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Tag: Devotions

De·vo·tions: an act of religious observance or prayer, especially when private. Often used in the plural. Posts in this category pertain to my observations and commentary regarding Bible study and devotions.

  • OYB March 9

    Today´s reading:
    OT: Numbers 11:24-35, Numbers 12, Numbers 13
    NT: Mark 14:22-52
    Ps: Psalm 52
    Pr: Proverbs 11:1-3

    Today´s notable verse:

    2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
    but with humility comes wisdom.
    3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
    but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

    Proverbs 11:2-3 (NIV)

    Great wisdom here; pride always leads to disgrace, yet humility leads to wisdom. And the second is like it: integrity guides us in the way we should go, but duplicitiousness will ultimately destroy us. These thoughts are both sobering and inspiring: if I act of my own accord, disgrace and destruction will be my ultimate end, but if I act in humility and with integrity, my path is sure, and I will grow in wisdom.

    The One Year Bible Blog asks:

    Comments from You – What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?

    See above. 🙂

  • OYB March 8

    Today´s reading:
    OT: Numbers 10, Numbers 11:1-23
    NT: Mark 14:1-21
    Ps: Psalm 51
    Pr: Proverbs 10:31-32

    Today´s notable verses:

    10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
    11 Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
    12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

    Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV)

    I hear these verses and am reminded of an old campfire song, “Create In Me a Clean Heart” – beautiful words themselves, and a powerful prayer; but what stands out to me is the next verse:

    Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
    and sinners will turn back to you.

    Psalm 51:13 (NIV)

    A foreshadowing of the Great Commission! What is the reason (or outcome/result) of this prayer? To spread the Word, and to reach the lost! I always considered the “campfire song” to be introspective – but the Psalmist considered it to be a means or motivation to proclaim God to the world. Wow – what a paradigm shift!

    A little further down we find these verses:

    16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
    you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
    17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart,
    O God, you will not despise.

    Psalm 51:16-17F (NIV)

    Yet more prophetic insight from the Psalmist: what wisdom and understanding, to realize that the sacrifices – and thus the Law – reflected something greater, and represented something much deeper and more intimate. God didn’t desire the sacrifice, but the contrition of heart that led to the sacrifice. What a revelation!

    The One Year Bible Blog asks:

    Comments from You & Question of the Day – How does Psalm 51 speak to you? Can you imagine yourself praying any of these lines to God? Have you ever prayed Psalm 51 to God? Or have you prayed other Psalms to God?

    In this Psalm, David’s openness, honesty, forthrightness, and humility stand out. I am reminded that Godly sorrow leads to this same brokenness of spirit and contrition of heart, and produces Godly results (II Corinthians 7:10-11).

  • OYB March 7

    Today´s reading:
    OT: Numbers 8-9
    NT: Mark 13:14-37
    Ps: Psalm 50
    Pr: Proverbs 10:29-30

    Today´s notable verse:

    30 I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

    Mark 13:30-31 (NIV)

    An interesting statement; a few translations have “generation” in verse 30 footnoted as “or race“. Does this prophecy regard the destruction of the temple in 70 AD (literal generation), or does it refer to Christ’s return (Hebrew race)? Or both?

    I love the thought that Jesus’ words are eternal, and exist outside of our concept of space and time. I’ve actually spent a lot of time considering the imagery of Jesus as the Word, and the symbolism of the Spirit as breath. Thus, even at the time of the creation, we see the Trinity: God, speaking forth the Word, carried on His Breath – Father, Son, Holy Spirit; or, Jesus, as the active working of God’s will, and the Spirit the means or mechanism by which that will is carried out. So many ways to think about the relationship – and then I realize that we’ll never fully understand or comprehend the nature of the Three-in-One God until we stand face-to-face before Him. But thank God that He gives even but a glimpse of Who He Is!

    The One Year Bible Blog asks:

    Comments from You & Question of the Day – Based on my reflections above on Mark 13:32-33, I am reminded of something I read on another Christian blog recently and it really did make me think. Here’s how this blog put it, and I think this relates well to these Mark verses – “breaking news: mortality rate is STILL 100%! You are not guaranteed all the days you believe you have coming to you. What would you do differently if today was your last day alive?” Powerful question for each of us to consider, no? What would you do differently if today was your last day alive?

    You know, I’m not sure I’d do a whole lot differently if today was my last day alive. If that were true today, I’d have a lot to take care of in order to make sure my affairs are in order – but I am working on a plan now to make sure that my affairs are already taken care of. Even if today were my last day, I would still have to prove myself faithful with the things of which I have been made a steward – including my job, and the relationships in my lfe. Of course, I work because I have present responsibilities for which I am accountable; if today were my last day, I would only have one more day for which I am accountable, and then those responsibilities would pass to others.

    I try to let everyone know what I think and how I feel about them – what they mean to me and to my life. I believe my family and friends all know, and I would not regret that I left some words unsaid – though, some words can never be said too much.

    I want to be like Paul – who knew he had run his race, and that his reward awaited him. I know I have not yet finished my race, which is why I know that today is not my last day – yet, God’s ways are higher than mine, and I submit myself fully to His will and timing for my life. If my dreams are bigger than my race, then I know God made them that way, and that He has a purpose.

  • OYB March 6

    Today´s reading:
    OT: Numbers 6-7
    NT: Mark 12:38-44, Mark 13:1-12
    Ps: Psalm 49
    Pr: Proverbs 10:27-28

    Today´s notable verses:

    24 The LORD bless you
    and keep you;
    25 the LORD make his face shine upon you
    and be gracious to you;
    26 the LORD turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.

    Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

    The “Aaronic Blessing”, or so I have heard. This blessing really is beautiful, and reminds me of a Mercy Me song, Bless Me Indeed, which uses the words of this blessing, as well as the prayer of Jabez (I Chronicles 4:10).

    All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

    Mark 13:13 (NIV)

    Two things: one, that Jesus promises that we will be hated because of our identification with him. The ruler of this present age does not like our affiliation with the One who has defeated him. But, two, that we are called ultimately to stand firm – not to fight (which the Spirit does on our behalf), and not to win (which Christ already accomplished on the Cross). Our responsibility is to stand firm – to withstand the onslaught of the one who opposes the body and ministry of Christ. To me, this understanding is such a comfort and relief. While the Spirit contends through us, we are not called to fight Christ’s battles on our own. He is always with us, working through us: if God is with me, who can be against me (Romans 8:31)?

    The One Year Bible Blog asks:

    Comments from You & Question of the Day – Based on Proverbs 10:27 above, do you agree that fear of the Lord lengthens your life? Why or why not? Do you think fear of the Lord is a good thing? Why or why not?

    Well, if God says so, then I believe it! With respect to the body, if fear of the Lord yields a reverence for the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit and induces me to avoid defiling His temple with harmful things and behaviors, then I will likely maintain a more healthful lifestyle. Likewise, if fear of the Lord results in reverent obedience to His Word, then I am under His blessing of health. Granted, His ways are higher than our ways, and I can no more explain why Christians – heirs to the blessings of Abraham – suffer sickness and disease than I can know the length of my own life. But I know that if we are under the blessing, then we are not under the curse, and God promises not to punish or curse us with sickness and disease (these in Christians I believe are the work of Satan).

    Fear of the Lord is absolutely a good thing! It produces in us reverence for God, respect for his commands, and obedience to them. It points us to the awesome nature of God and yields in us humility. Ultimately, fear of the Lord is the path to holiness in our own lives.

  • OYB March 5

    Today´s reading:
    OT: Numbers 4-5
    NT: Mark 12:18-37
    Ps: Psalm 48
    Pr: Proverbs 10:26

    Today´s notable verse:

    28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

    29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

    Mark 12:28-31 (NIV)

    The interesting thing I note about Jesus declaring these two commandments as greatest is that neither actually comes from the “Ten Commandments”: The former is from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, and the latter from Leviticus 19:18. It just strikes me a bit that even today, we place so much emphasis on the “Ten Commandments”, yet this passage reminds me that we are called to a so much higher standard.

    The One Year Bible Blog asks:

    Comments from You & Question of the Day – Based on my reflections in the OT, have you ever had volunteer duties at your church that were less than glamorous duties? 🙂 Do you think that maybe these duties were actually very glamorous to God, even if they weren’t glamorous to the world? Do you make it a habit of volunteering at your church regularly? What are some volunteer things you do for your church to help “carry the load” of your church’s ministry?

    Serving in the church – in whatever capacity – is so vitally important. I am thankful that God blessed me with a desire to serve. I could be painting, or cleaning the toilets, or whatever, and still find great satisfaction in serving. Actually, I like those kinds of service, because I like doing the less-glamorous, less-visible things – the things that go un-recognized. I really don’t like getting recognition for such things – it has always made me uneasy. Having a pastor or someone offer a sincere “thanks you” is one thing – but I’d rather not be pointed out publicly. And I am thankful that God has made me that way, because I would much rather receive my praise from Him in the end, than usurp His glory today by having men praise me instead of Him.

    I think my volunteer activities have run the gamut. When I was young, my dad cared for the church baptistry, and I helped him with that. I’ve served on committees, helped run a coffee house, served as an usher and on the alter care team at my church in Michigan, done manual labor (setup/cleanup for events, etc.) wherever needed; at my church now, I work in the preschool and serve on the worship team – pretty much, whatever I’ve been asked to do, or wherever I see a need I might be able to meet.

    It does sadden me somewhat that, no matter what capacity of service, it often seems that the same, small group of people are serving. That’s not so much true for my current church; it seems that a larger-than-average percentage of the members serve in some capacity or another. In fact, the major emphasis for the church this year is “Serve St. Louis” – getting the body out of the building, and meeting the needs of our city. Such an undertaking cannot and will not happen without a body instilled and empassioned with a desire to serve.

  • OYB March 4

    Today´s reading:
    OT: Numbers 2-3
    NT: Mark 11:27-33, Mark 12:1-17
    Ps: Psalm 47
    Pr: Proverbs 10:24-25

    Today´s notable verse:

    Sing praises to God, sing praises;
    sing praises to our King, sing praises.

    Psalm 47:6 (NIV)

    And yet another Third Day song going through my head after a Psalm reading!

    The One Year Bible Blog asks:

    Comments from You & Question of the Day – Based on my OT reflections today, are there any other closet packrats out there that will fess up in the Comments section below?? 🙂 Or any former packrats / disorganized folks that can give us some advice in the Comments below on how you got orderly!

    Fortunately, I don’t have a lot of room to become a packrat! I’ve generally been a pretty organized person – though sometimes my organization appears conventional and other times is so unorthodox that only I can recognize it. Most importantly right now, I’m working on having my finances completely in order, so that I can be sure I am handling my stewardship faithfully, and so that I can be prepared to do whatever God would have me do – whether that be to help someone in need, or to pack up and leave for full-time mission work.

  • OYB March 3

    Today´s reading:
    OT: Leviticus 27:14-34, Numbers 1
    NT: Mark 11:1-26
    Ps: Psalm 46
    Pr: Proverbs 10:23

    Today´s notable verse:

    Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.

    Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

    “Be still, and know that I am God;” – one of the most well-known phrases from the whole of the Psalms. What peace and comfort these words embody! We don’t need to suffer anxiety; rather, we can rest in the peace of God (Philippians 4:4-6) – the peace of knowing that God is God: soverign, benevolent, and all-powerful. Thank you, Lord, for giving us the comfort of You!

    The One Year Bible Blog asks:

    Comments from You & Question of the Day – Back to Psalm 46 verse 10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.” What does it mean to you to “Be still, and know that I am God?” Do you believe that being still during times of trouble can draw you closer to God? How do you make yourself “still” before God?

    Either Mike and I think too much alike, or the Spirit just has a wonderful sense of humor! I think stillness has several aspects: stillness of mind (peace, as opposed to anxiety and worry), stillness of heart (faith, rather than fear), stillness of body (restfulness, rather than nervous restlessness). All of these characteristics/responses come from knowing that God is who He says He is. God is infinite and eternal: having created the infinitely large expanse of the universe yet concered with the infinitely small details of my life; God is omniscient: knowing everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen; God is omnipresent: being everywhere always; God is omnipotent: Creator of everything, and more powerful than anything.

    Making myself “still” before God sometimes involves finding a place of physical stillness/solitude and sometimes involves finding the stillness within myself despite the turmoil surrounding me; however, making myself “still” always involves meditating on God’s Word, and offering to Him in prayer all of my concerns and struggles – and doing so out of an attitude of thanksgiving that God is in control. I referenced it earlier, but I will do so again: Philippians 4:4-9 is such a wonderful, powerful passage:

    4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

    Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)

    Thus, the key to overcoming anxiety and finding the stillness of peace in God is turning over our anxiety to God in prayer, meditating on the things of God (rather than dwelling on our concerns or letting our minds wander into areas of sin), and emulating the Word of God and those who exemplify that Word.

  • Crown FS Week 3, Days 1-6

    Crown Financial Ministries Small Group Biblical Financial Study, Week Three: Debt

    Scripture to memorize:

    Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.

    Proverbs 22:7 (TLB)

    Day One:

    Read the God’s Part/Our Part Notes on pages 22 to 28.

    1. How have you observed the Lord using money to mold your character?

    God has certainly used money to point out areas of (lack of self-discipline) inefficiency, laziness, and selfishness.

    2. What strengths have been developed in your character

    Contentment, efficiency, frugality

    3. What weaknesses in your character still need to be addressed?

    Laziness, lack of discipline, still too much short-term thinking.

    Day Two:

    Read Deuteronomy 15:4-6, Deuteronomy 28:1-2,12, and Deuteronomy 28:15,43-45.

    1. According to these passages how was debt viewed in the Old Testament?

    Deuteronomy 15:4-6

    As a sign of being out of God’s blessing and a position of being under the rule of another.

    Deuteronomy 12:1-2,12

    As a sign of not being in obedience to God.

    Deuteronomy 28:15,43-45

    As a sign of being cursed by God, of being the “tail” to the “head” of the alien, and as a sign of being disobedient to God.

    With respect to the “head and tail” analogy with respect to Israelites and the aliens who would live among them, I am struck by the analogy between Israel then, and the United States today. I am certain that the Christian founding and heritage of this nation led to God’s blessing; nothing else rightfully explains the cultural and economic advances the country made during its first few hundred years (going back to the Colonial period). The United States rose to such economic prominence that the country became the lender to the world. And today, coincidental with the moral decline of the past 50 years, the United States is significantly more indebted to other nations. Coincidence does not prove causation, but verses such as these certainly make one wonder.

    2. What was the cause of someone getting in debt (becoming a borrower) or getting out of debt (becoming a lender)?

    Obedience to God and observance of His commands and decrees.

    Day Three:

    Read Romans 13:8, Proverbs 22:7, and I Corinthians 7:23.

    1. Is debt encouraged in Scripture? Why?

    Romans 13:8

    No debt, except debt of love. from v.1-7: (Getting/staying out of debt) as a sign of submission to authority, and giving what is due to him to whom something is due.

    Proverbs 22:7

    No. The borrower is servant to the lender.

    I Corinthians 7:23

    No. We are not to become “slaves” to men due to an owed debt. Since we were bought for a price, we don’t have the right to mortgage ourselves.

    2. How does this apply to you personally and to your business?

    Get out of debt! Give what is due to him to whom it is due.

    3. If you are in debt, do you have a strategy to get out of debt? If you have a plan, please describe it.

    Yes:

    • One step at a time.
    • No new debt (house excluded).
    • Prioritize according to amount due and interest rate.

    Day Four:

    Read Psalm 37:21 and Proverbs 3:27-28.

    1. What do these verses say about debt repayment?

    Psalm 37:21

    Not to repay is the way of the wicked. The righteous do not need to go into debt, but have enough to give generously (and do so).

    Proverbs 3:27-28

    The repayment of a debt is the first priority in the use of what we have.

    2. How will you implement this?

    Know what I how, and get it paid off.

    Day Five:

    Read 2 Kings 4:1-7.

    1. What principles of getting out of debt can you identify from this passage?

    • Take the request to God
    • Have faith that He will provide
    • God will use His people to meet each others’ needs

    2. Can you apply any of these principles to your present situation? How?

    • Present my financial situation to God.
    • Thank Him for His provision.
    • Look for opportunities to help meet others’ needs.

    Day Six:

    Read Proverbs 22:26-27 and Proverbs 17:18.

    1. What does the Bible say about cosigning (striking hands, surety)?

    Proverbs 22:26-27

    Don’t risk what you can’t afford to lose. Don’t put up security for (another’s) debt.

    Proverbs 17:18

    To put up security for (another’s) debt is a sign of a lack of judgement.

    Read Proverbs 6:1-5.

    2. If someone has cosigned, what should he or she attempt to do?

    In humility, press and plea with your neighbor to release you from the security.

    I will take the following action as a result of this week’s study:

    I will form a specific plan to eliminate all debt.

  • OYB March 2

    Today´s reading:
    OT: Leviticus 25:47-55, Leviticus 26, Leviticus 27:1-13
    NT: Mark 10:32-52
    Ps: Psalm 45
    Pr: Proverbs 10:22

    Today´s notable verse:

    10 Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear:
    Forget your people and your father’s house.
    11 The king is enthralled by your beauty;
    honor him, for he is your lord.

    Psalm 45:10-11 (NIV)

    To be honest, I’m not sure I’ve ever read this Psalm before. But in doing so, I can’t help but note that this “wedding song” is prophetically allegorical to Christ as the bridegroom, and the church as His bride. Two things: one, that just like Rebekah made the choice to forsake her family and her country for the sake of God’s call to marry Isaac (Genesis 24), so the church – and we who comprise the church – are called to forsake all for God’s call; and two, I am struck by the thought of our Lord being “enthralled by [our] beauty”. Enthralled is a powerful word, meaning to be “spellbound” or “captivated”. God, captivated and spellbound by anything about me – I struggle to grasp understanding of that idea. And that God chooses to see our beauty, rather than the ugliness of our inherently sinful nature – I am awed and humbled.

    The One Year Bible Blog asks:

    Comments from You & Question of the Day – I know that many folks participate in the season of Lent, which began yesterday – and I know that many folks don’t. 🙂 If you are participating in Lent, what are you giving up or taking up? (if you’re comfortable sharing) If you don’t participate in Lent, what do you do prior to Easter to meditate upon Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection? Do you attend Passion Plays, do Passover meals, etc.? I’m just curious to hear about any spiritual practices or traditions folks participate in prior to Easter?

    I’ve really never “observed” the season of Lent, or done anything special leading up the Easter. While not always foremost in my mind, every day I make decisions in which I either identify myself with the death and resurrection of Christ or else exemplify the need for His death in the first place. I thank God for His power at work in me on the days in which I “die to myself” with the decisions I make and the actions I take, and for His grace on the days that I choose not to.

    I would, however, like to learn more about the Jewish Passover traditions and celebrations, so that I can better understand how they symbolized Christ, and how Christ fulfilled them.

  • OYB March 1

    Today´s reading:
    OT: Leviticus 24, Leviticus 25:1-46
    NT: Mark 10:13-31
    Ps: Psalm 44:9-26
    Pr: Proverbs 10:20-21

    Today´s notable verse:

    Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the LORD your God.

    Leviticus 25:17 (NIV)

    I think one of the saddest things to see is one Christian taking advantage of another – especially another Christian. (Not that taking advantage of a non-believer is any more justified; but those of the world tend to live by its rules. To take advantage of a fellow Christian is to mock the trust and faith that brother has that he is dealing with one trustworthy through Christ.) What a horrendous witness! Paul admonishes the Corinthians for bringing lawsuits against one another, and so making themselves a mockery to unbelievers (I Corinthians 6:1-8).

    29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.

    Mark 10:29-30 (NIV)

    As I was discussing with one of my very close friends last night, promises such as this one are incredibly comforting to me, especially right now. While I still fully believe that God will fulfill what is one of the two greatest desires of my heart – to have a wife and children – I have likewise fully accepted that I am willing to sacrifice even that desire to Him, if to do so is what He wills. I know that He has placed this desire – I daresay, burden – on my heart for a family, but I also know that He will reward my faithfulness in being obedient to His call on my life, no matter what the cost. And in the meantime, I know that He will be faithful to satisfy my every need and desire in Himself.

    The One Year Bible Blog asks:

    Comments from You & Question of the Day – I know this will be a controversial question… so please post up gracefully and respond to others comments gracefully. I am very interested in hearing everyone’s views on Leviticus 24:17 in today’s readings – “Anyone who takes another person’s life must be put to death.” Do you think Jesus’ higher law of love changed this at all? …Theologically / Biblically, what are your views on the death penalty?

    I admit, I struggle with this question. I’ve been debating it for several years. I think where I am right now – having come from a staunchly pro-death penalty viewpoint – is this position: I am not against the death penalty for murderers, but if I am forced to choose, I will err on the side of life. I am passionately pro-life with respect to abortion, human cloning/embryonic stem cell research, and euthanasia – if I am to be wrong, I would rather err in letting a condemned man live, than killing someone whom we do not have the right to kill.

    God first established the law or principle of death as the punishment for murder long before the establishment of the Law and Commandments (Genesis 9:6). It is one of the earliest laws established by God, and is indicative of the sanctity of human life: “for in the image of God has God made man.” But death is permanent: decisions of salvation must be made in this life; death ends any opportunity of accepting Christ. Is it our place to end forever any opportunity for redemption? Perhaps it is, according to those verses referenced.

    On the other hand, God also says that He is responsible for vengance and judgement (Romans 12:19, Hebrews 10:30). Also, if Christ died once, for all, did His sacrifice not atone for the sin of murder? If no sin is unforgiveable, would not murder also be forgiveable, and forgiven? If then Christ’s sacrifice atoned even for murder, then the old law that murder must be atoned for by the life of the murderer is fulfilled in the Cross along with all the rest of the sins of the world. In that case, the life has already been taken to atone for the murder, and even the murderer has been redeemed.

    So, I am not yet fully decided. In the meantime, the most tenable and consistent position I can take is always to err on the side of life – even the life of a murderer, bearing in mind that, in my sin, I am no more worthy before God than he is, and I am equally responsible for Christ’s death on the cross.