1 Peter 3:8 - "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous."
Thoughts on today's verse:
As Peter wraps up this letter, he has a few parting thoughts that he wants to communicate with the Church and some of those thoughts are seen here with five simple commands, which are, by implication, commands made to us as well.
First, Peter says that the believers are to be of one mind. The obvious implication here, is that naturally, believers are not always of one mind. Unity doesn't just happen - it is something that needs to be worked on.
Secondly, we are supposed to have compassion for one another. Other translations take this as the idea of "sympathy." One author stated that this means "caring deeply about the needs, joys, and sorrows of others" (Schreiner, Tom. NAC, 1, 2 Peter, Jude, p. 164).
Third, we are commanded to love as brothers. This brotherly love is recognized as a familial type of love that comes when we recognize that all who have Christ in common are part of the same spiritual family! We may have differences with our siblings, but this does not negate the love that we ought to show to them!
Fourthly, Peter says that we, as Christians, are supposed to be tenderhearted. The idea here is that of compassion. Paul alludes to this same concept in Ephesians 4:32 where we find that such compassion is to be borne out of a grateful heart to God for the compassion that he demonstrated to us in providing so great a salvation. It is much easier to be compassionate with our brothers and sisters in Christ when we put it in perspective of what Christ did through us!
Finally, Peter commands believers everywhere to be courteous, which carries with it the idea of being humble. Another translation states that we are to have "a humble mind" (ESV). This is fleshed out when we adopt the attitude that Paul put forth in Philippians 2:3-4 - "3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
This is really a picture of what Christianity should look like and how our lives should be marked: unity, sympathy, family, mercy, and humility!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Philippians 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"
Thoughts on today's verse:
The command is simple, but it is a command - Rejoice! Paul narrows it down and tells the believers in Philippi the source of their rejoicing - the Lord, and when they are supposed to rejoice - always! It seems simple, but we need to remember a couple of things. Paul was in prison when he penned these words - in prison! He was not in prison because he had stolen a chariot, laundered money, or sold drugs. No, he was in prison because he had been a faithful preacher of the gospel. His day to day existence was in question. He had chains that bound him to a certain place and to certain people, and all around him, there were enemies who wanted to destroy the church in Rome and elsewhere, yet in spite of these circumstances, Paul could say confidently - Rejoice!
This is where the always comes in. We rejoice when times are good, and we rejoice when times are not so good. We rejoice always, because when we think about the cause of our rejoicing, the Lord himself, who has granted to us life eternal through His Son, Jesus Christ, then we too can count this life and all that it entails, as a momentary, light affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17), and continue rejoicing in the Lord!
Thoughts on today's verse:
The command is simple, but it is a command - Rejoice! Paul narrows it down and tells the believers in Philippi the source of their rejoicing - the Lord, and when they are supposed to rejoice - always! It seems simple, but we need to remember a couple of things. Paul was in prison when he penned these words - in prison! He was not in prison because he had stolen a chariot, laundered money, or sold drugs. No, he was in prison because he had been a faithful preacher of the gospel. His day to day existence was in question. He had chains that bound him to a certain place and to certain people, and all around him, there were enemies who wanted to destroy the church in Rome and elsewhere, yet in spite of these circumstances, Paul could say confidently - Rejoice!
This is where the always comes in. We rejoice when times are good, and we rejoice when times are not so good. We rejoice always, because when we think about the cause of our rejoicing, the Lord himself, who has granted to us life eternal through His Son, Jesus Christ, then we too can count this life and all that it entails, as a momentary, light affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17), and continue rejoicing in the Lord!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Psalm 121:1-2 - "I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth."
Thoughts on today's verses:
In the days of the Psalmist people used to do most of their travel on foot. We don't really do that today. If you were to travel from one city to another and there were hills in between the cities those hills would provide the best concealment for robbers and vagabonds who would could greatly injure someone - think of the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37:
Travelers were not naive to this and no doubt, as they approached the hilly region they would be thinking about what they would do if a thief came out to meet them. Think of it in our modern day like going into a big city and having to pass through the ghetto section of town to get somewhere, at night. That would be very dangerous. No doubt you would double check to make sure your windows were up, the doors locked, and you would remain conscientious about not getting trapped at an intersection, making sure that 9-1-1 is on speed dial.
Well, as the psalmist considered the threat there was a very real anxiety, but there was also hope. Unlike the ghetto, if he was on a pilgrimage to the Holy City, Jerusalem, he would recognize that that city was nestled in the hills - the city where he was headed to worship God!
He then considered the help that he would receive. Was he counting on a good Samaritan to show up after he had been robbed and left for dead? Hardly. He recognized, as one who feared the Lord, that his help in fact came from the Lord. Then we get a glimpse into what that meant, as the psalmist gives us a creedal statement that it was the Lord who made heaven and earth. One cannot truly recognize God, without recognizing God as the creator. But this also brings up the idea of complete, and absolute power. The one who created all that is, and apart from whom nothing made was made, is the one who is personally interested in his creation and more specifically, his children. No one is better qualified to offer help than the Lord God, Himself!
From where does your help come? From the Lord who made heaven and earth!
Thoughts on today's verses:
In the days of the Psalmist people used to do most of their travel on foot. We don't really do that today. If you were to travel from one city to another and there were hills in between the cities those hills would provide the best concealment for robbers and vagabonds who would could greatly injure someone - think of the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37:
“A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead."
Travelers were not naive to this and no doubt, as they approached the hilly region they would be thinking about what they would do if a thief came out to meet them. Think of it in our modern day like going into a big city and having to pass through the ghetto section of town to get somewhere, at night. That would be very dangerous. No doubt you would double check to make sure your windows were up, the doors locked, and you would remain conscientious about not getting trapped at an intersection, making sure that 9-1-1 is on speed dial.
Well, as the psalmist considered the threat there was a very real anxiety, but there was also hope. Unlike the ghetto, if he was on a pilgrimage to the Holy City, Jerusalem, he would recognize that that city was nestled in the hills - the city where he was headed to worship God!
He then considered the help that he would receive. Was he counting on a good Samaritan to show up after he had been robbed and left for dead? Hardly. He recognized, as one who feared the Lord, that his help in fact came from the Lord. Then we get a glimpse into what that meant, as the psalmist gives us a creedal statement that it was the Lord who made heaven and earth. One cannot truly recognize God, without recognizing God as the creator. But this also brings up the idea of complete, and absolute power. The one who created all that is, and apart from whom nothing made was made, is the one who is personally interested in his creation and more specifically, his children. No one is better qualified to offer help than the Lord God, Himself!
From where does your help come? From the Lord who made heaven and earth!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Isaiah 46:4 - Even to your old age, I am He,
And even to gray hairs I will carry you!
I have made, and I will bear;
Even I will carry, and will deliver you.
Thoughts on today's verse:
In the larger context of this verse, Isaiah is warning the people of God about idolatry. Idols are a funny thing. These days we laugh and dismiss them as a thing of the past, yet, in a very real way, idols are just as much of a problem now as they were centuries ago. It seems, however, that idols have taken on a new look. In this country, anyway, idols may not necessarily be made from wood, stone, or metal, but a true idol is anything which takes the place of God; anything that competes with God, from a simple private sin, to food, to cars, a good career, etc. We can fall prey to looking to our idols for our sustenance. If I have a good job, then I will be set for life.
Here, Isaiah is reminding God's people that in fact idols are nothing, and it is actually God who sustains our life! He sustains us in the beginning (Psalm 139), and here, he sustains us in the end. And by implication, he sustains us all along the way! When we understand that He actually has taken our sustenance upon himself and he delights to do it, that should affect our lives! There is not one moment when God is not carrying you and me along. We shouldn't simply go around with the knowledge that he does these things. We see here that this should lead to a life of dependence upon him, where we cast our burdens on him, knowing that he will sustain us (Psalm 55:22)! We bless the Lord knowing that he "daily bears us up" (Psalm 68:19). And Peter told us to in fact to cast our anxieties on the Lord, because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7)!
Dear friend, humble yourself today and recognize that it is God alone who sustains you, and he is willing to prove it by bearing your burden!
And even to gray hairs I will carry you!
I have made, and I will bear;
Even I will carry, and will deliver you.
Thoughts on today's verse:
In the larger context of this verse, Isaiah is warning the people of God about idolatry. Idols are a funny thing. These days we laugh and dismiss them as a thing of the past, yet, in a very real way, idols are just as much of a problem now as they were centuries ago. It seems, however, that idols have taken on a new look. In this country, anyway, idols may not necessarily be made from wood, stone, or metal, but a true idol is anything which takes the place of God; anything that competes with God, from a simple private sin, to food, to cars, a good career, etc. We can fall prey to looking to our idols for our sustenance. If I have a good job, then I will be set for life.
Here, Isaiah is reminding God's people that in fact idols are nothing, and it is actually God who sustains our life! He sustains us in the beginning (Psalm 139), and here, he sustains us in the end. And by implication, he sustains us all along the way! When we understand that He actually has taken our sustenance upon himself and he delights to do it, that should affect our lives! There is not one moment when God is not carrying you and me along. We shouldn't simply go around with the knowledge that he does these things. We see here that this should lead to a life of dependence upon him, where we cast our burdens on him, knowing that he will sustain us (Psalm 55:22)! We bless the Lord knowing that he "daily bears us up" (Psalm 68:19). And Peter told us to in fact to cast our anxieties on the Lord, because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7)!
Dear friend, humble yourself today and recognize that it is God alone who sustains you, and he is willing to prove it by bearing your burden!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Titus 2:1-2 - 2 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
Thoughts on today's verses:
Paul was encouraging Titus in the pastorate about some of the issues that he should be addressing as the pastor of that church. He then zeroes in on the elder men and tells Titus to teach them three things that were in accordance with the society of the time: sober, that is, showing restraint; reverent, not presumptuous, and temperate - or balanced.
Then he goes on to give three aspects that highlight the Christian aspect of an older believer: sound in faith, in love, and in patience - characteristics which were not widely accepted or practiced by the elderly in that particular time. For some, especially the unsaved, getting older often brings with it certain physical pains, irritability, the difficulty of accepting change. But, Paul tells Titus that when one is a Christian their life is supposed to be different!
How are you doing, friend? Perhaps you have been saved for a while now. Is your love for God greater than it was initially? Do you love the people of God more than you did before? Are you excited at the prospect of seeing the Lord face to face? Do you love to read the Word more now, than at the first? We can all ask these probing questions, so that we too may be models to emulate rather than examples to avoid!
Thoughts on today's verses:
Paul was encouraging Titus in the pastorate about some of the issues that he should be addressing as the pastor of that church. He then zeroes in on the elder men and tells Titus to teach them three things that were in accordance with the society of the time: sober, that is, showing restraint; reverent, not presumptuous, and temperate - or balanced.
Then he goes on to give three aspects that highlight the Christian aspect of an older believer: sound in faith, in love, and in patience - characteristics which were not widely accepted or practiced by the elderly in that particular time. For some, especially the unsaved, getting older often brings with it certain physical pains, irritability, the difficulty of accepting change. But, Paul tells Titus that when one is a Christian their life is supposed to be different!
"For a Christian, old age should bring greater love for God, for the people of God, and for the sacred things of God. Those who have walked with Christ for many years should rejoice in that privilege and in the prospect of one day seeing Him face to face. A church should value and honor those who have spent many years in fellowship with the Lord, in the study of His Word, and in service to and through His church." (MacArthur, Titus, p. 72)
How are you doing, friend? Perhaps you have been saved for a while now. Is your love for God greater than it was initially? Do you love the people of God more than you did before? Are you excited at the prospect of seeing the Lord face to face? Do you love to read the Word more now, than at the first? We can all ask these probing questions, so that we too may be models to emulate rather than examples to avoid!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Psalm 143:10
Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.
Thoughts on today's verse:
When we follow someone, that generally implies that we know a little bit about the person that we are following, namely, what they want, and how they want it done. This is exactly what the psalmist is doing when he petitions God to teach him to do His will! When we make this petition, along with the psalmist, we must understand that this teaching will come from our reading of, interacting with, and submitting to the Bible, wherein is contained our instructions for life!
One author said that "Doing the will of God implies a complete submission to his will, as revealed in his word so that the deeds done in the flesh are acceptable to the Lord. Obedience here is an outgrowth of redemption, which itself is a work of God freely rendered to those who express faith in him. Obedience and sanctification grow out of a relationship of grace."
Then, when we are walking in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord, our path is found to be stable, where our spiritual feet can be firmly planted!
Thoughts on today's verse:
When we follow someone, that generally implies that we know a little bit about the person that we are following, namely, what they want, and how they want it done. This is exactly what the psalmist is doing when he petitions God to teach him to do His will! When we make this petition, along with the psalmist, we must understand that this teaching will come from our reading of, interacting with, and submitting to the Bible, wherein is contained our instructions for life!
One author said that "Doing the will of God implies a complete submission to his will, as revealed in his word so that the deeds done in the flesh are acceptable to the Lord. Obedience here is an outgrowth of redemption, which itself is a work of God freely rendered to those who express faith in him. Obedience and sanctification grow out of a relationship of grace."
Then, when we are walking in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord, our path is found to be stable, where our spiritual feet can be firmly planted!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Colossians 1:28 - 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Thoughts on today's verse:
Many people preach today, but not necessarily from the Bible. Some preach on the environment, some preach on politics, others on social reform. Some get closer and actually preach at a church, but their homilies are moralizations from the Bible, for that is all that the Bible is to them: a compilation of moral teachings. When Paul thought about his message, as he was writing to the believers in Colossae, he recognized that the subject of his message was Christ Jesus! If you're not preaching Christ, what are you preaching? If you're not sharing Christ with others, then what are you sharing?
The warning that comes with preaching Christ can be seen in the judgment to come: the fact that Christ is going to return, which presupposes his resurrection. It is a living Savior who will return, and a living Savior who alone has the authority judge the earth. Thus, we teach the truth about Christ, that he was more than a good man with good moral teachings - He was in fact perfect and sinless! The Bible records for us hundreds of prophecies concerning the Messiah which Jesus Christ fulfilled! And, in his life and ministry upon the earth, Jesus taught that not all roads leads to heaven! In reality, He taught that the broad path leads to destruction and that many people are on that path! He also taught that it was the narrow path that led to salvation and few were on that (Mt. 7:13-14). In fact, we know that the narrow path is found in Jesus Christ himself, for he said in John 14:6 - "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no man comes to the Father except through me."
These things aren't common knowledge; people need to be warned and taught so that they may be presented perfect before Christ Jesus!
Thoughts on today's verse:
Many people preach today, but not necessarily from the Bible. Some preach on the environment, some preach on politics, others on social reform. Some get closer and actually preach at a church, but their homilies are moralizations from the Bible, for that is all that the Bible is to them: a compilation of moral teachings. When Paul thought about his message, as he was writing to the believers in Colossae, he recognized that the subject of his message was Christ Jesus! If you're not preaching Christ, what are you preaching? If you're not sharing Christ with others, then what are you sharing?
The warning that comes with preaching Christ can be seen in the judgment to come: the fact that Christ is going to return, which presupposes his resurrection. It is a living Savior who will return, and a living Savior who alone has the authority judge the earth. Thus, we teach the truth about Christ, that he was more than a good man with good moral teachings - He was in fact perfect and sinless! The Bible records for us hundreds of prophecies concerning the Messiah which Jesus Christ fulfilled! And, in his life and ministry upon the earth, Jesus taught that not all roads leads to heaven! In reality, He taught that the broad path leads to destruction and that many people are on that path! He also taught that it was the narrow path that led to salvation and few were on that (Mt. 7:13-14). In fact, we know that the narrow path is found in Jesus Christ himself, for he said in John 14:6 - "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no man comes to the Father except through me."
These things aren't common knowledge; people need to be warned and taught so that they may be presented perfect before Christ Jesus!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Colossians 2:6-7 - "6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it[b] with thanksgiving."
Thoughts on today's verses:
These are great verses! They serve as a reminder to anyone who has been a Christian for a while. Do you remember how you received Christ Jesus as Lord? Paul said to the Philippian Jailer in Acts 16:31 that he needed to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and he would be saved! Hopefully we quote a similar verse often to others: "for by grace you are saved, through faith, not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast."
We are saved through faith and we are to continue in our Christian walk by that same faith! And, as we grow in faith, our foundation is strengthened, our faith is strengthened and it ultimately results in thanksgiving that is overflowing!
Continue walking by faith!
Thoughts on today's verses:
These are great verses! They serve as a reminder to anyone who has been a Christian for a while. Do you remember how you received Christ Jesus as Lord? Paul said to the Philippian Jailer in Acts 16:31 that he needed to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and he would be saved! Hopefully we quote a similar verse often to others: "for by grace you are saved, through faith, not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast."
We are saved through faith and we are to continue in our Christian walk by that same faith! And, as we grow in faith, our foundation is strengthened, our faith is strengthened and it ultimately results in thanksgiving that is overflowing!
Continue walking by faith!
Friday, September 09, 2011
Colossians 3:20 - "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."
Thoughts on today's verse:
Perhaps you heard this in your house growing up, or you find yourself repeating it to your children. There are some important truths nestled in this short verse.
The first truth addresses the source: to children, they have a special command from the Lord Himself. The illustration falls short in many ways, but this is sort of like the pastor making an application to children in the middle of his sermon. I know that when the pastor would do that when I was a child, I perked up a bit because now I felt like he was talking to me! Well, this is what is happening here in this verse - the Lord is taking a moment to address the children specifically.
The second truth is the command, which is simple. There are no multiple steps or questions about method - just obey your parents. God doesn't say that there is a time to obey and a time not to obey, just obey in everything.
The third truth addresses the motivation. For children it is simply that this pleases the Lord, there is nothing else, and there doesn't need to be!
For those of us who are not children we learn that God has established authorities, and you just might be one of those authorities.
We also see that for the myriad commands that are addressed to Christians in general and other groups specifically, obedience to those commands results in the Lord being pleased. We must not forget that what God has instructed us to do is not so that we would groan under a checklist of do's and don't's, but because he knows what is best for us and when we do it, He is delighted! Let's purpose in our hearts to please the Lord by doing what He has commanded!
Thoughts on today's verse:
Perhaps you heard this in your house growing up, or you find yourself repeating it to your children. There are some important truths nestled in this short verse.
The first truth addresses the source: to children, they have a special command from the Lord Himself. The illustration falls short in many ways, but this is sort of like the pastor making an application to children in the middle of his sermon. I know that when the pastor would do that when I was a child, I perked up a bit because now I felt like he was talking to me! Well, this is what is happening here in this verse - the Lord is taking a moment to address the children specifically.
The second truth is the command, which is simple. There are no multiple steps or questions about method - just obey your parents. God doesn't say that there is a time to obey and a time not to obey, just obey in everything.
The third truth addresses the motivation. For children it is simply that this pleases the Lord, there is nothing else, and there doesn't need to be!
For those of us who are not children we learn that God has established authorities, and you just might be one of those authorities.
We also see that for the myriad commands that are addressed to Christians in general and other groups specifically, obedience to those commands results in the Lord being pleased. We must not forget that what God has instructed us to do is not so that we would groan under a checklist of do's and don't's, but because he knows what is best for us and when we do it, He is delighted! Let's purpose in our hearts to please the Lord by doing what He has commanded!
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Colossians 1:17 "And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist."
Thoughts on today's verse:
This is such a short verse, and yet is packed with incredible theology and doctrine. When we ponder the statement that Christ is before all things, we recognize that He was different. As Christ, He has no beginning and no end, thus he could say to the Pharisees in John 8:58 that "before Abraham was I AM." We call this the eternality of Christ. Sure, he came into the world as a man, and was born a baby, but this does not mean that prior to the Christmas event Christ did not exist - no, He has existed forever!
Secondly, we notice something that should cause us to ponder greatly the fact of our living and breathing right now - that "in Him all things consist." This simple statment has enormous implications. Namely that the only thing that keeps this planet in its orbit around the sun is Christ; that the only reason we don't go flying off the planet is because of Christ; that the only reason the molecules that make up everything on earth stay in the formation that they are and not sponateously combust is Christ! The only reason that you and I can breathe at this moment is because Christ is holding us together! This is an incredible thought: the one who has existed from eternity past is the one who sustains our life one moment at a time! Praise God!
Thoughts on today's verse:
This is such a short verse, and yet is packed with incredible theology and doctrine. When we ponder the statement that Christ is before all things, we recognize that He was different. As Christ, He has no beginning and no end, thus he could say to the Pharisees in John 8:58 that "before Abraham was I AM." We call this the eternality of Christ. Sure, he came into the world as a man, and was born a baby, but this does not mean that prior to the Christmas event Christ did not exist - no, He has existed forever!
Secondly, we notice something that should cause us to ponder greatly the fact of our living and breathing right now - that "in Him all things consist." This simple statment has enormous implications. Namely that the only thing that keeps this planet in its orbit around the sun is Christ; that the only reason we don't go flying off the planet is because of Christ; that the only reason the molecules that make up everything on earth stay in the formation that they are and not sponateously combust is Christ! The only reason that you and I can breathe at this moment is because Christ is holding us together! This is an incredible thought: the one who has existed from eternity past is the one who sustains our life one moment at a time! Praise God!
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Thoughts on today's verse:
When we think about Jesus Christ, we often think about his work on the cross, and rightfully so, for it was an incredible work that Christ accomplished. One of the things that makes it even more amazing is the fact that Christ was not merely a man on cross like the men on his right and on his left - He was and is, the creator of all things! Our verse today says that everything that exists was created by Christ!
John says something similar in the Gospel that bears his name: "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." - John 1:3
Paul, through the Spirit, expounds upon that idea and demonstrates some of the things that fall under the purview of Christ's creative work: all that is in heaven, all that is on the earth; all the visible aspects of creation that you can possibly think of. Let's stop for a moment and consider the fact that not too long ago NASA received an image from one of its sattellites that was pointed towards the blackest spot that they could find in space, that took a several month long exposure shot. What came back was mind boggling. What appeared to be nothing at first actually contained thousands of galaxies with millions and billions more stars and countless planets! What is even more amazing is that before NASA discovered those, Christ already knew about them for he created them!
But the Scriptures don't stop there - they say that He also created what was invisible, namely thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers. This should be a great comfort to us as we recognize that powers are indeed put in place by God, and have been especially created for a purpose within this creation. But what's more, they do not simply run amuck, according to their own whim; they are constantly under the watchful eye of Christ and will one day give an account for their use of this position that He created!
Finally, we recognize not only the agent in creation - Christ, but also the purpose of Creation - that it was made for Him! You and I are a part of creation, and the Scriptures say that all of Creation was made for Christ! It was not made for us, but for Him.
Thoughts on today's verse:
When we think about Jesus Christ, we often think about his work on the cross, and rightfully so, for it was an incredible work that Christ accomplished. One of the things that makes it even more amazing is the fact that Christ was not merely a man on cross like the men on his right and on his left - He was and is, the creator of all things! Our verse today says that everything that exists was created by Christ!
John says something similar in the Gospel that bears his name: "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." - John 1:3
Paul, through the Spirit, expounds upon that idea and demonstrates some of the things that fall under the purview of Christ's creative work: all that is in heaven, all that is on the earth; all the visible aspects of creation that you can possibly think of. Let's stop for a moment and consider the fact that not too long ago NASA received an image from one of its sattellites that was pointed towards the blackest spot that they could find in space, that took a several month long exposure shot. What came back was mind boggling. What appeared to be nothing at first actually contained thousands of galaxies with millions and billions more stars and countless planets! What is even more amazing is that before NASA discovered those, Christ already knew about them for he created them!
But the Scriptures don't stop there - they say that He also created what was invisible, namely thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers. This should be a great comfort to us as we recognize that powers are indeed put in place by God, and have been especially created for a purpose within this creation. But what's more, they do not simply run amuck, according to their own whim; they are constantly under the watchful eye of Christ and will one day give an account for their use of this position that He created!
Finally, we recognize not only the agent in creation - Christ, but also the purpose of Creation - that it was made for Him! You and I are a part of creation, and the Scriptures say that all of Creation was made for Christ! It was not made for us, but for Him.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Thoughts on today's verse:
We often speak of teaching our children, yet children don't just need to be taught, they need to be trained! When we think of teaching we think of the classroom, we think of books, we think of lectures. These all have their place! After all, it was Solomon who wrote this earlier in Proverbs 1:
8 My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
However, when we think of training our minds often turn to things like athletics, new jobs, learning a musical instrument. These types of things take training; they take practice and diligence! You could learn all there is to know about basketball from a book and from lectures, but it is an entirely different thing to go out on the court and play well. Perhaps you started a new job, or you remember your first day at a brand new job. You couldn't just start and perform well, you had to practice, you had to train. The same could be said of a musical instrument: at the end of the day, it just takes hard work, repition, and much training. This is what the Lord is teaching us as parents, namely two things:
1) A child will not arrive at the right end without any guidance - we must be involved in their lives and upbringing.
And,
2) The process of bringing up a child will take a lot of work - it not something that we can sit back and be passive about!
Thoughts on today's verse:
We often speak of teaching our children, yet children don't just need to be taught, they need to be trained! When we think of teaching we think of the classroom, we think of books, we think of lectures. These all have their place! After all, it was Solomon who wrote this earlier in Proverbs 1:
8 My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
However, when we think of training our minds often turn to things like athletics, new jobs, learning a musical instrument. These types of things take training; they take practice and diligence! You could learn all there is to know about basketball from a book and from lectures, but it is an entirely different thing to go out on the court and play well. Perhaps you started a new job, or you remember your first day at a brand new job. You couldn't just start and perform well, you had to practice, you had to train. The same could be said of a musical instrument: at the end of the day, it just takes hard work, repition, and much training. This is what the Lord is teaching us as parents, namely two things:
1) A child will not arrive at the right end without any guidance - we must be involved in their lives and upbringing.
And,
2) The process of bringing up a child will take a lot of work - it not something that we can sit back and be passive about!
Monday, September 05, 2011
Psalm 36:1-4 -
" 1 An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes, When he finds out his iniquity and when he hates. 3 The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4 He devises wickedness on his bed; He sets himself in a way that is not good; He does not abhor evil."
Thoughts on today's verses:
I know that sometimes, when I read Scripture that is aimed at the wicked, my mind tends to start putting the names of people I think are wicked in, alongside the passage. In reality, God knows who the wicked are, and nothing will escape his all-seeing eye, or his all-knowing mind. But, one thing that I can do when I read a passage such as this is to examine myself. After all, Paul said in 2 Cor. 13:5 that we ought to examine ourselves and to test ourselves, to see whether or not we are in the faith - that is, whether or not we have a life that is characterized by Christ. What is unique about this passage is the progression of the wicked from dabbling in sin to, in the end, being characterized by a life of sin!
1) He flatters himself when he finds out his iniquities and when he hates - perhaps you think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Remember that you are to let another praise you and not your own lips! But, this takes it a step further, in that when the wicked does something wrong, he lies to himself and convinces himself that he is okay. Lord, let us be truthful with ourselves as the Spirit examines us!
2) The Words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit - Lying lips are an abomination of the Lord, but they that deal truly are his delight!
3) He has ceased to be wise and to do good. At one time we may have been doing right and good, but we may have stopped.
4) He devises wickedness on his bed. Rather than thinking about things that are good, and build up (see Phil. 4:8), perhaps you think about evil and wicked things.
5) He sets himself in a way that is not good - now you purpose to do that which is displeasing to the Lord.
6) He does not abhor evil - your whole life has changed, starting from the small actions, to your affections, where you actually embrace that which God calls evil.
Oh, may we let this list examine us, and may it not be said of us that any of these traits of the wicked are present in our own lives!
" 1 An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes, When he finds out his iniquity and when he hates. 3 The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4 He devises wickedness on his bed; He sets himself in a way that is not good; He does not abhor evil."
Thoughts on today's verses:
I know that sometimes, when I read Scripture that is aimed at the wicked, my mind tends to start putting the names of people I think are wicked in, alongside the passage. In reality, God knows who the wicked are, and nothing will escape his all-seeing eye, or his all-knowing mind. But, one thing that I can do when I read a passage such as this is to examine myself. After all, Paul said in 2 Cor. 13:5 that we ought to examine ourselves and to test ourselves, to see whether or not we are in the faith - that is, whether or not we have a life that is characterized by Christ. What is unique about this passage is the progression of the wicked from dabbling in sin to, in the end, being characterized by a life of sin!
1) He flatters himself when he finds out his iniquities and when he hates - perhaps you think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Remember that you are to let another praise you and not your own lips! But, this takes it a step further, in that when the wicked does something wrong, he lies to himself and convinces himself that he is okay. Lord, let us be truthful with ourselves as the Spirit examines us!
2) The Words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit - Lying lips are an abomination of the Lord, but they that deal truly are his delight!
3) He has ceased to be wise and to do good. At one time we may have been doing right and good, but we may have stopped.
4) He devises wickedness on his bed. Rather than thinking about things that are good, and build up (see Phil. 4:8), perhaps you think about evil and wicked things.
5) He sets himself in a way that is not good - now you purpose to do that which is displeasing to the Lord.
6) He does not abhor evil - your whole life has changed, starting from the small actions, to your affections, where you actually embrace that which God calls evil.
Oh, may we let this list examine us, and may it not be said of us that any of these traits of the wicked are present in our own lives!
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Ephesians 2:19
"You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household."
Thoughts on today's verse:
The fact that Paul would say that the believers in the Ephesian church were "no longer" might be an indication that some within the church were still living like foreigners to God's household. While it is true that this is a statement about our pre-salvation relationship to God (foreigners and aliens), it gets at a heart question: how are you living today? Perhaps you have experienced God's great salvation, so freely given, but you have turned your back on God to again pursue the empty pleasures of the world.
If you've ever traveled to a foreign country, where you didn't know the language, you can relate to the awkward feeling that you had of not being at home. It just didn't feel completely comfortable, you didn't speak the language, you didn't know the customs, the food was different, and so on. However, when you returned to you own country, you fit in: you spoke the language, you knew the customs, the food was something you were used to. People today are going to be a foreigner and an alien somewhere: either a foreigner to God and other believers and citizen of the world; or a foreigner to the world and a member of God's household!
If you have experienced the salvation that God offers through His perfect Son, Jesus Christ, then you a fellow citizen with God's people. As members of God's household, we ought to live in a way that reflects this great reality!
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Psalm 33:13-15
13 The LORD looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
14 From the place of His dwelling He looks
On all the inhabitants of the earth;
15 He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works.
Thoughts on Today's verses:
Some say that God is impersonal. A theory of creation exists which says that God created everything and just let it go. However, the Bible teaches the immanence God, that he is involved in his creation. We see that here, in these verses. He sees us all, there is none hidden. And not only does he see us, but also, He sees our works. To some this is terrifying, but to others it provides hope and comfort.
13 The LORD looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
14 From the place of His dwelling He looks
On all the inhabitants of the earth;
15 He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works.
Thoughts on Today's verses:
Some say that God is impersonal. A theory of creation exists which says that God created everything and just let it go. However, the Bible teaches the immanence God, that he is involved in his creation. We see that here, in these verses. He sees us all, there is none hidden. And not only does he see us, but also, He sees our works. To some this is terrifying, but to others it provides hope and comfort.
Friday, September 02, 2011
Matthew 10:37-39
37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Thoughts on Today's Verses:
How much do you love the Savior? On Friday we looked at verses 32-33 of this same chapter where we were challenged on the level of our committment to Christ in being willing to confess Him before others. Here, the bar is raised yet again. We are told that our love for our Savior should excell beyond any other love on earth, and that love will result in a life style that is marked by following Christ. Just as in Mt. 4:18-22 where Peter, Andrew, James, and John were called to follow Christ and they dropped everything to follow him, so we see here that we too are called to follow Christ. Are you worthy of Him? Are you taking up your cross and following him? Do you love him more than anything else?
37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Thoughts on Today's Verses:
How much do you love the Savior? On Friday we looked at verses 32-33 of this same chapter where we were challenged on the level of our committment to Christ in being willing to confess Him before others. Here, the bar is raised yet again. We are told that our love for our Savior should excell beyond any other love on earth, and that love will result in a life style that is marked by following Christ. Just as in Mt. 4:18-22 where Peter, Andrew, James, and John were called to follow Christ and they dropped everything to follow him, so we see here that we too are called to follow Christ. Are you worthy of Him? Are you taking up your cross and following him? Do you love him more than anything else?
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Matthew 8:23-27
23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
Thoughts on Today's Verse:
Following Jesus does not always mean that our pathway will be calm and peaceful. However, we are to trust Him as He leads us for he will never leave us nor forsake us. When the storms come, and they will come, it is too easy to forget who it is that is present with us. This is what the disciples forgot, which prompted their question of his identity. So, when you find yourself in a storm of life, remember that you are not without hope, nor are you alone, for you have the Creator of the universe there with you!
23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
Thoughts on Today's Verse:
Following Jesus does not always mean that our pathway will be calm and peaceful. However, we are to trust Him as He leads us for he will never leave us nor forsake us. When the storms come, and they will come, it is too easy to forget who it is that is present with us. This is what the disciples forgot, which prompted their question of his identity. So, when you find yourself in a storm of life, remember that you are not without hope, nor are you alone, for you have the Creator of the universe there with you!
Matthew 9:35-38
35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.[e] 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary[f] and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
Thoughts on Today's verses:
Every day we see people. That's a part of life to which there are few exceptions. Have you ever stopped to think about the people you pass on a daily basis, perhaps as you travel to and from work, or as you stroll through the park, or take a lunch break, or go shopping? As Jesus went through the cities and villages, he saw multitudes of people and was moved with compassion. What he saw was a great need for salvation. The multitudes need to hear the gospel, and we who have already experienced the salvation that comes from Christ have been tasked to share this good news!
Romans 10:14-15:
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent?
38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.[e] 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary[f] and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
Thoughts on Today's verses:
Every day we see people. That's a part of life to which there are few exceptions. Have you ever stopped to think about the people you pass on a daily basis, perhaps as you travel to and from work, or as you stroll through the park, or take a lunch break, or go shopping? As Jesus went through the cities and villages, he saw multitudes of people and was moved with compassion. What he saw was a great need for salvation. The multitudes need to hear the gospel, and we who have already experienced the salvation that comes from Christ have been tasked to share this good news!
Romans 10:14-15:
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent?
38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Matthew 10:16
16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Thoughts on today's verse:
Sending sheep out among wolves is not a very safe environment. For the sheep, there is great hostility, as the wolves are their predator. If the sheep did not know that this was the situation, it could find itself facing great harm very quickly. In order to survive in such an environment would take much caution and wisdom. Our situation is similar, and this is what the Lord was speaking of. As Christians, the world to which we are sent is not one that welcomes the gospel message! Great hostility exists towards Christianity and the message of Christ. Therefore, we are to be exceedingly wise in our conduct and never seek to intentionally provoke others. Paul said eslewhere, "as much as is possible, live peaceably with all men."
16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Thoughts on today's verse:
Sending sheep out among wolves is not a very safe environment. For the sheep, there is great hostility, as the wolves are their predator. If the sheep did not know that this was the situation, it could find itself facing great harm very quickly. In order to survive in such an environment would take much caution and wisdom. Our situation is similar, and this is what the Lord was speaking of. As Christians, the world to which we are sent is not one that welcomes the gospel message! Great hostility exists towards Christianity and the message of Christ. Therefore, we are to be exceedingly wise in our conduct and never seek to intentionally provoke others. Paul said eslewhere, "as much as is possible, live peaceably with all men."
Matthew 10:32-33
32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
Thoughts on Today's Verses:
Some view salvation as a ticket. It's their ticket to make sure they don't go to hell, and nothing more. Jesus implies in this verse that, at the very least, there is much more to salvation than a free pass to heaven. Part of what it means to be a Christian is to share the gospel with others, it is a way that you can show that you are a Christian, not a way to become a Christian. Remember: "you are not your own, you have been bought with a price. Therefore, glorify God in your bodies!" Have you confessed Christ to others?
32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
Thoughts on Today's Verses:
Some view salvation as a ticket. It's their ticket to make sure they don't go to hell, and nothing more. Jesus implies in this verse that, at the very least, there is much more to salvation than a free pass to heaven. Part of what it means to be a Christian is to share the gospel with others, it is a way that you can show that you are a Christian, not a way to become a Christian. Remember: "you are not your own, you have been bought with a price. Therefore, glorify God in your bodies!" Have you confessed Christ to others?
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