Showing posts with label Colossians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colossians. Show all posts
Monday, October 8, 2012
October 8
Today's Reading
Jeremiah. It's very tempting to laugh at the folly of people who made idols, then bowed down to them. Before we do that, we need to remember the things we put our trust in. Things like money, relationships, or the internet. We easily turn away from God and give our lives to things that can never help us in the ways we most need help.
Colossians. Paul usually dictated his letters to a scribe who wrote them down for him. Then he wrote a few words and signed them at the end to identify them as truly from him. Scholars believe that Paul's eyes may have gotten very bad and he could barely see. Notice the various mentions and greetings at the end of this letter. The more you are acquainted with the New Testament, the more you will know about some of the people listed here. Luke, for instance, was the medical doctor/historian who authored both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts.
Psalms. God chose his servant David. And, centuries later, the "son of David" was the Messiah. He is the One who can change us from the inside out!
Proverbs. I admit it. I find a certain joy in stories in which a wronged, innocent person takes revenge on the one(s) who wronged them. That's not the life God calls us to, however.
What insights do you have today?
Sunday, October 7, 2012
October 7
Today's Reading
Jeremiah described a time when people had thought their nation secure. They lived lives of plenty; they had few worries. But their hearts were far from God and the day was coming when judgment would take hold and the land would be ravaged by enemies. Cathy and I once watched a television mini-series called "The Blue and the Gray." It showed a good picture of our nation before and during the Civil War. Before the war, people were itching to fight, but each side thought that they would win easily and end up relatively untouched by the conflict. How wrong they were! Before it was over, the entire nation was in mourning over the devastating bloodshed. Could we be living in a time of "peace and safety" and our world is about to come apart?
Colossians. We are under grace and it isn't necessary for us to keep the Law in order to belong to God. That doesn't mean, though, that God is suddenly soft on sin. Sin destroys and God hates it. We may struggle with temptations, but we are not to simply give in to them.
Psalms. God's mercy and grace exceed all our human frailties. Amen!
Proverbs. This verse has always challenged me. If I don't get my work done, I won't have any income with which to "build my house." It's tempting to get it backwards.
What has spoken to you today?
Saturday, October 6, 2012
October 6
Today's Reading
Jeremiah. I was struck by these verses. "4 But don’t be fooled by those who promise you safety simply because the Lord’s Temple is here. They chant, “The Lord’s Temple is here! The Lord’s Temple is here!” 5 But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; 6 only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols. 7 Then I will let you stay in this land..." My first thought was a still picture I have seen advertising the movie, "The Exorcist" (no, I haven't seen the movie). In it, the old priest is standing against enemy forces holding up a cross. The cross as a piece of jewelry or a carved figure has no power. It is committed faith in what Jesus did on that cross that brings victory. We, in this country, are in danger of being like Judah. "This is a 'Christian nation!'" "In God We Trust." Those are just words if our hearts are far from God.
Colossians. One of the great battles we fight is against the feelings of condemnation that we carry inside us. Satan is called "the accuser." Notice what Paul wrote: "14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities." If we are in Christ, we are not condemned!
Psalms. "He commanded our ancestors
to teach them to their children,
6 so the next generation might know them—
even the children not yet born—
and they in turn will teach their own children.
7 So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
not forgetting his glorious miracles
and obeying his commands." We each have a responsibility to teach our children. It can be a glorious task; it can also be heartbreaking.
Proverbs. It is so much better to speak the truth, even if it hurts. But do it in genuine love, hoping for the best in the other person.
What have you noticed today?
Friday, October 5, 2012
October 5
Today's Reading
Jeremiah described, in today's reading, the conditions of the people of his nation. He foresaw an enemy coming down from "the north." What he prophesied in these early chapters took place before his prophetic work was completed. And God left him there to endure the judgment right along with everyone else.
Colossians. I'm sure that most of you are like me. At times you struggle with sins -- at least in your thoughts and attitudes. It's during those times that I feel so disconnected from God. Therefore, I was comforted today by these words: "Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault." Our standing before God isn't based on our own works, but on trusting the finished work of Christ.
Psalms. In difficult times it's important to think about the goodness of God. Joy will come in the morning.
Proverbs. Sitting in judgment is a difficult job. May God give us His wisdom when we must judge.
What speaks to you today? What challenges you? What ministers to your deepest needs?
Thursday, October 4, 2012
October 4
Today's Reading
Jeremiah. The continuing sin of Israel and Judah reminds me of the story I heard about a way to destroy wolves in the arctic. If I understand it, a knife is sharpened to a razor edge, coated with a thick coat of animal blood, then frozen solid. Next it is placed outside at night, blade up. A wolf will smell the blood and come to eat his "popsicle". As the wolf licks off the frozen blood, he doesn't realize that the edges of the sharp knife begin to cut the his own tongue. Soon the animal bleeds to death, eating his own blood. That's the way sin tempts, then destroys us. '22 “My wayward children,' says the Lord,
'come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.'”
Colossians. Colossae was located very near Laodicea, the town you may remember from the book of Revelation. Today's reading includes two verses I love: "13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins." By His authority, I have received my transfer. I used to be "in sin"; now I'm "in Christ."
Psalms. In this day of scoffing at God and His authority, remember this Psalm.
Proverbs. One of life's lessons has obviously taken hold when, as an adult, we can just "know" that a small child will soon be crying. You know what I'm talking about. Two or more kids are playing and they become increasingly loud and rambunctious. By experience we know that something will happen and soon giggles will become tears. I thought of that as I read this Proverb.
What are your thoughts? What is speaking to your life?
Thursday, December 15, 2011
December 15, Day 349
Paul's letter to the church at Colossae is full of deep encouragement and truth. It contains a passage that I found very difficult to comprehend until I took the time to memorize it. Since then, it is one of my most beloved in all the Bible. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. (Colossians 1:13, 14 NLT) He rescued us from the darkness, even though we had loved the darkness better than the light. Then He transferred us to His kingdom, where we found freedom and forgiveness. I plan to dwell on that truth all day today!
Philemon is a wonderful little personal letter from Paul about a former runaway slave named Onesimus. Somehow God had orchestrated events so that Onesimus found Paul, then decided to follow Christ. He was radically transformed. The time came for them to deal with his status in breach of Roman law. Paul sent him back (slavery was an accepted part of their lives), telling Philemon that Onesimus his slave was now his brother in Christ. Paul was very respectful and loving while being quite straightforward in his request. It's a powerful picture of how Christ transforms people and how the Gospel can be worked out in various cultures.
Friday, October 8, 2010
October 8
Today's Reading
Jeremiah. It's very tempting to laugh at the folly of people who made idols, then bowed down to them. Before we do that, we need to remember the things we put our trust in. Things like money, relationships, or the internet. We easily turn away from God and give our lives to things that can never help us in the ways we most need help.
Colossians. Paul usually dictated his letters to a scribe who wrote them down for him. Then he wrote a few words and signed them at the end to identify them as truly from him. Scholars believe that Paul's eyes may have gotten very bad and he could barely see. Notice the various mentions and greetings at the end of this letter. The more you are acquainted with the New Testament, the more you will know about some of the people listed here. Luke, for instance, was the medical doctor/historian who authored both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts.
Psalms. God chose his servant David. And, centuries later, the "son of David" was the Messiah. He is the One who can change us from the inside out!
Proverbs. I admit it. I find a certain joy in watching movies in which a wronged, innocent person takes revenge on the one(s) who wronged them. That's not the life God calls us to, however.
What insights do you have today?
Jeremiah. It's very tempting to laugh at the folly of people who made idols, then bowed down to them. Before we do that, we need to remember the things we put our trust in. Things like money, relationships, or the internet. We easily turn away from God and give our lives to things that can never help us in the ways we most need help.
Colossians. Paul usually dictated his letters to a scribe who wrote them down for him. Then he wrote a few words and signed them at the end to identify them as truly from him. Scholars believe that Paul's eyes may have gotten very bad and he could barely see. Notice the various mentions and greetings at the end of this letter. The more you are acquainted with the New Testament, the more you will know about some of the people listed here. Luke, for instance, was the medical doctor/historian who authored both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts.
Psalms. God chose his servant David. And, centuries later, the "son of David" was the Messiah. He is the One who can change us from the inside out!
Proverbs. I admit it. I find a certain joy in watching movies in which a wronged, innocent person takes revenge on the one(s) who wronged them. That's not the life God calls us to, however.
What insights do you have today?
Thursday, October 7, 2010
October 7
Today's Reading
Jeremiah described a time when people had thought their nation secure. They lived lives of plenty; they had few worries. But their hearts were far from God and the day was coming when judgment would take hold and the land would be ravaged by enemies. Cathy and I recently re-watched a television mini-series called "The Blue and the Gray." It showed a good picture of our nation before and during the Civil War. Before the war, people were itching to fight, but each side thought that they would win easily and end up relatively untouched by the conflict. How wrong they were! Before it was over, the entire nation was in mourning over the devastating bloodshed. Could we be living in a time of "peace and safety" and our world is about to come apart?
Colossians. We are under grace and it isn't necessary for us to keep the Law in order to belong to God. That doesn't mean, though, that God is suddenly soft on sin. Sin destroys and God hates it. We may struggle with temptations, but we are not to simply give in to them.
Psalms. God's mercy and grace exceed all our human frailties. Amen!
Proverbs. This verse has always challenged me. If I don't get my work done, I won't have any income with which to "build my house." It's tempting to get it backwards.
What has spoken to you today?
Jeremiah described a time when people had thought their nation secure. They lived lives of plenty; they had few worries. But their hearts were far from God and the day was coming when judgment would take hold and the land would be ravaged by enemies. Cathy and I recently re-watched a television mini-series called "The Blue and the Gray." It showed a good picture of our nation before and during the Civil War. Before the war, people were itching to fight, but each side thought that they would win easily and end up relatively untouched by the conflict. How wrong they were! Before it was over, the entire nation was in mourning over the devastating bloodshed. Could we be living in a time of "peace and safety" and our world is about to come apart?
Colossians. We are under grace and it isn't necessary for us to keep the Law in order to belong to God. That doesn't mean, though, that God is suddenly soft on sin. Sin destroys and God hates it. We may struggle with temptations, but we are not to simply give in to them.
Psalms. God's mercy and grace exceed all our human frailties. Amen!
Proverbs. This verse has always challenged me. If I don't get my work done, I won't have any income with which to "build my house." It's tempting to get it backwards.
What has spoken to you today?
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
October 6
Today's Reading
Jeremiah. I was struck by these verses. "4 But don’t be fooled by those who promise you safety simply because the Lord’s Temple is here. They chant, “The Lord’s Temple is here! The Lord’s Temple is here!” 5 But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; 6 only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols. 7 Then I will let you stay in this land..." My first thought was a still picture I have seen advertising the movie, "The Exorcist" (no, I haven't seen the movie). In it, the old priest is standing against enemy forces holding up a cross. The cross as a piece of jewelry or a carved figure has no power. It is committed faith in what Jesus did on that cross that brings victory. We, in this country, are in danger of being like Judah. "This is a 'Christian nation!'" "In God We Trust." Those are just words if our hearts are far from God.
Colossians. One of the great battles we fight is against the feelings of condemnation that we carry inside us. Satan is called "the accuser." Notice what Paul wrote: "14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities." If we are in Christ, we are not condemned!
Psalms. "He commanded our ancestors
to teach them to their children,
6 so the next generation might know them—
even the children not yet born—
and they in turn will teach their own children.
7 So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
not forgetting his glorious miracles
and obeying his commands." We each have a responsibility to teach our children. It can be a glorious task; it can also be heartbreaking.
Proverbs. It is so much better to speak the truth, even if it hurts. But do it in genuine love, hoping for the best in the other person.
What have you noticed today?
Jeremiah. I was struck by these verses. "4 But don’t be fooled by those who promise you safety simply because the Lord’s Temple is here. They chant, “The Lord’s Temple is here! The Lord’s Temple is here!” 5 But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; 6 only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols. 7 Then I will let you stay in this land..." My first thought was a still picture I have seen advertising the movie, "The Exorcist" (no, I haven't seen the movie). In it, the old priest is standing against enemy forces holding up a cross. The cross as a piece of jewelry or a carved figure has no power. It is committed faith in what Jesus did on that cross that brings victory. We, in this country, are in danger of being like Judah. "This is a 'Christian nation!'" "In God We Trust." Those are just words if our hearts are far from God.
Colossians. One of the great battles we fight is against the feelings of condemnation that we carry inside us. Satan is called "the accuser." Notice what Paul wrote: "14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities." If we are in Christ, we are not condemned!
Psalms. "He commanded our ancestors
to teach them to their children,
6 so the next generation might know them—
even the children not yet born—
and they in turn will teach their own children.
7 So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
not forgetting his glorious miracles
and obeying his commands." We each have a responsibility to teach our children. It can be a glorious task; it can also be heartbreaking.
Proverbs. It is so much better to speak the truth, even if it hurts. But do it in genuine love, hoping for the best in the other person.
What have you noticed today?
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
October 5
Today's Reading
Jeremiah described, in today's reading, the conditions of the people of his nation. He foresaw an enemy coming down from "the north." What he prophesied in these early chapters took place before his prophetic work was completed. And God left him there to endure the judgment right along with everyone else.
Colossians. I'm sure that most of you are like me. At times you struggle with sins -- at least in your thoughts and attitudes. It's during those times that I feel so disconnected from God. Therefore, I was comforted today by these words: "Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault." Our standing before God isn't based on our own works, but on trusting the finished work of Christ.
Psalms. In difficult times it's important to think about the goodness of God. Joy will come in the morning.
Proverbs. Sitting in judgment is a difficult job. May God give us His wisdom when we must judge.
What speaks to you today? What challenges you? What ministers to your deepest needs?
Jeremiah described, in today's reading, the conditions of the people of his nation. He foresaw an enemy coming down from "the north." What he prophesied in these early chapters took place before his prophetic work was completed. And God left him there to endure the judgment right along with everyone else.
Colossians. I'm sure that most of you are like me. At times you struggle with sins -- at least in your thoughts and attitudes. It's during those times that I feel so disconnected from God. Therefore, I was comforted today by these words: "Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault." Our standing before God isn't based on our own works, but on trusting the finished work of Christ.
Psalms. In difficult times it's important to think about the goodness of God. Joy will come in the morning.
Proverbs. Sitting in judgment is a difficult job. May God give us His wisdom when we must judge.
What speaks to you today? What challenges you? What ministers to your deepest needs?
Monday, October 4, 2010
October 4
Today's Reading
Jeremiah. The continuing sin of Israel and Judah reminds me of the story I heard about a way to destroy wolves in the arctic. If I understand it, a knife is sharpened to a razor edge, then coated with a thick coat of animal blood then frozen solid. Next it is placed outside at night, blade up. A wolf will smell the blood and come to eat his "popsicle". As the wolf licks off the frozen blood, he doesn't realize that the edges of the sharp knife begin to cut the his own tongue. Soon the animal bleeds to death, eating his own blood. That's the way sin tempts, then destroys us. '22 “My wayward children,' says the Lord,
'come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.'”
Colossians. Colossae was located very near Laodicea, the town you may remember from the book of Revelation. Today's reading includes two verses I love: "13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins." By His authority, I have received my transfer. I used to be "in sin"; now I'm "in Christ."
Psalms. In this day of scoffing at God and His authority, remember this Psalm.
Proverbs. One of life's lessons has obviously taken hold when, as an adult, we can just "know" that a small child will soon be crying. You know what I'm talking about. Two or more kids are playing and they become increasingly loud and rambunctious. By experience we know that something will happen and soon giggles will become tears. I thought of that as I read this Psalm.
What are your thoughts? What is speaking to your life?
Jeremiah. The continuing sin of Israel and Judah reminds me of the story I heard about a way to destroy wolves in the arctic. If I understand it, a knife is sharpened to a razor edge, then coated with a thick coat of animal blood then frozen solid. Next it is placed outside at night, blade up. A wolf will smell the blood and come to eat his "popsicle". As the wolf licks off the frozen blood, he doesn't realize that the edges of the sharp knife begin to cut the his own tongue. Soon the animal bleeds to death, eating his own blood. That's the way sin tempts, then destroys us. '22 “My wayward children,' says the Lord,
'come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.'”
Colossians. Colossae was located very near Laodicea, the town you may remember from the book of Revelation. Today's reading includes two verses I love: "13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins." By His authority, I have received my transfer. I used to be "in sin"; now I'm "in Christ."
Psalms. In this day of scoffing at God and His authority, remember this Psalm.
Proverbs. One of life's lessons has obviously taken hold when, as an adult, we can just "know" that a small child will soon be crying. You know what I'm talking about. Two or more kids are playing and they become increasingly loud and rambunctious. By experience we know that something will happen and soon giggles will become tears. I thought of that as I read this Psalm.
What are your thoughts? What is speaking to your life?
Thursday, October 8, 2009
October 8
Today's Reading
Jeremiah: it's very tempting to laugh at the folly of people who made idols, then bowed down to them. Before we do that, we need to remember the things we put our trust in. Things like money, relationships, or the internet. We easily turn away from God and give our lives to things that can never help us in the ways we most need help.
Colossians: Paul usually dictated his letters to a scribe who wrote them down for him. Then he wrote a few words and signed them at the end to identify them as truly from him. Scholars believe that Paul's eyes may have gotten very bad and he could barely see. Notice the various mentions and greetings at the end of this letter. The more you are acquainted with the New Testament, the more you will know about some of the people listed here. Luke, for instance, was the medical doctor/historian who authored both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts.
Psalms: God chose his servant David. And, centuries later, the "son of David" was the Messiah. He is the One who can change us from the inside out!
Proverbs: I admit it. I find a certain joy in watching movies in which a wronged, innocent person takes revenge on the one(s) who wronged them. That's not the life God calls us to, however.
What insights do you have today?
Jeremiah: it's very tempting to laugh at the folly of people who made idols, then bowed down to them. Before we do that, we need to remember the things we put our trust in. Things like money, relationships, or the internet. We easily turn away from God and give our lives to things that can never help us in the ways we most need help.
Colossians: Paul usually dictated his letters to a scribe who wrote them down for him. Then he wrote a few words and signed them at the end to identify them as truly from him. Scholars believe that Paul's eyes may have gotten very bad and he could barely see. Notice the various mentions and greetings at the end of this letter. The more you are acquainted with the New Testament, the more you will know about some of the people listed here. Luke, for instance, was the medical doctor/historian who authored both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts.
Psalms: God chose his servant David. And, centuries later, the "son of David" was the Messiah. He is the One who can change us from the inside out!
Proverbs: I admit it. I find a certain joy in watching movies in which a wronged, innocent person takes revenge on the one(s) who wronged them. That's not the life God calls us to, however.
What insights do you have today?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
October 7
Today's Reading
Jeremiah described a time when people had thought their nation secure. They lived lives of plenty; they had few worries. But their hearts were far from God and the day was coming when judgment would take hold and the land would be ravaged by enemies. Cathy and I recently re-watched a television mini-series called "The Blue and the Gray." It showed a good picture of our nation before and during the Civil War. Before the war, people were itching to fight, but each side thought that they would win easily and end up relatively untouched by the conflict. How wrong they were! Before it was over, the entire nation was in mourning over the devastating bloodshed. Could we be living in a time of "peace and safety" and our world is about to come apart?
Colossians: we are under grace and it isn't necessary for us to keep the Law in order to belong to God. That doesn't mean, though, that God is suddenly soft on sin. Sin destroys and God hates it. We may struggle with temptations, but we are not to simply give in to them.
Psalms: God's mercy and grace exceed all our human frailties. Amen!
Proverbs: this verse has always challenged me. If I don't get my work done, I won't have any income with which to "build my house." It's tempting to get it backwards.
What has spoken to you today?
Jeremiah described a time when people had thought their nation secure. They lived lives of plenty; they had few worries. But their hearts were far from God and the day was coming when judgment would take hold and the land would be ravaged by enemies. Cathy and I recently re-watched a television mini-series called "The Blue and the Gray." It showed a good picture of our nation before and during the Civil War. Before the war, people were itching to fight, but each side thought that they would win easily and end up relatively untouched by the conflict. How wrong they were! Before it was over, the entire nation was in mourning over the devastating bloodshed. Could we be living in a time of "peace and safety" and our world is about to come apart?
Colossians: we are under grace and it isn't necessary for us to keep the Law in order to belong to God. That doesn't mean, though, that God is suddenly soft on sin. Sin destroys and God hates it. We may struggle with temptations, but we are not to simply give in to them.
Psalms: God's mercy and grace exceed all our human frailties. Amen!
Proverbs: this verse has always challenged me. If I don't get my work done, I won't have any income with which to "build my house." It's tempting to get it backwards.
What has spoken to you today?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
October 6
Today's Reading
Jeremiah: I was struck by these verses. "4 But don’t be fooled by those who promise you safety simply because the Lord’s Temple is here. They chant, “The Lord’s Temple is here! The Lord’s Temple is here!” 5 But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; 6 only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols. 7 Then I will let you stay in this land..." My first thought was a still picture I have seen advertising the movie, "The Exorcist" (no, I haven't seen the movie). In it, the old priest is standing against enemy forces holding up a cross. The cross as a piece of jewelry or a carved figure has no power. It is committed faith in what Jesus did on that cross that brings victory. We, in this country, are in danger of being like Judah. "This is a 'Christian nation!'" "In God We Trust." Those are just words if our hearts are far from God.
Colossians: one of the great battles we fight is against the feelings of condemnation that we carry inside us. Satan is called "the accuser." Notice what Paul wrote: "14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities." If we are in Christ, we are not condemned!
Psalms: "He commanded our ancestors
to teach them to their children,
6 so the next generation might know them—
even the children not yet born—
and they in turn will teach their own children.
7 So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
not forgetting his glorious miracles
and obeying his commands." We each have a responsibility to teach our children. It can be a glorious task; it can also be heartbreaking.
Proverbs: it is so much better to speak the truth, even if it hurts. But do it in genuine love, hoping for the best in the other person.
What have you noticed today?
Jeremiah: I was struck by these verses. "4 But don’t be fooled by those who promise you safety simply because the Lord’s Temple is here. They chant, “The Lord’s Temple is here! The Lord’s Temple is here!” 5 But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; 6 only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols. 7 Then I will let you stay in this land..." My first thought was a still picture I have seen advertising the movie, "The Exorcist" (no, I haven't seen the movie). In it, the old priest is standing against enemy forces holding up a cross. The cross as a piece of jewelry or a carved figure has no power. It is committed faith in what Jesus did on that cross that brings victory. We, in this country, are in danger of being like Judah. "This is a 'Christian nation!'" "In God We Trust." Those are just words if our hearts are far from God.
Colossians: one of the great battles we fight is against the feelings of condemnation that we carry inside us. Satan is called "the accuser." Notice what Paul wrote: "14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities." If we are in Christ, we are not condemned!
Psalms: "He commanded our ancestors
to teach them to their children,
6 so the next generation might know them—
even the children not yet born—
and they in turn will teach their own children.
7 So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
not forgetting his glorious miracles
and obeying his commands." We each have a responsibility to teach our children. It can be a glorious task; it can also be heartbreaking.
Proverbs: it is so much better to speak the truth, even if it hurts. But do it in genuine love, hoping for the best in the other person.
What have you noticed today?
Monday, October 5, 2009
October 5
Today's Reading
Jeremiah described, in today's reading, the conditions of the people of his nation. He foresaw an enemy coming down from "the north." What he prophesied in these early chapters took place before his prophetic work was completed. And God left him there to endure the judgment right along with everyone else.
Colossians: I'm sure that most of you are like me. At times you struggle with sins -- at least in your thoughts and attitudes. It's during those times that I feel so disconnected from God. Therefore, I was comforted today by these words: "Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault." Our standing before God isn't based on our own works, but on trusting the finished work of Christ.
Psalms: in difficult times it's important to think about the goodness of God. Joy will come in the morning.
Proverbs: sitting in judgment is a difficult job. May God give us His wisdom when we must judge.
What speaks to you today?
Jeremiah described, in today's reading, the conditions of the people of his nation. He foresaw an enemy coming down from "the north." What he prophesied in these early chapters took place before his prophetic work was completed. And God left him there to endure the judgment right along with everyone else.
Colossians: I'm sure that most of you are like me. At times you struggle with sins -- at least in your thoughts and attitudes. It's during those times that I feel so disconnected from God. Therefore, I was comforted today by these words: "Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault." Our standing before God isn't based on our own works, but on trusting the finished work of Christ.
Psalms: in difficult times it's important to think about the goodness of God. Joy will come in the morning.
Proverbs: sitting in judgment is a difficult job. May God give us His wisdom when we must judge.
What speaks to you today?
Sunday, October 4, 2009
October 4
Today's Reading
Jeremiah: the continuing sin of Israel and Judah reminds me of the story I heard about a way to destroy wolves in the arctic. If I understand it, a knife is sharpened to a razor edge, then coated with a thick coat of animal blood then frozen solid. Next it is placed outside at night, blade up. A wolf will smell the blood and come to eat his "popsicle". As the wolf licks off the froze blood, it doesn't realize that the edges of the sharp knife begin to cut the wolf's own tongue. Soon the animal bleeds to death, eating it's own blood. That's the way sin tempts, then destroys us. 22 “My wayward children,” says the Lord,
“come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.”
Colossians: Colossae was located very near Laodicea, the town you may remember from the book of Revelation. Today's reading includes two verses I love: "13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins."
Psalms: in this day of scoffing at God and His authority, remember this Psalm.
Proverbs: one of life's lessons has obviously taken hold when, as an adult, we can just "know" that a small child will soon be crying. You know what I'm talking about. Two or more kids are playing and they become increasingly loud and rambunctious. By experience we know that something will happen and soon giggles will become tears. I thought of that as I read this Psalm.
What are your thoughts?
Jeremiah: the continuing sin of Israel and Judah reminds me of the story I heard about a way to destroy wolves in the arctic. If I understand it, a knife is sharpened to a razor edge, then coated with a thick coat of animal blood then frozen solid. Next it is placed outside at night, blade up. A wolf will smell the blood and come to eat his "popsicle". As the wolf licks off the froze blood, it doesn't realize that the edges of the sharp knife begin to cut the wolf's own tongue. Soon the animal bleeds to death, eating it's own blood. That's the way sin tempts, then destroys us. 22 “My wayward children,” says the Lord,
“come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.”
Colossians: Colossae was located very near Laodicea, the town you may remember from the book of Revelation. Today's reading includes two verses I love: "13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins."
Psalms: in this day of scoffing at God and His authority, remember this Psalm.
Proverbs: one of life's lessons has obviously taken hold when, as an adult, we can just "know" that a small child will soon be crying. You know what I'm talking about. Two or more kids are playing and they become increasingly loud and rambunctious. By experience we know that something will happen and soon giggles will become tears. I thought of that as I read this Psalm.
What are your thoughts?
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