DailyHope Jan6
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Posted via email from ..................The Last Call Digest
A.W.Tozer: Jan6
January: Personal Life
Some things may be neglected with but little loss to the spiritual
life, but to neglect communion with God is to hurt ourselves where we
cannot afford it. The Root of the Righteous, page 9
January 6 Personal Life: The Compelling Call For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! --1 Corinthians 9:16 The true minister is one not by his own choice but by the sovereign commission of God. From a study of the Scriptures one might conclude that the man God calls seldom or never surrenders to the call without considerable reluctance. The young man who rushes too eagerly into the pulpit at first glance seems to be unusually spiritual, but he may in fact only be revealing his lack of understanding of the sacred nature of the ministry. The old rule, "Don't preach if you can get out of it," if correctly understood, is still a good one. The call of God comes with an insistence that will not be denied and can scarcely by resisted. Moses fought his call strenuously and lost to the compulsion of the Spirit within him; and the same may be said of many others in the Bible and since Bible times. Christian biography shows that many who later became great Christian leaders at first tried earnestly to avoid the burden of the ministry; but I cannot offhand recall one single instance of a prophet's having applied for the job. The true minister simply surrenders to the inward pressure and cries, "Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" God Tells the Man Who Cares, 87-88. "Lord, I'm here in this ministry not because I chose to be, but because I've sensed your call on my life. Help me always to be faithful to that call, in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen."
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BobCaldwell: Jan6
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Live What You Believe
(1 Corinthians 15:29-58)
Paul now builds on the logical evidence he gave in verses 12 through 28 for faith in Christ and His resurrection. Having made clear that he has no room in his life to preach and teach what he cannot logically defend, he now adds another personal example. Basically he says, Look, if I wouldn't teach what I couldn't verify, how much less would I suffer for something I'm not sure is true? (v. 13-19, 30-32).
Paul then points to the difference between stars and planets as well as the diversities of creatures on land and in the sea. Each one's existence is based on its ability to survive in its environment. Paul says it's only logical that God will do the same in giving us resurrection bodies designed for eternal life. Next, he uses the example of a seed. When planted, a seed looks very different from what that seed will become. This, he says, is a clear picture of what will happen at our physical death. We too are buried at death like a seed. But, also like a seed, we will rise above this earth in our resurrection bodies just as Jesus did.
It is because of this fact that we are exhorted to live what we believe with a passion that abounds in God's work. There is no logical justification for anything less (v. 58). Stop today and look at your life. How you live is the surest way to know what you genuinely believe. If the investment of your heart, mind, and resources is not being used by God to prepare yourself and others for eternity, then you obviously don't really "believe" what you believe. Do something about it now. Begin to build a firm foundation for your faith as Paul did. When you do you will find yourself propelled into being God's voice and hands of salvation to a world that stands at the edge of eternity.
NKJV Bible Text
1 Corinthians 15:29-58
29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? 30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!"
33 Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits." 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
| Effects Of Denying The Resurrection (v. 29-34) v. 29 Baptized For the Dead – This has consistently been a difficult passage to interpret because it seems out of harmony with what is generally taught about baptism. It sounds as if a person could be baptized for a person's salvation who is already dead. That a person would feel it was necessary to do so seems rooted in the belief that baptism is the means of salvation. Therefore, is person had died who had not been baptized you could secure their salvation by doing so on their behalf. This concept of baptismal regeneration is not taught in scripture. At Corinth, there seems to have been the practice of being baptized for those who had died prior to baptism. This is only one of several guesses on this obscure passage. However, Paul does not sanction this practice, he simply refers to it to show how inconsistent their actions are if there was no belief in a resurrection for the believers who had died. v. 30 Stand In Jeopardy – Paul asks those who doubt the resurrection to give a logical reason why he should be willing to live in constant danger to proclaim it if he knew it wasn't really true. v. 31 I Affirm – In Greek this word was used when a person sought to swear something to be true or to make an important and strong statement in regards to an issue. The Boasting – Paul points out that the glory and boasting he has in Jesus Christ is rooted in his willingness to suffer a daily death to everything that would keep him from proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In fact, it was only because of this attitude and for this reason that the people he was writing to ever became believers. If they denied the resurrection, they were denying one of the truths that propelled Paul to come and preach to them and lead them to Jesus Christ. | v. 32 Manner of Men – Paul makes reference to fighting wild beasts, which most likely involved some punishment he was given for preaching the gospel at Ephesus. Some, however, see this as a figurative statement because as a Roman citizen he would have been legally protected from this type of judgment. However, he makes it clear that he did not place himself in such danger because of any natural motivation of man but because he was willing to proclaim the truth of the gospel at any cost. What Advantage – Paul tries to impress upon those who doubted the resurrection that to make one's self vulnerable to such dangers simply to proclaim lies was logically not worth the risks. v. 33 Do Not Be Deceived – Paul seeks to open the eyes of those he is trying to restore to spiritual soundness. Paul warns that the teaching they had come under that questioned the reliability of the resurrection would soon result in a corrupted and misguided life. Beliefs do ultimately manifest themselves in behavior. Evil Company – Paul uses a common proverb used among the Greeks that originated with Menander, a Greek poet. The warning is obvious. If these believers continue to allow bad doctrine to influence them, their walk with Christ would be undermined. v. 34 Awake to Righteousness – This word for awake was commonly used by Greeks to refer to someone who was waking up from a deep sleep or sobering up from being drunk. Not Sin – Paul again links bad doctrine with a bad life. Your Shame – It was a disgrace on the church that there was such a pervasive ignorance about God as revealed in their doubt about God being able to resurrect the dead. |
A Glorious Body
35 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?" 36 Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. 37 And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.
39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.
40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.
| A Glorious Body (v. 35-49) v. 35 How Are The Dead – Paul states the main arguments that were raised against the resurrection. First, it does not seem possible that the physical matter of a person could be collected after it has decomposed into the earth. Secondly, how could a body be reconstructed with nothing but decomposed dust? Foolish One – Paul sees this argument against the possibility of a resurrection as a denial of a commonly observed fact in nature, which is seen in the process of seeds. v. 36 Unless It Dies – Paul answers the first argument from the function of seeds. A seed placed in the ground must begin to decompose. It dies before it will begin to come alive and start to grow. v. 37 Body That Will Be – Paul reminds them that the seed that goes into the ground looks much different than what will eventually grow from the seed. In like fashion, the resurrection will produce a new body that will be much more glorious than what went into the grave. v. 38 God Gives – The genetic makeup of each seed that is given by God produces amazing results. | That Pleases Him – God has ordained the beautiful diversity of plant life, revealing the pleasure He derives from their awesome colors, shapes and functions. v. 39 All Flesh – This answers the second argument against a literal resurrection in regards to what a resurrection of the body would be like. Paul seeks to show that just as there are different physical bodies given in nature that are best suited for their function, so God should be seen as capable of giving a new resurrection body best suited for eternity. Furthermore, even in nature there are examples of something dramatically changing its bodily form (e.g. the caterpillar that becomes a butterfly). v. 40 Celestial Bodies – the various planets, stars, etc. of the universe Terrestrial Bodies – the various forms and bodies on earth The Glory – Paul points out the difference in form and function of the bodies of heavens and on earth. v. 41 One Star Differs – Paul points out the vast differences among the celestial bodies. |
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.
| v. 42 So Also – Now that he has given examples to answer the arguments against the feasibility of the resurrection, Paul applies this logic to the resurrection. Sown in Corruption – First, Paul shows how the human body, like a seed, is placed in the ground. It is done so in a state of decay as it returns to dust. Raised In Incorruption – The promise of the resurrection is a new body that knows no form of decay or imperfection. v. 43 Sown In Dishonor – The process of death is completely out of character with what God had originally desired for mankind. The weakness, the inability to do the simplest of tasks, brings a form of dishonor to even the greatest of men and women as stakes brings its claim on them. Raised In Glory – The resurrection body will have a glory that will even surpass that of Adam and Eve before the fall. We will be given bodies that share in the likeness of Jesus' resurrection body (v. 49). Sown In Weakness – the culmination of the gradual aging process as our bodies begin to wind down toward death In Power – The perfect bodies we will receive will have the ability to function at a level of power that is hard to imagine. However, we do know that our bodies will not restrict us in any way from experiencing all God has prepared for us in eternity. | v. 44 Sown a Natural Body – the physical body that is adapted to the environment of earth. Spiritual Body – the body we will be given that will be adapted to a life in the realm of the spirit for eternity v. 45 First Adam – Through Adam, the human race has been given a life that enables man to exist as a living entity. Second Adam – Jesus is the originator of a new race of humanity that is endowed with a life that is not bound to the earth, as was Adam. It is destined to live in the realm of the spirit for all eternity. v. 47 Of the Earth – Adam was literally made from the dust of the ground. Lord From Heaven – In contrast, Jesus is seen as not limited to the earthly realm, because for all eternity He has known a life in the heavens. The heavens here are a reference to the spiritual realm. v. 49 Image Of – Having laid out the contrast between the first and second Adam, Paul declares that the resurrection will give us a body that is in the image of Jesus. |
Our Final Victory
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."
55 "O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?"
56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
| Our Final Victory (v. 50-58) v. 50 Flesh and Blood – The physical, easily damaged body we presently have is not capable of dwelling in eternity in God's presence. Inherit – denotes the privileges we have coming to us because of what the death of Christ provided Kingdom of God – the rule of Christ as King, the realm of that rule and the resulting benefits of that rule and realm v. 51 A Mystery – Paul reveals what will happen to believers who are still alive when Christ returns, something that up to this point had not been understood or revealed. Changed – The transformation that will occur for those who are living will be the same as experienced by the resurrected dead. This may be what happened to Enoch and Elijah when both were caught up to heaven without having died. v. 52 A Moment – The root word in Greek here is "atomos." It refers to the smallest conceivable amount of something. Twinkling of an Eye – This is another way to convey the idea of a sudden instantaneous change. Last Trumpet – A trumpet was often used during battle to call men in an army together. This word picture conveys the thought of calling God's people to Himself. It will be the last trumpet for the believer, for we will thereafter be with Christ. (I Tess. 4:16-17) However, there will still be subsequent trumpet calls during the tribulation as recorded in the book of Revelation. v. 53 Must Put On – The spiritual, non materialistic aspect of man will be clothed in an indestructible body that is able to function for all eternity. v. 54 That Is Written – Paul gives the basic sense of Isaiah 25:8 as he applies it to the resurrection. | Death Is Swallowed – Death, the one thing that no man in history has been able to overcome, will not be the portion for those who share in the benefits of Jesus Christ. v. 55 O Death – Paul quotes from Hosea 13:14 to identify the powerful force of death. The Sting Of – The source and power of death is identified as the result of sin (Gen. 3:3). v. 56 Strength of Sin – The relationship between the law of God and the force of sin is further developed in Romans 7:9-13. There Paul shows how the law of God actually stirs mankind to challenge the law by violating it. The law gives no intrinsic power to keep it. v. 57 Gives Us the Victory – Paul gives thanks to God who not only has conquered death through the resurrection but the power of sin as well through Jesus Christ. v. 58 Therefore – Paul concludes his teaching on the resurrection with an exhortation to live our lives in the present in light of our future glory. Steadfast – "Hedraios" (Gk.) — an attitude of holding a firm position Immovable – "Ametakenatos" (Gk.) In the firm position we are to have in the truths of the gospel, we are to maintain an attitude that nothing can or should move us from the truth. Abounding – "Perisseao" (Gk.) — an overflow, something that exceeds what is necessary. Work of the Lord – The focus of our solid position in Christ is to enable us to have an abundant capacity to do God's will in the midst of this fallen world as we await the resurrection. Not In Vain – The resurrection is sure, and therefore the rewards of a life lived in God's purpose will not be lost at death but rather gained. In the Lord – The believer's labors are done on His behalf in the nature and power of Jesus. |
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TheBigPicture: Jan6
January 6
The Story of Abraham and Lot
References:-->Genesis 13-14; Psalm 4:6-8; Proverbs 2:6-7
Then Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, to the South. Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents. Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land.
So Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left."
And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other. Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD.
And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: "Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are-northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you."
Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the LORD.
And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations, that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). All these joined together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him came and attacked the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, and the Horites in their mountain of Seir, as far as El Paran, which is by the wilderness. Then they turned back and came to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and attacked all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who dwelt in Hazezon Tamar.
And the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and joined together in battle in the Valley of Siddim against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar-four kings against five. Now the Valley of Siddim was full of asphalt pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled; some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains. Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, Abram's brother's son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they were allies with Abram. Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him.
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said:
"Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand."
And he gave him a tithe of all.
Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself."
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich'- except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion."
Genesis 13-14
WORSHIP
There are many who say,
"Who will show us any good?"
LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:6-8
WISDOM
For the LORD gives wisdom;From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly.
Proverbs 2:6-7
TheBigPicture: Jan6
January 6
The Story of Abraham and Lot
References:-->Genesis 13-14; Psalm 4:6-8; Proverbs 2:6-7
Then Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, to the South. Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents. Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land.
So Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left."
And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other. Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD.
And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: "Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are-northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you."
Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the LORD.
And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations, that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). All these joined together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him came and attacked the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, and the Horites in their mountain of Seir, as far as El Paran, which is by the wilderness. Then they turned back and came to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and attacked all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who dwelt in Hazezon Tamar.
And the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and joined together in battle in the Valley of Siddim against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar-four kings against five. Now the Valley of Siddim was full of asphalt pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled; some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains. Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, Abram's brother's son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they were allies with Abram. Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him.
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said:
"Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand."
And he gave him a tithe of all.
Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself."
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich'- except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion."
Genesis 13-14
WORSHIP
There are many who say,
"Who will show us any good?"
LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:6-8
WISDOM
For the LORD gives wisdom;From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly.
Proverbs 2:6-7
Posted via email from ..................The Last Call Digest
GregLaurie: Jan6
Posted via email from ..................The Last Call Digest
OneYear: January 6th
http://www.oneyearbibleblog.com/)">January 6th One Year Bible Readings |
| January 6th One Year Bible Readings Posted: 05 Jan 2011 07:59 PM PST You are invited to join us on the One Year Bible journey in 2011! We currently have over 13,250 people in 73 countries around the world signed up for our free weekly email filled with commentary, encouragement, and questions for reflection. To join us on the journey in 2011 click on this link for more details and to sign up! Genesis 13:5-15:21 ~ Matthew 5:27-48 ~ Psalm 6:1-10 ~ Proverbs 1:29-33 Old Testament - These are some great readings today about Abram and his faith! Chapter 13 verse 9 stood out to me today as Abram was trying to settle the arguments between his and Lot's herdsmen over pastureland: "I'll tell you what we'll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want that area over there, then I'll stay here. If you want to stay in this area, then I'll move on to another place." I guess what I really like about this is Abram is giving Lot the first choice of the land. It seems like Abram is confident that he will personally be okay with whatever 2nd choice is left-over to him because he is in a relationship with God. I like this. And I hope that we each do this in my life from time to time. Think about this random example - parking spaces in a crowded mall can be hot commodities and arguments can ensue. What would it be like if we let others get the first choice and we continued on in confidence that we will be okay with whatever 2nd choice is left-over to us? Who knows - maybe we'd end up with the parking space in the boonies - and get an extra quarter mile of a walk for exercise... maybe not such a bad 2nd choice? Is it possible for us to get in the habit of letting others get the 1st choice of things whenever there is an argument about to ensue - and us being confident that 2nd choice will still be great for us - maybe in ways we don't foresee? And confident that because we are in a relationship with God? Below is an image of Abram and Lot in Genesis 13 about to part ways: Chapter 14 verse 14 also stood out in regards to Abram's character: "When Abram learned that Lot had been captured, he called together the men born into his household, 318 of them in all. He chased after Kedorlaomer's army until he caught up with them in Dan." I don't know about you... but I'll be honest. If my nephew got captured by a band of marauding kings and their army, I'm thinking I might just let my nephew go and chalk it up to very bad luck on his part... But not Abram! When he heard the news that Lot had been captured, it looks like he did not even blink! He called together his household immediately and they were off and running after Kedorlaomer's army. Yes, they were chasing after an army... again, I'm not so sure I would do this... though, hopefully, maybe I now would if I can keep in mind Abram's character here.... What about you? Would you chase after an army? Is there maybe someone in your life who has been "captured" by something - an addiction, a sadness, some bad luck - and will you go chasing after that person and help to free them from the "army" that has ensnared them? In verses 17 through 20 in chapter 14 we read about Melchizedek. And I definitely would like to get others opinions on this - Who was Melchizedek? The reason I ask this question is due to Hebrews Chapter 7 - click on this link to read this chapter of Hebrews. (Hebrews 7 is well worth the read at this point in our Genesis journey.) My thinking currently is that Melchizedek was a very great priest - but I don't believe he was Jesus Christ preincarnate. But, again, I'm willing to listen to others on your thoughts on this. My thoughts on this is that Hebrews 7 seems to be saying that Jesus is "like" or "in the order" of Melchizedek - but not quite saying Jesus is Melchizedek. I read there are 4 basic theories on who Melchizedek is - 1. simply a king of Salem and Abram was showing him respect, 2. Melchizedek was a standard title for the kings of Salem. 3. He was a "type of Christ" and he illustrates a lesson about Christ. or 4. He was Jesus preincarnate in a temporary body form. So - whaddya think? Below is an oil painting by Peter Paul Reubens, circa 1625, of Abram and Melchizedek meeting: Genesis chapter 15:9-21 is the first Abrahamic Covenant. It was an unconditional divine promise to fulfill the grant of the land to Abram and his descendants. Verses 5 & 6 in chapter 15 are powerful: "Then the LORD brought Abram outside beneath the night sky and told him, "Look up into the heavens and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that--too many to count!" And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD declared him righteous because of his faith." And verse 6, the preceding sentence to this one I think is important for each of us to consider. Do we believe God's promises? What are God's promises for us? Do we have faith that God's promises for us through his son Jesus are true? Even if we've been walking with faith for a while now - are we still as "on fire" with our faith as we once were? Can we pray to God to show us his promises anew (or maybe for the first time) for our lives? Can we pray to God for faith like Abram's? It is believed that in the dark night sky of the ancient near east Abram could have seen up to 8,000 stars in the sky. Perhaps when God said the words above in verses 5 & 6 Abram saw a view of something like this below (image taken from NASA's Hubble Space telescope of the Sagittarious Star Cloud): Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Genesis titled "Lot Looks Out for Number One" is at this link, "The Rescue of Lot" is at this link, and "The Focal Point of Abram's Faith" is at this link. New Testament - Matthew 5:27-30 are Jesus' teachings about adultery. And really I think these teachings, along with many others in the Sermon on the Mount, are even more so about what is going on inside our hearts. Jesus discusses how the law says clearly how we are "not to do" something - it's very apparent and very "exterior" if we commit a sin like adultery. Jesus says that the exterior/apparent/obvious sin is wrong for sure - but Jesus is equally as concerned with what's going on in the "interior" - inside our hearts. Jesus proposes that if we have looked at someone lustfully with our "interior", we have committed the same sin as if we had actually committed adultery on the "exterior." Do you see how Jesus' teachings in today's readings are really focusing on the condition of our hearts? How is the condition of your heart today when it comes to these teachings? I know these can be seen as "hard teachings." Please note that I do not believe that Jesus is advocating self-mutilation in these readings - he is being figurative, not literal, in his speech about gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand. (someone can be blind and still lust) But he wants the point to be made very strongly. These teachings are obviously important for us to meditate on and learn from and obey. I am sure we all know it is true that what we "think" can often become what we "do". So, it seems to me that Jesus is trying to stop us from even committing sin at the "thinking" level, because it may later manifest itself into action. Or - even if it does not manifest itself into action the thinking of the sin can actually affect us just adversely as much as the actual doing of the sin. Let us not let our minds wander into cloudy territory, but let us keep our minds clean and focused on Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Righteousness. Jesus' teachings today in Matthew 5 can certainly keep us from cloudy thinking and the confusion of internal sin: I do actually want to say a few more things about the whole adultery / lust issue brought up in today's readings. And it is this - probably many of us have struggled with lust, or are struggling with lust right now. I have. And I know many of my friends who have. I am very saddened by many things I have seen and heard and experienced over the years. However sad I am or have been though, I am sure God grieves for us so much more. I guess I just want to encourage anyone now who is reading this that might be struggling with lust or pornography or adultery or pre-marital sex etc. - there truly is freedom from what you are struggling with. And that freedom ultimately only is found in the healing love of Jesus. I just pray that you will do everything you can to allow Jesus to free you from what's enslaved you - seek professional counseling, find an accountability partner, confess your sins, read empowering books about freedom from what you are struggling with, avoid R-rated movies or Hollywood entertainment magazines if you need to, avoid situations or locations that will tempt you, and above all pray to Jesus and ask for healing continually. He will heal you. It may take time. But Jesus will heal you. God bless you as you work your way out of this and into amazing freedom! God will get you there! Let the healing begin! Pastor Joshua Harris has three really good books related to the topic of lust, purity, dating and marriage that I highly recommend. One book is titled "Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is): Sexual Purity in a Lust-Saturated World," another is titled "Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship," and another titled "I Kissed Dating Goodbye." All three of these books have been very helpful to me in different phases of life. I know some folks think Josh's books are a bit too "legalistic." Maybe they seem that way in our current culture, but I have found them to be very Biblically sound. If you are single, then I strongly urge you to read these books!
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew titled "Flames of Desire" is at this link, "Avoiding the Sin of Adultery" is at this link, and "Jesus and the Law of Retaliation (Lex Talionis)" is at this link. Psalms - As I read Psalm 6, it seems very penitential to me - like David was making a confession of sins and praying for forgiveness from God. As you read through these verses, have you ever felt like this? I have. And it ain't fun. But, it's part of the healing process. I do think we need to allow ourselves to get fully broken before God before we get fully healed. We can't mask over or hide from God what's really going on - we have got to put it all out there on the table before God, for him to be able to truly fix it. However - there is great encouragement and confidence from David in this Psalm in verse 9: "The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD will answer my prayer." The Lord will hear your plea! The Lord will answer your prayer! Please plea and pray to him if you need to. He will listen and answer. Proverbs - Proverbs 1 verse 31 is a strong teaching to consider: "That is why they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way. They must experience the full terror of the path they have chosen." I guess what jumped out at me is the simple word "path." Such a simple word... but a profound one. Every single day there seem to be various paths in front of us. Various options. Choices we can make. Paths we can take. Paths that can lead to light and life. Paths that can lead to full terror. What type of path are you on now? Are you on the right path? Who is leading you down this path? Is it God? I'll close with one of my favorite Proverbs, that I have memorized and repeat to myself often, which also discusses paths - Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Let us pray for straight paths today! Worship God: Our Matthew Chapter 5 readings on lust seems an appropriate point to share with you this phenomenal song by Rebecca St. James that she wrote for her future husband called "Wait for Me:" Do you know that God is waiting for you? Click here and wait no more! Please join me in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28 NIV Prayer Point: Pray that you will not commit adultery in your life. Pray that you will not look at another person lustfully. Pray that if you are committing adultery in your heart right now that you will repent and turn to Jesus for healing. Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Based on our readings in Matthew chapter 5 today about lust, are there any good books or websites you can recommend related to achieving victory in this area of our lives? Or any habits or practices of yours that you are comfortable sharing about how you avoid the sin of lust in your life? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below! God bless, |
