Date: May 31, 2010 9:41 PM
Topic: +DEV+ It's Personal
It's Personal
"He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth" (Isaiah 53:7).
Scripture Focus: Exodus 12:1-13
The nation of Israel observed Passover each year. It reminded them of how God used a substitute so that death would "pass over" them. Every family selected a year-old, unblemished, male lamb for sacrifice. The family kept the lamb for four days, from the day they chose it to the day it was killed.
Imagine feeding and caring for the lamb, knowing that in a few days it would give its life for you and your family. Your children might even play with it until that day. You'd warn them not to get too attached, knowing that their new playmate would soon be sacrificed for them. It would be a sacrifice that had become personal.
The Passover lamb pointed to another Lamb. God chose a Lamb to pay the penalty of death for our sin. His Lamb, Jesus Christ, was perfect-sinless in every way. His Lamb is also personal-because He has inscribed our names on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16).
God provided our salvation when the Shepherd became the Lamb: a sacrifice that became personal.
Insight: How do you think God felt to see His precious Lamb-His Son-killed for your sin? Know that Jesus Christ's sacrifice is for you.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
+DEV+ Enter Here
Date: May 30, 2010 9:14 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Enter Here
Enter Here
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Scripture Focus: John 10:1-9
In Bible times, sheep were kept in pens at night to protect them from thieves and wild predators. Depending on the location, the shepherd might use a cave, or a natural stone formation to form a wall. He might build a sheep pen using branches, thorn-bushes, or rocks for a fence. One opening served as the entrance and exit.
The shepherd would lie across the opening, using his own body as the door or gate to the pen. He put his life on the line to protect his sheep. A predator or thief would have to get past him.
Jesus said of Himself, "I am the Gate." Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father. The only way to God is through God.
The world today accuses Christians of being narrow-minded. How could there be just one way to God? But the more we know of God's holiness, righteousness, and justice, and the more we understand our own sinfulness, the more we realize the extent of God's mercy in permitting there to be a way at all!
Insight: Why do some people find it difficult to believe Jesus is the only way to God? Share the way of salvation with someone today.
Topic: +DEV+ Enter Here
Enter Here
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Scripture Focus: John 10:1-9
In Bible times, sheep were kept in pens at night to protect them from thieves and wild predators. Depending on the location, the shepherd might use a cave, or a natural stone formation to form a wall. He might build a sheep pen using branches, thorn-bushes, or rocks for a fence. One opening served as the entrance and exit.
The shepherd would lie across the opening, using his own body as the door or gate to the pen. He put his life on the line to protect his sheep. A predator or thief would have to get past him.
Jesus said of Himself, "I am the Gate." Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father. The only way to God is through God.
The world today accuses Christians of being narrow-minded. How could there be just one way to God? But the more we know of God's holiness, righteousness, and justice, and the more we understand our own sinfulness, the more we realize the extent of God's mercy in permitting there to be a way at all!
Insight: Why do some people find it difficult to believe Jesus is the only way to God? Share the way of salvation with someone today.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
+DEV+ A Familiar Voice
Date: May 27, 2010 10:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+ A Familiar Voice
A Familiar Voice
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-and I lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:14-15).
Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 34:1-16
If I had to pick any animal to compare myself to, sheep wouldn't come close to making the list. Sheep are helpless, stubborn and fearful. They are weak, frail and require their shepherd's constant care. Not a flattering picture, yet God compares us to sheep over and over again in His Word.
If we are sheep, then the LORD is our shepherd. The 23rd Psalm describes what it means to belong to Jehovah Raah, the LORD My Shepherd. It is a personal relationship-my shepherd-in which the shepherd cares for all the needs of His sheep: food, safety, comfort, correction and security.
When Jehovah Raah sent His Son, Jesus, He sent us a shepherd "with skin on." He's a shepherd whose voice we can recognize and follow...Who fought the wolf and won the victory for His sheep . . . a loving, faithful shepherd strong enough to hold each of us in His safekeeping until the end.
Being compared to a sheep may not seem flattering, but I wouldn't trade belonging to the Great Shepherd for anything!
Insight: Amid the world's noise, how well do you recognize the voice of your Shepherd? Become more and more familiar with His voice.
Topic: +DEV+ A Familiar Voice
A Familiar Voice
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-and I lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:14-15).
Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 34:1-16
If I had to pick any animal to compare myself to, sheep wouldn't come close to making the list. Sheep are helpless, stubborn and fearful. They are weak, frail and require their shepherd's constant care. Not a flattering picture, yet God compares us to sheep over and over again in His Word.
If we are sheep, then the LORD is our shepherd. The 23rd Psalm describes what it means to belong to Jehovah Raah, the LORD My Shepherd. It is a personal relationship-my shepherd-in which the shepherd cares for all the needs of His sheep: food, safety, comfort, correction and security.
When Jehovah Raah sent His Son, Jesus, He sent us a shepherd "with skin on." He's a shepherd whose voice we can recognize and follow...Who fought the wolf and won the victory for His sheep . . . a loving, faithful shepherd strong enough to hold each of us in His safekeeping until the end.
Being compared to a sheep may not seem flattering, but I wouldn't trade belonging to the Great Shepherd for anything!
Insight: Amid the world's noise, how well do you recognize the voice of your Shepherd? Become more and more familiar with His voice.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
+DEV+ His Name Is Not Christ
Date: May 26, 2010 11:58 PM
Topic: +DEV+ His Name Is Not Christ
His Name Is Not Christ
"These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in his name" (John 20:31).
Scripture Focus: Acts 2:22-36
"Christ" is not Jesus' last name. Actually, "Christ" is His title-the Greek translation for the Hebrew title "Messiah." It means "the anointed one."
By the time of Jesus' birth, the nation of Israel longed for the coming of the Messiah. The Messiah was to be a descendent of King David, who they thought would throw off the shackles of Roman rule and restore Israel to her former exalted status among the nations of the world.
Scriptures such as Daniel 9 and Psalm 2 spoke of His coming. But a close examination of the Bible shows that God had another purpose for the Messiah. Before Israel could be restored to her position of glory in the world, she needed to be restored to her God. And the only one who could do that was God Himself.
Throughout Israel's history, God's prophets spoke of the coming of His Anointed One-His Messiah. He would first come as a suffering Servant. Then He would return as a victorious King. But Israel did not recognize the One Whom God had sent. Do we?
Insight: What is your motive for following Jesus Christ? Focus not on what God can do for you in this life, but on eternity.
Topic: +DEV+ His Name Is Not Christ
His Name Is Not Christ
"These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in his name" (John 20:31).
Scripture Focus: Acts 2:22-36
"Christ" is not Jesus' last name. Actually, "Christ" is His title-the Greek translation for the Hebrew title "Messiah." It means "the anointed one."
By the time of Jesus' birth, the nation of Israel longed for the coming of the Messiah. The Messiah was to be a descendent of King David, who they thought would throw off the shackles of Roman rule and restore Israel to her former exalted status among the nations of the world.
Scriptures such as Daniel 9 and Psalm 2 spoke of His coming. But a close examination of the Bible shows that God had another purpose for the Messiah. Before Israel could be restored to her position of glory in the world, she needed to be restored to her God. And the only one who could do that was God Himself.
Throughout Israel's history, God's prophets spoke of the coming of His Anointed One-His Messiah. He would first come as a suffering Servant. Then He would return as a victorious King. But Israel did not recognize the One Whom God had sent. Do we?
Insight: What is your motive for following Jesus Christ? Focus not on what God can do for you in this life, but on eternity.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
+DEV+ Speaking Our Language
Date: May 25, 2010 9:00 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Speaking Our Language
Speaking Our Language
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:1, 14).
Scripture Focus: John 1:1-18
Sentences...conversation...communication. It all starts with words.
How could a holy, righteous God communicate with sinful man in a way that we would understand? He did it with words-with the Word, to be specific. He sent His Son, the Word who was with Him from before time began, to communicate with us.
He sent the Word, fully God and fully man, to bridge the gap between God and man.
He sent the Word to communicate His holiness by living a sinless, spotless life among us.
He sent the Word to shine His light on people living in darkness.
He sent the Word to pour out His love on the unlovable.
He sent the Word to bring truth to people who have believed a lie.
He sent the Word to give life to those living in the valley of the shadow of death.
He sent the Word to extend His forgiveness to people trapped in sin.
He sent the Word to save those who could not save themselves.
He sent His Word. Why is it so hard for us to understand?
Insight: How has God spoken to you through His Son this week? Communicate the Word to someone who has not yet heard God's message.
Topic: +DEV+ Speaking Our Language
Speaking Our Language
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:1, 14).
Scripture Focus: John 1:1-18
Sentences...conversation...communication. It all starts with words.
How could a holy, righteous God communicate with sinful man in a way that we would understand? He did it with words-with the Word, to be specific. He sent His Son, the Word who was with Him from before time began, to communicate with us.
He sent the Word, fully God and fully man, to bridge the gap between God and man.
He sent the Word to communicate His holiness by living a sinless, spotless life among us.
He sent the Word to shine His light on people living in darkness.
He sent the Word to pour out His love on the unlovable.
He sent the Word to bring truth to people who have believed a lie.
He sent the Word to give life to those living in the valley of the shadow of death.
He sent the Word to extend His forgiveness to people trapped in sin.
He sent the Word to save those who could not save themselves.
He sent His Word. Why is it so hard for us to understand?
Insight: How has God spoken to you through His Son this week? Communicate the Word to someone who has not yet heard God's message.
Monday, May 24, 2010
+DEV+ Always There
Date: May 24, 2010 9:16 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Always There
Always There
"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them" (Revelation 21:3).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 139:1-12
Feeling lonely is not the same as being alone. We might feel lonely, but Scripture tells us we are never alone. God's presence is always with us.
That wasn't always the case. At one time in Israel's history, her disobedience caused the glory of God to leave. But Ezekiel 48:35 tells us God promised His presence would return to dwell with His people, and Jerusalem would be called Jehovah Shammah-the LORD is There.
The coming of the Savior marked the beginning of the fulfillment of that promise. The gospel of John tells us God dwelt with men in the person of Jesus Christ. After the resurrection, the Holy Spirit dwells in each believer.
Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, encouraged us to practice the presence of God in all we do, no matter how secular or trivial the task may be. Doing so brings a comforting awareness of God's presence. Still we realize that the body used as the temple of the Holy Spirit can dishonor His presence. The choice is ours.
Insight: How can you "practice the presence of God" today? Consider behaviors you should change in light of your awareness of God's presence.
Topic: +DEV+ Always There
Always There
"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them" (Revelation 21:3).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 139:1-12
Feeling lonely is not the same as being alone. We might feel lonely, but Scripture tells us we are never alone. God's presence is always with us.
That wasn't always the case. At one time in Israel's history, her disobedience caused the glory of God to leave. But Ezekiel 48:35 tells us God promised His presence would return to dwell with His people, and Jerusalem would be called Jehovah Shammah-the LORD is There.
The coming of the Savior marked the beginning of the fulfillment of that promise. The gospel of John tells us God dwelt with men in the person of Jesus Christ. After the resurrection, the Holy Spirit dwells in each believer.
Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, encouraged us to practice the presence of God in all we do, no matter how secular or trivial the task may be. Doing so brings a comforting awareness of God's presence. Still we realize that the body used as the temple of the Holy Spirit can dishonor His presence. The choice is ours.
Insight: How can you "practice the presence of God" today? Consider behaviors you should change in light of your awareness of God's presence.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
+DEV+ Don't Try Harder
Date: May 23, 2010 10:31 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Don't Try Harder
Don't Try Harder
"May God himself sanctify you. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ . . ." (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
Scripture Focus: Galatians 5:16-26
God has declared that we are righteous through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. But most of us would admit that our thoughts, words, and deeds don't always match what God has declared us to be.
So we make resolutions to change. We want to be more loving, more patient, more kind, more self-controlled. We purpose to try harder, work smarter, and do better. And...we fail, over and over again.
Just as we can't declare ourselves righteous by our own efforts, we also cannot make ourselves righteous without surrendering to the Holy Spirit.
God first revealed Himself as Jehovah MeKoddishkem, the LORD who Sanctifies us, when He instituted the weekly Sabbath day of rest for His people. It's a reminder to rest in Him as He works in our lives to make us all He intends us to be.
As we surrender to Him, He works on us and in us so that our behavior begins to match what He has already declared us to be: a new creation.
Insight: Which fruit of the Spirit are you lacking? Surrender to the Holy Spirit so that He may produce that fruit in you.
Topic: +DEV+ Don't Try Harder
Don't Try Harder
"May God himself sanctify you. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ . . ." (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
Scripture Focus: Galatians 5:16-26
God has declared that we are righteous through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. But most of us would admit that our thoughts, words, and deeds don't always match what God has declared us to be.
So we make resolutions to change. We want to be more loving, more patient, more kind, more self-controlled. We purpose to try harder, work smarter, and do better. And...we fail, over and over again.
Just as we can't declare ourselves righteous by our own efforts, we also cannot make ourselves righteous without surrendering to the Holy Spirit.
God first revealed Himself as Jehovah MeKoddishkem, the LORD who Sanctifies us, when He instituted the weekly Sabbath day of rest for His people. It's a reminder to rest in Him as He works in our lives to make us all He intends us to be.
As we surrender to Him, He works on us and in us so that our behavior begins to match what He has already declared us to be: a new creation.
Insight: Which fruit of the Spirit are you lacking? Surrender to the Holy Spirit so that He may produce that fruit in you.
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