Paul has just gone through the famous war within himself. The passage of scripture in which he talks about doing what he doesn't want to do but not doing what he does want to do. I think we can all relate to this passage of scripture which leads him to this verse saying, "O wretched man that I am!" He recognizes the problem in himself and cries out for a solution. Who will deliver him? Of course it is Jesus Christ! Jesus is the only one who can bring us deliverance from our wretchedness, from our "body of death". He then continues this revelation in chapter eight, verse one by saying that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. He has given us the ability to walk in the spirit and not in the flesh and has taken all condemnation away from us.

 

The Challenge:

On Sunday, at church, Travis shared a testimony regarding this verse. We need to come to an understanding that we will never win this war on our own. There is only one way to win it and that is through total surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ. We are all wretched by nature, we are all in a body of death, but we all have the option to come to Jesus, walk in His Spirit and be freed from all condemnation and death. My challenge today is simple, study Romans 7-8 and see what God shows you regarding this topic.

The Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your sacrifice! Thank you for your deliverance, for delivering me from the death that I was bound up in. Thank you for setting me free from the captivity that sin brought me into. In Jesus' name, Amen!

The sound of an abundance of rain! - September 6th, 2011

Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.” So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, and said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” So he went up and looked, and said, “There is nothing.” And seven times he said, “Go again.”
Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’”

1 Kings 18:41-44

History and Context:

1 and 2 Kings were originally one book. The author of the book is unknown but is believed to have been a prophet in Babylon during the exile about 550 BC. The book was compiled from various sources to bring together the history of Israel and Judah. Kings begins with a united, strong kingdom under David and then Solomon, to a divided kingdom inruins taken off into captivity. It is a sad story emphasizing the fact that when Israel was with God they were strong and prosperous, but when they turned away from God destruction came upon them. The majority of the book is devoted towards the line of kings in both Israel and Judah, but there is also a major portion devoted to the story of Elijah and Elisha calling out to the kings and the people to return to God.

The Text:

Elijah first appears in chapter 17 as he confronts King Ahab, one of the wickedest kings of Israel, and tells him that there is going to be a great drought over the land. The story then goes to show how God provides for the prophet during the drought, first through ravens and a brook, and then through a widow who is willing to give up her last bit of grain (which God multiplies miraculously). After this Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal and challenges them to a test to see which God is the true God; "Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, He is God.” (1 Kings 18:24) Yahweh of course proves HImself to be the true God, all the prophets of Baal are put to death, and then comes this story. Now that God has had the opportunity to prove Himself in front of the entire kingdom of Israel it is time for the drought to end. There are two things that are important to note in this passage. 1) Elijah speaks out what God told him would happen before it happens; Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain. 2) Elijah is persistent in prayer until it comes to pass; And seven times he said, “Go again."

The Challenge:

These two principles mentioned above are important in all of our times of prayer. Whenever we are believing God to bring about something that He promised, we need to speak it out in faith, and be persistent in our prayer. Keep praying until your faith brings it to pass in the physical realm. What is it you are believing for? Are you certain that it is God's will for you but it's still not coming to pass? First check what you are speaking out about it. Elijah spoke out an abundance of rain before a single cloud was in the sky. Then simply be persistent. Keep praying, keep seeking God, until that first sign comes.

The Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your goodness and your promise. I know that your promises are coming to pass and I thank you for them. In Jesus' name, Amen!

Correcting your brothers and sisters - September 5th, 2011

And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15

History and Context:

Thessalonica was the Roman capital of the province of Macedonia, which is now northern Greece. It was a prosperous city which was both a port on the Aegean sea and also a major city on the land trade route from the city Dyrrachium on the Adriatic sea to what is now Istanbul. The church was founded around 50 AD on Paul's second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-9). Paul didn't stay long in Thessalonica due to the persecution from the Jews. The Jews were upset because Paul was converting those who were interested in Judaism. Paul spent a little over three weeks there before the newly-formed church sent Paul and his companions (Silas and Timothy) away for safety's sake. Due to the state of unrest that he left the church of Thessalonica in, Paul didn't wait long before he sent Timothy back to get news of what happened. When Paul was in Corinth Timothy returned with good news and Paul wrote the first letter filled with relief and joy. A few months later Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians in order to help strengthen the church in some areas in which it was weak, specifically in the area of Christ's return.

The Text:

This passage comes after Paul gives a strong admonition regarding the connection of working and eating. He describes the importance of everyone working and contributing and even goes to say that "If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat." (2 Thessalonians 3:10) Apparently there were people in the church who were going around and basically mooching off of others in the congregation. Verses 14-15 share with us Paul's command of how to respond to those kinds of people, but I think it can be applied to most anyone who continually does not follow what God has shown us to do. Paul says "do not keep company with him". In other words he is saying to not build a close relationship with him or 'mix together' with him. But, Paul says, don't completely reject him, simply 'admonish' him or correct him, as a brother in Christ.

The Challenge:

Paul is speaking against two extremes in regards to people's response to someone who is continually sinning. First he is speaking against those who ignore the sin and act as if nothing is wrong. Secondly heis speaking against those who completely reject and turn away the person because of the sin. What is your tendency? Is there someone who you've completely turned away and regarded as an enemy, then find that person and apologize and simply share with them what it was that they were doing wrong. On the other hand, if you are the person who ignores the sin, your challenge is to confront that person with their sin. Tell them that what they are doing is not right, but continue to love them as a brother.

The Prayer:

Lord, help me to find this balance. Help me to be a vessel for your use, specifically when it comes to correcting people around me. Help me to do it in humility and love at all times. Give me wisdom of when to say something and how to say it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have you lost your first love? - September 4th, 2011

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,
‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

Revelation 2:1-5

History and Context:

Revelation is the only apocalyptic book in the New Testament. An apocalyptic book was written in times of crisis and had the purpose of encouraging the believers by reminding them of the coming voctory in Christ. Apocalyptic writings always included visions, symbols, and numbers containing special meanings. This often makes it harder for us to understand as we are in a different time and culture. The book is authored by John from the island of Patmos. There is disagreement among scholars whether this is the John the Apostle or a different John. Tradition supports the idea that it is John the Apostle but the style is very different from the Gospel of John and the letters of John. In the first three chapters of revelation Jesus has John write seven letters to seven specific churches.

The Text:

This is the beginning to the letter to the church in Ephesus. Jesus begins by listing out the things which He likes about the church, and it makes for quite an impressive resume. They've tested the false teachers and found them to be false, they've peservered, pushed through trials with patience, and they have been working for Christ. These are things that most Christians would strive to hear from the Lord. But there was still one thing that He had against them. He says they lost their first love. They were still doing the work of Christ but they had lost the love that had driven them at the beginning. They had gained knowledge and wisdom but had lost their original passion. He says that this is such a serious thing that if they do not repent He will "remove their lampstand from it's place".

The Challenge:

How many of us have lost our first love? How many of us are maybe still working for Jesus but we have lost that passion that originally drove us? Jesus is challenging us, like He challenged the church in Ephesus, to find that first love. Find that passion. Seek it out in your prayer times, in time of Bible reading. Don't just pray and read because it is what your supposed to do, but seek out that passion that you originally had. Find the excitement!

The Prayer:

Lord, help me find that passion again. Help me return to the love for you that I had at the beginning. Let everything I do be motivated in love and passion for you, let it be done in excitement. Thank you Lord! In Jesus' name, Amen!

The Greatest Commandment! - September 3rd, 2011

Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?”   
Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”   
So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”   
Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”
But after that no one dared question Him.

Mark 12:28-34

History and Context:

The Gospel of Mark was written between 60 and 70 AD by John Mark, a companion of Peter and of Paul. Tradition has him writing the Gospel when he is in Rome with Peter, putting down the apostle Peter's version of the story. John Mark is shown in Acts as a companion of Paul and Barnabas; he is also mentioned in Colossians as being a real comfort to Paul in prison and in 1 Peter as being like a son to Peter. The Gospel seems to be a starting point for both Matthew and for Luke as much of the material is similar, but Mark focuses less on the teachings of Jesus and more on the actions. It shows Christ in action.

 

The Text:

The pharisees and the scribes were always attempting to test Jesus with questions, trying to get Him to say something wrong. Here is one occasion in which a scribe comes to Jesus with a difficult question; "What is the greatest commandment?" When you look at all the commandments in the Old Testament, and consider that all of them are from God, therefore all of them must be important, you would think that it would be very difficult to pick one out. Jesus does it without hesitation. The first commandment he quotes from the Hebrew Shema, a very important passage of scripture for the Jews. Basically it is that we should love God with everything in us. The second commandment, He says, is like the first one. In other words they are connected. In 1 John we further see that these two are connected, you can't truly have one without the other. The second commandment is to love others just like you love yourself. When the scribe agreed with Jesus, He said "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." In other words it is these two commandments, together, which bring us into God's kingdom. If we can simply learn to love God and to love people, that is all we need.

 

The Challenge:

Step out in love towards God today. Spend some time in worship marvelling at how good He is. Then go out and seek out a way to love someone else. It can either be someone you know or a stranger, but show love to someone. Love is not complete without action. To simply say that I love you isnot enough if I never do something to show you that love. Find someone and show them love today.

 

The Prayer:

Lord, increase my love for you and for those around me. Help me to act out in that love. Give me wisdom to see the opportunities that present themselves for me to act in love. I do love you Lord! In Jesus' name, Amen!



Compelled by the Love of Christ! - September 1st, 2011

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15

History and Context:

Corinth was a city on the main trade route between Asia and western Europe, and Paul had spent two years there establishing the church. Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians in order to address division and immorality in the church. After that letter he had an opportunity to visit the church. Apparently the visit was a difficult one for both Paul and the members of the church and afterwards Paul talks about writing a letter in "much anguish" (ch 2). Though this letter is only the second letter to the Corinthians which we have, it seems that Paul wrote at least four seperate letters and that this is the fourth. This is his follow up after the difficult visit and the letter of 'tears'.

This passage comes before the passage discussed on August 13th.

The Text:

As mentioned above, Paul had a long history with the Corinthians. In this passage Paul is talking about hi motivation when he speaks to them and ministers to them; also his general motivation in live. He says that it is his love for Christ that 'compels' him to do what he does. He also concludes that the point of Christ's death was to bring life so that we could live for Him. We no longer should be living selfish lives, but we should be living for Christ, for the one who died and rose again. We should give our lives to the one who gave His life.

The Challenge:

Check your motives. Is the love of Christ compelling you in your day to day life? Are you living for yourself or for Christ? What can you do to live more for Him? He gave His life for you and would like you to live your life for Him.

The Prayer:

Lord, I want to be compelled by your love in my daily life. Let me experience your love to the point that I can't help but show this love towards others. Help me to remember to live every moment for you. I love you Lord! In Jesus' name, Amen!