Today's Guest Devotional comes from Radio Bible Class at
http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2009/11/12/devotion.aspx
Enjoy!
November 12, 2009
Fragile Existence
READ: Job 1:8-22
We should not trust in ourselves but in God. —2 Corinthians 1:9
The geological features at Yellowstone National Park fascinate me. But when I walk among the geysers, I’m aware of how close I am to danger. I am walking atop one of the largest, most active volcanoes in the world.
When I read the book of Job, I feel as if I’m walking through Yellowstone on a day when the volcano erupts, exploding the earth’s fragile crust and bringing disaster.
Like tourists at Yellowstone, Job was enjoying life. He was unaware that only a hedge separated him from disaster (Job 1:9-10). When God removed that hedge and allowed Satan to test Job, his life exploded (vv.13-19).
Many believers live in circumstances where it seems as if God, for some reason, has removed His hedge of protection. Others, also for reasons unknown, live in relative calm, seemingly unaware of their fragile existence. Like Job’s friends, they assume that nothing bad will happen unless they do something to deserve it.
As we learn from Job, however, God sometimes allows bad things to happen to good people. Although disaster can strike at any moment, nothing has the power to destroy those who trust Christ (2 Cor. 4:9). No disaster can separate us from God’s love. — Julie Ackerman Link
Though darker, rougher, grows the way
And cares press harder day by day,
With patience in His love I’ll rest,
And whisper that He knoweth best. —Pentecost
God’s love still stands when all else has fallen.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Fred's Devo #57 "What is the Condition of the Soil of Your Heart?"
Last night at the CFO-InterVarsity bible study, brother Dante did a wonderful job of leading a bible study on the Parable of the Sower, based on Mark 4. as well as I Cor 3.
Thanks for the good word brother Dante!
I wanted to use these scriptures as the basis of today's Devotional.
"Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown." Mark 4:15-19
Commentary: Here, Jesus explains the parable of the sower where a farmer sows seeds on various types of soil. The soil is a parable for the condition of our hearts. The seeds represents the word of God. Some seeds fall on hard ground or hard hearts where the word is immediately scooped and take no root. Other seeds falls in the weeds, starts to sprout but is choked out by the cares of this world. Other seeds fall on stony ground but can't take root and dies out. Of course the best place to sow seed is good soil. Here it not only takes root but produces good fruit.
Prayer: Lotd help me to keep the soil of my heart fertile, tilled watered and ready to receive your word. Gaurd me from developing a stony heart where the word takes no root, a wayside heart where the word is snatched away or a thorny heart where the cares of this world choke the word out. To your glory Lord. In Jesus Name Amen!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
56 "Paul's Passion to Minister to the Gentiles: "
"For by God’s grace, 16 I (Apostle Paul) am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit. 17 So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. 18 Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them. 19 They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit.[i] In this way, I have fully presented the Good News of Christ from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum.(Romans 15:15c-19)
Commentary: Paul had a passion to preach the gospel to the gentiles, to those who had never heard the gospel before. His goal was to "present them as an acceptable offering to the Lord".
Prayer: Lord, thank you for Paul's example of passion, focus and a clear vision for the ministry that you called him to. I know that this passion drove him and kept him going when things got difficult. I know that you have called me to minister to black college students and to young black men. Anoint me to serve with your power, passion and focus like Paul. Make them holy by the Holy Spirit and help them to be convinced by the power of God as they see you at work in their lives and the lives of those around them. In Jesus Name! Amen
Commentary: Paul had a passion to preach the gospel to the gentiles, to those who had never heard the gospel before. His goal was to "present them as an acceptable offering to the Lord".
Prayer: Lord, thank you for Paul's example of passion, focus and a clear vision for the ministry that you called him to. I know that this passion drove him and kept him going when things got difficult. I know that you have called me to minister to black college students and to young black men. Anoint me to serve with your power, passion and focus like Paul. Make them holy by the Holy Spirit and help them to be convinced by the power of God as they see you at work in their lives and the lives of those around them. In Jesus Name! Amen
Monday, November 9, 2009
Fred's Devo #55" God Gets the glory when we Welcome each Other"
7-13 "So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! Jesus, staying true to God's purposes, reached out in a special way to the Jewish insiders so that the old ancestral promises would come true for them. As a result, the non-Jewish outsiders have been able to experience mercy and to show appreciation to God. Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do! For instance:
Then I'll join outsiders in a hymn-sing;
I'll sing to your name!
And this one:
Outsiders and insiders, rejoice together!
And again:
People of all nations, celebrate God!
All colors and races, give hearty praise!
And Isaiah's word:
There's the root of our ancestor Jesse,
breaking through the earth and growing tree tall,
Tall enough for everyone everywhere to see and take hope!
Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope! (Romans 15:7-13)
Commentary: When we welcome our brothers and sisters in Christ from various backgrounds with a spirit of hospitality, it brings Glory to God! In this instance, Jews and Gentiles were worshiping together for the first time. Christ was the bond that united them. Today, there are Christians from various denominations, styles of worship and races. However, as long as we have accepted Christ as the Lord and Savior we are called to accept them into our Christian family.
Prayer: Lord help me to welcome my Christian brothers and sisters into my fellowship regardless to whether they are black, white, Baptist of Pentecostal, as long as they worship Christ as Lord and Savior, I know that they are a part of the family of Christ.
Then I'll join outsiders in a hymn-sing;
I'll sing to your name!
And this one:
Outsiders and insiders, rejoice together!
And again:
People of all nations, celebrate God!
All colors and races, give hearty praise!
And Isaiah's word:
There's the root of our ancestor Jesse,
breaking through the earth and growing tree tall,
Tall enough for everyone everywhere to see and take hope!
Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope! (Romans 15:7-13)
Commentary: When we welcome our brothers and sisters in Christ from various backgrounds with a spirit of hospitality, it brings Glory to God! In this instance, Jews and Gentiles were worshiping together for the first time. Christ was the bond that united them. Today, there are Christians from various denominations, styles of worship and races. However, as long as we have accepted Christ as the Lord and Savior we are called to accept them into our Christian family.
Prayer: Lord help me to welcome my Christian brothers and sisters into my fellowship regardless to whether they are black, white, Baptist of Pentecostal, as long as they worship Christ as Lord and Savior, I know that they are a part of the family of Christ.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Fred's Devotional # 54 "Christ, Our Perfect High Priest"
Today's Devotional was written by Bill Bauerle
Hebrews 7:26-28:
"For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever."
The Levitical priesthood were themselves sinful men and had to offer sacrifice, daily, for themselves before they could for the people. On the other hand Christ is holy, innocent, undefiled and separated from sin and it was fitting (necessary) that Christ would be such, in that, His sacrifice could then be permanent. The sacrifice of priests had to be made over and over, but Christ’s sacrifice was a once for all thing and it was in His perfect sacrifice that we could be clothed with His righteousness. The old system shows us that trying harder could never accomplish salvation, where as, Christ's obedience is able to provide salvation for his covenant people. While the Old Testament priest may have had a true heart for the people of Israel, they did not have the ability to save them, nor could they even save themselves. Christ on the other hand needed no salvation for Himself and therefore what he merited in His sacrifice could then be reckoned to His people.
In the finished work of Christ we have perfect salvation, and empowering for us to live as obedient children.
Bill
Have a blessed Lord’s day
Hebrews 7:26-28:
"For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever."
The Levitical priesthood were themselves sinful men and had to offer sacrifice, daily, for themselves before they could for the people. On the other hand Christ is holy, innocent, undefiled and separated from sin and it was fitting (necessary) that Christ would be such, in that, His sacrifice could then be permanent. The sacrifice of priests had to be made over and over, but Christ’s sacrifice was a once for all thing and it was in His perfect sacrifice that we could be clothed with His righteousness. The old system shows us that trying harder could never accomplish salvation, where as, Christ's obedience is able to provide salvation for his covenant people. While the Old Testament priest may have had a true heart for the people of Israel, they did not have the ability to save them, nor could they even save themselves. Christ on the other hand needed no salvation for Himself and therefore what he merited in His sacrifice could then be reckoned to His people.
In the finished work of Christ we have perfect salvation, and empowering for us to live as obedient children.
Bill
Have a blessed Lord’s day
Thursday, November 5, 2009
53 "Looking Out for our Struggling Brothers and Sisters"
Paul shares a good word about being sensitive to our brothers and sisters with weaknesses or shortcomings.
1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."[a] 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Fred's Reflections: Every Christian doesn't have it all together all the time. The truth is, sometimes we struggle. In those cases, the last thing the struggling Christian needs is for someone to "put him or her on blast" Instead, we should listen to them with sensitivity, pray for them and encourage them that they can overcome through the mighty power of Jesus Christ! If necessary, we can pray with them and walk with them, holding them accountable if they need it. The key to helping a struggling Christian is humility, love and speaking the truth. Do not excuse their sin, but let them know that God has helped you to overcome and he will help them as well. Most of all challenge them to stay in the word and be transformed by the renewal of their minds.
Prayer: Save me from self righteousness when it comes to ministering to struggling Christians. Help me to remember that others have helped me in my times of struggle. Help me to reach out to them with a spirit of humility, while speaking the truth in love. In Jesus Name, Amen
:
1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."[a] 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Fred's Reflections: Every Christian doesn't have it all together all the time. The truth is, sometimes we struggle. In those cases, the last thing the struggling Christian needs is for someone to "put him or her on blast" Instead, we should listen to them with sensitivity, pray for them and encourage them that they can overcome through the mighty power of Jesus Christ! If necessary, we can pray with them and walk with them, holding them accountable if they need it. The key to helping a struggling Christian is humility, love and speaking the truth. Do not excuse their sin, but let them know that God has helped you to overcome and he will help them as well. Most of all challenge them to stay in the word and be transformed by the renewal of their minds.
Prayer: Save me from self righteousness when it comes to ministering to struggling Christians. Help me to remember that others have helped me in my times of struggle. Help me to reach out to them with a spirit of humility, while speaking the truth in love. In Jesus Name, Amen
:
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Fred's Devo #52 : "Jesus is the Gate to Salvation"
7 so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:6-10)
Just before this passage, Jesus describes himself as a shepherd, caring for and loving us, His sheep. In this passage, Jesus describes himself as the gate, the way to salvation. Jesus makes it clear that as both the gate and the shepherd has the best interest of the sheep at heart. He is not like Satan the thief, whose purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. Instead his purpose is to bring us life-a rich and satisfying life!
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus as our Shepherd to care for us and as our Gate to lead us to salvation. Protect us Lord from the evil one who comes to kill, steal and destroy! Help us to remain in your fold and invite others to accept Jesus and join the fold as well.
In Jesus Name! Amen
Just before this passage, Jesus describes himself as a shepherd, caring for and loving us, His sheep. In this passage, Jesus describes himself as the gate, the way to salvation. Jesus makes it clear that as both the gate and the shepherd has the best interest of the sheep at heart. He is not like Satan the thief, whose purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. Instead his purpose is to bring us life-a rich and satisfying life!
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus as our Shepherd to care for us and as our Gate to lead us to salvation. Protect us Lord from the evil one who comes to kill, steal and destroy! Help us to remain in your fold and invite others to accept Jesus and join the fold as well.
In Jesus Name! Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
