Date: November 30, 2011 12:14 AM
Topic: +DEV+ False Messages
False Messages
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (JOHN 1:14)
Scripture Focus: John 5:19-30
Have you ever received a message with contradictions and falsehoods? What a mess it created! The more you tried to address it, the more confused you became. Eventually, you had to get back to the beginning to figure out the truth in order to correct what went wrong.
Incorrect messages come to us on many different levels, and it is one of the most subtle and damaging tactics Satan uses on us spiritually and emotionally. He gives us just enough truth to make his lies seem plausible, making sin look acceptable, and other people and things worth worshiping. And if we are not prepared, we march right in accepting his deceptive messages as truth. It can happen to any one of us, at any time.
How do we guard against responding to his false messages? We must first understand and acknowledge how inclined our hearts are towards sin, how very frail we are. Then we must guard our hearts by knowing God, His Word, and His Son. When the truth of Jesus Christ grips our lives, false messages vanish.
Insight: The First False Message Was Delivered By Satan In The Garden, And Eve Fell For His Deception. Now We Must Keep Our Eyes On The Truth - Jesus.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
+DEV+ The Year of the Lord's Favor
Date: November 28, 2011 8:34 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Year of the Lord's Favor
The Year of the Lord's Favor
"He has sent me...to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn..." (Isaiah 61:1-2)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 61:1-3
The year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance are like two sides of the same coin. When God extends grace, or favor, to the oppressed, it of necessity means some level of judgement to the oppressor. Consider early America's period of slavery in the 1800s. When the slaves of Southern plantations were emancipated, their freedom came at the price of a war that cost the lives of thousands and eventually meant higher costs of labor to plantation owners. Both favor and vengeance came rolling out through the Civil War.
The ultimate vengeance of our God was taken out on the Son of God in order to allow for the year of the Lord's favor and grace to us. Our battle has been fought and won! Victory is ours through Jesus. The price of God's grace to us was the death of the Jesus on the cross so that through Him we have been justified and declared righteous. God, in His justice, made His Son the object of His wrath on our behalf so that the year of the Lord's favor would reign in our hearts.
Insight: While God's grace is free to us, it is not without great cost. Jesus took on the vengeance of God on our behalf.
Topic: +DEV+ The Year of the Lord's Favor
The Year of the Lord's Favor
"He has sent me...to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn..." (Isaiah 61:1-2)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 61:1-3
The year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance are like two sides of the same coin. When God extends grace, or favor, to the oppressed, it of necessity means some level of judgement to the oppressor. Consider early America's period of slavery in the 1800s. When the slaves of Southern plantations were emancipated, their freedom came at the price of a war that cost the lives of thousands and eventually meant higher costs of labor to plantation owners. Both favor and vengeance came rolling out through the Civil War.
The ultimate vengeance of our God was taken out on the Son of God in order to allow for the year of the Lord's favor and grace to us. Our battle has been fought and won! Victory is ours through Jesus. The price of God's grace to us was the death of the Jesus on the cross so that through Him we have been justified and declared righteous. God, in His justice, made His Son the object of His wrath on our behalf so that the year of the Lord's favor would reign in our hearts.
Insight: While God's grace is free to us, it is not without great cost. Jesus took on the vengeance of God on our behalf.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
+DEV Thanksgiving in Worship
Date: November 27, 2011 9:02 PM
Topic: +DEV Thanksgiving in Worship
Thanksgiving in Worship
"Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (PSALM 103:2)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 103
Giving thanks is a pretty common element of our everyday experience. We thank our spouse for doing the dishes. We thank the check-out person at the supermarket for his or her work. We thank our coworkers for doing their part to get the job done.
If thanksgiving is such a natural part of our earthly experience, how much more ought it characterize our relationship with our Creator and Redeemer? Interestingly, when Paul wants to sum up the posture of the unbelieving heart towards God, he doesn't single out sins like murder or adultery; rather, he points to a lack of thanksgiving (Romans 1:21). Ingratitude can either manifest itself as a sense of self-satisfaction, believing that all one has is a result of human effort, or an intense bitterness that is never satisfied. But when God applies the work of Christ to us, the Holy Spirit moves our heart's ingratitude to overflowing thanksgiving. This new heart recognizes God as the giver of all good gifts: both the good things we enjoy in this life, and especially the eternal gifts Christ has won for us.
Insight: Do You Give Thanks In Your Prayers And Worship? If Your Worship Is Faltering, Listen To The Psalmist And "Forget Not All His Benefits"!
Topic: +DEV Thanksgiving in Worship
Thanksgiving in Worship
"Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (PSALM 103:2)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 103
Giving thanks is a pretty common element of our everyday experience. We thank our spouse for doing the dishes. We thank the check-out person at the supermarket for his or her work. We thank our coworkers for doing their part to get the job done.
If thanksgiving is such a natural part of our earthly experience, how much more ought it characterize our relationship with our Creator and Redeemer? Interestingly, when Paul wants to sum up the posture of the unbelieving heart towards God, he doesn't single out sins like murder or adultery; rather, he points to a lack of thanksgiving (Romans 1:21). Ingratitude can either manifest itself as a sense of self-satisfaction, believing that all one has is a result of human effort, or an intense bitterness that is never satisfied. But when God applies the work of Christ to us, the Holy Spirit moves our heart's ingratitude to overflowing thanksgiving. This new heart recognizes God as the giver of all good gifts: both the good things we enjoy in this life, and especially the eternal gifts Christ has won for us.
Insight: Do You Give Thanks In Your Prayers And Worship? If Your Worship Is Faltering, Listen To The Psalmist And "Forget Not All His Benefits"!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
+DEV+ The Harvest
Date: November 23, 2011 1:18 AM
Topic: +DEV+ The Harvest
The Harvest
"Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field'" (Matthew 9:37-38).
Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:35-38
The beginning of the New Year is always a time of renewal and resolution. For me it's a reminder of a spiritual field ripe for harvest...many are waiting to hear and accept Jesus and His love. First century Christians were consumed with thoughts of the harvest and exhibited an intense passion for Christ and for serving Him with their lives. What is it that consumes Christians today? Probably not bringing our neighbors the news of the gospel. The fields are still ripe, but the granaries are yet to be filled. And there is no absence of harvesting equipment: churches, radio, literature, missions that span the world. Yet, while we focus on bigger buildings and even more dollars to build them, it would seem that the very cutting blades of Christendom are either missing or are so dull that little is being harvested.
Let our prayer be that in this world - confused and tormented as it is - we experience a freshness of God's wind and fire to strengthen and energize us, and to bring many people to the Savior.
Insight: In Our Highly Competitive Culture, We Christians Must Stand Out With A Positive Influence That Comes From Being Fully Devoted Followers Of Christ.
Topic: +DEV+ The Harvest
The Harvest
"Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field'" (Matthew 9:37-38).
Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:35-38
The beginning of the New Year is always a time of renewal and resolution. For me it's a reminder of a spiritual field ripe for harvest...many are waiting to hear and accept Jesus and His love. First century Christians were consumed with thoughts of the harvest and exhibited an intense passion for Christ and for serving Him with their lives. What is it that consumes Christians today? Probably not bringing our neighbors the news of the gospel. The fields are still ripe, but the granaries are yet to be filled. And there is no absence of harvesting equipment: churches, radio, literature, missions that span the world. Yet, while we focus on bigger buildings and even more dollars to build them, it would seem that the very cutting blades of Christendom are either missing or are so dull that little is being harvested.
Let our prayer be that in this world - confused and tormented as it is - we experience a freshness of God's wind and fire to strengthen and energize us, and to bring many people to the Savior.
Insight: In Our Highly Competitive Culture, We Christians Must Stand Out With A Positive Influence That Comes From Being Fully Devoted Followers Of Christ.
Monday, November 21, 2011
+DEV+ Worship in a Minor Key
Date: November 21, 2011 9:01 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Worship in a Minor Key
Worship in a Minor Key
"For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave." (PSALMS 88:3)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 88
I've often heard worship leaders encourage congregations to leave their troubles and cares behind when they enter the sanctuary to worship. While I can understand the sentiment, statements like these seem to suggest either that worship is somehow disconnected from our everyday struggles or that worship is not an appropriate place for emotions like grief or sadness.
Yet Scripture suggests just the opposite. First, our worship is intimately connected to our everyday life because the God we worship is one who acts in history - in our everyday lives. He forgives real sins, defeats real enemies, and saves real people like you and me. Secondly, grief and sadness are entirely appropriate emotions in worship. Our reading for today is a supreme example of a real believer struggling with real problems, bringing his complaint to the Lord. What father would not want to hear from his children when they are troubled? Yet we resist ending with lament. For Jesus, the true voice in this psalm, has finally defeated our ultimate enemy, turning our mourning into joy.
Insight: "His Anger Lasts Only A Moment, But His Favor Lasts A Lifetime; Weeping May Remain For A Night, But Rejoicing Comes In The Morning." (Psalm 30:5)
Topic: +DEV+ Worship in a Minor Key
Worship in a Minor Key
"For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave." (PSALMS 88:3)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 88
I've often heard worship leaders encourage congregations to leave their troubles and cares behind when they enter the sanctuary to worship. While I can understand the sentiment, statements like these seem to suggest either that worship is somehow disconnected from our everyday struggles or that worship is not an appropriate place for emotions like grief or sadness.
Yet Scripture suggests just the opposite. First, our worship is intimately connected to our everyday life because the God we worship is one who acts in history - in our everyday lives. He forgives real sins, defeats real enemies, and saves real people like you and me. Secondly, grief and sadness are entirely appropriate emotions in worship. Our reading for today is a supreme example of a real believer struggling with real problems, bringing his complaint to the Lord. What father would not want to hear from his children when they are troubled? Yet we resist ending with lament. For Jesus, the true voice in this psalm, has finally defeated our ultimate enemy, turning our mourning into joy.
Insight: "His Anger Lasts Only A Moment, But His Favor Lasts A Lifetime; Weeping May Remain For A Night, But Rejoicing Comes In The Morning." (Psalm 30:5)
Sunday, November 20, 2011
+DEV+ Worship: Our Ultimate Destination
Date: November 20, 2011 10:27 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Worship: Our Ultimate Destination
Worship: Our Ultimate Destination
"They worshiped God, Saying: 'Amen! Praise And Glory And Wisdom And Thanks And Honor And Power And Strength Be To Our God For Ever And Ever. Amen!'" (Romans 6:11)
Scripture Focus: Revelation 7
One Of The Most Helpful Inventions In Recent Years Has Been The GPS Navigation System For Our Automobiles. It Has Revolutionized The Way We Drive And, At Least In Theory, May Have Put An End To The Proverbial Arguments Between Spouses About Whether To Stop For Directions. The Best Part About Them Is That They Redirect Us When We Steer Off Course In An Unfamiliar City, Ensuring That We Arrive At Our Destination (Albeit Via A Longer Route).
Something Similar Happens Each Week When We Gather To Worship. During The Week, We Tend To Get Off Course. We Forget Where We're Headed And Instead Aimlessly Wander In A Spiritual Wilderness. Yet In Worship God Redirects Our Spiritual Bearings. He Exposes Our Sinful Misdirection. He Reminds Us Of The Humble Yet Unfailing Power Of Our Loving Guide. And He Gives Us A Taste Of The Eternal Worship That Is Our Destination. He Does All This To Ensure That His Children Make It Home For The Wedding Supper He Has Planned For Those Who Love Him And Are Called According To His Purpose.
Insight: Have You Steered Off Course Spiritually? Have You Forgotten Where You're Headed? Come And Worship, And God Will Renew You By His Grace.
Topic: +DEV+ Worship: Our Ultimate Destination
Worship: Our Ultimate Destination
"They worshiped God, Saying: 'Amen! Praise And Glory And Wisdom And Thanks And Honor And Power And Strength Be To Our God For Ever And Ever. Amen!'" (Romans 6:11)
Scripture Focus: Revelation 7
One Of The Most Helpful Inventions In Recent Years Has Been The GPS Navigation System For Our Automobiles. It Has Revolutionized The Way We Drive And, At Least In Theory, May Have Put An End To The Proverbial Arguments Between Spouses About Whether To Stop For Directions. The Best Part About Them Is That They Redirect Us When We Steer Off Course In An Unfamiliar City, Ensuring That We Arrive At Our Destination (Albeit Via A Longer Route).
Something Similar Happens Each Week When We Gather To Worship. During The Week, We Tend To Get Off Course. We Forget Where We're Headed And Instead Aimlessly Wander In A Spiritual Wilderness. Yet In Worship God Redirects Our Spiritual Bearings. He Exposes Our Sinful Misdirection. He Reminds Us Of The Humble Yet Unfailing Power Of Our Loving Guide. And He Gives Us A Taste Of The Eternal Worship That Is Our Destination. He Does All This To Ensure That His Children Make It Home For The Wedding Supper He Has Planned For Those Who Love Him And Are Called According To His Purpose.
Insight: Have You Steered Off Course Spiritually? Have You Forgotten Where You're Headed? Come And Worship, And God Will Renew You By His Grace.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
+DEV+ Children and Worship
Date: November 17, 2011 11:39 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Children and Worship
Children and Worship
"He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'" (MARK 10:14)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 8, Mark 10:13-16
Picture the scene: Jesus is teaching the crowds, healing the sick, and preparing His disciples for the events that would soon follow when they arrived in Jerusalem. And into the fray walk several proud parents, bringing their infants to Jesus, requesting He bless them. Now, the disciples aren't too pleased with this. What are you thinking bringing your children to such an important man? We've got important business to attend to here! Don't you know who this is? The Messiah doesn't have time for children!
Yet Jesus' response is telling. "Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Like us often, the disciples misunderstood the kind of kingdom Jesus had come to inaugurate. To them, the things of God were "adult business" - too complex and weighty for kids. But Jesus' words remind them (and us) that this kingdom is for those the world considers weak, unimportant, outcast, and humble, not the strong and influential. May the Lord lead our children to worship, and lead us to worship more like children.
Insight: Children Rightly Approach God Without Anything To Offer. Do You Worship God Like A Child Or Do You Bring Something In Your Hands?
Topic: +DEV+ Children and Worship
Children and Worship
"He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'" (MARK 10:14)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 8, Mark 10:13-16
Picture the scene: Jesus is teaching the crowds, healing the sick, and preparing His disciples for the events that would soon follow when they arrived in Jerusalem. And into the fray walk several proud parents, bringing their infants to Jesus, requesting He bless them. Now, the disciples aren't too pleased with this. What are you thinking bringing your children to such an important man? We've got important business to attend to here! Don't you know who this is? The Messiah doesn't have time for children!
Yet Jesus' response is telling. "Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Like us often, the disciples misunderstood the kind of kingdom Jesus had come to inaugurate. To them, the things of God were "adult business" - too complex and weighty for kids. But Jesus' words remind them (and us) that this kingdom is for those the world considers weak, unimportant, outcast, and humble, not the strong and influential. May the Lord lead our children to worship, and lead us to worship more like children.
Insight: Children Rightly Approach God Without Anything To Offer. Do You Worship God Like A Child Or Do You Bring Something In Your Hands?
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