Jeremiah 48:1-49:22 ~ 2 Timothy 4:1-22 ~ Psalm 95:1-96:13 ~ Proverbs 26:9-12
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Old Testament - Jeremiah chapter 48 is not a very happy chapter... at first glance it's tough to figure out what is going on in this chapter. Why is God so angry at Moab? I think verses 28 - 30 let us in on why: "You people of Moab, flee from your cities and towns! Live in the caves like doves that nest in the clefts of the rocks. We have heard of the pride of Moab, for it is very great. We know of her loftiness, her arrogance, and her haughty heart. I know about her insolence," says the LORD, "but her boasts are false; they accomplish nothing." It sounds like pride and boasting was a major factor here obviously. Along with idol worship as we see in verse 13: "At last Moab will be ashamed of her idol Chemosh, as Israel was ashamed of her gold calf at Bethel." I do think we see sadness from God in this judgment upon Moab in verse 31: "Yes, I wail for Moab; my heart is broken for the men of Kir-hareseth." And ultimate redemption comes in the last verse, 47, of this chapter: "But in the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Moab," says the LORD." This chapter may give us the opportunity to pause and reflect on if there are areas in our life where we are boasting? Boasting in prideful ways? Are we arrogant, lofty, displaying a haughty heart toward others?
Chapter 49 does not bring good tidings to the Ammonites or Edomites. Verse 16 again gives us a good look into why this judgment is coming upon Edom: "You are proud that you inspire fear in others. And you are proud because you live in a rock fortress and hide high in the mountains. But don't fool yourselves!" Pride. Again. Pride. Think Pride is something that has been a temptation of humans since the Fall? Think this temptation continues today? Verse 6 does give the hope of redemption for the Ammonites: "But afterward I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites," says the LORD." This map below will give you a quick snapshot of the location of the Ammonites, Edomites, and Moabites from today's readings:
New Testament - We wrap up Paul's second letter to Timothy today! Titus begins tomorrow! Second Timothy chapter 4 verses 3 & 4 give a good warning for each of us today: "For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths." Do we do this? Do we "look for" or "shop around for" teachers that we really like? Teachers that may only tell us what we want to hear? That may not challenge us with Truth? That may offer strange myths? (okay, so this animated teacher guy below is probably a solid teacher - I came across a scary image about false teachers with a wolf growling as one image option for below... but I just kind of liked this guy better for some reason today. Wow... here I am shopping around for my teacher! This guy below is probably telling me what I want to hear! :) Okay, okay, I'll put up the scary wolf image below too!)
In the close of this 2nd letter to Timothy, we are reading some of Paul's final written words! They are amazing. It's great to see some basic human needs in these closing words in verse 13: "When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers." It's also sad to see how Paul's been left pretty much alone and abandoned by many. Verse 22 are some beautiful closing words, and it's my prayer for each of you as well: "May the Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all." Indeed. Grace...
Psalms - Psalm 95 verses 4 & 5 remind me of the Chris Tomlin song "Indescribable": "He owns the depths of the earth, and even the mightiest mountains are his. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too." Have you heard this song by Chris? It is a very joyful modern day psalm! You can view the song's lyrics here. Great tune... Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 95 titled "A Warning about Worship" is at this link.
Wow.. Psalm 96 today is amazing! I love verse 1: "Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD!" And I love the imagery in verse 12: "Let the fields and their crops burst forth with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise."
Proverbs - Today in Proverbs 26:12 we read: “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” This is an impactful verse for me. It reminds me of the need for true humility in our lives – and realizing where true wisdom comes from in our lives – God. Are we sometimes wise in our own eyes? If so, could this lead to trouble? Do you ever pray to God to keep you humble? Do you joyfully accept being humble in your life at all times? Will you pray to God to give you the strength to remain humble?
Worship God: I realize that I'm posting up 2 Chris Tomlin videos 2 days in a row. But since I mentioned his song "Indescribable" in the Psalm 95 reflection above, I want to share a live version of this song from The Netherlands Youth Day at a stadium this past summer. I don't think I mentioned this in yesterday's posting - but if you ever get a chance to see Chris Tomlin live, please take the opportunity! It is always a powerful worship experience!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Is God Indescribable to you? Click here to get to know Him!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture this week: "Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." First Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you from today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike
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