Date: November 8, 2010 9:53 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Fishing for Attention
Fishing for Attention
"'So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men'" (Matthew 6:2a).
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:1-8
The most religious people in Jesus' day were not honoring God. Instead, they drew attention to themselves. Jesus called them hypocrites. Their charitable giving was attended by trumpets, and their ostentatious praying was done in public so those who heard them would be impressed. Jesus cautioned His listeners not to be like those vain religious showoffs.
Yet here we are displaying 21st century versions of that very thing. It's easy to judge the Pharisees. The very fact that we want to do so shows that we are more proud than we care to admit. We may not be attended by trumpets or give loud prayers in public, but most of us are not unfamiliar with expressions of false modesty, of fishing for compliments, and of completing our service but relishing the praise more than the opportunity to serve.
Let's submit our motives to the Lord for a checkup. Do we give, sing in a worship team, volunteer, chair a committee, or preach to be admired and praised? Or do we seek to honor God?
Insight: Those who fish for compliments do so under the watchful eyes of Someone whose scrutiny exceeds that of a game warden.
Monday, November 8, 2010
+DEV+ Keep-Away Idols
Date: November 7, 2010 7:05 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Keep-Away Idols
Keep-Away Idols
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).
Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 12:25-33
After uniting ten tribes of Israel into the Northern Kingdom, Jeroboam forged a plan to keep them from returning to Jerusalem in the Southern Kingdom to worship God in His temple. The temple, after all, was God's appointed place of worship. Quickly, Jeroboam set up golden calves in two Northern Kingdom cities, Bethel and Dan, and directed his subjects to worship them. The golden calves were "keep-away idols."
"Keep-away idols" are those things we let stand in the way of worshiping God as He has commanded us. They direct our attention elsewhere. One of the best ways I know to give due honor to the Lord is by respecting the Sabbath day. But our "keep-away idols" work hard against that! Sunday mornings seem to be the prime time for kids' sport practices and games, for leisurely hours at cafes, for catching up on chores at home, and of course for sleeping in.
Let's not keep God away, but draw near to Him instead.
Insight: A church's signboard announced: "If absence makes the heart grow fonder, some people must really love church." nder, some people must really love church."
Topic: +DEV+ Keep-Away Idols
Keep-Away Idols
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).
Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 12:25-33
After uniting ten tribes of Israel into the Northern Kingdom, Jeroboam forged a plan to keep them from returning to Jerusalem in the Southern Kingdom to worship God in His temple. The temple, after all, was God's appointed place of worship. Quickly, Jeroboam set up golden calves in two Northern Kingdom cities, Bethel and Dan, and directed his subjects to worship them. The golden calves were "keep-away idols."
"Keep-away idols" are those things we let stand in the way of worshiping God as He has commanded us. They direct our attention elsewhere. One of the best ways I know to give due honor to the Lord is by respecting the Sabbath day. But our "keep-away idols" work hard against that! Sunday mornings seem to be the prime time for kids' sport practices and games, for leisurely hours at cafes, for catching up on chores at home, and of course for sleeping in.
Let's not keep God away, but draw near to Him instead.
Insight: A church's signboard announced: "If absence makes the heart grow fonder, some people must really love church." nder, some people must really love church."
Thursday, November 4, 2010
+DEV+ The Idol in the Mirror
Date: November 4, 2010 11:09 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Idol in the Mirror
The Idol in the Mirror
"To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:22b-23a).
Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 15:16-23
"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" This fairy tale question reminds us that arrogance and truth are usually poles apart.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Is it a reflection of a humbled, sinful person whose daily strives to honor God? Or do you see a likeness of a self-righteous person trying to be more important than God?
Before becoming Israel's first king, Saul was humble. He hid when the prophet Samuel looked for the right son of Kish to anoint (1 Samuel 10:20-22). As king his self-esteem grew with the passing of time. While he became big in his own eyes, the Lord became small. He followed his own will and even set up a monument in his own honor (1 Samuel 15:12). Eventually, Samuel informed Saul that the Lord had rejected him as king (vs. 23).
Whom do we worship as greatest of all? When we come to long for God alone, the image of ourselves grows smaller and the reflection of Him becomes greater (See John 3:30.).
Insight: Our vision is clear when God is big in our eyes and we are small. Ask Him to open the eyes of your heart.
Topic: +DEV+ The Idol in the Mirror
The Idol in the Mirror
"To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:22b-23a).
Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 15:16-23
"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" This fairy tale question reminds us that arrogance and truth are usually poles apart.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Is it a reflection of a humbled, sinful person whose daily strives to honor God? Or do you see a likeness of a self-righteous person trying to be more important than God?
Before becoming Israel's first king, Saul was humble. He hid when the prophet Samuel looked for the right son of Kish to anoint (1 Samuel 10:20-22). As king his self-esteem grew with the passing of time. While he became big in his own eyes, the Lord became small. He followed his own will and even set up a monument in his own honor (1 Samuel 15:12). Eventually, Samuel informed Saul that the Lord had rejected him as king (vs. 23).
Whom do we worship as greatest of all? When we come to long for God alone, the image of ourselves grows smaller and the reflection of Him becomes greater (See John 3:30.).
Insight: Our vision is clear when God is big in our eyes and we are small. Ask Him to open the eyes of your heart.
+DEV+ Anti-Faith Billboards
Date: November 4, 2010 1:03 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Anti-Faith Billboards
Anti-Faith Billboards
"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good" (Psalm 14:2).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 14:1-7
Late in 2008 eleven provocative billboards appeared in prominent locations around Colorado Springs and Denver. Each showed clouds against a dark, empty background. The question, "Do you believe in God?" was in the upper left. The lower right read, "You are not alone."
The Colorado Coalition of Reason, whose members identify themselves as atheists, humanists, and freethinkers, funded the billboards to build a support system for others who do not believe in God.
Psalm 14:1 describes those who discount the existence of God as corrupt and vile fools. Atheists are not actually faithless. It's just that they've anchored their faith in themselves instead of in God, elevating their own ideas over Scripture. Refusing to accept the Bible's portrayal of a personal God, they carve their own path through life, a way that leads to death (Proverbs 14:12).
Sometimes we who know the Savior live our lives ignoring our personal God, too. I'd rather be a "living billboard" to show God's work in my life.
Insight: An unbeliever's mind can manufacture adversarial thoughts about God, but God can enlighten even the most rebellious mind.
Topic: +DEV+ Anti-Faith Billboards
Anti-Faith Billboards
"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good" (Psalm 14:2).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 14:1-7
Late in 2008 eleven provocative billboards appeared in prominent locations around Colorado Springs and Denver. Each showed clouds against a dark, empty background. The question, "Do you believe in God?" was in the upper left. The lower right read, "You are not alone."
The Colorado Coalition of Reason, whose members identify themselves as atheists, humanists, and freethinkers, funded the billboards to build a support system for others who do not believe in God.
Psalm 14:1 describes those who discount the existence of God as corrupt and vile fools. Atheists are not actually faithless. It's just that they've anchored their faith in themselves instead of in God, elevating their own ideas over Scripture. Refusing to accept the Bible's portrayal of a personal God, they carve their own path through life, a way that leads to death (Proverbs 14:12).
Sometimes we who know the Savior live our lives ignoring our personal God, too. I'd rather be a "living billboard" to show God's work in my life.
Insight: An unbeliever's mind can manufacture adversarial thoughts about God, but God can enlighten even the most rebellious mind.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
+DEV+ Foolish Celebrations
Date: November 2, 2010 9:14 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Foolish Celebrations
Foolish Celebrations
"The Lord detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished..." (Proverbs 11:20-21).
Scripture Focus: Acts 7:37-43
The human race has achieved some remarkable technological feats. We have made space travel almost routine. Through satellite TV, cell phones and computers we have almost instant access to the world. But if we dare to celebrate our accomplishments without acknowledging God, we are in for a rude awakening.
When the Children of Israel grew tired of waiting for Moses to return from his conference with God on Mount Sinai, they begged Aaron to make gods for them. He obliged, and soon a golden calf emerged from the people's donations of gold jewelry. The next day they rose early to sacrifice to the god they had made, celebrating with gluttony and revelry (Exodus 32:6; Acts 7:41). The sordid event led to divine judgment in the form of a plague (Exodus 32:35).
Celebrate the One worthy of praise! Every joy we have ever known is anchored in the God Who was and is and is to come, in Whom we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).
Insight: It is foolish to worship what we make. It is wise to worship the One who made us and guides our lives
Topic: +DEV+ Foolish Celebrations
Foolish Celebrations
"The Lord detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished..." (Proverbs 11:20-21).
Scripture Focus: Acts 7:37-43
The human race has achieved some remarkable technological feats. We have made space travel almost routine. Through satellite TV, cell phones and computers we have almost instant access to the world. But if we dare to celebrate our accomplishments without acknowledging God, we are in for a rude awakening.
When the Children of Israel grew tired of waiting for Moses to return from his conference with God on Mount Sinai, they begged Aaron to make gods for them. He obliged, and soon a golden calf emerged from the people's donations of gold jewelry. The next day they rose early to sacrifice to the god they had made, celebrating with gluttony and revelry (Exodus 32:6; Acts 7:41). The sordid event led to divine judgment in the form of a plague (Exodus 32:35).
Celebrate the One worthy of praise! Every joy we have ever known is anchored in the God Who was and is and is to come, in Whom we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).
Insight: It is foolish to worship what we make. It is wise to worship the One who made us and guides our lives
Monday, November 1, 2010
+DEV+ God Is Amazing
Date: November 1, 2010 9:55 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God Is Amazing
God Is Amazing
"'I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free'" (Acts 7:34).
Scripture Focus: Acts 7:30-36
Do you sometimes feel inadequate as you confront a culture that Satan, the god of this age, has blinded to spiritual truth? Does it appear the culture's goal is to cast aside every trace of God's influence? He is unwelcome in our educational system, in entertainment, in politics, and even in our celebrations of Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Don't forget what God accomplished through His servant Moses in idolatrous Egypt.
Our amazing God launched ten plagues against Egypt, exposing Egypt's gods as false and powerless. For example, God eclipsed Re, Egypt's sun god by plunging Egypt into darkness.
After releasing the Hebrews, Pharaoh sent his cavalry in pursuit of them, but God parted the Red Sea so His people could cross safely. And then He closed the path and enveloped the whole Egyptian cavalry in the rushing water.
Christians may be a minority force in today's culture wars, but remember Whom you serve. Your God is always victorious.
Insight: With God in his life, the believer is invincible. No foe can defeat him; no trial can overcome him (see Romans 8:35-37).
Topic: +DEV+ God Is Amazing
God Is Amazing
"'I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free'" (Acts 7:34).
Scripture Focus: Acts 7:30-36
Do you sometimes feel inadequate as you confront a culture that Satan, the god of this age, has blinded to spiritual truth? Does it appear the culture's goal is to cast aside every trace of God's influence? He is unwelcome in our educational system, in entertainment, in politics, and even in our celebrations of Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Don't forget what God accomplished through His servant Moses in idolatrous Egypt.
Our amazing God launched ten plagues against Egypt, exposing Egypt's gods as false and powerless. For example, God eclipsed Re, Egypt's sun god by plunging Egypt into darkness.
After releasing the Hebrews, Pharaoh sent his cavalry in pursuit of them, but God parted the Red Sea so His people could cross safely. And then He closed the path and enveloped the whole Egyptian cavalry in the rushing water.
Christians may be a minority force in today's culture wars, but remember Whom you serve. Your God is always victorious.
Insight: With God in his life, the believer is invincible. No foe can defeat him; no trial can overcome him (see Romans 8:35-37).
+DEV+ Moses Chose to Serve God
Date: November 1, 2010 1:35 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Moses Chose to Serve God
Moses Chose to Serve God
"He [Moses] regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward" (Hebrews 11:26).
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11:24-28
From babyhood to manhood, Moses lived in a palace. Raised as a prince in Egypt, he had access to enormous pleasures and vast treasures. However, he turned his back on it all to serve God. He chose to stand before Pharaoh and deliver God's summons: "Let my people go."
For forty years after God rescued His people from Pharaoh's clutches, Moses led the Hebrews through harsh wilderness. The going was tough, but he anticipated a reward that was infinitely more valuable than all he had left behind in Egypt.
We may never have an opportunity to renounce a life of luxury, but more than a few men and women have allowed the idols of pleasure and prosperity to keep them from serving God. Legitimate wealth is not evil, but it becomes so if we give it a higher priority than it merits. The apostle Paul wrote, "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires" (1 Timothy 6:9). Eternal riches are the reward of those who do God's will.
Insight: "God always gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him." (Anonymous)
Topic: +DEV+ Moses Chose to Serve God
Moses Chose to Serve God
"He [Moses] regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward" (Hebrews 11:26).
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11:24-28
From babyhood to manhood, Moses lived in a palace. Raised as a prince in Egypt, he had access to enormous pleasures and vast treasures. However, he turned his back on it all to serve God. He chose to stand before Pharaoh and deliver God's summons: "Let my people go."
For forty years after God rescued His people from Pharaoh's clutches, Moses led the Hebrews through harsh wilderness. The going was tough, but he anticipated a reward that was infinitely more valuable than all he had left behind in Egypt.
We may never have an opportunity to renounce a life of luxury, but more than a few men and women have allowed the idols of pleasure and prosperity to keep them from serving God. Legitimate wealth is not evil, but it becomes so if we give it a higher priority than it merits. The apostle Paul wrote, "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires" (1 Timothy 6:9). Eternal riches are the reward of those who do God's will.
Insight: "God always gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him." (Anonymous)
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