JoyceMeyer: "we need to learn to relax and take things as they come without getting all nervous and upset about them."
It's Okay to Laugh
February 8
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you who are upright and in right standing with Him]; shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
— Psalm 32:11
Many serious things are going on in this world, and we need to be aware of them and prepared for them. But at the same time we need to learn to relax and take things as they come without getting all nervous and upset about them. We need to learn how to enjoy the good life God has provided for us through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ (see John 10:10). In spite of all the troubling things going on around us in the world, our daily confession should be, "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." Something we Christians need to do more of is laugh. We tend to be so heavy about everything—our sin, expecting perfection from ourselves, our growth in God, our prayer life, the gifts of the Spirit, and memorizing Bible verses. We carry around such heavy burdens. If we would just laugh a little more—be of good cheer, "cheer up"—we would find that a little bit of laughter makes that load much lighter. In the world we live in there isn't a great deal to laugh about so we will need to do it on purpose. It is easy to find plenty to worry about. To be happy, we need to work on it a little. We need to laugh and have a good time.
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EncouragementForToday: Has someone ever spoken words that helped you see something valuable or unique about yourself that you had never seen before?
Just the Right Words
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
Proverbs 25:11 (NIV)
Has someone ever spoken words that helped you see something valuable or unique about yourself that you had never seen before?
That’s what happened between Jill and Leanne. They met when Jill was coaching a basketball team and Leanne’s 13-year-old daughter, Shelby, was on her team. Years later, when she was in high school, Shelby got seriously injured and Jill reached out to her with encouragement, prayers and notes that spoke just the words Shelby needed to hear.
One day, Leanne sent a letter thanking Jill for the difference she was making in her daughter’s life. She described the great qualities she saw in Jill and called her a “bright light” that shined in many lives, including theirs.
Leanne didn’t know that months later Jill would go home to an empty apartment one night plagued with doubts, questioning her purpose in life. Battling clinical depression and living under the weight of feeling worthless, Jill contemplated suicide. That night as she pondered her fate, Jill opened her journal to write and a note fell out. As Jill opened the note, she read Leanne’s words again.
God used Leanne’s words to show Jill she did have a purpose and that life was worth living. Just the right words at just the right time.
When another woman speaks encouragement into our hearts, the course of our lives can be changed forever. And when we believe in someone else, God uses us to build confidence and security in a heart that may have otherwise been paralyzed by doubt and insecurity.
I’ll never forget my friend Janet thanking me for words I’d penned from my heart to hers in a thank you card. To me it was only a thank you, but it was more to her. God touched her heart deeply through something I said. And in response, she encouraged me to write more than notes. Her prayers and confidence inspired this insecure young mom to eventually write a Bible study.
God used that tiny Bible study, written over 10 years ago, to uncover His plans and develop the future writer in me. He used a woman who believed in me more than I believed in myself to help me take the first step.
Just the right words at just the right time.
Perhaps you need to hear them today. If so, let God speak them over you through His promises:
For you are a chosen [woman], you are a royal priest, a holy [daughter]. God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine….you are precious and honored in my sight, and I love you.” Isaiah 43:1, 4 (NIV)
For [you] are God’s masterpiece. He has created [you] anew in Christ Jesus, so [you] can do the good things he planned for [you] long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
In all these things [you] are more than [a] conqueror through him who loved [you]. Romans 8:37 (NIV)
Just the right words at just the right time.
Let God’s promises settle into those places in your heart that need for encouragement today. And then ask Jesus how you might share them. Perhaps there is someone in your life who needs them now more than ever.
Dear Lord, I need Your encouragement each day. Lead me to promises in Your Word that will strengthen me when I’m weary and build me up when I feel torn down. Help me see and believe what You see in me, and then share it with others. I pray You will give me just the right words at just the right time. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Make a list of five people in your life who could use your words of encouragement.
Take five minutes each day this week to encourage one of them:
Write a note of encouragement via email or in a card.
Leave a voicemail with a short prayer and let them hear you thanking God for something special about them.
Post a comment on their Facebook page telling them how much you appreciate them and why.
Reflections:
Do I realize the power of my words to speak hope and encouragement into the lives of others, as well as into my own life?
How often to I fill my mind with God’s words of encouragement so that I know His thoughts to share with others?
Power Verses:
Isaiah 50:4, “The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.”
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DailyHope: "Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking."
Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:2 (Msg)
| "Confession is simply agreeing with God, not arguing with him." |
This week’s devotionals are from Buddy Owens, teaching pastor at Saddleback Church and author of ‘The Way of a Worshiper’.
There are two words that are absolutely necessary for you to understand if you want to become a new person: confession and repentance.
You may think these words sound too religious or that confession and repentance will only make you feel rotten about yourself. But actually, when you understand what these words mean, you’ll see that they are positive, freeing, enlightening, liberating, and filled with hope. Confession and repentance are actually joyful words.
Confession means we say the same thing God says. Confession means we simply agree with God. We don’t argue with him about our sin; instead, we say the same thing about our sin that God says about our sin. We say, “You’re right, God. What I did was wrong.”
An example of this is in Psalm 51, when David said, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge” (Psalm 51:4 NIV).
And it is our confession then leads to repentance. Repentance means to change the way you think. It is more than just changing your behavior; it means you also change your mind.
So confession (saying the same thing God says) leads to repentance (thinking the way God thinks). Saying what God says enables you to think what God thinks. And when you learn to think differently, you begin to behave differently: “Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans 12:2b (Msg)
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TheBigPictureBibleRead: Exit from Egypt
Exit from Egypt
Exodus 12:31-40; 13:1-22; Psalm 19:1-3; Proverbs 6:23-24
Then he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, "Rise, go out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel. And go, serve the LORD as you have said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also."And the Egyptians urged the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste. For they said, "We shall all be dead." So the people took their dough before it was leavened, having their kneading bowls bound up in their clothes on their shoulders. Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.
Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children. A mixed multitude went up with them also, and flocks and herds-a great deal of livestock. And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they had brought out of Egypt; for it was not leavened, because they were driven out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared provisions for themselves.
Now the sojourn of the children of Israel who lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years.
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine."
And Moses said to the people: "Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out of this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. On this day you are going out, in the month Abib. And it shall be, when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD. Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven be seen among you in all your quarters. And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, 'This is done because of what the LORD did for me when I came up from Egypt.' It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the LORD's law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt. You shall therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year.
"And it shall be, when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you, that you shall set apart to the LORD all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the LORD's. But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, 'What is this?' that you shall say to him, 'By strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the LORD killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.' It shall be as a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt."
Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.
And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had placed the children of Israel under solemn oath, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here with you."
So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.
Exodus 12:31-40; 13:1-22
WORSHIP
The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
Psalm 19:1-3
WISDOM
For the commandment is a lamp,
And the law a light;
Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
To keep you from the evil woman,
From the flattering tongue of a seductress.
Proverbs 6:23-24
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GodCalling: "I am your Lord, your Supply. You must rely on Me. "
February 8 - On Me Alone
I am your Lord, your Supply. You must rely on Me. Trust to the last uttermost limit. Trust and be not afraid. You must depend on Divine Power only. I have not forgotten you. Your help is coming. You shall know and realize My Power.
Endurance is faith tried almost to breaking point. You must wait, and trust, and hope, and joy in Me. You must not depend on man but on Me, on Me, your Strength, your Help, your Supply.
This is the great test. Am I your supply or not? Every great work for Me has had to have this great test-time.
Possess your souls in patience and rejoice. You must wait until I show the way. Heaven itself cannot contain more joy than that soul knows, when, after the waiting-test, I crown it Victor, but no disciple of Mine can be victor, who does not wait until I give the order to start. You cannot be anxious if you know that I am your supply.
"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be
perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:4
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A.W.Tozer: "We try to sympathize with the writer John "
Tozer Devotional
Devotions » Tozer Devotional
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
CHRIST'S PICTURE EVERYWHERE
We try to sympathize with the writer John as he attempts to describe heavenly creatures in human terms in the book of Revelation. He knew and we know that it was impossible for God to fully reveal Himself and the heavenly glories to a man. John tries to describe for us the four "living creatures" in Revelation 4. The first was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had the face of a man; the fourth was like a soaring eagle. Did you know that for centuries Christians have seen those same "faces" in the four gospels of the New Testament? God has put Jesus Christ's picture everywhere! Matthew's is the gospel of the King. Mark's, the gospel of the suffering Servant. Luke's, the gospel of the Son of Man. John's, the gospel of the Son of God. Four loving, adoring, worshiping beings, faithfully and forever devoted to praising God! Make no mistake about it: the imagery is plainly the gospel of Christ. He is what Christianity is all about!
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DailyLight: "The Lord said, shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?"
February 8
MORNING
The Lord said, shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do? — It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. — God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. — Even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.
JOHN 15:15. Gen. 18:17. ‑Matt. 13:11. ‑I Cor. 2:10. ‑I Cor. 2:7. Psa. 65:4. ‑Psa. 25:14. ‑John 17:8. John 15:14.
Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but feIlowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. — If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Zion.
ISA. 60:18. Rev. 21:14. Eph. 2:19-22. -I Pet. 2:3‑5. Psa. 65:1.
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ExperiencingGod: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;"
Be Anxious for Nothing
Daily Devotional for Tuesday, February 8th, 2011
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6
Don't be anxious! Paul said there is nothing that should cause a child of God to worry. He was well aware of things that cause anxiety. His nation was occupied by a foreign army and ruled by corrupt leaders. He was writing from prison, where he was being held as a result of false accusations. He was separated from those he loved; his motives had been questioned, and he had been misrepresented. Some were trying to undermine all that he had accomplished in starting churches. He suffered physically and faced imminent execution (2 Cor. 11:23-29). Yet Paul said there would never be a crisis so troubling that God could not bring peace in the midst of it!
God will not necessarily take your problems away, but He will carry the load for you. He wants you to experience His peace, which is beyond human comprehension. You will never fully understand how God could give you peace in some of the situations you face, but you do not have to understand it in order to experience it. This peace is not just for those who "handle stress well"; it is for everyone! You may know that God wants you to experience peace but wonder how this is possible, given what you are presently facing. Yet, Scripture says to be anxious for nothing. God's word clearly indicates that there is nothing you can face that is too difficult, too troubling, or too fearful for God. No matter what your circumstances are, turn your anxiety over to God and let His perfect peace guard your heart.
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OurDailyBread: "The Bible encourages parents to provide a positive growth environment for children in the home. "
Space Scouts
Many of the first astronauts were once Boy Scouts. The scouts were good at capturing the imagination of young boys and instilling discipline to reach their goals—even if it meant reaching for the stars.
On July 20, 1969, the Boy Scouts were busy celebrating at a conference. During the gathering, the scouts were delighted to hear from former Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong, who sent them greetings from space. One of their own had grown up to realize a wonderful dream!
In some ways, the Christian home can be like a loving, spiritual scout camp. The Bible encourages parents to provide a positive growth environment for children in the home. Parents are exhorted to “bring [children] up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). “To bring up” refers to nourishing children by providing resources for their physical, mental, and spiritual needs. “Training” includes concern about all aspects of a child’s development. And “admonition” speaks of providing direction by well-chosen words uniquely suited to each child.
Let’s strive to make our home a place where loving discipline enables the children in our charge to reach their potential for God’s glory.
They are buds of hope and promise,
Possessed by Him whose name is Love;
Lent us here to train and nourish
For a better life above. —Crosby
What you put into your children’s hearts today influences their character for tomorrow.
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AlistairBegg: "But if there is one name sweeter than another in the believer's ear, it is the name Jesus"
Devotionals by Truth For Life
When a person is dear, everything connected with him becomes dear for his sake. Thus, so precious is the person of the Lord Jesus in the estimation of all true believers that everything about Him they consider to be inestimable beyond all price. "Your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia," said David,1 as if the very vestments of the Savior were so sweetened by His person that he could not but love them. It is certain that there is not a spot where His hallowed foot has trod, there is not a word that His blessed lips have uttered, nor a thought that His loving Word has revealed that is not precious to us beyond all price.
And this is true of the names of Christ--they are all sweet in the believer's ear. Whether He is called the Husband of the church, her Bridegroom, her Friend; whether He is referred to as the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world--the King, the Prophet, or the Priest--every title of our Master--Shiloh, Emmanuel, Wonderful, the Mighty Counselor--every name is like the honeycomb dropping with honey, and luscious are the drops that distill from it.
But if there is one name sweeter than another in the believer's ear, it is the name Jesus. Jesus! It is the name that moves the harps of heaven to melody. Jesus! The life of all our joys. If there is one name more charming, more precious than another, it is this name. It is the melody of our psalms. Many of our hymns begin with it, and scarcely any, that are good for anything, end without it. It is the sum total of all delights. It is the music with which the bells of heaven ring, a song in a word, an ocean for comprehension, a matchless oratorio in two syllables, a gathering up of the hallelujahs of eternity in five letters.
Jesus, I love Thy charming name,
'Tis music to my ear.
Family Bible reading plan
verse 1 Genesis 41
verse 2 Mark 11
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CharlesStanley: "Jesus said to seek peace in Him because He has overcome this troublesome world"
Devotionals by In Touch
Anxiety is the enemy of a peaceful life. People go to great lengths to get rid of stress: travel ads promise that vacations will sweep you away from it; gyms offer to help you "sweat it out"; and popular magazines suggest ways to lessen it by adjusting schedules or habits. The problem is that no one can adequately shift circumstances to achieve total freedom from heartache, burdens, or trouble.
However, we can have unshakeable peace during anxious times. Jesus said to seek peace in Him because He has overcome this troublesome world (John 16:33). The key is to shift our focus from the scary problem onto God, who lovingly provides whatever we need from His limitless resources and power (Ps. 50:10; Rom. 8:11).
Serenity can't be manufactured—it's a gift from our heavenly Father. The Holy Spirit produces a sense of calm in believers who seek the Lord's protection against anxiety (Gal. 5:22). The Greek word translated as guard in today's passage literally means "to garrison about." God wraps hearts and minds in peace, effectively safeguarding both against all-consuming worry or fear. Notice that He doesn't make problems go away—we may still be under pressure or prone to weep, but we're cushioned against anxiety and surrounded by peace instead.
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BobCoy: "During biblical times, adoption was often the only difference between an existence of endless enslavement and a life of liberty. "
Devotionals by Active Word
During biblical times, adoption was often the only difference between an existence of endless enslavement and a life of liberty.
If you were a minor who had been orphaned, you were typically forced into making a trade. The trade was this: You would give up your life to serve a household, and they would provide for your basic needs. For the vast majority of orphaned children, that was the simple and cruel reality they lived under until the day they died.
However, there was a possible exception. Under Roman law, a homeowner could adopt a child, entitling them to the rights and privileges of the other family members within that home. Consequently, that child would have a share in the family inheritance. Not only that, but once a child was adopted, he or she could never be disowned by their new family. Once adopted, that child instantly gained a future hope and a sense of assurance and security that non-adopted children could only dream of.
That's the cultural context we should be aware of when we read about our being adopted by God in Ephesians 1:3-5. Adoption meant everything in that day and age, and the Bible is telling us that we've spiritually gone from a place of unending bondage to a place of unprecedented blessing. But notice what secures this condition for us:
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26 NKJV)
It's faith that introduces us into God's family. By placing our trust and confidence in what Jesus Christ has done for us, we are brought into and become members of His household. Not only that, we're also given a share in God's inheritance which means we have a hope and future that's absolutely secure.
Let's not forget or lose touch with the fact that faith, in addition to its many other benefits, has made us adopted sons and daughters of God!
Think About It…
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
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OneYearBible: Exodus 28:1-43 ~ Matthew 25:31-26:13 ~ Psalm 31:9-18 ~ Proverbs 8:12-13
February 8th One Year Bible Readings
Exodus 28:1-43 ~ Matthew 25:31-26:13 ~ Psalm 31:9-18 ~ Proverbs 8:12-13
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~
TranslateOld Testament - Today in Exodus chapter 28 we read about the ephod for the priests! The ephod was a sleeveless outer vest that typically extended down to the hips and had a waistband to hold the front and back of the ephod to the priest's body. The ephod is the blue cloth in this image below, and the chestpiece you'll see has the four rows of gemstones:
The high priest wearing the ephod and chestpiece:
Exodus chapter 28 verse 1 stood out to me in today's readings: "Your brother, Aaron, and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, will be set apart from the common people. They will be my priests and will minister to me." Here we see that the priests are being set apart as mediators between the people of Israel and God. And this role is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ as our high priest. Jesus is now the mediator between God and us. Personally, I still do see so much value in pastors and clergy in our lives and churches today. We'll study more about these important roles in Paul's writings in the New Testament. However, I also personally believe that we can approach the throne of God through Jesus Christ as our mediator - and that we don't need another human mediator here on earth to approach God. Jesus is more than enough. Do you believe that Jesus is our high priest today? Do you believe that Jesus is the mediator between you and God?
More information on the Urim and Thummim we read about today is online at this link.
New Testament - Today in Matthew chapter 25 we read about the Final Judgment. Verses 34 is an amazing thing to imagine coming in the future: "`Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." What a beautiful thought - come and inherit the Kingdom prepared for YOU from the foundation of the world! Do you believe in this inheritance? Do you look forward to this inheritance?
Verses 37 through 40 are so powerful for each of us to consider while we are still here on earth: "Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' And the King will tell them, `I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" Whatever we do for one of the least among us, we do for Jesus. And - what we do not do for the least among us, we do not do for Jesus. Is God calling you in any way to give food, give water, show hospitality, give clothing, visit the sick, or visit those in prison for the least among us? Will you do this for Jesus?
In Matthew chapter 26 today we read the beautiful story of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (Mark 14 identifies Mary), who anoints Jesus, and as he tells us in verse 12: "She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial." An interesting insight from the NIV Study Bible's commentary - In Jesus' day it was a normal Jewish custom to anoint a dead body with aromatic oils in preparing for burial. Jesus seems to be anticipating suffering a "criminal's" death, for only in that circumstance was there no anointing of the dead body...
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 25 titled "The Sheep and The Goats" is at this link.
Psalms - Have you ever felt like Psalm 31 verse 10... "I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Misery has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within." Do you believe that God can rescue you from this? Will you pray to God to save you from this?
Proverbs - Proverbs 8 verse 13 is a powerful look at what Wisdom hates! "That is why I hate pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverted speech." When you look at your own life - do you hate pride, arrogance, corruption and perverted speech in your own behavior?
Worship God: Psalm 31 verse 10 reminded me of the MercyMe song "Jesus, Bring the Rain:"
Are you in a rainstorm? Click here for Shelter!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'" Matthew 25:34-36
Prayer Point: Pray that you will be on Jesus' right hand side when He comes again to judge the living and the dead. Pray that you will feed, clothe, visit in prison, care for and provide hospitality to the "least of these" here on Earth today, in Jesus' name.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Back to Psalm 31 verse 10 above. I recently read C.S. Lewis' book "A Grief Observed". Has anyone read this? It is a very short book. But, wow, it is a powerful short book! It is a memoir C.S. Lewis wrote after the death of his wife and it is so incredibly thoughtful and moving as C.S. Lewis works through his grief and his questions for and about God. Psalm 31:10 reminds me of this book... though not really... it seems like C.S. Lewis didn't quite get as down as the level of this verse. Anyhow - great book I think for any Christian who has lost a loved one. Let me know reviews in the Comments section below if you've read A Grief Observed, or know others who have? Has it been consoling for you during a time of loss? Do you have any other book recommendations for people who might be going through grief? Books that were helpful to you when you went through a time of grief? 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,
Mike
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JonCourson: "“Who is on the Lord’s side?” Moses said."
| February 8 | ||
| And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs. | ||
| Joshua 21:3 | ||
| Although the Levites were not given territory, as were the other tribes, they were given cities within the territories of the other tribes. The Levites were those who worked in the Tabernacle, those who cared for the spiritual life of the people of Israel. They were spread out over forty-eight cities. This meant that every Israelite was near to a Levitical community, near to men who knew the Scriptures and were dedicated to serving the Lord. Along with Simeon, Levi was to have no inheritance due to his dealing with Shechem (Genesis 34, 49). Yet the curse on Levi was reversed and transformed into a major blessing when the Lord said, “Levi, I will be your inheritance. You’ll be scattered everywhere in order to serve Me, and your cities will be protected by the rest of the nation.” Simeon and Levi were both cursed, but God reversed the curse upon Levi. Why? I believe the answer lies in Exodus 32:28. You see, the day Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments in hand, the people were dancing around a golden calf. “Who is on the Lord’s side?” Moses said. “Who will deal with this sin?” Only one tribe volunteered - the tribe of Levi. The Levites unsheathed their swords and went throughout the congregation dealing with their friends and relatives. It was painful, but they had to do it because the tribe of Levi knew, perhaps better than anyone, that sin cannot go unchecked. So too, God can take our sin and turn it around for good. He can reverse the curse even today. Wherever you’ve been, whatever you’ve done, if you repent and say, “Lord, from here on out, I’m going Your way,” He’ll turn the mistakes you’ve made around for good. Oh, the scars will still be there. But God will open new doors and do wonderful things in your life. You’ll be more blessed than you could have ever imagined if - and only if - you repent. It’s all a matter of repentance, of changing directions. | ||
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GregLaurie: "Before there was a world, before there were planets, before there was light, before there was matter, there was Jesus."
Devotionals by A New Beginning
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. —Hebrews 4:14-15
Before there was a world, before there were planets, before there was light, before there was matter, there was Jesus. Coequal, coeternal, and coexistent with the Father and the Holy Spirit, Jesus was with God—and He was God. John 1:1-2 tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God."
We cannot pinpoint the moment in time when there was the beginning, because John was going back in time to eternity past. He was going back further than our minds can imagine.
Jesus is God, and He left the safety of heaven. He entered our world and breathed our air and shared our pain and walked in our shoes. He was fully God and fully man. This does not mean that Jesus had the capacity to sin; this could not and would not happen. Yet He was a man. He was in a human body. He felt human emotion. He faced physical limitations. He felt real pain. It was actual blood coursing through His veins. Yet He was deity. He was God in human form.
Jesus did not become identical to us, but He did become identified with us. In fact He could not have identified with us any more closely than He did. As Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, "We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin."
It was total identification without the loss of identity as He became one of us without ceasing to be himself. He became human without ceasing to be God. Jesus left heaven, lived our life, and died our death. He has walked in your shoes—and then some.
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BobCaldwell: " "But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.""
Tuesday, February 8, 2011 (top)
An Amazing Man
(Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12)
The last words of Moses on this earth are recorded in chapters 33 and 34. Moses is universally acknowledged as the greatest man in the history of the Old Testament. Moses, from his birth, was set on a course ordained by God and that one day would result in leading the people of Israel on the most epic journey a nation has ever recounted.
God took a successful Hebrew man from the palace of Pharaoh and turned him into the "meekest" man the world had known. His strength was broken during his 40 years as a shepherd on the "backside of the desert." At 80 years old, he gave himself to selflessly lead Israel out of slavery to become the most blessed nation ever to grace our world. And he remained their servant, although they were a nation of people who fought him most of the way. They repeatedly rebelled against the good he sought to bring them to, yet he showed them God's power and blessing time and time again.
In the closing two chapters, we see Moses more than ever focused on the blessing that awaited the Israelite people. He leaves them with hope and promise as he gives each of the 12 tribes a prophetic promise. He then goes up to the Mount Nebo where he sees for the first time the full extent of the land promised this new nation, a nation that was finally ready to step forward and take it by faith.
What a price Moses paid to bring them to this moment of victory! He would not be allowed to share in the victory because of his sin when he fell from the meekness that had ruled him, and when rage and frustration with Israel overtook him (Num. 20:1-13). He left us with an honest assessment of even the greatest amongst us. We are sinners, all of us. We look to Jesus Christ alone as the only one who can ultimately be the "captain of our salvation" (Hebrews 2:8-10). What an amazing man Moses was. But he was a man nonetheless needing a Savior along with the rest of mankind.
NKJV Bible Text
Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12
1 Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death. 2 And he said:
"The LORD came from Sinai,
And dawned on them from Seir;
He shone forth from Mount Paran,
And He came with ten thousands of saints;
From His right hand
Came a fiery law for them.
3 Yes, He loves the people;
All His saints are in Your hand;
They sit down at Your feet;
Everyone receives Your words.
4 Moses commanded a law for us,
A heritage of the congregation of Jacob.
5 And He was King in Jeshurun,
When the leaders of the people were gathered,
All the tribes of Israel together.
6 "Let Reuben live, and not die,
Nor let his men be few."
| Moses' Final Blessing on Israel v. 1 This Is The Blessing – Moses went on to bless the children of Israel, tribe by tribe, before he died. The word "bless" means, "to speak well of, to kneel before and adore, or to promise prosperity upon." It is noteworthy that after all Israel had put Moses through, he left them with a word of blessing and not of curses. v. 2 He Came With Ten Thousands Of Saints – The word saints means "holy and sacred ones" in this verse. Most likely it refers to the armies of angels which accompanied God to Mount Sinai. Exodus 19:11-19 speaks of the scene at the foot of Sinai as God delivered the Ten Commandments. There was smoke, fire, and earthquakes, accompanied by the voices of trumpets. | v. 3 Yes, He Loved The People – The purpose behind God's giving of the Law to Israel was His love for them. The Law contained ordinances that taught them how to live and walk with a holy God, as well as practical counsel on how to navigate life successfully. The Law of Moses helped guide Israel into healthful living in a day and age when no other nation had understanding of the real causes of disease and death. v. 5 Jeshurun – a word meaning "upright and righteous," symbolizing the way in which God viewed His people Israel. v. 6 Let Reuben Live And Not Die – Moses began to bless Israel, tribe by tribe, concerning their future. Reuben was the firstborn of the tribes of Israel. His name means "see, a son." As a tribe, Reuben would not excel, but neither would they be wiped out. |
7 And this he said of Judah:
"Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah,
And bring him to his people;
Let his hands be sufficient for him,
And may You be a help against his enemies."
8 And of Levi he said:
"Let Your Thummim and Your Urim be with Your holy one,
Whom You tested at Massah,
And with whom You contended at the waters of Meribah,
9 Who says of his father and mother,
'I have not seen them';
Nor did he acknowledge his brothers,
Or know his own children;
For they have observed Your word
And kept Your covenant.
10 They shall teach Jacob Your judgments,
And Israel Your law.
They shall put incense before You,
And a whole burnt sacrifice on Your altar.
11 Bless his substance, LORD,
And accept the work of his hands;
Strike the loins of those who rise against him,
And of those who hate him, that they rise not again."
| v. 7 Hear, Lord, the Voice Of Judah – The name Judah means "praise." Thus, hidden prophetically in Moses' blessing of the tribe of Judah was a desire that the Lord would always hear praise coming from His people. v. 8 Of Levi He said, "Let Your Thummim And Urim Remain With Your Holy One" – The tribe of Levi was the priestly tribe. As such, they were designated to keep and utilize the Urim and Thummim, a way God gave Israel in order to divine His will. | v. 9 Nor Did He Acknowledge His Brothers – This is in reference to the incident of the Golden Calf in Exodus 32. The tribe of Levi was the first of the tribes to quickly acknowledge their allegiance to the Lord after all of Israel polluted herself by worshipping an idol. v. 10 They Shall Put Incense Before You – The tribe of Levi was privileged to be the tribe responsible for the keeping of the Tabernacle, later the Temple, and all of the ministry that went on inside of it. That included the burning of incense and the offering of sacrifices to God. |
12 Of Benjamin he said:
"The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by Him,
Who shelters him all the day long;
And he shall dwell between His shoulders."
13 And of Joseph he said:
"Blessed of the LORD is his land,
With the precious things of heaven, with the dew,
And the deep lying beneath,
14 With the precious fruits of the sun,
With the precious produce of the months,
15 With the best things of the ancient mountains,
With the precious things of the everlasting hills,
16 With the precious things of the earth and its fullness,
And the favor of Him who dwelt in the bush.
Let the blessing come 'on the head of Joseph,
And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers.'
17 His glory is like a firstborn bull,
And his horns like the horns of the wild ox;
Together with them
He shall push the peoples
To the ends of the earth;
They are the ten thousands of Ephraim,
And they are the thousands of Manasseh."
18 And of Zebulun he said:
"Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,
And Issachar in your tents!
19 They shall call the peoples to the mountain;
There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness;
For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas
And of treasures hidden in the sand."
| v. 12 Benjamin – His name meaning "son of my right hand," Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob. The first king of Israel came from the tribe of Benjamin. Jerusalem was located within that tribe's inheritance, and thus the Temple was built within the borders of Benjamin. The Apostle Paul was born into the tribe of Benjamin. | v. 16 Him Who Was Separate From His Brothers – a reference to Joseph's time spent in Egypt apart from his family. v. 17 Of Ephraim...Of Manasseh – Ephraim and Manasseh were the two sons of Joseph, and so are included under the headship of his tribe in this blessing. Ephraim was eventually much more numerous than Manasseh, as was prophesied here. |
20 And of Gad he said:
"Blessed is he who enlarges Gad;
He dwells as a lion,
And tears the arm and the crown of his head.
21 He provided the first part for himself,
Because a lawgiver's portion was reserved there.
He came with the heads of the people;
He administered the justice of the LORD,
And His judgments with Israel."
22 And of Dan he said:
"Dan is a lion's whelp;
He shall leap from Bashan."
23 And of Naphtali he said:
"O Naphtali, satisfied with favor,
And full of the blessing of the LORD,
Possess the west and the south."
24 And of Asher he said:
"Asher is most blessed of sons;
Let him be favored by his brothers,
And let him dip his foot in oil.
25 Your sandals shall be iron and bronze;
As your days, so shall your strength be.
| v. 20 Blessed Is He Who Enlarges Gad – This referenced the Lord, who would bless the tribe of Gad. The Gadites, a fierce and warlike tribe described in 1 Chronicles 12:8, were described here by Moses as dwelling "as a lion." v. 21 He Provided The First Part For Himself – Gad, one of the tribes that remained on the far side of the Jordan, inherited the land Israel took in battle from among their first enemies in war, Sihon and Og. A Lawgiver's Portion Was Reserved There – This is a reference to either the fact that Moses, the lawgiver, appointed them their inheritance in that part of the land, or that Sihon and Og were the dwelling places of those great kings. v. 22 Dan Is A Lion's Whelp – Samson, one of the Judges of Israel, would emerge from the tribe of Dan. Judges 14:5 tells the story of a lion springing out against Samson, and the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him and giving him the strength to tear it in pieces. A whelp is an animal's young. | v. 24 Asher... May He Dip His Foot In Oil – Asher is a Hebrew name meaning "happy." Here he is described as a favored tribe, even "the most blessed of sons." The Israelites considered it a great blessing to have many children. Asher was described as blessed in having many sons who were able to go to war in Numbers 26:47. And more, historians describing later periods have recorded that none of the tribes of Israel ending up more blessed in the way of having children. In that day, olive oil was used to anoint both the head and the feet, and the inheritance of the tribe of Asher was so blessed with that oil that they could have washed their feet in it if they so chose. v. 25 Your Sandals Shall be Iron And Bronze – Along with having many children and much olive oil, their land was abundant with iron and bronze, prized metals in that day. The expression here likely refers to the fact that they later produce so much of those metals that they could encase their shoes in them if they so chose. |
26 "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun,
Who rides the heavens to help you,
And in His excellency on the clouds.
27 The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms;
He will thrust out the enemy from before you,
And will say, 'Destroy!'
28 Then Israel shall dwell in safety,
The fountain of Jacob alone,
In a land of grain and new wine;
His heavens shall also drop dew.
29 Happy are you, O Israel!
Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD,
The shield of your help
And the sword of your majesty!
Your enemies shall submit to you,
And you shall tread down their high places."
| v. 26 Who Rides The Heavens To Help You – The Old Testament tells of several occasions when the Lord sent help to Israel from the sky, using weapons such as lightning, thundering, and hail (as was the case with the plagues of Egypt). | v. 29 Who Is Like You, A People Saved By The Lord – The Lord took Israel from a helpless position in Egypt and made them the most blessed and favored nation on earth. Here, He promises to be the shield that protects them and the sword that fights their battles for them. No other nation in history has had promised them such a blessed beginning or such a blessed end. |
Deuteronomy 34
Moses Dies on Mount Nebo
1 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is across from Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land of Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, 3 the South, and the plain of the Valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 4 Then the LORD said to him, "This is the land of which I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, 'I will give it to your descendants.' I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there."
5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. 6 And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth Peor; but no one knows his grave to this day. 7 Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished. 8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. So the days of weeping and mourning for Moses ended.
| Chapter 34 Moses Dies on Mount Nebo v. 1 Moses Went Up – In this chapter, God allowed Moses a final glimpse of the Promised Land before he died. At this point, Israel was camped in a valley of Moab. Moses went to the top of the mountain between this valley and the Promised Land. Pigsah was the highest peak of Mount Nebo. This miraculous scene describes a final gift of mercy from the Lord to Moses. v. 2 As Far As The Western Sea – Naphtali inherited the northernmost part of Canaan, and Ephraim and Manasseh inherited the middle part. Judah lay on the southernmost area of Canaan. The Western Sea, which lay on the western coast of Israel, was the Mediterranean. v. 4 I Have Caused You To See It With Your Eyes – To see a land "with your eyes" was meant to express ownership of the land (as in Genesis 13:14, 15). Therefore, God was assuring Moses that his people would one day own all of the land he was about to see. | v. 6 And He Buried Him – Many Jewish writers have said that angels buried Moses. Jude 1:9 hints that it may have been Michael the archangel himself who buried Moses. No one up until the writing of this passage (most likely either by Joshua or by Samuel) knew the location of Moses' grave. This was important to the account because the children of Israel who revered Moses may have been tempted to find his grave and make a shrine or memorial to him. v. 7 His Eyes Were Not Dim Nor His Natural Vigor Diminished – Moses lived an extraordinarily long time, as the normal life span by that time was around 70 years (Ps. 90:10). Moreover, although he was of such great age, the Lord had blessed him with strength and eyesight that did not diminish even in his old age. v. 8 Wept For Moses...Thirty Days – The Jewish historian Josephus records that the Israelites wept for Moses in a particularly vehement manner for the same amount of time they mourned his brother Aaron (Num. 20:29). |
9 Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.
10 But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 in all the signs and wonders which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt, before Pharaoh, before all his servants, and in all his land, 12 and by all that mighty power and all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.
| v. 9 Moses Had Laid His Hands Upon Him – Joshua, Moses' successor, exhibited the same wisdom in leadership that Moses had. Here it is said that the source of that wisdom was the Holy Spirit, who came upon Joshua when Moses laid his hands on him. The "laying on of hands" is symbolic of a transfer of leadership throughout the Scriptures (Num. 27:23, 1 Tim. 5:22). The laying on of hands is also sometimes used as a point of contact in transferring one person's anointing of the Spirit to another, as in 2 Timothy 1:6 and Acts 8:17. | v. 10 There Has Not Risen In Israel A Prophet Like Moses – Although Joshua had received the same spirit of wisdom and leadership that Moses carried, he did not receive the same measure of anointing for prophecy. The laying on of hands does not guarantee the transfer of any of the gifts of the Spirit, only those that the Holy Spirit desires to see transferred (see 1 Corinthians 12:11). Because we are told that God spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend, no one exceeded Moses until the coming of Jesus. |
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