This morning I was reading through Psalm 119 and came across verses 161 and 162. They read, "...but my heart trembles at Your word. I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil (treasure)." As I read that verse, I was reminded of all the promises associated with righteousness I had recently been studying (see my earlier post). Although interested in the promises, I didn't exactly feel like I had found treasure.
Clearly there is a gap between my experience and God's purpose for His Word and promises. I am encouraged when I read His promise - but not to the level I would if they were treasure. How great it would be if we fully comprehended God's word, His promises to us and His plan to fulfill those promises. I think our lives would be lived out significantly different.
Lord, help me to rightly discern Your word and promise to me, that I might treasure Your word and respond to You accordingly. That I might tremble at Your word - in anticipation of Your fulfillment.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Mightier than the Pounding Waves
I was reading through some Psalms this morning and stopped at Psalm 93. Verses 3-4 were very timely and topical as I was just reading of Hurricane Irene. They read:
3"The seas have lifted up, LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty."
As I was contemplating the potential damage caused by the Hurricane and its pounding waves, tidal surges and damaging winds, it was good to be reminded that God is infinitely more mighty and powerful than this.
I was also reminded how Jesus with three words, stilled the wind and waves. (Mark 4:39) Lord we pray that you would speak over Hurricane Irene and have mercy on the millions of people in harms way.
3"The seas have lifted up, LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty."
As I was contemplating the potential damage caused by the Hurricane and its pounding waves, tidal surges and damaging winds, it was good to be reminded that God is infinitely more mighty and powerful than this.
I was also reminded how Jesus with three words, stilled the wind and waves. (Mark 4:39) Lord we pray that you would speak over Hurricane Irene and have mercy on the millions of people in harms way.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Promises for the Righteous
Yesterday morning I was reading Psalm 37 - one of my favorite psalms, when I noticed the fact that there were multiple promises and statements concerning the righteous. I decided to look at them in more detail, and meditate on them.
Here are some of them:
5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.
25 I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.
26 They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be blessed.
29 the righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks what is just.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
his feet do not slip.
39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40 The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
Finally, I was reminded of Paul's writing concerning our righteousness coming from the Lord, through faith in Him. He wrote extensively about this in His letter to the Romans. In Phil 3:9 he wrote, "...not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith."
In other words, we are able to enjoy and claim the promises in Psalm 37, because of Jesus sacrifice and righteousness, which He extends to us, through faith. What an awesome God we have, providing in Himself, that which we could never attain!
Here are some of them:
5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.
25 I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.
26 They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be blessed.
29 the righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks what is just.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
his feet do not slip.
39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40 The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
Finally, I was reminded of Paul's writing concerning our righteousness coming from the Lord, through faith in Him. He wrote extensively about this in His letter to the Romans. In Phil 3:9 he wrote, "...not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith."
In other words, we are able to enjoy and claim the promises in Psalm 37, because of Jesus sacrifice and righteousness, which He extends to us, through faith. What an awesome God we have, providing in Himself, that which we could never attain!
Monday, August 22, 2011
The Simplicity of the Gospel
Last night I was reading the Bible before going to bed, perusing one of Paul's letters. This morning, the Lord reminded me of the simplicity of the Gospel encapsulated in two verses, one I read last night and the other, a classic verse quoted thousands of times.:
John 3:16-17: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
- and -
2 Thess 1:8-10 Speaking of God: "He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you."
It really is that simple - God loves us and wants to save us. He has provided the the path to Him and eternal life through His Son Jesus. If we ignore Him and this Good News, we will shut out from His presence for all eternity. Not my words but His - through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
John 3:16-17: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
- and -
2 Thess 1:8-10 Speaking of God: "He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you."
It really is that simple - God loves us and wants to save us. He has provided the the path to Him and eternal life through His Son Jesus. If we ignore Him and this Good News, we will shut out from His presence for all eternity. Not my words but His - through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
When Trouble is Near, God is Nearer
This morning I was reading through Psalm 22 and verse 11 caught my attention - it reads, "Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help." What a common, heartfelt cry. So often when we are experiencing trouble, its as if we can see nothing else. We are overwhelmed, feeling separated and without help.
Continuing on to verse 24, David continues, "For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help." Not only has God not turned His back, He is actively looking at the person afflicted by trouble and listening to their cry.
In Isaiah 57:15 He says, "“I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." Not only does he see and hear us in our trouble, He lives with us! And to quote Jesus in the Gospel of John 14:17 speaking of the Holy Spirit says, "...the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."
You can't get any closer than in you! Lord, help me to remember that when I am in a place of trouble, feeling overwhelmed and apart from you, you are more than near, you are in me!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
God's Overwhelming Answers!
Yesterday morning I was reading through Psalm 42 meditating on verses 1 & 2 which read, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" I always liked these verses because so often my own personal thirst for God is evident and the image of my soul panting after God is quite accurate.
As I was thinking about this - I kept reading the rest of the psalm and came to verse 7: "Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me." I was struck by the connection between verses 1 and 2 and verse 7. Here the psalmist is praying for even a taste of water, of God's presence and God's answer is waterfalls and massive waves!
This started me thinking about how God answers our prayers and longings for His presence. Through His death and resurrection, He opened the way for us to have relationship with Him. Even more, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us (1 Cor 6:19). We are thirsty for God and He answers by living in us, so that we have fountains of living water in us (John 7:38) and we should never again thirst!
His answer to this longing is so far beyond what one would ever think! Its like the difference between a drink of water from a stream and being swept over by waves and breakers, or the roaring water of a waterfall. I believe this is a great picture of His love for us, and how little we know of it. We would settle for a glass - He wants to give us the ocean!
As I was thinking about this - I kept reading the rest of the psalm and came to verse 7: "Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me." I was struck by the connection between verses 1 and 2 and verse 7. Here the psalmist is praying for even a taste of water, of God's presence and God's answer is waterfalls and massive waves!
This started me thinking about how God answers our prayers and longings for His presence. Through His death and resurrection, He opened the way for us to have relationship with Him. Even more, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us (1 Cor 6:19). We are thirsty for God and He answers by living in us, so that we have fountains of living water in us (John 7:38) and we should never again thirst!
His answer to this longing is so far beyond what one would ever think! Its like the difference between a drink of water from a stream and being swept over by waves and breakers, or the roaring water of a waterfall. I believe this is a great picture of His love for us, and how little we know of it. We would settle for a glass - He wants to give us the ocean!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
When the World Starts Failing
This morning I was thinking about the present condition of the world, famines, financial upheaval, unrest and riots. As I was praying I read through 1 John 5:3-5 "In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."
In scripture, when something is said three times - it means God wants us to hear this message and understand it - its very important! This passage has a clear message - as Christians we can overcome the World! We don't have to let the world affect us, drag us down into panic or fear. If we believe, if we have faith, if we stay in obedience we will overcome the world and its cares.
Jesus warns us of the coming unrest and turmoil and encourages us to stand firm in Matt 24:4-14. In verse 13 He says, "but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved"
As followers of Christ let us hold fast to God's word, trusting in Him, and resting in Him. Psalm 33:11 says, "But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."
God is unchanging! We can count on Him, we can count on His word! No matter the present situation or circumstance - God is good, loving and faithful! We can lean on Him during these times, and let His peace settle over us!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Are There Pets in Eternity?
The recent loss of our beloved pet had me thinking this morning and I felt led to examine this idea more closely. Starting in Genesis 1:24-31 animals are clearly part of God's creation - and He considered all that He made good. In Genesis 2:18-20 God indicates that part of the reason He made animals was to provide companionship to man. I had read this before, but never saw the connection between God's creation of animals and the companionship we experience through our pets.
In several other verses God speaks of His care for animals - specifically Ps 84:3; Psalm 104:24, 27-28 and Matt 6:26. Clearly God cares for animals, and they are part of His creation. The Hebrew word translated creatures in Gen 2 - actually means breath, life or soul. This makes me believe that there is something unique about those animals that God thought of as companions when compared to the other Hebrew word that is used in Gen1 - which just means creature or animal.
Finally in Rev 5:13 it reads, "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Here John clearly understands that there are creatures in Heaven, for all created things join in the glorification of Christ! The Greek word used in this verse - is translated creature or created thing - with the emphasis on the creator!
I find myself comforted by all this, knowing that God had purpose in creating our pets, that they are part of His glorious creation, and as such have a place in His final plan for eternity!
In several other verses God speaks of His care for animals - specifically Ps 84:3; Psalm 104:24, 27-28 and Matt 6:26. Clearly God cares for animals, and they are part of His creation. The Hebrew word translated creatures in Gen 2 - actually means breath, life or soul. This makes me believe that there is something unique about those animals that God thought of as companions when compared to the other Hebrew word that is used in Gen1 - which just means creature or animal.
Finally in Rev 5:13 it reads, "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Here John clearly understands that there are creatures in Heaven, for all created things join in the glorification of Christ! The Greek word used in this verse - is translated creature or created thing - with the emphasis on the creator!
I find myself comforted by all this, knowing that God had purpose in creating our pets, that they are part of His glorious creation, and as such have a place in His final plan for eternity!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Thoughts on Salvation and Death - God's Sovereignty
Today I was reflecting back to the loss of my young brother-in-law, and reminded of the comfort the Lord brought to our family in that time. I was led to Eph 2:4-8 which reads, "4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— "
As I read this verse I was reminded of God's infinite love, mercy and awesome power. Multiple times Jesus spoke to the dead, and called them to life and relationship with Him. We are fully reliant on His great gift, His grace, to experience salvation. Verse 8 says it so perfectly - its by grace, through faith (which is not even from ourselves, but a gift of God) that we are saved.
It is God's choice who He saves! It is His free gift! He made us all alive, even when we were dead in our transgressions and sin. The timing of His salvation, who can judge? He clearly didn't pay the price for my sins right before I repented and gave my life to Him. He had paid the price for me and extended the gift of salvation to me before any of my sins were registered against me. I find this truth amazing and comforting... God alone decides who He extends the gift of salvation to, and He is the one who has already paid the price for each of us.
I kind of think its like paying for something before its ever created - like commissioning a new sculpture for instance - paying for it completely ahead of time. From the moment the sculpture is started, it is owned by the investor. When the sculpture is completed, its up to the investor to collect it, the timing of when and how is up to the one who owned it all along. There is no doubt it will happen, for the debt has already been paid, its just a matter of time.
I like to think this is how the gift of salvation works for us. We have already been paid for, set free from our debt of sin. Its only a matter of His timing that allows us to meet the one who paid our debts. I also think its totally possible that Jesus can speak to the dead and they can respond, for we, like them, were all dead in our transgressions and we heard His voice. Death is only a door to Christ for He has passed through and come back - He holds the keys (Rev 1:18).
Jesus, You are truly amazing and beyond all our abilities to comprehend!
As I read this verse I was reminded of God's infinite love, mercy and awesome power. Multiple times Jesus spoke to the dead, and called them to life and relationship with Him. We are fully reliant on His great gift, His grace, to experience salvation. Verse 8 says it so perfectly - its by grace, through faith (which is not even from ourselves, but a gift of God) that we are saved.
It is God's choice who He saves! It is His free gift! He made us all alive, even when we were dead in our transgressions and sin. The timing of His salvation, who can judge? He clearly didn't pay the price for my sins right before I repented and gave my life to Him. He had paid the price for me and extended the gift of salvation to me before any of my sins were registered against me. I find this truth amazing and comforting... God alone decides who He extends the gift of salvation to, and He is the one who has already paid the price for each of us.
I kind of think its like paying for something before its ever created - like commissioning a new sculpture for instance - paying for it completely ahead of time. From the moment the sculpture is started, it is owned by the investor. When the sculpture is completed, its up to the investor to collect it, the timing of when and how is up to the one who owned it all along. There is no doubt it will happen, for the debt has already been paid, its just a matter of time.
I like to think this is how the gift of salvation works for us. We have already been paid for, set free from our debt of sin. Its only a matter of His timing that allows us to meet the one who paid our debts. I also think its totally possible that Jesus can speak to the dead and they can respond, for we, like them, were all dead in our transgressions and we heard His voice. Death is only a door to Christ for He has passed through and come back - He holds the keys (Rev 1:18).
Jesus, You are truly amazing and beyond all our abilities to comprehend!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Numbering Our Days
This morning I started my time in the Word, by reading Psalm 90. Interestingly this Psalm was actually written by Moses. Anyway, it was verse 12 that caught my attention. It reads, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Earlier in the Psalm Moses was talking about our lives being limited to 70 or 80 years, and how compared to God, this is as nothing.
I was thinking how true this really was - how our lives here, when compared to our eternal existence are so tiny, so seemingly irrelevant. Yet, our time here has great impact on our eternal existence. Jesus says in Matt 6:20 that we should store up for ourselves treasures in heaven, rather than on earth. Clearly, if we can store up treasure in heaven by our actions here, our eternal existence is impacted by our present lives.
Thus, if we gain this eternal perspective, we should rightly pray for a correct perspective on the brevity of our days here, and the importance of our actions, relative to our eternity. I think this is the heart of wisdom that Moses is speaking about in this Psalm. Our lives here do count in eternity.
Lord, help me to understand this reality and live my life accordingly.
I was thinking how true this really was - how our lives here, when compared to our eternal existence are so tiny, so seemingly irrelevant. Yet, our time here has great impact on our eternal existence. Jesus says in Matt 6:20 that we should store up for ourselves treasures in heaven, rather than on earth. Clearly, if we can store up treasure in heaven by our actions here, our eternal existence is impacted by our present lives.
Thus, if we gain this eternal perspective, we should rightly pray for a correct perspective on the brevity of our days here, and the importance of our actions, relative to our eternity. I think this is the heart of wisdom that Moses is speaking about in this Psalm. Our lives here do count in eternity.
Lord, help me to understand this reality and live my life accordingly.
Monday, August 1, 2011
The Starry Host
This morning I was reading through Isaiah 40 and found myself thinking about the reality of verse 26. It reads, " Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing."
Recently, I have been reading a few different articles about discovery's they are making concerning the stars and galaxies. A recent article was discussing a discovery of water surrounding a black hole that is 12 Billion light years away! I was thinking about how incredible it is that God created all the universe in all its immensity and complexity, yet He also created and cares for me!
If He cares for each of the billions of stars, calling them by name, making sure not one of them is missing, could He not do the same for each of the billions of people? I took great comfort in the fact that His power and love is so much greater than we could ever imagine, and that power and love is focused on me too!
What an incredible God we have!
Recently, I have been reading a few different articles about discovery's they are making concerning the stars and galaxies. A recent article was discussing a discovery of water surrounding a black hole that is 12 Billion light years away! I was thinking about how incredible it is that God created all the universe in all its immensity and complexity, yet He also created and cares for me!
If He cares for each of the billions of stars, calling them by name, making sure not one of them is missing, could He not do the same for each of the billions of people? I took great comfort in the fact that His power and love is so much greater than we could ever imagine, and that power and love is focused on me too!
What an incredible God we have!
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