Date: March 29, 2012 9:45 PM
Topic: +DEV+ A Permanent Priest
A Permanent Priest
"The former priests were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently." (Hebrews 7:23-24 ESV)
Scripture Focus: Leviticus 16, Hebrews 7:11-28
I sometimes wonder what it would have been like to be an Old Testament Israelite. Clearly, there are the obvious drawbacks that come from living in a pre-industrial age: no refrigeration, no automobiles, no healthcare, etc. But perhaps the biggest downside that does not often come to mind is having to worship God through impermanent priests. Think about it. The one in charge of representing you before God could never guarantee he would be there tomorrow, or the next day, or the next, when you might have really needed him. His mortality made him ultimately unreliable.
But things have changed. A permanent priest who will never fail to represent His people perfectly in God's presence has replaced the impermanent priests. When, we sin, His blood always intercedes. When we pray, He always hears. When we are tempted, He always helps. And, best of all, He will never die, because He already has died and received an indestructible life in return. In a world that is passing, Jesus gives us permanence.
Insight: "Before The Throne My Surety Stands/Before The Throne My Surety Stands/My Name Is Written On His Hands!" (Charles Wesley, 1707-1788)
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
+DEV+ Daily Worship
Date: March 28, 2012 11:44 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Daily Worship
Daily Worship
"Impress [my commandments] on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deuteronomy 6:7)
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 6, Daniel 6
One of my favorite stories about daily worship is in Daniel 6. A conspiracy is hatched to kill 80-year-old Daniel, a Jewish exile from the Promised Land. The political leaders of Babylon figure that the best way to catch Daniel who was known as a worshiper of Yahweh is to establish a law against worshiping anyone but the king. According to the injunction, anyone caught worshiping or praying to another god would be thrown to the lions.
When news of the injunction reached Daniel, Scripture tells us that he "got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before" (Daniel 6:10). Daniel worshiped daily. Not even the threat of being fed to the lions would keep Daniel from showing devotion to his God!
Where did such courage come from? Was Daniel just a spiritual superhero? No. Daniel simply knew his hope did not lie in the present evil age, but in the God who held his future. His confidence in the God of promise fanned his devotion in the midst of great threat.
Insight: The Prophets Were Actually Serving Us Through Their Writings
(1 Peter 1:10-12). Does The Reason Behind Daniel's Persistence In Daily Worship Encourage You?
Topic: +DEV+ Daily Worship
Daily Worship
"Impress [my commandments] on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deuteronomy 6:7)
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 6, Daniel 6
One of my favorite stories about daily worship is in Daniel 6. A conspiracy is hatched to kill 80-year-old Daniel, a Jewish exile from the Promised Land. The political leaders of Babylon figure that the best way to catch Daniel who was known as a worshiper of Yahweh is to establish a law against worshiping anyone but the king. According to the injunction, anyone caught worshiping or praying to another god would be thrown to the lions.
When news of the injunction reached Daniel, Scripture tells us that he "got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before" (Daniel 6:10). Daniel worshiped daily. Not even the threat of being fed to the lions would keep Daniel from showing devotion to his God!
Where did such courage come from? Was Daniel just a spiritual superhero? No. Daniel simply knew his hope did not lie in the present evil age, but in the God who held his future. His confidence in the God of promise fanned his devotion in the midst of great threat.
Insight: The Prophets Were Actually Serving Us Through Their Writings
(1 Peter 1:10-12). Does The Reason Behind Daniel's Persistence In Daily Worship Encourage You?
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
+DEV+ Confession in Worship
Date: March 27, 2012 10:11 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Confession in Worship
Confession in Worship
"I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD' - and you forgave the guilt of my sin." (Psalm 32:5)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 32, Mark 2:1-12
Confession is not an easy thing to do. When we have sinned and we know it, rationalizations begin to flood our minds as to why hiding this sin from the Lord and from others would be far better than coming clean. "No one will ever know." "It didn't really hurt anyone." "I won't do it again." The list goes on.
But while hiding our sin may seem like the easiest road at the time, spiritual subterfuge will ultimately kill our ability to worship. Confession, on the other hand, has the power to ignite the most fervent worship we've ever known. Our reading today is a prime example. When David hid his sin, he wasted away (vs. 3). Yet when he acknowledged it to the Lord, he and his companions were able to rejoice and shout for joy again (vs. 11).
We can only enjoy the freedom of confession when we know God will forgive us, and when we bring our sins to Him. So, Christian, hear the words of Jesus, your Lord: "My son, your sins are forgiven" (Mark 2:5). Let those words of comfort soak in.
Insight: Our Reading Of Scripture Should Always Lead Us To a Confession At Some Level. Where Is God Leading You To Confess Today?
Topic: +DEV+ Confession in Worship
Confession in Worship
"I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD' - and you forgave the guilt of my sin." (Psalm 32:5)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 32, Mark 2:1-12
Confession is not an easy thing to do. When we have sinned and we know it, rationalizations begin to flood our minds as to why hiding this sin from the Lord and from others would be far better than coming clean. "No one will ever know." "It didn't really hurt anyone." "I won't do it again." The list goes on.
But while hiding our sin may seem like the easiest road at the time, spiritual subterfuge will ultimately kill our ability to worship. Confession, on the other hand, has the power to ignite the most fervent worship we've ever known. Our reading today is a prime example. When David hid his sin, he wasted away (vs. 3). Yet when he acknowledged it to the Lord, he and his companions were able to rejoice and shout for joy again (vs. 11).
We can only enjoy the freedom of confession when we know God will forgive us, and when we bring our sins to Him. So, Christian, hear the words of Jesus, your Lord: "My son, your sins are forgiven" (Mark 2:5). Let those words of comfort soak in.
Insight: Our Reading Of Scripture Should Always Lead Us To a Confession At Some Level. Where Is God Leading You To Confess Today?
Monday, March 26, 2012
+DEV+ Giving as Worship
Date: March 26, 2012 10:12 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Giving as Worship
Giving as Worship
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Scripture Focus: Acts 2:42-4:37, 2 Corinthians 8-9
Since its inception, the church has, in some form or another, taken up an offering. In our day, however, while the practice has not died, the rich, theological meaning behind why we give as an act of worship has fallen on hard times. Often writing a check for the offering basket is done in the same perfunctory manner with which we write a check at the grocery store.
But giving financially to our churches - both in times of abundance but especially in times of economic need - is one of the most practical ways in which the Gospel impacts our life. At its heart, the Gospel is a gift from God: the gift of Jesus Christ to us that secures us an eternal home which our money could never buy. It is a gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17) that secures our favorable status before God. To the extent that our worship services draw our minds and our hearts to the magnitude and worth of that inexpressible gift, our hearts will be compelled to give as an act of worship to the great Giver, the one who has given us eternal life.
Insight: Do You Ever Think Of Your Money As Something Without Much Spiritual Importance? How Does The Gospel Change Your Perspective On Giving?
Topic: +DEV+ Giving as Worship
Giving as Worship
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Scripture Focus: Acts 2:42-4:37, 2 Corinthians 8-9
Since its inception, the church has, in some form or another, taken up an offering. In our day, however, while the practice has not died, the rich, theological meaning behind why we give as an act of worship has fallen on hard times. Often writing a check for the offering basket is done in the same perfunctory manner with which we write a check at the grocery store.
But giving financially to our churches - both in times of abundance but especially in times of economic need - is one of the most practical ways in which the Gospel impacts our life. At its heart, the Gospel is a gift from God: the gift of Jesus Christ to us that secures us an eternal home which our money could never buy. It is a gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17) that secures our favorable status before God. To the extent that our worship services draw our minds and our hearts to the magnitude and worth of that inexpressible gift, our hearts will be compelled to give as an act of worship to the great Giver, the one who has given us eternal life.
Insight: Do You Ever Think Of Your Money As Something Without Much Spiritual Importance? How Does The Gospel Change Your Perspective On Giving?
Sunday, March 25, 2012
+DEV+ We Are What We Worship
Date: March 25, 2012 9:37 PM
Topic: +DEV+ We Are What We Worship
We Are What We Worship
"Those who make [idols] will be like them, and so will all who trust in them." (Psalm 115:8)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 115
The psalmist in our reading today makes what is, in effect, the spiritual equivalent of our common saying: "You are what you eat." By claiming that those who worship idols will take on idol-like characteristics, he is saying: "You become what you worship."
This truth carries with it a profound warning as well as a quickening hope. It warns us by revealing the life-shaping consequences of valuing, trusting, serving, pursuing, desiring, and devoting ourselves to the "idols" of our age. Those who worship power will become tyrants. Those who desire control will be controlled by that desire. Those who rely on their own strength will be proven weak.
Yet this principle also contains great hope. Those who have been rescued by the living God from serving idols will become like Him! As we, through God's empowering and transforming grace, grow to value, trust, and serve our Lord, we will begin to take on His characteristics. As we worship His holiness, we will be holy. As we esteem His wisdom, we will be wise. As we trust His strength, we will be strong.
Insight: In What Ways Do You See Your Life Shaped By What You Value Most?
Topic: +DEV+ We Are What We Worship
We Are What We Worship
"Those who make [idols] will be like them, and so will all who trust in them." (Psalm 115:8)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 115
The psalmist in our reading today makes what is, in effect, the spiritual equivalent of our common saying: "You are what you eat." By claiming that those who worship idols will take on idol-like characteristics, he is saying: "You become what you worship."
This truth carries with it a profound warning as well as a quickening hope. It warns us by revealing the life-shaping consequences of valuing, trusting, serving, pursuing, desiring, and devoting ourselves to the "idols" of our age. Those who worship power will become tyrants. Those who desire control will be controlled by that desire. Those who rely on their own strength will be proven weak.
Yet this principle also contains great hope. Those who have been rescued by the living God from serving idols will become like Him! As we, through God's empowering and transforming grace, grow to value, trust, and serve our Lord, we will begin to take on His characteristics. As we worship His holiness, we will be holy. As we esteem His wisdom, we will be wise. As we trust His strength, we will be strong.
Insight: In What Ways Do You See Your Life Shaped By What You Value Most?
Friday, March 23, 2012
Did you notice who Obama Threatened?
Did you notice who Obama Threatened?
It's incredible that 42% of Americans think that this unqualified,
incompetent, dishonorable, ego-driven fraud is doing a good job.
Take a moment. Admit it to yourself. You know who his supporters are.
They are the people that YOU support.
From now thru November 2012 this should be required weekly or at least
monthly reading BY ALL WHO VOTE!!!
Did you notice who Obama threatened when he wasn't getting his way on
raising the debt ceiling? He threatened to not pay:
- Social Security Retirees, Military Retirees, Social Security
disability and Federal Retirees.
- Now..let this sink in really good
- He did not threaten to stop payments to illegal aliens
- He did not threatened to take frivolous benefits such as Internet
access away from violent inmates
- He did not offer to fire some of the thousands of unnecessary
federal employees that he hired
- He did not offer to cut down on his or his wife's frivolous
gallivanting around
- He did not threaten to not pay the senators and representatives or
any of their staff
- He did not threaten to take benefits away from welfare recipients
- He did not threaten the food stamp programs
- He did not threaten to not pay foreign aid
- He did not threaten to cut back on anything that involves his base voters
- The list could go on and on. He is in full political re-election mode!
• Why are we allowing this person to destroy this wonderful country
with his selfishness and his lies?
• His type of change is killing our country. He needs to be stopped
and only our votes can stop him.
• Do not forget about his tactics when it's election time. Vote Obama
out of the Presidency in 2012.
LET'S MAKE 2012 - THE END OF AN ERROR!
We the people are coming
Only 86% will send this on. Should be a 100%. What will you do?
It's incredible that 42% of Americans think that this unqualified,
incompetent, dishonorable, ego-driven fraud is doing a good job.
Take a moment. Admit it to yourself. You know who his supporters are.
They are the people that YOU support.
From now thru November 2012 this should be required weekly or at least
monthly reading BY ALL WHO VOTE!!!
Did you notice who Obama threatened when he wasn't getting his way on
raising the debt ceiling? He threatened to not pay:
- Social Security Retirees, Military Retirees, Social Security
disability and Federal Retirees.
- Now..let this sink in really good
- He did not threaten to stop payments to illegal aliens
- He did not threatened to take frivolous benefits such as Internet
access away from violent inmates
- He did not offer to fire some of the thousands of unnecessary
federal employees that he hired
- He did not offer to cut down on his or his wife's frivolous
gallivanting around
- He did not threaten to not pay the senators and representatives or
any of their staff
- He did not threaten to take benefits away from welfare recipients
- He did not threaten the food stamp programs
- He did not threaten to not pay foreign aid
- He did not threaten to cut back on anything that involves his base voters
- The list could go on and on. He is in full political re-election mode!
• Why are we allowing this person to destroy this wonderful country
with his selfishness and his lies?
• His type of change is killing our country. He needs to be stopped
and only our votes can stop him.
• Do not forget about his tactics when it's election time. Vote Obama
out of the Presidency in 2012.
LET'S MAKE 2012 - THE END OF AN ERROR!
We the people are coming
Only 86% will send this on. Should be a 100%. What will you do?
Thursday, March 22, 2012
+DEV+ Vain Worship
Date: March 22, 2012 8:47 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Vain Worship
Vain Worship
"They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." (Mark 7:7)
Scripture Focus: Mark 7:1-13, Ephesians 2:11-22
This was certainly the last thing they wanted to hear. Everything to which they were devoted, everything about which they were passionate, and everything they did in service to God was futile, purposeless, vanity. In essence, this was Jesus' charge against the Pharisees who, on the outside, appeared to be resolutely devoted to God and His ways. Yet while they honored God with their lips, Jesus, invoking the words of Isaiah, regarded their worship as vain because their hearts were far from Him.
Naturally, we all tend to worship like the Pharisees. We want to approach God on our terms. We think as long as we outwardly say and do the right things, we can keep God at arm's length. Indeed, our hearts are far from Him. Yet God Himself provides the antidote to vain worship. Those whose hearts were once "far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13). The death and resurrection of Christ alone has the power to change our worship from vain to vibrant.
Insight: Do You Ever Feel You're Just "Going Through The Motions" In Worship? Let The Gospel Transform Us When We Feel That Way.
Topic: +DEV+ Vain Worship
Vain Worship
"They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." (Mark 7:7)
Scripture Focus: Mark 7:1-13, Ephesians 2:11-22
This was certainly the last thing they wanted to hear. Everything to which they were devoted, everything about which they were passionate, and everything they did in service to God was futile, purposeless, vanity. In essence, this was Jesus' charge against the Pharisees who, on the outside, appeared to be resolutely devoted to God and His ways. Yet while they honored God with their lips, Jesus, invoking the words of Isaiah, regarded their worship as vain because their hearts were far from Him.
Naturally, we all tend to worship like the Pharisees. We want to approach God on our terms. We think as long as we outwardly say and do the right things, we can keep God at arm's length. Indeed, our hearts are far from Him. Yet God Himself provides the antidote to vain worship. Those whose hearts were once "far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13). The death and resurrection of Christ alone has the power to change our worship from vain to vibrant.
Insight: Do You Ever Feel You're Just "Going Through The Motions" In Worship? Let The Gospel Transform Us When We Feel That Way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)