Psalm 76-77 "God is known...." When we truly know Him, when we see Him as He has revealed Himself, we fall at His feet.
God is "resplendent"
He is majestic.
He is to be feared.
No one can stand in His presence.
His judgements cause the earth to stand still.
He is feared by princes and kings.
Water reacts in anguish at the sight of Him.
Thunder and lightning and rain are His.
The earth trembles and shakes.
He walks through the seas.
"Thy way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God?"
We need to see You, Lord God. To see You in Truth. To worship You "in spirit and in truth". To know You, really know You. Our eyes are dim. Our hearts are veiled. We... I have such a small glimpse of You, and I want to know You more. You are the King of Glory! You are the Creator and Possessor of heaven and earth. Open our eyes Lord! That we might fall on our faces and worship.
amen
Genesis 21
Sarah has Isaac, just like God told them. But Hagar and her son are now sent away for good. This breaks Abraham's heart, but God does not abandon them. He hears the boy's cry. (v17). He opens Hagar's eyes ( v19), and He is "with the lad, and he grew; and he lived in the wilderness, and became an archer."
Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant. Abraham lives in this place which become Beersheba.
It is here that Abraham calls "on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God."
Abraham got a new perspective, a new revelation of Who God is, at the age of 100. Never too late to get a fresh glimpse, a deeper knowledge, of Who our God really is!
Amen!!!!!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Psalm 78 The psalmist asks us to "Listen"! This account is what we have heard from our parents and what we need to tell our children, so they can tell their children, so that every generation will know the "praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done." We need to teach our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren the Word of God so, "That they should put their confidence in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments."
There was a generation (perhaps more than just one?) that was "stubborn and rebellious". A generation "that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God." These people:
Turned back from battle. ( They let the enemy in)
Failed to keep the covenant of God. ( Were out of relationship with Him)
Refused to walk in the Law of God. ( Willfully sinned)
And forgot His deeds and miracles.
Over and over they tested God. They spoke against Him. They angered Him.
"Because they did not believe in God and did not trust in His salvation." v22 "They did not remember his power, the day when He redeemed them from the adversary." v42
At times they would remember and turn back, but "their heart was not steadfast toward Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant." Again and again the nation of Israel rejected and rebelled against God. Again and again He had compassion on them. Up until the time of David, the writer tells of God's wonderful works in saving them, leading them, providing for them, and giving them a shepherd to be their king.
Father, help us to remember! Help us to be faithful to share Your praises, Your mighty works, Your power, through Your Word... so that our children and grandchildren, so that all the generations that follow us will put their trust and confidence in You! So they will know You, Almighty God, Lord Most High! So that they will walk in Your ways, steadfast and faithful, all the days of their lives. O Lord, may we not fail to have hearts prepared and spirits faithful to You! May we not fail to prepare our children's hearts to know You and trust You! You have given us, parents and grandparents, this vital responsibility to raise up a new generation to know and serve You. Help us to listen and remember and obey! You know, You remember that we are "but flesh, A wind that passes and does not return". Even as I waft through this life, sweeping through the lives of my loved ones, may I be faithful to lead them to You, Lord. Make my life an instrument in Your Hand, to play a beautiful melody of Your great Love and Salvation, into the hearts of my children and grandchildren, so that they will come to You. I ask this Jesus, in Your Mighty Name, amen.
Genesis 20 Interesting little chapter in the life of Abraham. The promise of Isaac's birth within the next year has been given. Sarah is old. Abraham is older. Again they move. This time they are in the land ruled by Abimelech. Abraham again tells them that Sarah is his sister, not his wife. Again, she is taken to be the wife of another man. Again, God intervenes. Sarah is given back to Abraham. Abraham ends up with more goods and servants. Abraham prays for Abimelech and healing occurs.
Why? I don't know. It doesn't make sense does it? Abraham was in the wrong here. God even agrees with Abimelech that he acted out of the "integrity of" his heart. Yet Abraham actually is given the command to pray for Abimelech. We would think that the one who deceived needs the prayer more than the one lied to, but that is not what happened.
God protects Sarah throughout this whole episode. He keeps Abimelech from even touching her. He leads Abimelech to give a thousand pieces of silver for "her vindication ". She had obeyed her husband in telling them that she was his sister. But at the end her reputation was cleared. And we are told in the next chapter, "Then the Lord took note of Sarah as He had said and the Lord did for Sarah as He had promised." v1.
Lord, teach us to trust You like Sarah did. Thank You that even when we act in ways that are wrong, You are in control. You are good! May we remember this every moment. Amen
There was a generation (perhaps more than just one?) that was "stubborn and rebellious". A generation "that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God." These people:
Turned back from battle. ( They let the enemy in)
Failed to keep the covenant of God. ( Were out of relationship with Him)
Refused to walk in the Law of God. ( Willfully sinned)
And forgot His deeds and miracles.
Over and over they tested God. They spoke against Him. They angered Him.
"Because they did not believe in God and did not trust in His salvation." v22 "They did not remember his power, the day when He redeemed them from the adversary." v42
At times they would remember and turn back, but "their heart was not steadfast toward Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant." Again and again the nation of Israel rejected and rebelled against God. Again and again He had compassion on them. Up until the time of David, the writer tells of God's wonderful works in saving them, leading them, providing for them, and giving them a shepherd to be their king.
Father, help us to remember! Help us to be faithful to share Your praises, Your mighty works, Your power, through Your Word... so that our children and grandchildren, so that all the generations that follow us will put their trust and confidence in You! So they will know You, Almighty God, Lord Most High! So that they will walk in Your ways, steadfast and faithful, all the days of their lives. O Lord, may we not fail to have hearts prepared and spirits faithful to You! May we not fail to prepare our children's hearts to know You and trust You! You have given us, parents and grandparents, this vital responsibility to raise up a new generation to know and serve You. Help us to listen and remember and obey! You know, You remember that we are "but flesh, A wind that passes and does not return". Even as I waft through this life, sweeping through the lives of my loved ones, may I be faithful to lead them to You, Lord. Make my life an instrument in Your Hand, to play a beautiful melody of Your great Love and Salvation, into the hearts of my children and grandchildren, so that they will come to You. I ask this Jesus, in Your Mighty Name, amen.
Genesis 20 Interesting little chapter in the life of Abraham. The promise of Isaac's birth within the next year has been given. Sarah is old. Abraham is older. Again they move. This time they are in the land ruled by Abimelech. Abraham again tells them that Sarah is his sister, not his wife. Again, she is taken to be the wife of another man. Again, God intervenes. Sarah is given back to Abraham. Abraham ends up with more goods and servants. Abraham prays for Abimelech and healing occurs.
Why? I don't know. It doesn't make sense does it? Abraham was in the wrong here. God even agrees with Abimelech that he acted out of the "integrity of" his heart. Yet Abraham actually is given the command to pray for Abimelech. We would think that the one who deceived needs the prayer more than the one lied to, but that is not what happened.
God protects Sarah throughout this whole episode. He keeps Abimelech from even touching her. He leads Abimelech to give a thousand pieces of silver for "her vindication ". She had obeyed her husband in telling them that she was his sister. But at the end her reputation was cleared. And we are told in the next chapter, "Then the Lord took note of Sarah as He had said and the Lord did for Sarah as He had promised." v1.
Lord, teach us to trust You like Sarah did. Thank You that even when we act in ways that are wrong, You are in control. You are good! May we remember this every moment. Amen
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Psalm 79 The psalmist watches his land and his people, God's people, being destroyed. The temple is defiled. The city is ruined. There are so many bodies they can't even bury them. Israel is scoffed at, derided, and under reproach. They have been devoured and laid waste. It is in this state of desperation that he calls out to God. He prays:
" Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy Name; and deliver us, and forgive our sins, for Thy Name's sake. Why should the nations say, 'Where is their God'". v9-10a
He appeals to God's compassion and to His justice. He appeals to God's greatness and power. He gives thanks and praise to be offered "forever".
Jesus instructed His disciples to pray to His Father with similar thoughts. The idea of "hallowing" or honoring His Name. The petition for forgiveness of sins and the request for deliverance. For the psalmist the prayer was quite personal and desperate. But do we have that same passion? We are blind to just how needy we are sometimes. In a world such as ours we can go through our days oblivious to the fact that there is death all around us. Those who are spiritually dead. Those who are emotionally, mentally, and physically ruined. They have no hope. They don't know that they can call upon the Name of the Lord for help and deliverance, for forgiveness and compassion.
We don't necessarily want to pray for vengeance, or for God's wrath to be poured out against other nations. But when our cities are attacked, when planes are made into deadly missiles, when evil nations develop nuclear bombs..... will we turn to the only real power Who can rescue us? Will our appeal be the same as the psalmist... "Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your Name; and deliver us, and forgive our sins, for Your Name's sake."
It is my prayer... every day. Father, Abba, Let Your Name be honored and glorified. Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done here on earth , as it is in heaven. Give to us our daily provisions for life. Forgive us for our sinfulness, we owe You a great debt that we cannot pay, thank You for paying that debt, Jesus! We willingly offer forgiveness to those who have sinned against us. Lead us into Your paths of righteousness and away from the temptations that would cause us to fall. Deliver us from the evil one. All glory is Yours. All power is Yours. The Kingdom is Yours. Be exalted forever. Amen
Genesis 18-19 The Lord comes to visit Abraham. 3 "men" stop by for a visit. Abraham prepares a meal and they wait while it is prepared and eat together. Interesting, isn't it? What would you do if God stopped by and knocked on your door? Not sure I would offer Him roast beef!
The Lord assures Abraham that Sarah is going to have a son. It would happen soon. Sarah is the one to laugh this time. But He reveals a little more about Himself to them "Is anything too difficult for the Lord?" The answer to that would be "NO!"
The Lord also reveals to Abraham that He will be destroying Sodom for the wickedness there. Abraham appeals to God's justice and bargains for the city based on finding even 10 who are righteous. But there are none that really qualify. However, He spares Lot and his family for Abraham's sake. Even then the angels had to grab Lot's hand and his wife's and daughters' hands and pull them out of the city!
Lot's wife disobeys the order to not look back and she dies. The girls are desperate and foolish. They get their father drunk so that he will sleep with them and they can have children. These turn out poorly and the nations of Moab and Ammon become enemies of Israel.
Father, You are Sovereign Lord. You know the reasons that things happened in the past and You know what will happen in the future. We don't begin to understand. I just pray that I will learn the truth of Your greatness and power in my world today. "Is anything too difficult for the Lord?" No!
Peace on earth is not too difficult. Truth and righteousness and justice in our nation... not too difficult for You! Salvation for stubborn hearts... not too difficult! Let Your Kingdom Come! Let lives be changed for the glory of Your Name, I pray. Amen
Monday, November 25, 2013
Psalm 80 The psalmist addresses God as the "Shepherd of Israel"; "Thou who art enthroned above the cherubim"; and "The Lord God of Hosts." He repeats his request 3 times, "...cause Thy face to shine upon us and we will be saved." This phrase echoes the blessing that the Lord instructed Aaron and his sons to speak to the nation of Israel, found in Numbers 6:24-26:
"The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace,"
This blessing was to move Israel to "invoke My Name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them." To invoke His Name, to put His Name on them, was to call upon His Name. To seek His Face, O, this is what we need more than anything! To turn our eyes towards Him, to want Him looking at us with eyes of grace and compassion, to know that we are in His protective care. Our Father, our Abba, Daddy wants us to turn from our busyness, from our self-effort, from our distractions and temptations, and look at Him. For He will give us all we need. No where else will be find help or life or satisfaction.
I picture a small child, busy with playing or struggling with something difficult, who turns his head and looks up to his dad. And when he sees his father's face, looking at him, paying attention, and ready to encourage or help, or even rescue him... what relief, what joy, what security that child will know. What love he will feel from his father and what love he will have for such a dad as that.
This is what we can do with our Abba, our Heavenly Father, who is the Lord of Hosts! Amazing!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Genesis 17 Abram is given a new name, Abraham, at the age of 99 when the Lord appears to him and establishes a covenant with him. This covenant is different than any other. First of all, it is and "everlasting" covenant. It is a conditional covenant. Abraham and his descendants were to "keep" the covenant by circumcising every male. God's part of the covenant was to bless them, make them fruitful, and give them a land for their possession. Although the Lord does command Abraham to "walk before" Him and to be "blameless", there does not appear to be any other conditions given to Abraham at this point.
God also reveals the birth of Isaac which is to come and the fact that this covenant will be established through his line, not that of Ishmael. Abraham and Sarah are past child bearing age at this point, so their natural response to this was to laugh. God is not offended by this at all, in fact, He uses this to give a name to the promised son, Isaac, which means "he laughed".
Psalm 81 "...if you would only listen to Me!" the Lord says to His people. If we would only listen and obey, He would do mighty things.... subdue the enemy, punish the wicked, provide for every need, and satisfy every desire. God is our strength, He relieves our burdens, He rescues us from trouble. But He commands us to have no "strange god"; to stop being stubborn and walking in our "own devices". Listen to God. Walk His ways. Do what Abraham did, believe the promises and obey the commands. Trust and obey.... the only way to be truly happy in Jesus!
Abba, Father, I am listening and I will obey. Have Your way in my life today. Amen
God also reveals the birth of Isaac which is to come and the fact that this covenant will be established through his line, not that of Ishmael. Abraham and Sarah are past child bearing age at this point, so their natural response to this was to laugh. God is not offended by this at all, in fact, He uses this to give a name to the promised son, Isaac, which means "he laughed".
Psalm 81 "...if you would only listen to Me!" the Lord says to His people. If we would only listen and obey, He would do mighty things.... subdue the enemy, punish the wicked, provide for every need, and satisfy every desire. God is our strength, He relieves our burdens, He rescues us from trouble. But He commands us to have no "strange god"; to stop being stubborn and walking in our "own devices". Listen to God. Walk His ways. Do what Abraham did, believe the promises and obey the commands. Trust and obey.... the only way to be truly happy in Jesus!
Abba, Father, I am listening and I will obey. Have Your way in my life today. Amen
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Psalm 82 God, the Creator and Possessor of Heaven and earth, takes His stand. He comes to judge the judges. They have been unjust. They have shown favor to the wicked. They had been appointed as rulers, as "gods", but they failed to understand their responsibilities. Their job was to:
"Vindicate the weak and fatherless;"
"Do justice to the afflicted and destitute."
"Rescue the weak and needy;"
and "Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked."
This is God's passion, to bring justice and help to those who are in the greatest need. The weak, the afflicted, the poor and needy. This is what He desires for us to do. This is His will, to be done on earth as it is in heaven. To bring heaven to earth, for His Kingdom to come, will only happen when His will is done.
Use us today Lord!
amen
Genesis 16 Sarai and Hagar... and Abraham.
Was Sarai wrong to offer Hagar as a child-bearer for Abram?
Was Hagar wrong to despise her mistress?
Was Abram wrong for allowing Sarai to start this and then be angry?
Seems to me that they were all at fault for this mess. But what astounds me is that the Lord didn't condemn any of them. He allowed Ishmael to be born, to become a father to many nations, that in the end would vex the nation of Israel! And on top of that He revealed Himself to this poor slave woman. He saw her. He gave heed to her affliction. He comforted her and sent her back to Sarai and Abram. And He still allows Sarai and Abram to have a son.
Thank You Lord for being a God of justice and mercy. Thank You that You see those who are afflicted and You take heed of us. Thank You that Your ways are not our ways, but even when we take things into our own hands and make a mess, You don't forget us and You don't forsake us.
You are so kind! I love You Lord and I worship You alone.
Make Your Name great!
Bring Your Kingdom down!
Let Your will be done!
amen
"Vindicate the weak and fatherless;"
"Do justice to the afflicted and destitute."
"Rescue the weak and needy;"
and "Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked."
This is God's passion, to bring justice and help to those who are in the greatest need. The weak, the afflicted, the poor and needy. This is what He desires for us to do. This is His will, to be done on earth as it is in heaven. To bring heaven to earth, for His Kingdom to come, will only happen when His will is done.
As Micah wrote (6:8) " He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
This what Jesus Christ, the Savior, came to do. He came to reveal that the religion of the Pharisees was unjust. It favored the wicked ( themselves) but made it impossible for the poor and afflicted to even know God. Jesus came to us, the weak, the fatherless, the destitute, to give us true justice and great mercy. He taught that all had come short of God's glory. All of us were in need of being rescued. And then He provided the salvation, the deliverance, Himself. Thank You Lord, for saving my soul! Make me an instrument of justice to those in need, a source of help to those who are weak.Use us today Lord!
amen
Genesis 16 Sarai and Hagar... and Abraham.
Was Sarai wrong to offer Hagar as a child-bearer for Abram?
Was Hagar wrong to despise her mistress?
Was Abram wrong for allowing Sarai to start this and then be angry?
Seems to me that they were all at fault for this mess. But what astounds me is that the Lord didn't condemn any of them. He allowed Ishmael to be born, to become a father to many nations, that in the end would vex the nation of Israel! And on top of that He revealed Himself to this poor slave woman. He saw her. He gave heed to her affliction. He comforted her and sent her back to Sarai and Abram. And He still allows Sarai and Abram to have a son.
Thank You Lord for being a God of justice and mercy. Thank You that You see those who are afflicted and You take heed of us. Thank You that Your ways are not our ways, but even when we take things into our own hands and make a mess, You don't forget us and You don't forsake us.
You are so kind! I love You Lord and I worship You alone.
Make Your Name great!
Bring Your Kingdom down!
Let Your will be done!
amen
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Psalm 83 There have always been enemies who "make an uproar" against God. They hate Him and exalt themselves. They hate His people and conspire together against them. Enemies who want to wipe out God's people... Israel and Christians. The psalmist prays that God will "not be silent" and "not be still". The ultimate purpose is that "they may seek Thy Name O Lord." and that they would know that "Thou alone, whose name is Lord, art the Most High over all the earth."
As we pray, "Father in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name," we are asking the same thing. That God would let all men fall on their faces before Almighty God, in their shame and humility, in their dismay at their own sinfulness, that they would even "perish" - be undone, die.... so that they might truly live. To "hallow" God's name, to make it holy, is to sanctify it, to set it apart as a Name greater than any other. When we seek His Name, we seek Him, the "Most High". The only True God. The One Who has created us, revealed Himself to us, and saves us from our greatest enemies, sin, self, and satan. To not hallow His name, to not call upon Him in Truth, in humility and repentance, is to make "an uproar" against Him. That is a dangerous place to be. For He will not be silent, nor will He be still. There will come a time, in His providence, when "every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord." O what a privilege to be one of His people and gladly chose Him now!
Genesis 14-15 Abram rescues Lot, meets Melchizedek, and comes into a covenant with God. God gave Abram a look into the future, his descendants would be slaves in a different land for 400 years and then would return to possess the land of this promise. Even though he had no children yet, Abram believed God. God reckoned his belief "as righteousness". The word "believe" in Hebrew is aman and it means to render firm or faithful, to trust, to go to the right hand. It is like Abram and God shook hands on it. God "reckoned" - considered, valued, computed righteousness to Abram. This transaction established a partnership, a friendship, between God and Abram.
Father, thank you for being a God Who reckons belief/faith to be righteousness. For we can not accomplish perfect righteousness on our own. Only Jesus could do that. But, You have reckoned us righteous when we come in faith to Him. Thank You for such grace as this. Thank You for extending Your Right Hand to us so that we can take hold and come into Covenant with You.
Lord, I know that You keep Your promises! I know that You are God alone and that You sent Your only Son, Jesus, to provide salvation by His death on a cruel cross. I put my faith in Him. Thank You for reckoning me as righteous. Marvelous Grace! Amen
As we pray, "Father in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name," we are asking the same thing. That God would let all men fall on their faces before Almighty God, in their shame and humility, in their dismay at their own sinfulness, that they would even "perish" - be undone, die.... so that they might truly live. To "hallow" God's name, to make it holy, is to sanctify it, to set it apart as a Name greater than any other. When we seek His Name, we seek Him, the "Most High". The only True God. The One Who has created us, revealed Himself to us, and saves us from our greatest enemies, sin, self, and satan. To not hallow His name, to not call upon Him in Truth, in humility and repentance, is to make "an uproar" against Him. That is a dangerous place to be. For He will not be silent, nor will He be still. There will come a time, in His providence, when "every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord." O what a privilege to be one of His people and gladly chose Him now!
Genesis 14-15 Abram rescues Lot, meets Melchizedek, and comes into a covenant with God. God gave Abram a look into the future, his descendants would be slaves in a different land for 400 years and then would return to possess the land of this promise. Even though he had no children yet, Abram believed God. God reckoned his belief "as righteousness". The word "believe" in Hebrew is aman and it means to render firm or faithful, to trust, to go to the right hand. It is like Abram and God shook hands on it. God "reckoned" - considered, valued, computed righteousness to Abram. This transaction established a partnership, a friendship, between God and Abram.
Father, thank you for being a God Who reckons belief/faith to be righteousness. For we can not accomplish perfect righteousness on our own. Only Jesus could do that. But, You have reckoned us righteous when we come in faith to Him. Thank You for such grace as this. Thank You for extending Your Right Hand to us so that we can take hold and come into Covenant with You.
Lord, I know that You keep Your promises! I know that You are God alone and that You sent Your only Son, Jesus, to provide salvation by His death on a cruel cross. I put my faith in Him. Thank You for reckoning me as righteous. Marvelous Grace! Amen
Monday, November 18, 2013
Psalm 84 To be in God's presence, in His lovely "dwelling places", in His "courts", or even at the threshold of His house, is worth everything we are and everything we have. It is what our soul longs for. It is what our heart and flesh desires more than anything. It is where we find blessing and where we find strength. It is where we find that God is "a sun and shield. It is where we are given grace and glory. "No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." To be at the altar of the Lord of Hosts, is to be like a bird that has found its house, like a swallow that has a nest, "where she may lay her young." It is HOME. "For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand outside."
Home. How often when we travel for even a short time, a few days or weeks, that when we arrive home, we sigh and sink down onto our own beds with such joy! We are at home. How much more does the weary, war torn soldier find his home a sweet haven! Or the prisoner, serving years of captivity, desires nothing more than to be home. This is the longing that the psalmist is expressing for God's presence. The place where everything makes sense, where we are at peace, and where we can rest. This is what a man finds when he "trusts in Thee". Hallelujah!
Abba, Father, I long to be in Your Presence. To know the intimacy of being at home with You. It is what my soul longs for and what my heart and flesh desires. Thank You that You have provided the "highway to Zion" - through Jesus Christ the Lord. You are my dwelling place, Jesus! Through You I am at home with the Lord of Hosts. Amazing. "My King and my God. How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house! They are ever praising Thee!"
Thank You gracious Lord. Amen
Genesis 13 Abram returns from Egypt, backtracking through the Negev to Bethel where he had built an altar to the Lord. Here is where he and Lot separate . Lot goes towards the east. He ends up in Sodom, a place a wickedness. Not the best choice. Abram is told to lift his eyes and look all directions. This is the land that God will give to his descendants "forever"! Abram moves his tent to the "oaks of Mamre" in Hebron. He builds another altar there. This becomes home. It becomes the birthplace of a nation. It becomes the place of promise. From Hebron we get the designation of Abraham as a "Hebrew". It has taken him a while to get here, but history will be made in this place.
Father, You lead us to the place that You want us when we put our trust in You. Sometimes, what we think is a good choice, leads us in the wrong path. Thank You that Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light for our paths. We need You to lead us Lord. Lead us along the path of righteousness. To Your dwelling place. Amen
Home. How often when we travel for even a short time, a few days or weeks, that when we arrive home, we sigh and sink down onto our own beds with such joy! We are at home. How much more does the weary, war torn soldier find his home a sweet haven! Or the prisoner, serving years of captivity, desires nothing more than to be home. This is the longing that the psalmist is expressing for God's presence. The place where everything makes sense, where we are at peace, and where we can rest. This is what a man finds when he "trusts in Thee". Hallelujah!
Abba, Father, I long to be in Your Presence. To know the intimacy of being at home with You. It is what my soul longs for and what my heart and flesh desires. Thank You that You have provided the "highway to Zion" - through Jesus Christ the Lord. You are my dwelling place, Jesus! Through You I am at home with the Lord of Hosts. Amazing. "My King and my God. How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house! They are ever praising Thee!"
Thank You gracious Lord. Amen
Genesis 13 Abram returns from Egypt, backtracking through the Negev to Bethel where he had built an altar to the Lord. Here is where he and Lot separate . Lot goes towards the east. He ends up in Sodom, a place a wickedness. Not the best choice. Abram is told to lift his eyes and look all directions. This is the land that God will give to his descendants "forever"! Abram moves his tent to the "oaks of Mamre" in Hebron. He builds another altar there. This becomes home. It becomes the birthplace of a nation. It becomes the place of promise. From Hebron we get the designation of Abraham as a "Hebrew". It has taken him a while to get here, but history will be made in this place.
Father, You lead us to the place that You want us when we put our trust in You. Sometimes, what we think is a good choice, leads us in the wrong path. Thank You that Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light for our paths. We need You to lead us Lord. Lead us along the path of righteousness. To Your dwelling place. Amen
Friday, November 15, 2013
Genesis 12 Abram is 75 years old when God calls him to leave his country, his relatives, and his father's house. He is called out of the known into the unknown, out of the seen and into the unseen.
Abram is not told where he is to go, but he is told that God has a plan. And that plan is good!
God promises Abram:
A new land - v6-7 The land that Abram passes through, where the Canaanites live, will be given to Abram's descendants .
A new nation - God promises that He will make Abram into a great nation.
A great name - At Babel the people wanted to make themselves a great name, but God stopped them. Here, He promises that this man will have a great name and it will come because God will bless him.
"And I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing." v2
A great destiny- The promise of God is that Abram will be a blessing and that all the families of the earth shall be blessed in him. That is a great destiny.
Abram obeys God and goes out with his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot. He goes through the land of Canaan and sees the place God will give him. He builds and altar there. Then he goes on to Bethel and again builds an altar and worships. Next they move on to Egypt due to a famine. Here Abram gets himself and Sarai into trouble. He lies about Sarai being his wife and she is taken into the harem of Pharaoh. But God intervenes and Pharaoh sends them away. Being chosen by God didn't make Abram perfect, but God still protected them from harm.
Father, Abba, You call us out of ourselves, out of our comfort zones, and out of the world of sin and darkness. You lead us into the unknown and unseen. But we are so thankful that Your plans are perfect! You are the One who brings us into Your Kingdom, You call us by Your grace into a new people, with a new name, and a great destiny. As believers in Jesus Christ we are adopted by You. We are children of the Heavenly King. We have been blessed by Abraham. Thank you for Your great promises. amen
Abram is not told where he is to go, but he is told that God has a plan. And that plan is good!
God promises Abram:
A new land - v6-7 The land that Abram passes through, where the Canaanites live, will be given to Abram's descendants .
A new nation - God promises that He will make Abram into a great nation.
A great name - At Babel the people wanted to make themselves a great name, but God stopped them. Here, He promises that this man will have a great name and it will come because God will bless him.
"And I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing." v2
A great destiny- The promise of God is that Abram will be a blessing and that all the families of the earth shall be blessed in him. That is a great destiny.
Abram obeys God and goes out with his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot. He goes through the land of Canaan and sees the place God will give him. He builds and altar there. Then he goes on to Bethel and again builds an altar and worships. Next they move on to Egypt due to a famine. Here Abram gets himself and Sarai into trouble. He lies about Sarai being his wife and she is taken into the harem of Pharaoh. But God intervenes and Pharaoh sends them away. Being chosen by God didn't make Abram perfect, but God still protected them from harm.
Father, Abba, You call us out of ourselves, out of our comfort zones, and out of the world of sin and darkness. You lead us into the unknown and unseen. But we are so thankful that Your plans are perfect! You are the One who brings us into Your Kingdom, You call us by Your grace into a new people, with a new name, and a great destiny. As believers in Jesus Christ we are adopted by You. We are children of the Heavenly King. We have been blessed by Abraham. Thank you for Your great promises. amen
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Psalm 85 O how marvelous are the works of our God! As He did for the nation of Israel, He does for us:
He shows us favor! (It is by grace that we are saved!)
He rescues us from captivity.
He forgives our iniquity.
He covers our sins.
He withholds His wrath and turns away His anger.
He restores us into fellowship with Himself.
He is the God of salvation!
"Show us Thy loving kindness O Lord, and grant us Thy salvation." We need You. We seek You.
"I will hear what God the Lord will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;"
I am listening Lord. Your Word always speaks peace. "Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springs from the earth and righteousness looks down from Heaven." This is a description of God's Kingdom. This is what we ask for when we pray, "Thy Kingdom come". Verse 9 "Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land."
Abba, Let Your Kingdom come that Your glory may be made manifest in our lives today. Let Your Kingdom come to our families, to our communities, to our nation. Speak peace to our hearts for we live in a time of trouble. But You have overcome the world. Bring loving kindness and truth and righteousness... grant us Your salvation. May many more people come to bow before You, to fear You, to repent and turn back to You, so that they may also find favor, forgiveness, and fellowship with You. Let Your Kingdom come!
Amen
He shows us favor! (It is by grace that we are saved!)
He rescues us from captivity.
He forgives our iniquity.
He covers our sins.
He withholds His wrath and turns away His anger.
He restores us into fellowship with Himself.
He is the God of salvation!
"Show us Thy loving kindness O Lord, and grant us Thy salvation." We need You. We seek You.
"I will hear what God the Lord will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;"
I am listening Lord. Your Word always speaks peace. "Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springs from the earth and righteousness looks down from Heaven." This is a description of God's Kingdom. This is what we ask for when we pray, "Thy Kingdom come". Verse 9 "Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land."
Abba, Let Your Kingdom come that Your glory may be made manifest in our lives today. Let Your Kingdom come to our families, to our communities, to our nation. Speak peace to our hearts for we live in a time of trouble. But You have overcome the world. Bring loving kindness and truth and righteousness... grant us Your salvation. May many more people come to bow before You, to fear You, to repent and turn back to You, so that they may also find favor, forgiveness, and fellowship with You. Let Your Kingdom come!
Amen
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Psalm 86 A prayer of David
David pours out his heart to the Lord in a mixture of petitions and praise. He acknowledges his great neediness as well as his faith in God's willingness to answer his cries. Every part of this psalm reflects David's love and trust in the Lord. It shows David's knowledge of the Word and his intimate walk with the Lord.
Petitions:
v1 "Incline Thine ear, O Lord.."
v2 "Do preserve my soul.... save Thy servant"
v3 "Be gracious to me, O Lord"
v4 "Make glad the soul of Thy servant"
v6 "Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer"
David knows his own great need for and dependence on the Lord. He seeks His Face, he wants the Lord's ear. He knows that God alone is His Help in times of trouble and he does not take that for granted. This petition is a daily necessity. We need God's attentive ear, we need Him to preserve our souls, to be gracious to us, and to make our souls glad.
Praises:
v5 "For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon Thee."
v8 "There is no one like Thee... nor are there any works like Thine."
v 10 "For Thou art great and doest wondrous deeds, Thou alone art God"
v15 "But Thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth."
David confesses the greatness of the Lord. He appeals to His holy character as revealed in the Word. There is truly no one like You Lord! "Teach me Thy way O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth; Unite my heart to fear Thy Name, I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and will glorify Thy name forever." ( v11-12) David commits himself fully to be a follower of God, in truth, in fear, and in love, forever.
Father in heaven , Abba, may Your Name be honored. I offer my praise to You. You are good. You are forgiving. You are great in love and mercy. You do wonderful works and mighty deeds. You are holy and righteous and just. I give You all my worship and praise. There is NO ONE like You. Your Kingdom come! Your reign of peace and joy, of righteousness and truth, Your eternal kingdom, rule in me today. Come into the lives of each of my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Open their eyes to see their desperate need of You in their lives. Thank You for being merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.
Genesis 10 From the 3 sons of Noah there came nations. ".. out of these the nations were separated on the earth after the flood." Japheth's descendants went to the coastlands. Ham's descendants were "spread abroad". Shem's descendants went to the "hill country of the east." We are also told that during this time "the earth was divided". God separated the family of Noah into nations and also separated the earth itself. Must have been an interesting time to be living!
Genesis 11 tracks the next 10 generations between Noah and Abraham. The tower of Babel incident is recorded here. Men once again want to have power over God, so they try to build a tower to reach heaven. God puts a stop to that by confusing their language and by scattering them "abroad from there over the face of the whole earth;" .
Father, let us see Your heart here. In all these lives You were working out Your plan according to Your will. You created nations and languages. You divided people into tribes and clans and families.
You moved the earth. And You moved Abraham. In all those families, over all those years, You were working towards this one man who would be Yours. We call You the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Not the God of Adam, Moses, David, John or Peter.. although You are their God too. There is something special about Abraham. Help me to learn and understand in a new, fresh way as I read through Genesis in the days to come.
Thank You, amen
David pours out his heart to the Lord in a mixture of petitions and praise. He acknowledges his great neediness as well as his faith in God's willingness to answer his cries. Every part of this psalm reflects David's love and trust in the Lord. It shows David's knowledge of the Word and his intimate walk with the Lord.
Petitions:
v1 "Incline Thine ear, O Lord.."
v2 "Do preserve my soul.... save Thy servant"
v3 "Be gracious to me, O Lord"
v4 "Make glad the soul of Thy servant"
v6 "Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer"
David knows his own great need for and dependence on the Lord. He seeks His Face, he wants the Lord's ear. He knows that God alone is His Help in times of trouble and he does not take that for granted. This petition is a daily necessity. We need God's attentive ear, we need Him to preserve our souls, to be gracious to us, and to make our souls glad.
Praises:
v5 "For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon Thee."
v8 "There is no one like Thee... nor are there any works like Thine."
v 10 "For Thou art great and doest wondrous deeds, Thou alone art God"
v15 "But Thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth."
David confesses the greatness of the Lord. He appeals to His holy character as revealed in the Word. There is truly no one like You Lord! "Teach me Thy way O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth; Unite my heart to fear Thy Name, I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and will glorify Thy name forever." ( v11-12) David commits himself fully to be a follower of God, in truth, in fear, and in love, forever.
Father in heaven , Abba, may Your Name be honored. I offer my praise to You. You are good. You are forgiving. You are great in love and mercy. You do wonderful works and mighty deeds. You are holy and righteous and just. I give You all my worship and praise. There is NO ONE like You. Your Kingdom come! Your reign of peace and joy, of righteousness and truth, Your eternal kingdom, rule in me today. Come into the lives of each of my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Open their eyes to see their desperate need of You in their lives. Thank You for being merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.
Genesis 10 From the 3 sons of Noah there came nations. ".. out of these the nations were separated on the earth after the flood." Japheth's descendants went to the coastlands. Ham's descendants were "spread abroad". Shem's descendants went to the "hill country of the east." We are also told that during this time "the earth was divided". God separated the family of Noah into nations and also separated the earth itself. Must have been an interesting time to be living!
Genesis 11 tracks the next 10 generations between Noah and Abraham. The tower of Babel incident is recorded here. Men once again want to have power over God, so they try to build a tower to reach heaven. God puts a stop to that by confusing their language and by scattering them "abroad from there over the face of the whole earth;" .
Father, let us see Your heart here. In all these lives You were working out Your plan according to Your will. You created nations and languages. You divided people into tribes and clans and families.
You moved the earth. And You moved Abraham. In all those families, over all those years, You were working towards this one man who would be Yours. We call You the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Not the God of Adam, Moses, David, John or Peter.. although You are their God too. There is something special about Abraham. Help me to learn and understand in a new, fresh way as I read through Genesis in the days to come.
Thank You, amen
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Psalm 87 Zion - the City of God's choosing. Whether it speaks of Jerusalem, the city of David in Old Testament times, or the future New Jerusalem, I do not know. But, here we are told that "the Most High Himself will establish her." It is His City and He "shall count when He registers the peoples there." Our Mighty God allows us to enter into His glorious Presence as He chooses. He determines those whom He calls. "This one was born there." How can we be born in Zion?
Only through being "born again" in Jesus Christ. Thank You, Abba, for calling me to be Your own, for adopting me as Your child. I have been redeemed, forgiven, reborn, and I will live in Zion one day. What a glorious hope! Thank You!!!
Genesis 9:1-17 As Noah and his family leave the ark and establish a new society, a new world, God gives some directions.
1. God gives a blessing. Before anything else, God establishes a relationship of blessing, favor and grace.
2. God gives a command, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth." It is God's will and plan to have families and communities and nations! It is His will and purpose that we be fruitful.
3. God gives a commission. " And the fear of you and the terror of you shall be on every beast.... into your hand they are given." Adam and Eve had been given the assignment of ruling over all living things and eating from the plants and trees. Now Noah is given the animals and plants for food.
4. God gives a warning. "Only you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is its blood. And surely I will require your lifeblood from every beast I will require it. And from every man, from every man's brother I will require the life of man."
5. God establishes a covenant. This agreement is for Noah and all his descendants. It is unconditional. The sign is in the clouds, a "bow" or rainbow is given as proof that God will never again destroy all the flesh on the earth with a flood. God says that the rainbow will cause Him to remember the promise.
Verses 18-29
Noah's sons are Shem, Ham, and Japheth. It appears that Ham already has 1 son, Canaan. Before we are told about their descendants and how they establish nations, we are told of an incident that sets the stage for the future.
Noah plants a vineyard, makes some wine, gets drunk, and goes into his tent to sleep it off.
Ham goes into his father's tent and sees Noah in his "nakedness". It was something that was shameful. When Ham tells his brothers they react with respect and concern for their father. They carefully cover him while turning their faces away. Noah's reaction after waking up reveals that this incident was very serious, for he curses Canaan ( Ham's son). He blesses the Lord, "the God of Shem". He gives Japheth 2nd place after Shem and Canaan is to be their servant.
Father, I don't understand all that happened to Noah and his family, but I ask that You would enable me to learn what You want me to know through Your Word today. I pray that my family and I would live for You and be blessed by You. To honor You and to obey You always. Teach us to live in faith and to love You with all our hearts, minds, and with all our strength. Make us fruitful branches as we abide in the True Vine, Christ Jesus. In His Name I pray. Amen.
Only through being "born again" in Jesus Christ. Thank You, Abba, for calling me to be Your own, for adopting me as Your child. I have been redeemed, forgiven, reborn, and I will live in Zion one day. What a glorious hope! Thank You!!!
Genesis 9:1-17 As Noah and his family leave the ark and establish a new society, a new world, God gives some directions.
1. God gives a blessing. Before anything else, God establishes a relationship of blessing, favor and grace.
2. God gives a command, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth." It is God's will and plan to have families and communities and nations! It is His will and purpose that we be fruitful.
3. God gives a commission. " And the fear of you and the terror of you shall be on every beast.... into your hand they are given." Adam and Eve had been given the assignment of ruling over all living things and eating from the plants and trees. Now Noah is given the animals and plants for food.
4. God gives a warning. "Only you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is its blood. And surely I will require your lifeblood from every beast I will require it. And from every man, from every man's brother I will require the life of man."
5. God establishes a covenant. This agreement is for Noah and all his descendants. It is unconditional. The sign is in the clouds, a "bow" or rainbow is given as proof that God will never again destroy all the flesh on the earth with a flood. God says that the rainbow will cause Him to remember the promise.
Verses 18-29
Noah's sons are Shem, Ham, and Japheth. It appears that Ham already has 1 son, Canaan. Before we are told about their descendants and how they establish nations, we are told of an incident that sets the stage for the future.
Noah plants a vineyard, makes some wine, gets drunk, and goes into his tent to sleep it off.
Ham goes into his father's tent and sees Noah in his "nakedness". It was something that was shameful. When Ham tells his brothers they react with respect and concern for their father. They carefully cover him while turning their faces away. Noah's reaction after waking up reveals that this incident was very serious, for he curses Canaan ( Ham's son). He blesses the Lord, "the God of Shem". He gives Japheth 2nd place after Shem and Canaan is to be their servant.
Father, I don't understand all that happened to Noah and his family, but I ask that You would enable me to learn what You want me to know through Your Word today. I pray that my family and I would live for You and be blessed by You. To honor You and to obey You always. Teach us to live in faith and to love You with all our hearts, minds, and with all our strength. Make us fruitful branches as we abide in the True Vine, Christ Jesus. In His Name I pray. Amen.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Psalm 88 The psalmist cries out with desperation and grief. Here is a picture of life without God. A spiritually dead man.
v3 A troubled soul and a nearness to death
v4 Weakness and obscurity
v5 Forsaken
v6 Dark
v7 Afflicted
v8 Alone and hated and imprisoned
v9 Blinded and begging
v15 Terrified and overcome
v16 Destroyed
v17 Drowning
v18 Isolated
We are all in this position until we become like the psalmist and cry out to God for help. We must realize the depth of our sinfulness and how really desperate we are without Him. Only then will we pray with fervent hearts for the help that we all desperately need. For only He can rescue us from the pit.
Prayer includes:
v1 Praying to the One who alone is able to help, " O Lord, the God of my salvation," It is to Jehovah, the self-existent One, the I AM, who has revealed Himself to us, that we come. He is God, the only True Elohim - Creator, Master, Sovereign, Covenant making God.
The psalmist cries out "by day and in the night before Thee". If we are truly desperate for help we will not cease praying to the One Who is able to help us. Earnest, fervent prayer is continual prayer from the heart.
v2 Earnest prayer comes from a posture of humility. The psalmist requests that God allow his prayers to "come before" Him, "Incline Thine ear to my cry!" We cannot make God listen, but we can ask that He will. He tells us that when we seek Him with all our heart we will find Him.
v3-9 The psalmist confesses his needs. His situation is desperate. But he knows that The Lord is His only hope. "I have called upon Thee every day, O Lord; I have spread out my hands to Thee."
He has no other hope and no other plan. There is no other way. Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We must know that and agree ( confess) that this is our situation too.
v10-12 The psalmist asks a series of questions that appeal to the Lord's mercy and remembers the Lord's goodness. It is the Lord God alone Who : performs wonders, receives praise, is loving and kind, faithful and righteous. The dead do not declare these things, only the living do. The spiritually dead do not know the greatness of the Lord's character. But those made alive in Christ do! And we must declare how great and wonderful He is!!!!
v13 "But I, O Lord, have cried out to Thee for help, and in the morning my prayer comes before Thee." A statement of faith in the middle of a desperate plea. By faith we come to our God, our only Hope, our Refuge and Fortress, our God in Whom we trust.
Father in Heaven, Your Word is Truth. It is living and active. I am amazed as Your Holy Spirit opens my eyes to that truth. Here in this psalm I have found a key to earnest prayer. James told us that "The effective (earnest) prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." Elijah prayed earnestly and great things happened. Our prayers sometimes are trite and meaningless. We do not know our need to pray unless we know that we are desperately in need. Open our eyes to this Truth. We need You. You are the air we breathe and our daily bread. In You is Life and without You we are withered branches that will be cut off and burned. I seek You Lord, I come to You and confess my great need for You today. Thank You for allowing my prayer to come before You. In the Name of the Righteous One, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Genesis 8 God "remembered Noah". He closed the floodgates, stopped the rain, sent a wind, and made the water start to subside. It was still a long time before Noah and his family and all the animals could leave the ark. When they finally were allowed off the boat the first thing Noah did was to build an altar and offer a sacrifice to the Lord. God promised that He would never again destroy every living thing as He did during the flood. He also promised that we would always have seedtime, harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night... as long as the earth exists. He also reminded Noah that a man's heart is inclined towards evil. It is a reality. We are all in the same pot. In the same desperate situation that the psalmist talked about many, many years later. So thankful for a God who "remembers" us!
Keep us occupied with Yourself today, through all the activities that seek to run our lives. May we know our need for You and seek to walk with You each moment. Amen
v3 A troubled soul and a nearness to death
v4 Weakness and obscurity
v5 Forsaken
v6 Dark
v7 Afflicted
v8 Alone and hated and imprisoned
v9 Blinded and begging
v15 Terrified and overcome
v16 Destroyed
v17 Drowning
v18 Isolated
We are all in this position until we become like the psalmist and cry out to God for help. We must realize the depth of our sinfulness and how really desperate we are without Him. Only then will we pray with fervent hearts for the help that we all desperately need. For only He can rescue us from the pit.
Prayer includes:
v1 Praying to the One who alone is able to help, " O Lord, the God of my salvation," It is to Jehovah, the self-existent One, the I AM, who has revealed Himself to us, that we come. He is God, the only True Elohim - Creator, Master, Sovereign, Covenant making God.
The psalmist cries out "by day and in the night before Thee". If we are truly desperate for help we will not cease praying to the One Who is able to help us. Earnest, fervent prayer is continual prayer from the heart.
v2 Earnest prayer comes from a posture of humility. The psalmist requests that God allow his prayers to "come before" Him, "Incline Thine ear to my cry!" We cannot make God listen, but we can ask that He will. He tells us that when we seek Him with all our heart we will find Him.
v3-9 The psalmist confesses his needs. His situation is desperate. But he knows that The Lord is His only hope. "I have called upon Thee every day, O Lord; I have spread out my hands to Thee."
He has no other hope and no other plan. There is no other way. Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We must know that and agree ( confess) that this is our situation too.
v10-12 The psalmist asks a series of questions that appeal to the Lord's mercy and remembers the Lord's goodness. It is the Lord God alone Who : performs wonders, receives praise, is loving and kind, faithful and righteous. The dead do not declare these things, only the living do. The spiritually dead do not know the greatness of the Lord's character. But those made alive in Christ do! And we must declare how great and wonderful He is!!!!
v13 "But I, O Lord, have cried out to Thee for help, and in the morning my prayer comes before Thee." A statement of faith in the middle of a desperate plea. By faith we come to our God, our only Hope, our Refuge and Fortress, our God in Whom we trust.
Father in Heaven, Your Word is Truth. It is living and active. I am amazed as Your Holy Spirit opens my eyes to that truth. Here in this psalm I have found a key to earnest prayer. James told us that "The effective (earnest) prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." Elijah prayed earnestly and great things happened. Our prayers sometimes are trite and meaningless. We do not know our need to pray unless we know that we are desperately in need. Open our eyes to this Truth. We need You. You are the air we breathe and our daily bread. In You is Life and without You we are withered branches that will be cut off and burned. I seek You Lord, I come to You and confess my great need for You today. Thank You for allowing my prayer to come before You. In the Name of the Righteous One, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Genesis 8 God "remembered Noah". He closed the floodgates, stopped the rain, sent a wind, and made the water start to subside. It was still a long time before Noah and his family and all the animals could leave the ark. When they finally were allowed off the boat the first thing Noah did was to build an altar and offer a sacrifice to the Lord. God promised that He would never again destroy every living thing as He did during the flood. He also promised that we would always have seedtime, harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night... as long as the earth exists. He also reminded Noah that a man's heart is inclined towards evil. It is a reality. We are all in the same pot. In the same desperate situation that the psalmist talked about many, many years later. So thankful for a God who "remembers" us!
Keep us occupied with Yourself today, through all the activities that seek to run our lives. May we know our need for You and seek to walk with You each moment. Amen
Friday, November 8, 2013
Psalm 89 "Who is like Thee, O mighty Lord?" You have declared Your lovingkindness to us. You have established Your faithfulness. You keep Your covenants through the generations. You have established Your Kingdom and the eternal King, Jesus Christ. You rule the sea and the earth. It is Your creation and is subject to Your commands. You determined that righteousness and justice would be the foundation of Your throne. We rejoice in Your Name. And even though it seemed to the Israelites that You had abandoned them, You did not. Even in their rebellion and idolatry, You did not forget Your promise to David. For Jesus is the everlasting Son of David and Son of God. He endured the cross. "Blessed be the Lord, forever!"
Genesis 7 The Flood. Noah obeyed God, doing all that God had commanded him. He built the ark exactly as God said. He entered the ark when God told him to enter. He took his family and the animals into the ark and God Himself shut the door. That "very same day", the floodgates opened. That day, rain fell. For forty days the water prevailed until all life outside of the ark was gone. Only those inside were saved.
Life for Noah and his family must have been a true roller coaster. 40 days of rain and 150 more days of nothing but water on the earth. Knowing that the only living things on the whole earth consisted of just them. They must have sorrowed at the loss of family and community. They must have grieved over the death and destruction. Thankful that they were hidden in God's shelter, but wondering about what would happen next.
Father, the world around us is headed to destruction again. We know that is true. We know that only those whose lives are hidden in Christ, resting in His salvation, will be saved from the final judgement. We are thankful for Your provision, for Your Grace. But we still grieve for those outside Your Ark. We pray that You would open the eyes and hearts of men and women and children to come to Jesus and be saved, before the day when the door is shut and there is no more time to enter into Your salvation. May we live in obedience, like Noah did, that others may know the Truth and find You. Oh teach us to "number our days".... to make our days count for You. May we abide in Christ and Christ in us that we may bear fruit, that others will come to You and find shelter from the destruction that will come. In Jesus' Name I ask this, amen.
Genesis 7 The Flood. Noah obeyed God, doing all that God had commanded him. He built the ark exactly as God said. He entered the ark when God told him to enter. He took his family and the animals into the ark and God Himself shut the door. That "very same day", the floodgates opened. That day, rain fell. For forty days the water prevailed until all life outside of the ark was gone. Only those inside were saved.
Life for Noah and his family must have been a true roller coaster. 40 days of rain and 150 more days of nothing but water on the earth. Knowing that the only living things on the whole earth consisted of just them. They must have sorrowed at the loss of family and community. They must have grieved over the death and destruction. Thankful that they were hidden in God's shelter, but wondering about what would happen next.
Father, the world around us is headed to destruction again. We know that is true. We know that only those whose lives are hidden in Christ, resting in His salvation, will be saved from the final judgement. We are thankful for Your provision, for Your Grace. But we still grieve for those outside Your Ark. We pray that You would open the eyes and hearts of men and women and children to come to Jesus and be saved, before the day when the door is shut and there is no more time to enter into Your salvation. May we live in obedience, like Noah did, that others may know the Truth and find You. Oh teach us to "number our days".... to make our days count for You. May we abide in Christ and Christ in us that we may bear fruit, that others will come to You and find shelter from the destruction that will come. In Jesus' Name I ask this, amen.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Psalm 90 "Even from everlasting to everlasting Thou art God." This prayer of Moses reminds us that God is Great! He established all of creation, He is eternal, and He in omnipotent. In contrast, we are dust. We are like grass that sprouts in the morning and fades away in the evening. Life is short. "We finish our years like a sigh." We need to learn to "number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom." How do we do that?
v 14 - Seek Him in the morning and find contentment in His loving kindness. Sing for joy and be glad in Him. Every day, no matter what.
v16 Praise Him. Marvel at His Work and His Majesty. Pray for eyes to see His Hand in your life and that Your children will see His majesty.
v17 Pray for God's favor. That God will use the "work of our hands" for His eternal glory.
v 4 "For a thousand years in Thy sight are like yesterday when it passes by." Where did yesterday go to? I am always amazed how quickly the days and weeks, and months fly by. That is how a thousand years is to God. When we number our days, when we weigh them, allot them, count them, may they each be lived for God's glory.
Find us living in faith, in communion with You, Lord God, every day. Teach us to seek You, praise You, see You, marvel at You, and work for You every day.
This is how we present to You a heart of wisdom. Daily walking with You, abiding in You and You in us. Oh how we need to learn this lesson of committing every day to You. Teach us I pray. amen
Genesis 6 Man, left to his own devices becomes corrupt. 10 generations from Adam's fall and the whole earth was corrupt (v12). Violence, wickedness, and evil had permeated the perfect creation that had once been "good" in the sight of the Lord. God decided to destroy all flesh. Every living, breathing thing would be destroyed, except for those whom He would save in the ark. One man, Noah, walked with God. One man found favor in His sight. We are told that Noah was righteous and blameless. He did everything that God commanded him to do. (He numbered his days and had a heart of wisdom.)
Father, we live in a corrupt world also. There are many violent and wicked men. Your Word tells us that another time of judgement is coming. This time it will not be a flood, but fire. Heaven and earth will pass away. Only those who come into Your Ark, into the place of safety, into Jesus Christ, will be saved. Oh to find favor in Your sight as Noah did, to walk in Your righteousness, to be obedient to all Your commands, and to be safe in Your arms. I ask that You will open our eyes to see how much we need to be ready, for the day of Your coming is drawing near. "Jesus, Messiah, Name above all names, .. rescue for sinners, Ransom from Heaven" You alone are our Ark of safety. Bring us fully inside... into You. Thank You for the free gift of salvation by Your Grace. I enter in by faith and find refuge. I ask for mercy on those (loved ones... You know their names Lord) who wait outside, who don't see the coming destruction, that You would grant them repentance, that they would see their own corruption and confess their sins and turn to You. That they might also enter the ark of salvation, Jesus Christ, and be transformed, made truly alive. I ask this in Jesus' Name. Amen.
v 14 - Seek Him in the morning and find contentment in His loving kindness. Sing for joy and be glad in Him. Every day, no matter what.
v16 Praise Him. Marvel at His Work and His Majesty. Pray for eyes to see His Hand in your life and that Your children will see His majesty.
v17 Pray for God's favor. That God will use the "work of our hands" for His eternal glory.
v 4 "For a thousand years in Thy sight are like yesterday when it passes by." Where did yesterday go to? I am always amazed how quickly the days and weeks, and months fly by. That is how a thousand years is to God. When we number our days, when we weigh them, allot them, count them, may they each be lived for God's glory.
Find us living in faith, in communion with You, Lord God, every day. Teach us to seek You, praise You, see You, marvel at You, and work for You every day.
This is how we present to You a heart of wisdom. Daily walking with You, abiding in You and You in us. Oh how we need to learn this lesson of committing every day to You. Teach us I pray. amen
Genesis 6 Man, left to his own devices becomes corrupt. 10 generations from Adam's fall and the whole earth was corrupt (v12). Violence, wickedness, and evil had permeated the perfect creation that had once been "good" in the sight of the Lord. God decided to destroy all flesh. Every living, breathing thing would be destroyed, except for those whom He would save in the ark. One man, Noah, walked with God. One man found favor in His sight. We are told that Noah was righteous and blameless. He did everything that God commanded him to do. (He numbered his days and had a heart of wisdom.)
Father, we live in a corrupt world also. There are many violent and wicked men. Your Word tells us that another time of judgement is coming. This time it will not be a flood, but fire. Heaven and earth will pass away. Only those who come into Your Ark, into the place of safety, into Jesus Christ, will be saved. Oh to find favor in Your sight as Noah did, to walk in Your righteousness, to be obedient to all Your commands, and to be safe in Your arms. I ask that You will open our eyes to see how much we need to be ready, for the day of Your coming is drawing near. "Jesus, Messiah, Name above all names, .. rescue for sinners, Ransom from Heaven" You alone are our Ark of safety. Bring us fully inside... into You. Thank You for the free gift of salvation by Your Grace. I enter in by faith and find refuge. I ask for mercy on those (loved ones... You know their names Lord) who wait outside, who don't see the coming destruction, that You would grant them repentance, that they would see their own corruption and confess their sins and turn to You. That they might also enter the ark of salvation, Jesus Christ, and be transformed, made truly alive. I ask this in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Genesis 4 Cain is the firstborn of Adam and Eve. This is after the fall and the curse of painful childbirth. Perhaps this is why Eve proclaims "I have gotten a man child with the help of the Lord ".
Cain was "tiller of the ground". This was his love. He desired this above anything else, even above God. He chose to bring an offering to the Lord from his fields. Something he did with the sweat of his brow and his own hands. This is not acceptable to the Lord. Cain becomes angry that the Lord does not respect this gift. His anger leads to jealousy, which leads to murder. The result for Cain is judgement. He is cursed with the loss of his ability to cultivate the ground. He becomes "a vagrant and a wanderer". Then " Cain went out from the presence of the Lord". He starts his own city. He becomes the father of a clan. They do great things - Jabal institutes tent-dwelling and livestock, Jubal institutes the arts, "the lyre and pipe"; Tubal-cain is a forger of implements of bronze and iron, tools.
But it never says that they worshiped God again.
Cain had a choice and his wrong, sinful choice led to a society of godless people. One person's choice affects more than just himself. God warned Cain, and He warns us. " If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." (v7) Cain's "countenance fell" because of his anger. He lost control of his conduct and his attitude. He let sin in the door. He let it devour him instead of mastering it. He only had to confess and repent. To choose God's way over his own. But he refused. Even after he killed his brother, he never repented. He just complained about the punishment.
Abel is the second born son. He is a keeper of sheep. He brought an offering that God respected, a firstling of his flock. He worshipped properly. This brought about his brother's jealousy. He is murdered by his brother Cain. And his blood cried out to God. Hebrews 11:4 speaks of Abel, " By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith though he is dead, he still speaks."
And in Hebrews 12:24 Abel's blood is compared with the blood of the new covenant, the blood of Jesus which "speaks better than the blood of Abel."
Chapter 4 ends with the birth of Seth. Abel is dead, Cain is an outcast, but God gives Adam and Eve another son. It is from his line that we have Noah, Abraham, David, and finally Jesus. Eve considered Seth a replacement for Abel, appointed to her, from God. Gen. 5:3 "When Adam had lived one hundred and thirty years, he became the father of a son in his own likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth." Seth carries on the likeness, the family resemblance of his father Adam.
This begins a long line of descendants who carry on this image. And it is in this generation that "men began to call upon the name of the Lord."
Chapter 5 gives the lineage of Adam, made in the image of God, through until the life of Noah. 10 generations. All having many sons and daughters. All living hundreds of years. Massive reproduction! Unique among the many are Enoch, who walked with God so closely that God took him, and Noah. Noah's father, Lamech, made an interesting statement about his son, "This one shall give us rest from our work and from the toil of our hands arising from the ground which the Lord has cursed." There was something special about Noah right from the beginning of his life.
Father, thank You for Your Word that reveals all Truth. Thank You for helping us to see what the life of faith looks like and what the life of sin leads to. Help us to always choose to live for You, in obedience to Your Word, in relationship with You. Help us to walk with You like Enoch did. We call upon Your Name, the only Name by which we can be saved. Help us to abide in You and know that You abide in us. Through Jesus, the True Vine. Amen.
Cain was "tiller of the ground". This was his love. He desired this above anything else, even above God. He chose to bring an offering to the Lord from his fields. Something he did with the sweat of his brow and his own hands. This is not acceptable to the Lord. Cain becomes angry that the Lord does not respect this gift. His anger leads to jealousy, which leads to murder. The result for Cain is judgement. He is cursed with the loss of his ability to cultivate the ground. He becomes "a vagrant and a wanderer". Then " Cain went out from the presence of the Lord". He starts his own city. He becomes the father of a clan. They do great things - Jabal institutes tent-dwelling and livestock, Jubal institutes the arts, "the lyre and pipe"; Tubal-cain is a forger of implements of bronze and iron, tools.
But it never says that they worshiped God again.
Cain had a choice and his wrong, sinful choice led to a society of godless people. One person's choice affects more than just himself. God warned Cain, and He warns us. " If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." (v7) Cain's "countenance fell" because of his anger. He lost control of his conduct and his attitude. He let sin in the door. He let it devour him instead of mastering it. He only had to confess and repent. To choose God's way over his own. But he refused. Even after he killed his brother, he never repented. He just complained about the punishment.
Abel is the second born son. He is a keeper of sheep. He brought an offering that God respected, a firstling of his flock. He worshipped properly. This brought about his brother's jealousy. He is murdered by his brother Cain. And his blood cried out to God. Hebrews 11:4 speaks of Abel, " By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith though he is dead, he still speaks."
And in Hebrews 12:24 Abel's blood is compared with the blood of the new covenant, the blood of Jesus which "speaks better than the blood of Abel."
Chapter 4 ends with the birth of Seth. Abel is dead, Cain is an outcast, but God gives Adam and Eve another son. It is from his line that we have Noah, Abraham, David, and finally Jesus. Eve considered Seth a replacement for Abel, appointed to her, from God. Gen. 5:3 "When Adam had lived one hundred and thirty years, he became the father of a son in his own likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth." Seth carries on the likeness, the family resemblance of his father Adam.
This begins a long line of descendants who carry on this image. And it is in this generation that "men began to call upon the name of the Lord."
Chapter 5 gives the lineage of Adam, made in the image of God, through until the life of Noah. 10 generations. All having many sons and daughters. All living hundreds of years. Massive reproduction! Unique among the many are Enoch, who walked with God so closely that God took him, and Noah. Noah's father, Lamech, made an interesting statement about his son, "This one shall give us rest from our work and from the toil of our hands arising from the ground which the Lord has cursed." There was something special about Noah right from the beginning of his life.
Father, thank You for Your Word that reveals all Truth. Thank You for helping us to see what the life of faith looks like and what the life of sin leads to. Help us to always choose to live for You, in obedience to Your Word, in relationship with You. Help us to walk with You like Enoch did. We call upon Your Name, the only Name by which we can be saved. Help us to abide in You and know that You abide in us. Through Jesus, the True Vine. Amen.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Genesis 3 "The Fall of Man" is the title given to this chapter. It is the sequence of events from which the rest of scripture plays out; the telling of the story's dramatic plot that all of history tries to solve; which climaxes in our Savior's death, resurrection, and someday His glorious return. There is a detailed retelling of the drama through the actions of the main characters.
The crafty Serpent tempts. He lies.
The woman is deceived. She breaks the commandment.
The man is persuaded. He sins.
God is righteous. He does exactly what He said He would do.
Satan always acts the same. He lies and deceives. He tries to convince us that what God has said is wrong. He is cursed to always eat dust. (Since we are dust, that means he is after us.)
The woman saw the fruit, delighted in it, desired it, ate it, shared it, and paid for it. Pain in childbirth, longing/ desperation for a husband, dominated by him.
The man listened to his wife, hid from God, and ushered in death.
God cursed the serpent and the ground. He gave consequences to the man and the woman for their disobedience. They were removed from the garden that He had planted and returned to the place of Adam's creation, to the place where he was formed from the dust. Out of the garden where there was life, into the wilderness where they would eventually die.
Yet, God clothed the man and woman. He covered them with the skin of an animal. And He gave a promise that one day the "seed" of the woman would bruise the head of Satan. A promise that is fulfilled in Jesus, the Son of God.
It is all here. All the drama of our lives and every life before us, and those who will follow after us.
We are all deceived by the cursed serpent. We see the "tree" that we think is delightful. We desire after that which God has told us not to desire. We share it with others, leading them to the same fate. We hide from God's presence. We are destined to return to dust. We dwell in a wilderness instead of a garden. Until we turn to Jesus. Until we are covered by His blood, by His righteousness, clothed by the Father's grace.
Oh we need You, Lord Jesus! Every hour we need You. We need Your Truth, lest we swallow the enemy's lies. We need Your life, for we are just dust. We need Your covering, for we are naked and afraid. We need Your will to be done, not our own. For Your will is good and holy and right. We need You. Thank You for rescuing us from sin and death through Jesus, the Lamb of God, slain for our redemption. Bless Your Holy Name forever and ever. Amen.
The crafty Serpent tempts. He lies.
The woman is deceived. She breaks the commandment.
The man is persuaded. He sins.
God is righteous. He does exactly what He said He would do.
Satan always acts the same. He lies and deceives. He tries to convince us that what God has said is wrong. He is cursed to always eat dust. (Since we are dust, that means he is after us.)
The woman saw the fruit, delighted in it, desired it, ate it, shared it, and paid for it. Pain in childbirth, longing/ desperation for a husband, dominated by him.
The man listened to his wife, hid from God, and ushered in death.
God cursed the serpent and the ground. He gave consequences to the man and the woman for their disobedience. They were removed from the garden that He had planted and returned to the place of Adam's creation, to the place where he was formed from the dust. Out of the garden where there was life, into the wilderness where they would eventually die.
Yet, God clothed the man and woman. He covered them with the skin of an animal. And He gave a promise that one day the "seed" of the woman would bruise the head of Satan. A promise that is fulfilled in Jesus, the Son of God.
It is all here. All the drama of our lives and every life before us, and those who will follow after us.
We are all deceived by the cursed serpent. We see the "tree" that we think is delightful. We desire after that which God has told us not to desire. We share it with others, leading them to the same fate. We hide from God's presence. We are destined to return to dust. We dwell in a wilderness instead of a garden. Until we turn to Jesus. Until we are covered by His blood, by His righteousness, clothed by the Father's grace.
Oh we need You, Lord Jesus! Every hour we need You. We need Your Truth, lest we swallow the enemy's lies. We need Your life, for we are just dust. We need Your covering, for we are naked and afraid. We need Your will to be done, not our own. For Your will is good and holy and right. We need You. Thank You for rescuing us from sin and death through Jesus, the Lamb of God, slain for our redemption. Bless Your Holy Name forever and ever. Amen.
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