Date: January 9, 2013 11:58 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God Always Gets His Way
God Always Gets His Way
"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out every¨thing in conformity with the purpose of his will..." (Ephesians 1:11)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 135
God always gets His way. He wouldn't be God if He were too weak to accomplish His own will. On every page, Scripture shouts to us of an awesome Creator God who spoke this universe into existence and sustains each molecule with both hands tied behind His back. Running the universe is easy for God, and no microscopic piece of it escapes His notice or evades His dominion for a millisecond. No cell divides without His consent; no breath is taken but He ordains it. No human thought escapes His notice or confounds His perfect will.
We get confused and frightened because the world doesn't seem to be going the way we think God wants it to. However, if we begin with our hearts and minds fixed on Jesus, our interpretation of the world around us changes
dramatically. God is getting His way right now... in this world, in my life, in my mind, in my heart. Praise Him! He has not surrendered the tiniest particle of His power or authority. He is ruling every corner of creation, and He is doing it very well.
Insight: "With respect to men and all creation, God reigns With uncontrolled dominion over every kingdom, family, and individual." (John Newton)
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
+DEV+ Jesus Marries His Bride
Date: January 8, 2013 11:43 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Jesus Marries His Bride
Jesus Marries His Bride
"Then the angel said to me, 'Write: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" (Revelation 19:9)
Scripture Focus: Revelation19:1-9
Getting married in Tanzania is a long, drawn-out affair. The parents on both sides must agree. The bride-price, usually in several installments and normally cattle, must be paid and received. Relatives must be informed. A dowry is built up. A marriage house must be constructed and clothes purchased. Arrangements must be made for the huge feast. No preparations may be hurried. Only when everything has been completed can the marriage take place.
John sees all heaven getting excited about the wedding. Jesus, the groom, is prepared. He has given His very life for the bride. As each seal in the book is opened, the bride's preparations move forward, step after step. Beasts must be overcome, trials must be endured. The purpose of it all is to prepare for the great day when the bride will be ready, in every detail. Then Jesus will marry His blood-bought bride, the church - you and me!
We are that bride, dressed in the robes of righteousness He gave us, eager to be with our beloved Jesus forever.
Insight: We look in vain in revelation for a timetable of this world's end. Only God knows that moment. May we be ready for that day!
Topic: +DEV+ Jesus Marries His Bride
Jesus Marries His Bride
"Then the angel said to me, 'Write: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" (Revelation 19:9)
Scripture Focus: Revelation19:1-9
Getting married in Tanzania is a long, drawn-out affair. The parents on both sides must agree. The bride-price, usually in several installments and normally cattle, must be paid and received. Relatives must be informed. A dowry is built up. A marriage house must be constructed and clothes purchased. Arrangements must be made for the huge feast. No preparations may be hurried. Only when everything has been completed can the marriage take place.
John sees all heaven getting excited about the wedding. Jesus, the groom, is prepared. He has given His very life for the bride. As each seal in the book is opened, the bride's preparations move forward, step after step. Beasts must be overcome, trials must be endured. The purpose of it all is to prepare for the great day when the bride will be ready, in every detail. Then Jesus will marry His blood-bought bride, the church - you and me!
We are that bride, dressed in the robes of righteousness He gave us, eager to be with our beloved Jesus forever.
Insight: We look in vain in revelation for a timetable of this world's end. Only God knows that moment. May we be ready for that day!
+DEV+ The Lamb is the Lamp
Date: January 8, 2013 1:10 AM
Topic: +DEV+ The Lamb is the Lamp
The Lamb is the Lamp
"The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp." (Revelation 21:23)
Scripture Focus: 1 John 1
A friend told of a guest coming one evening. She lit her kerosene tin-can lamp to "clean up" quickly. Just as she finished, the guest arrived carrying a modern, bright pressure lamp that he placed on the table. The poor woman was aghast as its bright light revealed dirt under the table, in the corner, everywhere. She told how, as with her tin-can lamp, she thought her life was fine until Jesus came in. Jesus was not carrying a light; He was the light. The experience made her confront her sin and cry out for cleansing.
John saw that heaven was a place of light with no shadows or darkness at all. The source of the light was Jesus, the Lamb. Jesus is not only the light of the world; He is the light of heaven itself.
In his first letter John wrote, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin" (1:7). A revived believer repents quickly of all sin that the light of Christ reveals.
Insight: Light and darkness do not mix; one always dominates. may we walk in light of Jesus in glory, the light of heaven and earth.
Topic: +DEV+ The Lamb is the Lamp
The Lamb is the Lamp
"The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp." (Revelation 21:23)
Scripture Focus: 1 John 1
A friend told of a guest coming one evening. She lit her kerosene tin-can lamp to "clean up" quickly. Just as she finished, the guest arrived carrying a modern, bright pressure lamp that he placed on the table. The poor woman was aghast as its bright light revealed dirt under the table, in the corner, everywhere. She told how, as with her tin-can lamp, she thought her life was fine until Jesus came in. Jesus was not carrying a light; He was the light. The experience made her confront her sin and cry out for cleansing.
John saw that heaven was a place of light with no shadows or darkness at all. The source of the light was Jesus, the Lamb. Jesus is not only the light of the world; He is the light of heaven itself.
In his first letter John wrote, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin" (1:7). A revived believer repents quickly of all sin that the light of Christ reveals.
Insight: Light and darkness do not mix; one always dominates. may we walk in light of Jesus in glory, the light of heaven and earth.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
+DEV+ The Lamb is the Shepherd
Date: January 6, 2013 11:24 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Lamb is the Shepherd
The Lamb is the Shepherd
"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17)
Scripture Focus: John 10:1-18
I love this "sighting" of Jesus. Up to this point in Revelation, He has been God's Lamb, and He knows full well what it is like to be a lamb. He was led, as it were, as a lamb for slaughter, then mocked, beaten, and spit upon. The blows of sin's fury fell on Him. His silent obedience and determination to fulfill the purpose of His coming was shocking. Hanging on the Cross, He bore our ungodliness in His own body. On that fateful day, as the sun refused to shine, the wrath of heaven against sin was unleashed on Jesus. He suffered and shuddered and finally died to set us free from sin and death. Jesus knows what it means to be God's sheep.
Our hearts must rejoice when we see, as John saw, that Jesus is not only the Lamb, but also the Good Shepherd. His total attention is on His flock (you and me!) as He leads them through the dark valleys and into springs of living water (Himself). May we who are both sinners and redeemed know the goodness of Him who is both sheep and Shepherd.
Insight: Jesus knows the needs of his sheep because he himself is God's lamb. He gives his life for them.
Topic: +DEV+ The Lamb is the Shepherd
The Lamb is the Shepherd
"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17)
Scripture Focus: John 10:1-18
I love this "sighting" of Jesus. Up to this point in Revelation, He has been God's Lamb, and He knows full well what it is like to be a lamb. He was led, as it were, as a lamb for slaughter, then mocked, beaten, and spit upon. The blows of sin's fury fell on Him. His silent obedience and determination to fulfill the purpose of His coming was shocking. Hanging on the Cross, He bore our ungodliness in His own body. On that fateful day, as the sun refused to shine, the wrath of heaven against sin was unleashed on Jesus. He suffered and shuddered and finally died to set us free from sin and death. Jesus knows what it means to be God's sheep.
Our hearts must rejoice when we see, as John saw, that Jesus is not only the Lamb, but also the Good Shepherd. His total attention is on His flock (you and me!) as He leads them through the dark valleys and into springs of living water (Himself). May we who are both sinners and redeemed know the goodness of Him who is both sheep and Shepherd.
Insight: Jesus knows the needs of his sheep because he himself is God's lamb. He gives his life for them.
Friday, January 4, 2013
+DEV+ Worthy is the Lamb
Date: January 4, 2013 1:28 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:12)
Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 2:1-10
A dear friend reminded me to keep my focus on the Cross of Christ. As he neared death, he confided, "I am now beginning to see the meaning of the Cross." It seems that the saints have at least one trait in common: they are all drawn to the Cross. What happened there is the window we have into the very heart of God.
Five minutes at the Cross where my sins are atoned for and where I receive acceptance into the household of God produces more insight into reality than all the flashy philosophies or new religions that exist. As I, in my mind's eye, place my hand on that slain Lamb and plea for cleansing to the root of my being, I begin to understand what grace is. Jesus is many things, but ever and always He is first of all my sin-bearer. All other blessings flow from the fact that Jesus died for me. If my spirit grows cold, I've probably forgotten that I am a sinner. I need to go back to the place where I first met Jesus, at the foot of His Cross. That is my home.
Insight: As you ponder the cross of Christ, again and again, sing that "new song" of heaven, "Worthy Is The Lamb!"
Topic: +DEV+ Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:12)
Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 2:1-10
A dear friend reminded me to keep my focus on the Cross of Christ. As he neared death, he confided, "I am now beginning to see the meaning of the Cross." It seems that the saints have at least one trait in common: they are all drawn to the Cross. What happened there is the window we have into the very heart of God.
Five minutes at the Cross where my sins are atoned for and where I receive acceptance into the household of God produces more insight into reality than all the flashy philosophies or new religions that exist. As I, in my mind's eye, place my hand on that slain Lamb and plea for cleansing to the root of my being, I begin to understand what grace is. Jesus is many things, but ever and always He is first of all my sin-bearer. All other blessings flow from the fact that Jesus died for me. If my spirit grows cold, I've probably forgotten that I am a sinner. I need to go back to the place where I first met Jesus, at the foot of His Cross. That is my home.
Insight: As you ponder the cross of Christ, again and again, sing that "new song" of heaven, "Worthy Is The Lamb!"
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
+DEV+ I Saw a Lamb
Date: January 2, 2013 8:22 PM
Topic: +DEV+ I Saw a Lamb
I Saw a Lamb
"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain..." (Revelation 5:6)
Scripture Focus: John 1:29 - 37
What a dazzling vision - thrones and emerald rainbows, golden crowns and a crystal sea, winged creatures and lightening! John looked about intently for the Lion of Judah. Where were the deafening roar, sharp claws, and teeth ready to rip open the seals? There was no lion.
Instead, there was a little lamb with blood on its fleece, freshly slain but still alive. Every eye in heaven focused on that lamb who quietly took the book. The seals melted away, and all heaven broke into a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation."
Yet again, John saw the new in the context of the old. He'd gone to the Jordan 60 years earlier to repent and be baptized by John the Baptist. While there, Jesus appeared. The Baptist, pointing to Him, declared, "Behold, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world." The crucified, risen Lamb is the full expression of God's power.
Insight: Do not be surprised if you are taken back to your initial meeting with Jesus, and do not be surprised that He is still the same.
Topic: +DEV+ I Saw a Lamb
I Saw a Lamb
"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain..." (Revelation 5:6)
Scripture Focus: John 1:29 - 37
What a dazzling vision - thrones and emerald rainbows, golden crowns and a crystal sea, winged creatures and lightening! John looked about intently for the Lion of Judah. Where were the deafening roar, sharp claws, and teeth ready to rip open the seals? There was no lion.
Instead, there was a little lamb with blood on its fleece, freshly slain but still alive. Every eye in heaven focused on that lamb who quietly took the book. The seals melted away, and all heaven broke into a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation."
Yet again, John saw the new in the context of the old. He'd gone to the Jordan 60 years earlier to repent and be baptized by John the Baptist. While there, Jesus appeared. The Baptist, pointing to Him, declared, "Behold, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world." The crucified, risen Lamb is the full expression of God's power.
Insight: Do not be surprised if you are taken back to your initial meeting with Jesus, and do not be surprised that He is still the same.
+DEV+ The Harvest
Date: January 2, 2013 1:10 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.
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