Showing posts with label Ephesians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ephesians. Show all posts
Friday, September 28, 2012
September 28
Today's Reading
Isaiah follows the prophecy of a Suffering Servant who would come with words of comfort for all those whose hearts are broken and repentant. Then, as if to say that God is still fierce against sin, he reminds them of all the sinfulness that has prevailed.
These are beautiful, comforting passages. One among them sticks out to me: "10 “The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.
11 It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it." When we keep watering our lives with the Word of God, some of it is like snowpack up in the high mountain peaks. It resides there, ready for the day when the heat comes to melt it and send it to where it is needed. You and I get heated up through trials and the Words begins to flow and do it's work.
Paul's graphic depiction of spiritual warfare was obviously needed by the Ephesians. We need it, too. Notice that Paul specifically asked for prayers for himself as he fought spiritual battles. As I grow older, that means more than ever to me.
Psalms. "5 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
please hurry to my aid, O God.
You are my helper and my savior;
O Lord, do not delay." Me, too!
Proverbs. We build our reputations slowly, but we can destroy them quickly!
What is building in your life? What are these passages saying to your heart?
Thursday, September 27, 2012
September 27
Today's Reading
I found myself reading Isaiah 53 and changing the plural pronouns to the first person singular. We becomes I. Our becomes my. It moved me to think of the greatness of the sacrifice which Christ made for me.
On another note, 6 But I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them. (Isa 52:6). Read the book of Acts again. See the example of power in Jesus' Name. You and I who know Christ also bear the power of that Name, as long as our motives are His kingdom.
Ephesians. The more I think about it, the church in 21st Century USA has many struggles with the sins in Ephesians 5. It is essential that we must repent and return to the God who empowered our forefathers to establish this nation. Otherwise, we will certainly fall and it could happen soon!
Psalms. David wanted God to clearly identify the people who genuinely love Him and the people who are hypocrites. That day is coming!
Proverbs. May you and I be wise and not be people for whom wisdom is "too lofty!"
What thoughts and questions do you have today?
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
September 26
Today's Reading
Isaiah today begins what are called the Suffering Servant passages. Surely the prophet couldn't understand just how graphic were the descriptions he was writing about Jesus Christ because it was hundreds of years before Christ was born. For instance, "5 The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me,
and I have listened.
I have not rebelled or turned away.
6 I offered my back to those who beat me
and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.
I did not hide my face
from mockery and spitting."
As I read today's Ephesians passage, I realized how much I have lived like the "Gentiles", my heart hard and my mind closed to the things of God. God has been so gracious to call me back to Himself and allow me to repent. Never again to I want to live the life of accepting Christ's forgiveness, but keeping my heart far from Him.
Psalms. I have felt some of the same things David must have felt when he wrote this Psalm. The answer is the same as his, too. I cry out to God (usually after I try and fail to fix it myself) and He is quick to provide His presence and comfort.
Proverbs. Any more, I shudder when I see people make big decisions without seeking and heeding counsel.
What speaks to you today?
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
September 25
Today's Reading
Isaiah. Great nations rise, then fall. They depend on false gods that aren't gods at all. Will the U.S. fall? It depends who whether or not we make God our Lord. After we were attacked on 9/11/01 millions went to church. Unfortunately we didn't see widespread repentance from the sins which have hardened our hearts against God. We raised our collective fists in defiance against the enemies who attacked us, but we didn't fall on our knees in brokenness before the God whom we have mocked. We have made our own strength our god. O, God of the heavens, we cry out for a wave of conviction for for our nation to turn from our sins and turn to You!
Ephesians. "15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." What a beautiful picture of Christ accomplishing His purposes in and through us! People who take the time to discover the special gifts they have received from God find great joy and passion as they use those gifts to serve Him and others.
Psalms. Throughout Scripture and history, the god of this age has wielded seemingly endless power. It can seem as if the true God has been overshadowed by the great influence of the devil. In the end, however, God is victorious...always!
Proverbs. Beware of shortcuts when building your house. That's true of families as well as individuals and churches as well as businesses. It's true in finance. Long-term success requires wisdom and takes time to accomplish.
What thoughts do you have?
Monday, September 24, 2012
September 24
Today's Reading
God reminded Isaiah of the futility of carving idols for worship. How can the works of our own hands somehow become our provider in life? "It's silly," we might say. Then we turn around and use the money we have earned as our provider instead of trusting in the living God. It's easy for us to yield up our entire lives to the pursuit of riches and what they can buy. Ouch!
Ephesians. "17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." O, what manner of love the Father has given unto us that we should be called the children of God!
As I read Psalms today, I thought about the significance of some of the mountains in Scripture. Mt. Sinai: the Law. Mt. Calvary: the Cross. Mt. Zion: the Throne. What others can you think of?
Proverbs. Do you ever feel a pang of jealousy that someone is able to do things you are forbidden to do -- because it's sin? I have felt it. Don't go there; it's a lie!
What do you notice in today's reading?
Sunday, September 23, 2012
September 23
Today's Reading
Isaiah, in today's reading, foretells the coming of one who will be a gentle servant. He then reminds the people that they have chosen to ignore God and they will face judgment. Finally, he says that the day will come with God will call his people from the North, South, East and West to come home to Israel. That part of the passage has been happening since Israel became a nation in 1948.
Ephesians. "2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature." Those verses sort of fly into the face of our description of most everyone as "good people", doesn't it? It's not good people who need a Savior; it's sinners. Praise God that we have one!
Psalms. May God smile with favor on us. Amen!
Proverbs shares the warning, "Drink too much and you will end up embarrassed. Or worse!"
What speaks to you today?
Saturday, September 22, 2012
September 22
Today's Reading
Isaiah. Hezekiah had been a good king for many years, yet he developed what seems to have been a selfish attitude. He cried out to God for an extension of his life and it was granted, but during that time he fathered Manasseh who started out as one of the most sinful of all the kings. Then he showed off his stuff to Babylon. Finally, he rejoiced to hear that judgment wouldn't come in his lifetime. It's a rather sad ending.
Many of us love Isaiah 40:31, but those who -- like me -- are deeply moved by Handel's Messiah will recognize the opening verses of this chapter.
Paul opens his letter to the Ephesians with this great promise: "At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth." Something within us longs for that time to come! In the meantime, we are promised everything we need to live effective, Christ-following lives.
Psalm 66 has some awesome verses in it. Among them: "18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened." We are making a mockery of prayer if we refuse to open our hearts to the searchlight of God's Spirit, following that with sincere confession and repentance.
Proverbs today serves as another warning not to follow the siren song of fun, casual sex. It's a path to a broken heart and, perhaps, destruction.
What do you notice?
Friday, December 16, 2011
December 16, Day 350
My reading in Ephesians today was like a long soak in a jacuzzi on a cold day. I was warmed and refreshed as I read of God's great love for us. Various passages comforted me while others challenged me. I hope you have time to read it slowly, pondering the words as you read.
I was particularly fed by a passage in the first chapter: God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. (Ephesians 1:9-11 NLT)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
September 28
Today's Reading
Isaiah follows the prophecy of a Suffering Servant who would come with words of comfort for all those whose hearts are broken and repentant. Then, as if to say that God is still fierce against sin, he reminds them of all the sinfulness that has prevailed.
These are beautiful, comforting passages. One among them sticks out to me: "10 “The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.
11 It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it." When we keep watering our lives with the Word of God, some of it is like snowpack up in the high mountain peaks. It resides there, ready for the day when the heat comes to melt it and send it to where it is needed. You and I get heated up through trials and the Words begins to flow and do it's work.
Paul's graphic depiction of spiritual warfare was obviously needed by the Ephesians. We need it, too. Notice that Paul specifically asked for prayers for himself as he fought spiritual battles. As I grow older, that means more than ever to me.
Psalms. "5 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
please hurry to my aid, O God.
You are my helper and my savior;
O Lord, do not delay." Me, too!
Proverbs. We build our reputations slowly, but we can destroy them quickly!
What is building in your life? What are these passages saying to your heart?
Isaiah follows the prophecy of a Suffering Servant who would come with words of comfort for all those whose hearts are broken and repentant. Then, as if to say that God is still fierce against sin, he reminds them of all the sinfulness that has prevailed.
These are beautiful, comforting passages. One among them sticks out to me: "10 “The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.
11 It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it." When we keep watering our lives with the Word of God, some of it is like snowpack up in the high mountain peaks. It resides there, ready for the day when the heat comes to melt it and send it to where it is needed. You and I get heated up through trials and the Words begins to flow and do it's work.
Paul's graphic depiction of spiritual warfare was obviously needed by the Ephesians. We need it, too. Notice that Paul specifically asked for prayers for himself as he fought spiritual battles. As I grow older, that means more than ever to me.
Psalms. "5 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
please hurry to my aid, O God.
You are my helper and my savior;
O Lord, do not delay." Me, too!
Proverbs. We build our reputations slowly, but we can destroy them quickly!
What is building in your life? What are these passages saying to your heart?
Monday, September 27, 2010
September 27
Today's Reading
I found myself reading Isaiah 53 and changing the plural pronouns to the first person singular. We becomes I. Our becomes my. It moved me to think of the greatness of the sacrifice which Christ made for me.
On another note, 6 But I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them. (Isa 52:6). Read the book of Acts again. See the example of power in Jesus' Name. You and I who know Christ also bear the power of that Name, as long as our motives are His kingdom.
Ephesians. The more I think about it, the church in 21st Century USA has many struggles with the sins in Ephesians 5. I pray that God will convict us and draw us back to Him.
Psalms. David wanted God to clearly identify the people who genuinely love Him and the people who are hypocrites. That day is coming!
Proverbs. May you and I be wise and not be people for whom wisdom is "too lofty!"
What thoughts and questions do you have today?
I found myself reading Isaiah 53 and changing the plural pronouns to the first person singular. We becomes I. Our becomes my. It moved me to think of the greatness of the sacrifice which Christ made for me.
On another note, 6 But I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them. (Isa 52:6). Read the book of Acts again. See the example of power in Jesus' Name. You and I who know Christ also bear the power of that Name, as long as our motives are His kingdom.
Ephesians. The more I think about it, the church in 21st Century USA has many struggles with the sins in Ephesians 5. I pray that God will convict us and draw us back to Him.
Psalms. David wanted God to clearly identify the people who genuinely love Him and the people who are hypocrites. That day is coming!
Proverbs. May you and I be wise and not be people for whom wisdom is "too lofty!"
What thoughts and questions do you have today?
Sunday, September 26, 2010
September 26
Today's Reading
Isaiah today begins what are called the Suffering Servant passages. Surely the prophet couldn't understand just how graphic were the descriptions he was writing about Jesus Christ because it was hundreds of years before Christ was born. For instance, "5 The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me,
and I have listened.
I have not rebelled or turned away.
6 I offered my back to those who beat me
and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.
I did not hide my face
from mockery and spitting."
As I read today's Ephesians passage, I realized that I was angry at someone. At first, I didn't even see it as anger, but I realized that I was hanging on to it a day after it happened. I thank God for His grace and forgiveness!
Psalms. I have felt some of the same things David must have felt when he wrote this Psalm. The answer is the same as his, too. I cry out to God (usually after I try and fail to fix it myself) and He is quick to provide His presence and comfort.
Proverbs. Any more, I shudder when I see people make big decisions without seeking and heeding counsel.
What speaks to you today?
Isaiah today begins what are called the Suffering Servant passages. Surely the prophet couldn't understand just how graphic were the descriptions he was writing about Jesus Christ because it was hundreds of years before Christ was born. For instance, "5 The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me,
and I have listened.
I have not rebelled or turned away.
6 I offered my back to those who beat me
and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.
I did not hide my face
from mockery and spitting."
As I read today's Ephesians passage, I realized that I was angry at someone. At first, I didn't even see it as anger, but I realized that I was hanging on to it a day after it happened. I thank God for His grace and forgiveness!
Psalms. I have felt some of the same things David must have felt when he wrote this Psalm. The answer is the same as his, too. I cry out to God (usually after I try and fail to fix it myself) and He is quick to provide His presence and comfort.
Proverbs. Any more, I shudder when I see people make big decisions without seeking and heeding counsel.
What speaks to you today?
Saturday, September 25, 2010
September 25
Today's Reading
Isaiah. Great nations rise, then fall. They depend on false gods that aren't gods at all. Will the U.S. fall? It depends who whether or not we make God our Lord.
Ephesians. "15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." What a beautiful picture of Christ accomplishing His purposes in and through us! This really spoke to me. We have recently made a couple of key leadership decisions that I'm convinced will help us more fully exemplify this passage.
Psalms. Throughout Scripture and history, the god of this age has wielded seemingly endless power. It can seem as if the true God has been overshadowed by the great influence of the devil. In the end, however, God is victorious...always!
Proverbs. Beware of shortcuts when building your house. That's true of families as well as individuals and churches as well as businesses. It's true in finance. Long-term success requires wisdom and takes time to accomplish.
What thoughts do you have?
Isaiah. Great nations rise, then fall. They depend on false gods that aren't gods at all. Will the U.S. fall? It depends who whether or not we make God our Lord.
Ephesians. "15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." What a beautiful picture of Christ accomplishing His purposes in and through us! This really spoke to me. We have recently made a couple of key leadership decisions that I'm convinced will help us more fully exemplify this passage.
Psalms. Throughout Scripture and history, the god of this age has wielded seemingly endless power. It can seem as if the true God has been overshadowed by the great influence of the devil. In the end, however, God is victorious...always!
Proverbs. Beware of shortcuts when building your house. That's true of families as well as individuals and churches as well as businesses. It's true in finance. Long-term success requires wisdom and takes time to accomplish.
What thoughts do you have?
Friday, September 24, 2010
September 24
Today's Reading
God reminded Isaiah of the futility of carving idols for worship. How can the works of our own hands somehow become our provider in life? "It's silly," we might say. Then we turn around and use the money we have earned as our provider instead of trusting in the living God. It's easy for us to yield up our entire lives to the pursuit of riches and what they can buy. Ouch!
Ephesians. "17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." O, what manner of love the Father has given unto us that we should be called the children of God!
As I read Psalms today, I thought about the significance of some of the mountains in Scripture. Mt. Sinai: the Law. Mt. Calvary: the Cross. Mt. Zion: the Throne. What others can you think of?
Proverbs. Do you ever feel a pang of jealousy that someone is able to do things you cannot -- because it's sin? I have felt it. Don't go there; it's a lie!
What do you notice in today's reading?
God reminded Isaiah of the futility of carving idols for worship. How can the works of our own hands somehow become our provider in life? "It's silly," we might say. Then we turn around and use the money we have earned as our provider instead of trusting in the living God. It's easy for us to yield up our entire lives to the pursuit of riches and what they can buy. Ouch!
Ephesians. "17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." O, what manner of love the Father has given unto us that we should be called the children of God!
As I read Psalms today, I thought about the significance of some of the mountains in Scripture. Mt. Sinai: the Law. Mt. Calvary: the Cross. Mt. Zion: the Throne. What others can you think of?
Proverbs. Do you ever feel a pang of jealousy that someone is able to do things you cannot -- because it's sin? I have felt it. Don't go there; it's a lie!
What do you notice in today's reading?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
September 23
Today's Reading
Isaiah, in today's reading, foretells the coming of one who will be a gentle servant. He then reminds the people that they have chosen to ignore God and they will face judgment. Finally, he says that the day will come with God will call his people from the North, South, East and West to come home to Israel. That part of the passage has been happening since Israel became a nation in 1948.
Ephesians. "2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature." Those verses sort of fly into the face of our description of most everyone as "good people", doesn't it? It's not good people who need a Savior; it's sinners. Praise God that we have one!
Psalms. May God smile with favor on us. Amen!
Proverbs shares the warning, "Drink too much and you will end up embarrassed. Or worse!"
What speaks to you today?
Isaiah, in today's reading, foretells the coming of one who will be a gentle servant. He then reminds the people that they have chosen to ignore God and they will face judgment. Finally, he says that the day will come with God will call his people from the North, South, East and West to come home to Israel. That part of the passage has been happening since Israel became a nation in 1948.
Ephesians. "2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature." Those verses sort of fly into the face of our description of most everyone as "good people", doesn't it? It's not good people who need a Savior; it's sinners. Praise God that we have one!
Psalms. May God smile with favor on us. Amen!
Proverbs shares the warning, "Drink too much and you will end up embarrassed. Or worse!"
What speaks to you today?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
September 22
Today's Reading
Isaiah. Hezekiah had been a good king for many years, yet he developed what seems to have been a selfish attitude. He cried out to God for an extension of his life and it was granted, but during that time he fathered Manasseh who started out as one of the most sinful of all the kings. Then he showed off his stuff to Babylon. Finally, he rejoiced to hear that judgment wouldn't come in his lifetime. It's a rather sad ending.
Many of us love Isaiah 40:31, but those who -- like me -- are deeply moved by Handel's Messiah will recognize the opening verses of this chapter.
Paul opens his letter to the Ephesians with this great promise: "At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth." Something within us longs for that time to come! In the meantime, we are promised everything we need to live effective, Christ-following lives.
Psalm 66 has some awesome verses in it. Among them: "18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened." We are making a mockery of prayer if we refuse to open our hearts to the searchlight of God's Spirit, following that with sincere confession and repentance.
Proverbs today serves as another warning not to follow the siren song of fun, casual sex. It's a path to a broken heart and, perhaps, destruction.
What do you notice?
Isaiah. Hezekiah had been a good king for many years, yet he developed what seems to have been a selfish attitude. He cried out to God for an extension of his life and it was granted, but during that time he fathered Manasseh who started out as one of the most sinful of all the kings. Then he showed off his stuff to Babylon. Finally, he rejoiced to hear that judgment wouldn't come in his lifetime. It's a rather sad ending.
Many of us love Isaiah 40:31, but those who -- like me -- are deeply moved by Handel's Messiah will recognize the opening verses of this chapter.
Paul opens his letter to the Ephesians with this great promise: "At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth." Something within us longs for that time to come! In the meantime, we are promised everything we need to live effective, Christ-following lives.
Psalm 66 has some awesome verses in it. Among them: "18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened." We are making a mockery of prayer if we refuse to open our hearts to the searchlight of God's Spirit, following that with sincere confession and repentance.
Proverbs today serves as another warning not to follow the siren song of fun, casual sex. It's a path to a broken heart and, perhaps, destruction.
What do you notice?
Monday, September 28, 2009
September 28
Today's Reading
Isaiah follows the prophecy of a Suffering Servant who would come with words of comfort for all those whose hearts are broken and repentant. Then, as if to say that God is still fierce against sin, he reminds them of all the sinfulness that has prevailed.
These are beautiful, comforting passages. One among them sticks out to me: "10 “The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.
11 It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it." When we keep watering our lives with the Word of God, some of it is like snowpack up in the high mountain peaks. It resides there, ready for the day when the heat comes to melt it and send it to where it is needed. You and I get heated up through trials and the Words begins to flow and do it's work.
Paul's graphic depiction of spiritual warfare was obviously needed by the Ephesians. We need it, too. Notice that Paul specifically asked for prayers for himself as he fought spiritual battles. As I grow older, that means more than ever to me.
Psalms: "5 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
please hurry to my aid, O God.
You are my helper and my savior;
O Lord, do not delay." Me, too!
Proverbs: we build our reputations slowly, but we can destroy them quickly!
What is building in your life?
Isaiah follows the prophecy of a Suffering Servant who would come with words of comfort for all those whose hearts are broken and repentant. Then, as if to say that God is still fierce against sin, he reminds them of all the sinfulness that has prevailed.
These are beautiful, comforting passages. One among them sticks out to me: "10 “The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.
11 It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it." When we keep watering our lives with the Word of God, some of it is like snowpack up in the high mountain peaks. It resides there, ready for the day when the heat comes to melt it and send it to where it is needed. You and I get heated up through trials and the Words begins to flow and do it's work.
Paul's graphic depiction of spiritual warfare was obviously needed by the Ephesians. We need it, too. Notice that Paul specifically asked for prayers for himself as he fought spiritual battles. As I grow older, that means more than ever to me.
Psalms: "5 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
please hurry to my aid, O God.
You are my helper and my savior;
O Lord, do not delay." Me, too!
Proverbs: we build our reputations slowly, but we can destroy them quickly!
What is building in your life?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September 27
Today's Reading
I found myself reading Isaiah 53 and changing the plural pronouns to the first person singular. We becomes I. Our becomes my. It moved me to think of the greatness of the sacrifice which Christ made for me.
On another note, (Isa 52:6)
Ephesians: The more I think about it, the church in 21st Century USA has many struggles with the sins in Ephesians 5. I pray that God will convict us and draw us back to Him.
Psalms: David wanted God to make it clear who the people are that genuinely love Him and who the people are that are hypocrites. That day is coming!
Proverbs: may you and I be wise and not be people for whom wisdom is "too lofty!"
What thoughts and questions do you have today?
I found myself reading Isaiah 53 and changing the plural pronouns to the first person singular. We becomes I. Our becomes my. It moved me to think of the greatness of the sacrifice which Christ made for me.
On another note, (Isa 52:6)
Ephesians: The more I think about it, the church in 21st Century USA has many struggles with the sins in Ephesians 5. I pray that God will convict us and draw us back to Him.
Psalms: David wanted God to make it clear who the people are that genuinely love Him and who the people are that are hypocrites. That day is coming!
Proverbs: may you and I be wise and not be people for whom wisdom is "too lofty!"
What thoughts and questions do you have today?
Saturday, September 26, 2009
September 26
Today's Reading
Isaiah today begins what are called the Suffering Servant passages. Surely the prophet couldn't understand just how graphic were the descriptions he was writing about Jesus Christ because it was hundreds of years before Christ was born. For instance, "5 The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me,
and I have listened.
I have not rebelled or turned away.
6 I offered my back to those who beat me
and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.
I did not hide my face
from mockery and spitting."
As I read today's Ephesians passage, I realized that I was angry at someone. At first, I didn't even see it as anger, but I realized that I was hanging on to it a day after it happened. I thank God for His grace and forgiveness!
Psalms: I have felt some of the same things David must have felt when he wrote this Psalm. The answer is the same as his, too. I cry out to God (usually after I try and fail to fix it myself) and He is quick to provide His presence and comfort.
Proverbs: any more, I shudder when I see people make big decisions without seeking and heeding counsel.
What speaks to you today?
Isaiah today begins what are called the Suffering Servant passages. Surely the prophet couldn't understand just how graphic were the descriptions he was writing about Jesus Christ because it was hundreds of years before Christ was born. For instance, "5 The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me,
and I have listened.
I have not rebelled or turned away.
6 I offered my back to those who beat me
and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.
I did not hide my face
from mockery and spitting."
As I read today's Ephesians passage, I realized that I was angry at someone. At first, I didn't even see it as anger, but I realized that I was hanging on to it a day after it happened. I thank God for His grace and forgiveness!
Psalms: I have felt some of the same things David must have felt when he wrote this Psalm. The answer is the same as his, too. I cry out to God (usually after I try and fail to fix it myself) and He is quick to provide His presence and comfort.
Proverbs: any more, I shudder when I see people make big decisions without seeking and heeding counsel.
What speaks to you today?
Friday, September 25, 2009
September 25
Today's Reading
Isaiah: great nations rise, then fall. They depend on false gods that aren't gods at all. Will the U.S. fall? It depends who whether or not we make God our Lord.
Ephesians: "15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." What a beautiful picture of Christ accomplishing His purposes in and through us!
Psalms: throughout Scripture and history, the god of this age has wielded seemingly endless power. It can seem as if the true God has been overshadowed by the great influence of the devil. In the end, however, God is victorious...always!
Proverbs: beware of shortcuts when building your house. That's true of families as well as individuals and churches as well as businesses. It's true in finance. Long-term success requires wisdom and takes time to accomplish.
What thoughts do you have?
Isaiah: great nations rise, then fall. They depend on false gods that aren't gods at all. Will the U.S. fall? It depends who whether or not we make God our Lord.
Ephesians: "15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." What a beautiful picture of Christ accomplishing His purposes in and through us!
Psalms: throughout Scripture and history, the god of this age has wielded seemingly endless power. It can seem as if the true God has been overshadowed by the great influence of the devil. In the end, however, God is victorious...always!
Proverbs: beware of shortcuts when building your house. That's true of families as well as individuals and churches as well as businesses. It's true in finance. Long-term success requires wisdom and takes time to accomplish.
What thoughts do you have?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
September 24
Today's Reading
God reminded Isaiah of the futility of carving idols for worship. How can the works of our own hands somehow become our provider in life? "It's silly," we might say. Then we turn around and use the money we have earned as our provider instead of trusting in the living God. It's easy for us to yield up our entire lives to the pursuit of riches and what they can buy. Ouch!
Ephesians: "17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." O, what manner of love the Father has given unto us that we should be call the children of God!
As I read Psalms today, I thought about the significance of some of the mountains in Scripture. Mt. Sinai: the Law. Mt. Calvary: the Sacrifice. Mt. Zion: the Throne. What others can you think of?
Proverbs: do you ever feel a pang of jealousy that someone is able to do things you cannot -- because it's sin? I have felt it. Don't go there; it's a lie!
What do you notice in today's reading?
God reminded Isaiah of the futility of carving idols for worship. How can the works of our own hands somehow become our provider in life? "It's silly," we might say. Then we turn around and use the money we have earned as our provider instead of trusting in the living God. It's easy for us to yield up our entire lives to the pursuit of riches and what they can buy. Ouch!
Ephesians: "17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." O, what manner of love the Father has given unto us that we should be call the children of God!
As I read Psalms today, I thought about the significance of some of the mountains in Scripture. Mt. Sinai: the Law. Mt. Calvary: the Sacrifice. Mt. Zion: the Throne. What others can you think of?
Proverbs: do you ever feel a pang of jealousy that someone is able to do things you cannot -- because it's sin? I have felt it. Don't go there; it's a lie!
What do you notice in today's reading?
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