He changes not ~ Bob Coy

God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?-Numbers 23:19 (NKJV)

When God declared something prophetically, that was it. He didn't second guess Himself or go back and change His mind. If anything, He reaffirmed what He had already said. Such is the case with His prophecy that Abraham would father a great nation. Here's what Abraham was originally told:

I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. (Genesis 12:2 NKJV)

A few years down the road, God repeated this prophecy to Abraham's son, Isaac:

I am the God of your father Abraham....I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham's sake. (Genesis 26:24 NKJV)

Later on, He reiterated this to Isaac's son, Jacob:

"I am the LORD God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac....in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 28:13-14 NKJV)

Can you see the consistency? The ones receiving the prophecy had changed, but the prophecy itself remained the same. That's because the One who gave it does not change or waver. Bible scholars use the term immutability to describe God's unchanging nature, and this divine characteristic of His is seen even in the prophecies He proclaimed.

As we take it upon ourselves to study the Scriptures, we would do well to remember that the prophetic passages in God's Word are consistent. They will never change because He doesn't.


Discuss the consistent character of God. Share how you have recently been reminded that God does not change. How does this bring you confidence and comfort?

Dig into Numbers 23:19. What does this Scripture say, and what does it mean to you? Why is it important that we remember the truth of this passage? How does the consistent character of God bring you both challenges and assurance? What impression does this verse make on you as you consider your own conduct?

Decide with your group to demonstrate the love of God to someone who has spent most of their life feeling separated from that love. Find an elderly person in your church or community that needs ministry and mobilize your group to show the constant love of the heavenly Father.

Put me in Coach ~ Mark Balmer

God the Ultimate Head Coach

Based on “Under HIS Influence – Yes, Lord” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 10/3-4/09,
Message #MB391; Daily Devotional #6 - “God, the Ultimate Head Coach”



Preparing the Soil (Introduction): In this week’s service, Pastor Mark described Christ followers that are willing to live by the Spirit and follow His direction as players on the football field, while the Christ followers that were content to stay in their comfort zone were depicted as the fans in the stands who cheered them on. As a lifelong fan of football, this analogy stirred my heart. As a fan, I have felt the joy of seeing “my team” win the big game and celebrate to the cheer of millions. I have often imagined what it would be like to catch the winning touchdown or kick the winning kick that sealed the victory in a big game. It is staggering to think how much more important the battle for souls is than a game of football. To the victor goes eternal life with our Lord and Savior, while the loser pays the ultimate price of eternity in anguish and separation from God. I am honored that despite these enormous stakes, through the sacrifice of Jesus I can be more than a passive observer and step onto the field and play a part in God’s plan for victory.


Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): As Christ followers on the field we can be fully confident in the Lord as our Coach and Leader. We have each been given a talent that can be used to attain victory in the battle for souls. “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) God will give us the strength we need. "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19, NKJV) Also, we can be assured that God knows exactly the best way to use our talents. God is the Creator of our universe and knows all things, past, present, and future. “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I Say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” (Isaiah 46:10) How reassuring to know that our Father is incapable of mistakes. He knows every scenario; His game plan is perfect. As imperfect beings we can rest assured that if we follow His plan we will be victorious.


Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): The time is now. By saying, “Yes, Lord,” we can run out of the tunnel for the glory of our Creator and play for the greatest goal imaginable. We must listen and be ready to execute God’s plan in His timeline. "Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared." (Exodus 23:20, NKJV) If we stay humble and follow God’s plan to His glory, and not our plan to our glory, we can be assured of victory. "…I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10) Imagine the rejoicing when the battle is won and the eternal satisfaction of having contributed to the victory in humble service.


Cultivating (Additional Reading): Acts 8:5-8; 1 Corinthians 9:24

Run Forest, Run! ~ Chuck Swindoll

Seeing Forest through the trees

We don't hear much about gumption anymore. Too bad, since we need it more than ever these days. I was raised on gumption (my parents also called it "spizzerinctum")---as were my own children, especially when I was trying to motivate them.

Can't you just see it as a whole new academic field---"Gumptionology 101"---in some college catalog? That will never happen, however, since gumption is better caught than taught.

Most folks get a little gumption in their initial birth packet, but it's a tool that rusts rather quickly. Here are some pointers that will help you keep it well oiled:

Gumption begins with a firm commitment. Daniel "made up his mind" long before he was dumped in a Babylonian boot camp (Dan. 1:8). Joshua didn't hesitate to declare his commitment in his famous "as for me and my house" speech (Josh. 24:15). You want gumption to continue to the end? Start strong!

Gumption means being disciplined one day at a time. Rather than focusing on the whole enchilada, take it in bite-sized chunks. The whole of any objective can overwhelm even the most courageous.

Gumption requires being alert to subtle temptations. Gumption plans ahead, watching out for associations that weaken us (Prov. 13:20), procrastination that steals from us (24:30-34), and rationalizations that lie to us (23:4; 25:28). People who achieve their goals stay alert.

Gumption requires the encouragement of accountability. At David's low-water mark, his friend Jonathan stepped in. When Elijah was ready to cash in everything, along came Elisha. With Paul it was Timothy . . . or Silas or Barnabas or Dr. Luke. People need people, which is why Solomon came on so strong about iron sharpening iron (Prov. 27:17).

Gumption comes easier when we remember that finishing has its own unique rewards. Jesus told the Father He had "accomplished" His assignment (John 17:4). On more than one occasion, Paul referred to "finishing the course" (Acts 20:24; 2 Tim. 4:7). Desire accomplished is sweet to the soul.

If the journey seems extra long today, enjoy a gust of wind at your back from these words out of The Living Bible. It's one of those spizzerinctum Scriptures: "Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't get discouraged and give up" (Gal. 6:9).

Gumption may be hidden, but it always shows.

To each his own ~ Joyce Meyer

Diversity and variety

And out of the ground the Lord God formed every [wild] beast and living creature of the field and every bird of the air and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them; and whatever Adam called every living creature, that was its name. And Adam gave names to all the livestock and to the birds of the air and to every [wild] beast of the field.
— Genesis 2:19-20

I am sure if you think about it a little, you will agree that our God is an awesome God. Simply take a walk and look around you. If it will help you, put the book down and do it now. Find out what is in the ocean, or how bees and flowers work together. Then realize that the same Holy Spirit present at Creation is living inside of you if you have truly accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior (See Acts 2:38).

There is a lot of creativity inside each of us that we need to tap into without fear. I think we often get into ruts. We do the same thing all the time even though we are bored with it because we are afraid to do something different.

We would rather be safe and bored than excited and living on the edge. Some people stay in jobs or professions all their lives because what they are doing is safe. They may hate their jobs and feel completely unfulfilled, but the thought of doing anything else is frightening beyond words.

Or maybe they do think and dream about a change, but their dreams will never manifest because they are afraid of failure. I do not advocate jumping out in the middle of every "whim" that comes along, but there is a definite time to step out of the ordinary and into new things.

God has created you and me to need and crave diversity and variety. There is nothing wrong with us if we feel sometimes that we just need a change. On the other hand, if we can never be satisfied for very long no matter what we are doing, then we have the reverse problem. The Word of God instructs us to be content and satisfied (See Hebrews 13:5 and 1 Timothy 6:6). Balance is the key.

True expectations ~ Daily Light

MORNING

Be not far from me; for trouble is near.

How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? - Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. - The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. - Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. - Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. - My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

PSA. 22:11. Psa. 13:1,2. Psa. 27:9. Psa. 91:15. Psa. 145:18,19. John 14:18. Matt. 28:20. Psa. 46:1. Psa. 62:1. -Psa. 62:5.

EVENING

Hallowed be thy name.

Thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? - Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.

Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. - I saw ... the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone. - I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself.

The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. - That we might be partakers of his holiness. - Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, let us draw near with a true heart.

MATT. 6:9. Exo. 34:14. Exo. 15:11. Rev. 4:8. I Chr. 16:29. Isa. 6:1 3,5. -Job 42:5,6. I John 1:7. Heb. 12:10. Heb. 10:19,22.

Corrective heart surgery - Greg Laurie

A MATTER OF THE HEART

( corrected and revised from yesterday's Post on Last Call)

Is a Christian entitled to self-defense? If that is the case, how does that work with the teaching of Jesus that we are to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile?

Should a true follower of Jesus be a complete pacifist? Or can a Christian actually be in favor of war? More specifically, can a Christian, in good conscience, serve in the military or as a law enforcement officer?

These questions have been asked for hundreds of years, and they are valid questions. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), Jesus deals with this issue and far more.

Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount to His disciples. Its standards are not those by which a society is governed as much as they are principles by which a true follower of Jesus is to live. The real theme of the Sermon on the Mount is simply this: the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.

That is why Jesus saved His most scathing words not for tax collectors or for prostitutes, but for Pharisees. He told them, "Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness" (Matthew 23:28).

Jesus was looking at their hearts. And God is still looking at human hearts today.

Have you ever actually wanted to kill someone? Has someone ever made you so angry that you almost could have? Let me put it another way: Have you ever driven on a freeway during rush hour?

Let's be honest. We have all felt that kind of anger. This is why we are warned about going "in the way of Cain" in Jude 1:11.

Cain was a murderer. His murderous motive started with envy when he saw that God accepted his brother Abel's sacrifice over his. That envy ultimately led to murder. And that is why we have to nip these things in the bud.

Jesus said, "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment" (Matthew 5:22). The word Jesus used for "angry" in this verse means a settled anger, malice that is nursed inwardly.

Jesus was speaking of people who become bitter and then develop a grudge and nurse it. They are not letting go. Every day, they are fueling the fire.

This is wrong. And this actually can lead to the kind of sin Jesus was referring to.

There are times when anger is proper. There is such a thing as righteous indignation. Certainly Jesus demonstrated that when He drove the moneychangers out of the temple, not once but twice.

Of course, there is also wicked anger. This is the kind of anger where we let something settle in and turn into hatred. According to 1 John 3:15, "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him."

Anger is murder in the heart, just as lust is adultery in the heart. Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment' " (Matthew 5:21). In the original language, the word used in this verse for "murder" is very specific.

Sometimes people will quote this verse and say, "It is a sin to kill. That is why there should be no wars and no one should ever use a gun or try to defend their lives." But the Bible does not say that. Rather, it says, "You shall not murder."

Let's understand the difference. All murder is killing, but not all killing is necessarily murder.

There are times when killing is acceptable, though not desirable. The Bible makes allowance for war. Throughout the Old Testament, there were many occasions when God told the Israelites to go to war. So there is a place for peace and a place for war. There is a place for the use of force and a place for turning the other cheek.

Jesus was not refuting capital punishment or the proper use of force, but He was essentially saying, "You pride yourselves on the fact that you have never actually murdered someone. But have you ever wanted, in your heart, to kill someone?"

If we only focus on the outward, we won't get to the real issue: Righteousness is a matter of the heart.

Jeremiah 16:16-18:23 ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3 ~ Psalm 81:1-16 ~ Proverbs 25:6-8 ~ One Year Bible Blog

Jeremiah 16:16-18:23 ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3 ~ Psalm 81:1-16 ~ Proverbs 25:6-8
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
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Old Testament - There are a lot of great verses in Jeremiah's readings today! Jeremiah 17:5 stands out: "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord." I think oftentimes we put more trust in others than the Lord - our spouses, our pastors, our friends, our family, and even ourselves. The risk here is that people are human and are not perfect. They will eventually disappoint at some point. God is the only perfect option to place our ultimate trust in. I do think we can still "trust" others to a degree - marriage of course being a prime example of this trust in another human. But, marriage will really only ultimately work if God is the "third cord" in the marriage (see Ecclesiastes 4:12). Overall, this verse wisely cautions that our highest level of trust should be reserved for God! Who will not fail us. Ever. Who do you trust these days the most? Do you trust God above anything or anyone else? Do you trust God more than you trust yourself?

Jeremiah 17:7-8 has some great imagery! ""But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit." These verses remind me a lot of Psalm 1, verses 1 through 3. Is God your hope and confidence? If so, do you feel like a tree planted along a riverbank with roots that reach deep into the water? How deep are your roots in God's living water these days?

Jeremiah 17:19-27 are some powerful verses on the Sabbath! I talk a lot with my friends about taking Sabbaths. I am really bad at it... and I know I need it. And I know my friends need it too. I'll have to remember verse 27 next time I'm having the Sabbath discussions with my friends... :) "`But if you do not listen to me and refuse to keep the Sabbath holy, and if on the Sabbath day you bring loads of merchandise through the gates of Jerusalem just as on other days, then I will set fire to these gates. The fire will spread to the palaces, and no one will be able to put out the roaring flames.'" How are you doing on taking a Sabbath each week? What would your response be to a modern day Jeremiah standing at the gate and telling you to keep one day a week as a holy day unto the Lord?

I like this verse in Jeremiah 18:15 - "They have stumbled off the ancient highways of good, and they walk the muddy paths of sin." I like that metaphor - the ancient highways of good. These sound nice! You want to be on these. And not veering off into the muddy paths of sin...

New Testament - The First Thessalonians verses today are great teachings on living to please God and the hope of the resurrection. A verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:2 that I actual use fairly frequently is: "the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night." I confess that I don't get too into predicting "end times" scenarios. Pre-trib, post-trib, etc. I know many good friends who are into all of this. I guess I just come back to this verse about the day of the Lord coming unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. I think this also applies to each of our own lives. We don't know how many years we have - hopefully many. But, you just don't know. And I don't really dwell or worry about it. The end of our lives will likely come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. And if we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we do not need to fear the day of the Lord!

In First Thessalonians 4:3-5 today we read this teaching of Paul’s: "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust." Are these verses contrary in any way to what you might see in our culture today? Are these verses contrary to any way that you might live your life? Do you see the value in this teaching of Paul’s? Is the lust / sexual immorality that our culture sells full of life or emptiness? Is this teaching of Paul’s full of life or emptiness? Are you controlling your own body in a way that is holy and honorable? What does Paul mean when he says it is God’s will that you should be sanctified? Do you want God to sanctify you? Will you participate in the sanctification process with God? Will you avoid sexual immorality?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Thessalonians chapter 4 titled "The Call to Holiness" is at this link. Below is a great image for 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 from today's readings:

Psalms - I always like reading verses like 1 & 2 in Psalm 81 today - verses that speak of music & God - "Sing praises to God, our strength. Sing to the God of Israel. Sing! Beat the tambourine. Play the sweet lyre and the harp." Do you sing praises to God? Is God your strength? I'll go off on a tangent here, which is always a risky thing to do... :) I'll admit that I am a music junkie. Really. I have loved music immensely ever since I was a pre-teen and heard K-TEL's Hit Explosion with such songs as Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger." :) Well, ever since then music has played an interesting role in my life - both positive and negative. Bottom line is that I think God used music to bring me to Him. Seven years ago I ended up at a rock & roll postmodern evangelical church where I really first heard songs about Jesus in a rock song! It was a paradigm shifter for me... I ended up accepting Jesus as my Lord & Savior at that church two months later - thanks in large part to an amazing pastor there at the time and thanks in large part to the rock & roll worship. I have to confess that I do love any opportunity I can get to flat out worship God in a rock & roll worship way! :) I do realize the risks of high energy rock music... it can propel people to do very dumb things. But I think it can also propel people toward Jesus. Maybe music is like anything else - it's a double edged sword. I will share with you that a buddy of mine shared with me how he threw out every single one of his worldly / secular rock & rap CD's after becoming a Christian. He said he didn't want to be fed by the messages that are in those songs anymore. I tried following his lead on this - and actually threw a few CD's in the trash... but I pulled them out before taking them to the dumpster. :) I'm starting to think though that I have a few CD's that need to get to that dumpster here sooner rather than later... I don't listen to them. So why hang on to them at all? Hope you don't mind this long tangent. Does anyone else have any music / God experiences that you would be up for sharing with us all? Please post up in the Comments section below! (And please forgive me for this image below... I couldn't resist... :)

Proverbs - In proverbs 25:6-7 today we read - "Don't demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great. It is better to wait for an invitation than to be sent to the end of the line, publicly disgraced!" This reminds me of Jesus' parable of not taking the best seats at the feast, or you may be asked to move down. But take the lowest seats and you may be asked to move on up. This is similar to Jesus' teaching: "those who are first, shall be last. And those who are last, shall be first." Are you comfortable being last? This Proverb today also talks about waiting for an invitation. How are you doing these days on waiting? Are you comfortable with waiting? Are you even comfortable on waiting for God? I'll share with you that I am actually in a season of "waiting" in my life right now in regards to finding a new job. But, I have been incredibly encouraged by Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." And I've also been encouraged greatly by the Lincoln Brewster song "Everlasting God" that has the awesome line - "Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord!" Amen! Do you feel your strength rising as you wait upon the Lord? p.s. if you have a moment to pray for me for a new job I'd appreciate it!

Worship God: Based on my brief comments above about Lincoln Brewster's awesome song "Everlasting God," here it is in the video below. This video shows the lyrics, which are great to read, and note that the images get a lot better as the video progresses. :) Also, my absolute favorite part of this song is when Lincoln Brewster's young son reads Isaiah 40:28-31 at the end of the song! So cute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP2nz6PG8KM

Do you know our God who reigns forever? Click here for your strong deliverer!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15 (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