1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God
Bondservant means a slave. A man without his own rights.
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Titus
14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
The next verse basically says, so get on with it. Believing enables you to do it.
The next verse basically says, so get on with it. Believing enables you to do it.
2 Timothy
6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
Slap on those hands and give away the goodies preacher man!
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Work.
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
Walk away from sin.
20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.
Even Paul didn't have a 100% success rate in healing the sick.
Slap on those hands and give away the goodies preacher man!
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Work.
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
Walk away from sin.
20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.
Even Paul didn't have a 100% success rate in healing the sick.
Thursday, 23 September 2010
1 Timothy
1-2Don't be harsh or impatient with an older man. Talk to him as you would your own father, and to the younger men as your brothers. Reverently honor an older woman as you would your mother, and the younger women as sisters.
Family.
8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Prosperity.
Family.
8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Prosperity.
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Ezekiel 46-48
9-10 "'But when the people of the land come to worship God at the commanded feasts, those who enter through the north gate will exit from the south gate, and those who enter though the south gate will exit from the north gate. You don't exit the gate through which you enter, but through the opposite gate. The prince is to be there, mingling with them, going in and out with them.
We're leaving the Holy place a different way then we came in!
16-18 "'A Message from God, the Master: If the prince deeds a gift from his inheritance to one of his sons, it stays in the family. But if he deeds a gift from his inheritance to a servant, the servant keeps it only until the year of liberation (the Jubilee year). After that, it comes back to the prince. His inheritance is only for his sons. It stays in the family. The prince must not take the inheritance from any of the people, dispossessing them of their land. He can give his sons only what he himself owns. None of my people are to be run off their land.'"
Yay! Our inheritance cannot be robbed forever!!
We're leaving the Holy place a different way then we came in!
16-18 "'A Message from God, the Master: If the prince deeds a gift from his inheritance to one of his sons, it stays in the family. But if he deeds a gift from his inheritance to a servant, the servant keeps it only until the year of liberation (the Jubilee year). After that, it comes back to the prince. His inheritance is only for his sons. It stays in the family. The prince must not take the inheritance from any of the people, dispossessing them of their land. He can give his sons only what he himself owns. None of my people are to be run off their land.'"
Yay! Our inheritance cannot be robbed forever!!
ezekiel 40-45
4-5 The bright Glory of God poured into the Temple through the east gate. The Spirit put me on my feet and led me to the inside courtyard and—oh! the bright Glory of God filled the Temple!
Show me your Face God! Show me your Face!
5 God said to me, "Son of man, get a grip on yourself. Use your eyes, use your ears, pay careful attention to everything I tell you about the ordinances of this Temple of God, the way all the laws work, instructions regarding it and all the entrances and exits of the Sanctuary.
Then gird up my loins so I can stand in that holy place!
Show me your Face God! Show me your Face!
5 God said to me, "Son of man, get a grip on yourself. Use your eyes, use your ears, pay careful attention to everything I tell you about the ordinances of this Temple of God, the way all the laws work, instructions regarding it and all the entrances and exits of the Sanctuary.
Then gird up my loins so I can stand in that holy place!
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Ezekiel 37-39
5-6 God, the Master, told the dry bones, "Watch this: I'm bringing the breath of life to you and you'll come to life. I'll attach sinews to you, put meat on your bones, cover you with skin, and breathe life into you. You'll come alive and you'll realize that I am God!"
The gospel is a prophetic declaration that calls us into life. We cannot know God until we are made alive in Christ. Like Ezekiel we have the awesome privilege of making that declaration of life to people so they might hear and live. Speak to the dead souls that work with you and eat with you. Declare life over them through the cross of Jesus Christ!
The gospel is a prophetic declaration that calls us into life. We cannot know God until we are made alive in Christ. Like Ezekiel we have the awesome privilege of making that declaration of life to people so they might hear and live. Speak to the dead souls that work with you and eat with you. Declare life over them through the cross of Jesus Christ!
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Ezekiel 33-36
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36.26
There are verses in this chapter that slam Israel's failure, but over 20 times God says "I will" followed by a different promise of restoration. What's the point? You couldn't do it, so "I will". Peter wrote that:
[God's] promises...enable you to share his divine nature.
2 Peter 1.4.
So we become holy by believing in a promise. His work, not mine. His will not mine. His glory, not mine. Holiness does not begin with my behaviour. Holiness comes through changing my beliefs. Do I really believe I can access the nature of God?
Jesus did not just die to forgive my sins, He died to make me one with Him. He didn't just deal with the stone tablets that condemned me (the stone heart) he brought me into His nature, (His heart of flesh). This is why Paul wrote:
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2.20
I died when He died, and I experience His nature the same way I experience His forgiveness: by faith in the promise of Jesus Christ.
Ezekiel 36.26
There are verses in this chapter that slam Israel's failure, but over 20 times God says "I will" followed by a different promise of restoration. What's the point? You couldn't do it, so "I will". Peter wrote that:
[God's] promises...enable you to share his divine nature.
2 Peter 1.4.
So we become holy by believing in a promise. His work, not mine. His will not mine. His glory, not mine. Holiness does not begin with my behaviour. Holiness comes through changing my beliefs. Do I really believe I can access the nature of God?
Jesus did not just die to forgive my sins, He died to make me one with Him. He didn't just deal with the stone tablets that condemned me (the stone heart) he brought me into His nature, (His heart of flesh). This is why Paul wrote:
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2.20
I died when He died, and I experience His nature the same way I experience His forgiveness: by faith in the promise of Jesus Christ.
Friday, 17 September 2010
Ezekiel 31-33
7-9 "You, son of man, are the watchman. I've made you a watchman for Israel. The minute you hear a message from me, warn them. If I say to the wicked, 'Wicked man, wicked woman, you're on the fast track to death!' and you don't speak up and warn the wicked to change their ways, the wicked will die unwarned in their sins and I'll hold you responsible for their bloodshed. But if you warn the wicked to change their ways and they don't do it, they'll die in their sins well-warned and at least you will have saved your own life.
Responsibility to cry out!
14-16 "'On the other hand, if I tell a wicked person, "You'll die for your wicked life," and he repents of his sin and starts living a righteous and just life—being generous to the down-and-out
Care for the poor is part of the saved lifestyle.
30-32 "As for you, son of man, you've become quite the talk of the town. Your people meet on street corners and in front of their houses and say, 'Let's go hear the latest news from God.' They show up, as people tend to do, and sit in your company. They listen to you speak, but don't do a thing you say. They flatter you with compliments, but all they care about is making money and getting ahead. To them you're merely entertainment—a country singer of sad love songs, playing a guitar. They love to hear you talk, but nothing comes of it.
Is application in our minds when we hear the word of God? What are the action points from Sunday mornings?
Responsibility to cry out!
14-16 "'On the other hand, if I tell a wicked person, "You'll die for your wicked life," and he repents of his sin and starts living a righteous and just life—being generous to the down-and-out
Care for the poor is part of the saved lifestyle.
30-32 "As for you, son of man, you've become quite the talk of the town. Your people meet on street corners and in front of their houses and say, 'Let's go hear the latest news from God.' They show up, as people tend to do, and sit in your company. They listen to you speak, but don't do a thing you say. They flatter you with compliments, but all they care about is making money and getting ahead. To them you're merely entertainment—a country singer of sad love songs, playing a guitar. They love to hear you talk, but nothing comes of it.
Is application in our minds when we hear the word of God? What are the action points from Sunday mornings?
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Ezekiel 28-30
22-26 "Therefore, God, the Master, says, I am dead set against Pharaoh king of Egypt and will go ahead and break his other arm—both arms broken! There's no way he'll ever swing a sword again. I'll scatter Egyptians all over the world. I'll make the arms of the king of Babylon strong and put my sword in his hand, but I'll break the arms of Pharaoh and he'll groan like one who is mortally wounded. I'll make the arms of the king of Babylon strong, but the arms of Pharaoh shall go limp. The Egyptians will realize that I am God when I place my sword in the hand of the king of Babylon. He'll wield it against Egypt and I'll scatter Egyptians all over the world. Then they'll realize that I am God."
God is able to shatter the strength of those who oppose, and empower our enemies' enemy.
God is able to shatter the strength of those who oppose, and empower our enemies' enemy.
Ezekiel 25-27
1-5 God's Message came to me:
"Son of man, face Ammon and preach against the people: Listen to the Message of God, the Master. This is what God has to say: Because you cheered when my Sanctuary was desecrated and the land of Judah was devastated and the people of Israel were taken into exile, I'm giving you over to the people of the east. They'll move in and make themselves at home, eating the food right off your tables and drinking your milk. I'll turn your capital, Rabbah, into pasture for camels and all your villages into corrals for flocks. Then you'll realize that I am God.
The historian Oswald Spengler claimed the history of man was the history of nations and that the history of nations was the history of war. Life can be lived that way: Carve out your territory, defend it and hope others lose. Such a jealous, gloating territorial spirit will not end well.
"Son of man, face Ammon and preach against the people: Listen to the Message of God, the Master. This is what God has to say: Because you cheered when my Sanctuary was desecrated and the land of Judah was devastated and the people of Israel were taken into exile, I'm giving you over to the people of the east. They'll move in and make themselves at home, eating the food right off your tables and drinking your milk. I'll turn your capital, Rabbah, into pasture for camels and all your villages into corrals for flocks. Then you'll realize that I am God.
The historian Oswald Spengler claimed the history of man was the history of nations and that the history of nations was the history of war. Life can be lived that way: Carve out your territory, defend it and hope others lose. Such a jealous, gloating territorial spirit will not end well.
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Ezekiel 22-24
30-31 "I looked for someone to stand up for me against all this, to repair the defenses of the city, to take a stand for me and stand in the gap to protect this land so I wouldn't have to destroy it. I couldn't find anyone. Not one. So I'll empty out my wrath on them, burn them to a crisp with my hot anger, serve them with the consequences of all they've done. Decree of God, the Master."
God is in charge, but He's not in control. He waits for us to wait on Him.
God is in charge, but He's not in control. He waits for us to wait on Him.
Friday, 10 September 2010
Ezekiel 19-21
7 "'At that time I told them, "Get rid of all the vile things that you've become addicted to. Don't make yourselves filthy with the Egyptian no-god idols. I alone am God, your God."
Addiction relates to the source of our comfort and joy, our peace and satisfaction; the recipe for freedom is to enjoy God. This is not the same as enjoying religion (which would be a challenge)!
32 "'What you're secretly thinking is never going to happen. You're thinking, "We're going to be like everybody else, just like the other nations. We're going to worship gods we can make and control."
33-35 "'As sure as I am the living God, says God, the Master, think again! With a mighty show of strength and a terrifying rush of anger, I will be King over you! I'll bring you back from the nations, collect you out of the countries to which you've been scattered, with a mighty show of strength and a terrifying rush of anger. I'll bring you to the desert of nations and haul you into court, where you'll be face-to-face with judgment.
Judgement is more severe for the people of God, both because He disciplines the son He loves, and because He cannot let His people misrepresent Him.
44 "'But, dear Israel, you'll also realize that I am God when I respond to you out of who I am, not by what I feel about the evil lives you've lived, the corrupt history you've compiled. Decree of God, the Master.'"
I love this: God judges out of His identity, His core values, not emotional reaction
13"'Testing comes.
Why have you despised discipline?
You can't get around it.
Decree of God, the Master.'
Good word.
Addiction relates to the source of our comfort and joy, our peace and satisfaction; the recipe for freedom is to enjoy God. This is not the same as enjoying religion (which would be a challenge)!
32 "'What you're secretly thinking is never going to happen. You're thinking, "We're going to be like everybody else, just like the other nations. We're going to worship gods we can make and control."
33-35 "'As sure as I am the living God, says God, the Master, think again! With a mighty show of strength and a terrifying rush of anger, I will be King over you! I'll bring you back from the nations, collect you out of the countries to which you've been scattered, with a mighty show of strength and a terrifying rush of anger. I'll bring you to the desert of nations and haul you into court, where you'll be face-to-face with judgment.
Judgement is more severe for the people of God, both because He disciplines the son He loves, and because He cannot let His people misrepresent Him.
44 "'But, dear Israel, you'll also realize that I am God when I respond to you out of who I am, not by what I feel about the evil lives you've lived, the corrupt history you've compiled. Decree of God, the Master.'"
I love this: God judges out of His identity, His core values, not emotional reaction
13"'Testing comes.
Why have you despised discipline?
You can't get around it.
Decree of God, the Master.'
Good word.
Ezekiel 16-18
49-50 "'The sin of your sister Sodom was this: She lived with her daughters in the lap of luxury—proud, gluttonous, and lazy. They ignored the oppressed and the poor. They put on airs and lived obscene lives. And you know what happened: I did away with them.
Lack of love for the poor is deadly.
21-23 "But a wicked person who turns his back on that life of sin and keeps all my statutes, living a just and righteous life, he'll live, really live. He won't die. I won't keep a list of all the things he did wrong. He will live. Do you think I take any pleasure in the death of wicked men and women? Isn't it my pleasure that they turn around, no longer living wrong but living right—really living?
Big mercy.
Lack of love for the poor is deadly.
21-23 "But a wicked person who turns his back on that life of sin and keeps all my statutes, living a just and righteous life, he'll live, really live. He won't die. I won't keep a list of all the things he did wrong. He will live. Do you think I take any pleasure in the death of wicked men and women? Isn't it my pleasure that they turn around, no longer living wrong but living right—really living?
Big mercy.
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Ezekiel 13-15
9-11 "'If a prophet is deceived and tells these idolaters the lies they want to hear, I, God, get blamed for those lies. He won't get by with it. I'll grab him by the scruff of the neck and get him out of there. They'll be equally guilty, the prophet and the one who goes to the prophet, so that the house of Israel will never again wander off my paths and make themselves filthy in their rebellions, but will rather be my people, just as I am their God. Decree of God, the Master.'"
We are responsible for our appetite and our diet.
12-14 God's Message came to me: "Son of man, when a country sins against me by living faithlessly and I reach out and destroy its food supply by bringing on a famine, wiping out humans and animals alike, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job—the Big Three—were alive at the time, it wouldn't do the population any good. Their righteousness would only save their own lives." Decree of God, the Master.
If the nation is to prosper, the nation must be saved. If the nation does not prosper, the individual can still be saved, even as Goshen in the midst of Egypt.
We are responsible for our appetite and our diet.
12-14 God's Message came to me: "Son of man, when a country sins against me by living faithlessly and I reach out and destroy its food supply by bringing on a famine, wiping out humans and animals alike, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job—the Big Three—were alive at the time, it wouldn't do the population any good. Their righteousness would only save their own lives." Decree of God, the Master.
If the nation is to prosper, the nation must be saved. If the nation does not prosper, the individual can still be saved, even as Goshen in the midst of Egypt.
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Ezekiel 10-12
19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.
My God, his heart.
My God, his heart.
Monday, 6 September 2010
Ezekiel 4-6
14 And I will stretch out my hand against them and make the land a desolate waste from the desert to Diblah [f] —wherever they live. Then they will know that I am the LORD.' "
But God is good.
But God is good.
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Ezekiel 1-3
26 Above this surface was something that looked like a throne made of blue lapis lazuli. And on this throne high above was a figure whose appearance resembled a man. 27 From what appeared to be his waist up, he looked like gleaming amber, flickering like a fire. And from his waist down, he looked like a burning flame, shining with splendor. 28 All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the Lord looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground, and I heard someone’s voice speaking to me.
What does the glory of God look like to me, and what is my response?
What does the glory of God look like to me, and what is my response?
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Back online
Finally been reconnected after about a month offline due to moving house. Did the first prayer meeting talk, based on verses in Romans 8.
Monday, 5 July 2010
2 Chronicles 1-3
10 Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly,[e] for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?”
Independence is not an option.
Independence is not an option.
Sunday, 6 June 2010
Layout for series on prayer
While I have time, here are some of the titles for the series, and the verses that they would be based upon:
1. Pray first, ask questions later - Romans 8v26
2. Prayer must be single-minded, not double-minded - James 1v5-8
3. There is no strength in numbers, but there is strength in weakness - 2 Corinthians 12v9
4. The long, bold walk to the throne of grace - James 5v16
1. Pray first, ask questions later - Romans 8v26
2. Prayer must be single-minded, not double-minded - James 1v5-8
3. There is no strength in numbers, but there is strength in weakness - 2 Corinthians 12v9
4. The long, bold walk to the throne of grace - James 5v16
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Marriage seminars
Just been asked, as a couple with another couple, to run some seminars during the Carey Family Conference. The subject is 'protecting marriage and the family'. An idea for one seminar:
Title: 'Being naked and unashamed: strengthening marriage by making yourself vulnerable'
We would look at three areas where marriages can be strengthened, and need to be protected.
1. Physical nakedness
2. Emotional nakedness
3. Spiritual nakedness
More when I've got it!
Title: 'Being naked and unashamed: strengthening marriage by making yourself vulnerable'
We would look at three areas where marriages can be strengthened, and need to be protected.
1. Physical nakedness
2. Emotional nakedness
3. Spiritual nakedness
More when I've got it!
Monday, 17 May 2010
James 1v5-8
Prayer Meeting 2. Single-minded, not double-minded
James 1v5-8
E.M.Bounds writes 'prayer moves the hand that moves the world'. But this influence is not automatic. In this passage James tells us of a person who 'will not receive anything' from the Lord.
In speaking of wisdom, James is applying a biblical principal - 'God desires to fulfil His promises'. Our prayers must be in accordance with God's character and promises. However, prayers must also be fueled by faith in those promises. We must be single-minded, reliant only on the promises and power of God.
What does it mean to be double-minded? James writes in 4v8: 'Purify your hearts, you double-minded'. To be double-minded is to allow something of the world to share the rule of your heart with the Lord. It is to lack the faith to believe that only God can give you satisfaction, whether that is in answer to prayer (1v6) or in the way you live (4v8).
James 1v5-8
E.M.Bounds writes 'prayer moves the hand that moves the world'. But this influence is not automatic. In this passage James tells us of a person who 'will not receive anything' from the Lord.
In speaking of wisdom, James is applying a biblical principal - 'God desires to fulfil His promises'. Our prayers must be in accordance with God's character and promises. However, prayers must also be fueled by faith in those promises. We must be single-minded, reliant only on the promises and power of God.
What does it mean to be double-minded? James writes in 4v8: 'Purify your hearts, you double-minded'. To be double-minded is to allow something of the world to share the rule of your heart with the Lord. It is to lack the faith to believe that only God can give you satisfaction, whether that is in answer to prayer (1v6) or in the way you live (4v8).
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Ideas for a bible study series
Someone told me the other day that the last thing you should speak about at a prayer meeting is prayer - it will surely make everyone feel as though they aren't able to pray properly, and discourage prayer within the meeting. This suggestion inspired the following outline for the first of a series of meetings:
Prayer Meeting 1: Pray first, ask questions later
Romans 8v26: 'Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.'
1. We do not know what to pray for as we ought, and that is ok.
2. It is ok because we are made acceptable prayer offerers by the work of Christ, and our prayers are made acceptable offerings by the intercession of the Spirit.
3. This freedom, which allows us to pray as we ought not to, should inspire us to pray more as we ought.
The aim of this outline is to encourage people to 'pray first, and ask questions later'. In other words, we pray because of the work of Christ and the Spirit, not because of our work studying the bible to learn about prayer. However, while we 'pray without ceasing', we strive to learn more about prayer because we wish to be more like Christ, the perfect prayer offerer.
Prayer Meeting 1: Pray first, ask questions later
Romans 8v26: 'Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.'
1. We do not know what to pray for as we ought, and that is ok.
2. It is ok because we are made acceptable prayer offerers by the work of Christ, and our prayers are made acceptable offerings by the intercession of the Spirit.
3. This freedom, which allows us to pray as we ought not to, should inspire us to pray more as we ought.
The aim of this outline is to encourage people to 'pray first, and ask questions later'. In other words, we pray because of the work of Christ and the Spirit, not because of our work studying the bible to learn about prayer. However, while we 'pray without ceasing', we strive to learn more about prayer because we wish to be more like Christ, the perfect prayer offerer.
Friday, 7 May 2010
John 17v24
From 'Pierced by the Word' by John Piper
"Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world" (John 17v24)
'I assume that this prayer is a loving act of Jesus. But what does He ask? He asks that, in the end, we might see His glory. His love for us makes Himself central. Jesus is the one being for whom self-exaltation is the most loving act. This is because the most satisfying reality we could ever know is Jesus. So to give us this reality, He must give us Himself. The love of Jesus drives Him to pray for us, and then die for us, not that our value may be central, but that His glory may be central, and we may see it and savor it for all eternity.'
"Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world" (John 17v24)
'I assume that this prayer is a loving act of Jesus. But what does He ask? He asks that, in the end, we might see His glory. His love for us makes Himself central. Jesus is the one being for whom self-exaltation is the most loving act. This is because the most satisfying reality we could ever know is Jesus. So to give us this reality, He must give us Himself. The love of Jesus drives Him to pray for us, and then die for us, not that our value may be central, but that His glory may be central, and we may see it and savor it for all eternity.'
Monday, 29 March 2010
Catch up 5
Monday, 29 March 2010
Judges 13-15
18And the Angel of the Lord said to him, Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?
God identifies Himself as the God of wonders. We can expect Him to act in accordance with His identity as we identify with Him!
wonderful
23But his [sensible] wife said to him, If the Lord were pleased to kill us, He would not have received a burnt offering and a cereal offering from our hands, nor have shown us all these things or now have announced such things as these.
C'mon, that is Holy Spirit logic!! Why would He give me all these promises and not expect me to see them fulfilled in my life?
6Then the Philistines said, Who has done this? And they were told, Samson, the son-in-law of the Timnite, because he [the Timnite] has taken his [Samson's] wife and has given her to his companion. And the Philistines came up and burned her and her father with fire.
She was intimidated and sinned, but the very thing she feared came upon her anyway.
19And God split open the hollow place that was at Lehi, and water came out of it. And when he drank, his spirit returned and he revived. Therefore the name of it was called En-hakkore [the spring of him who prayed], which is at Lehi to this day.
Call out for springs men of prayer!!
Posted by Jingle at 3/29/2010 11:05:00 PM 0 comments
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Luke 23
47Now the centurion, having seen what had taken place, [q]recognized God and thanked and praised Him, and said, Indeed, without question, this Man was upright (just and innocent)!
Salvation came to the thief and the centurion at the cross of Christ.
Posted by Jingle at 3/28/2010 09:55:00 PM 0 comments
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Judges 10-12
3 He was followed by Jair of Gilead, who led Israel twenty-two years. 4 He had thirty sons, who rode thirty donkeys. They controlled thirty towns in Gilead, which to this day are called Havvoth Jair. [b] 5 When Jair died, he was buried in Kamon.
There's something about every son knowing he has his own donkey and his own town and being content with his own bit that makes everything stable and secure.
Posted by Jingle at 3/27/2010 11:52:00 PM 0 comments
Friday, 26 March 2010
Judges 7-9
10 But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant, 11 and you shall hear what they say; and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.” Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outpost of the armed men who were in the camp.
I love God: " if you are afraid to go down, go down". As you step out, you get the confirmation; before that its all trust.
22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.”
23 But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.” 24 Then Gideon said to them, “I would like to make a request of you, that each of you would give me the earrings from his plunder.” For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.
25 So they answered, “We will gladly give them.” And they spread out a garment, and each man threw into it the earrings from his plunder. 26 Now the weight of the gold earrings that he requested was one thousand seven hundred shekels of gold, besides the crescent ornaments, pendants, and purple robes which were on the kings of Midian, and besides the chains that were around their camels’ necks. 27 Then Gideon made it into an ephod and set it up in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house.
Gideon did well to give God the honour, but in making this ephod made himself a focus of devotion to God
Posted by Jingle at 3/26/2010 10:27:00 PM 0 comments
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Judges 1-6
1 Now these are the nations which the LORD left, that He might test Israel by them, that is, all who had not known any of the wars in Canaan 2 (this was only so that the generations of the children of Israel might be taught to know war, at least those who had not formerly known it)
Challenges are there so we can learn to fight.
Posted by Jingle at 3/25/2010 11:49:00 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Joshua 21-24
11Be very watchful of yourselves, therefore, to love the Lord your God.
Genuinely, we need to observe what our heart runs after, and how we respond to blessing and trials. What is our spiritual temperature?
Posted by Jingle at 3/23/2010 09:15:00 PM 0 comments
Joshua 14-20
19Achsah answered, Give me a present. Since you have set me in the [dry] Negeb, give me also springs of water. And he gave her the [sloping field with] upper and lower springs.
Ask
1 ALLOTMENT WAS made for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph. To Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, were allotted Gilead and Bashan because he was a man of war.
Possess according to identity.
3Joshua asked the Israelites, How long will you be slack to go in and possess the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?
Get on with it.
Posted by Jingle at 3/23/2010 09:08:00 AM 0 comments
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Joshua 9-13
12Then Joshua spoke to the Lord on the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, be silent and stand still at Gibeon, and you, moon, in the Valley of Ajalon!
Joshua spoke to the Lord and then commanded the Universe. Proclamation proceeds from the Lord.
24When they brought out those kings to Joshua, [he] called for all the Israelites and told the commanders of the men of war who went with him, Come, put your feet on the necks of these kings. And they came and put their feet on the [kings'] necks.
What "kings" will have my foot on their necks?
Posted by Jingle at 3/21/2010 09:15:00 PM 0 comments
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Luke 22
8Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover."
Jesus prepared Peter and John to work together.
26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.
The youngest.
Posted by Jingle at 3/20/2010 10:04:00 PM 0 comments
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Joshua 6-8
1 Now the LORD said to Joshua: “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. 2 And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its cattle you shall take as booty for yourselves. Lay an ambush for the city behind it.”
6 For they will come out after us till we have drawn them from the city, for they will say, ‘They are fleeing before us as at the first.’ Therefore we will flee before them. 7 Then you shall rise from the ambush and seize the city, for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.
I love how the Lord redeems Israel's reputation, so that it makes their initial retreat (when they were defeated at Ai, ch 7) seem like a deliberate strategy to fool the enemy. God makes our all failures His perfect success.
Posted by Jingle at 3/18/2010 09:45:00 AM 0 comments
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Joshua 2-5
4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before.
When following the Lord, what does it mean to give Him space? Surely it means waiting for direction in advance of our journey at the start of the day.
Posted by Jingle at 3/14/2010 09:56:00 PM 0 comments
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Joshua 1
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Courage comes with the command.
Posted by Jingle at 3/13/2010 11:03:00 PM 0 comments
Luke 21
3"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
Can I prosper and yet still give like the widow? Can I live freely? Yes!
Posted by Jingle at 3/13/2010 12:11:00 AM 0 comments
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Deuteronomy 32-34
30 How could one chase a thousand,
And two put ten thousand to flight,
Unless their Rock had sold them,
And the LORD had surrendered them?
God has sold the nations into our hands for salvation! Let us serve them freely!
51 because you trespassed against Me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah Kadesh, in the Wilderness of Zin, because you did not hallow Me in the midst of the children of Israel.
Showing God is Holy means obeying His moment by moment instruction, not just the written commandments.
Posted by Jingle at 3/11/2010 11:34:00 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Deuteronomy 29-31
5 Then the LORD your God will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers. 6 And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.
Increase begets increased capacity fo increase.
23 Then He inaugurated Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land of which I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
Courage comes from keeping His company.
Posted by Jingle at 3/10/2010 10:49:00 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Luke 20
38He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.
By the promises we enter the divine nature: can we time travel?
Posted by Jingle at 3/09/2010 10:14:00 PM 0 comments
Deuteronomy 26-28
12 When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, thealien , the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied.
Always give to the poor.
7 The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.
There will be enemies until the end; but there will be many many victories.
9 The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in his ways.
He will make us holy as we walk, not just as we wait.
Posted by Jingle at 3/09/2010 10:08:00 PM 0 comments
Judges 13-15
18And the Angel of the Lord said to him, Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?
God identifies Himself as the God of wonders. We can expect Him to act in accordance with His identity as we identify with Him!
wonderful
23But his [sensible] wife said to him, If the Lord were pleased to kill us, He would not have received a burnt offering and a cereal offering from our hands, nor have shown us all these things or now have announced such things as these.
C'mon, that is Holy Spirit logic!! Why would He give me all these promises and not expect me to see them fulfilled in my life?
6Then the Philistines said, Who has done this? And they were told, Samson, the son-in-law of the Timnite, because he [the Timnite] has taken his [Samson's] wife and has given her to his companion. And the Philistines came up and burned her and her father with fire.
She was intimidated and sinned, but the very thing she feared came upon her anyway.
19And God split open the hollow place that was at Lehi, and water came out of it. And when he drank, his spirit returned and he revived. Therefore the name of it was called En-hakkore [the spring of him who prayed], which is at Lehi to this day.
Call out for springs men of prayer!!
Posted by Jingle at 3/29/2010 11:05:00 PM 0 comments
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Luke 23
47Now the centurion, having seen what had taken place, [q]recognized God and thanked and praised Him, and said, Indeed, without question, this Man was upright (just and innocent)!
Salvation came to the thief and the centurion at the cross of Christ.
Posted by Jingle at 3/28/2010 09:55:00 PM 0 comments
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Judges 10-12
3 He was followed by Jair of Gilead, who led Israel twenty-two years. 4 He had thirty sons, who rode thirty donkeys. They controlled thirty towns in Gilead, which to this day are called Havvoth Jair. [b] 5 When Jair died, he was buried in Kamon.
There's something about every son knowing he has his own donkey and his own town and being content with his own bit that makes everything stable and secure.
Posted by Jingle at 3/27/2010 11:52:00 PM 0 comments
Friday, 26 March 2010
Judges 7-9
10 But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant, 11 and you shall hear what they say; and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.” Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outpost of the armed men who were in the camp.
I love God: " if you are afraid to go down, go down". As you step out, you get the confirmation; before that its all trust.
22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.”
23 But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.” 24 Then Gideon said to them, “I would like to make a request of you, that each of you would give me the earrings from his plunder.” For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.
25 So they answered, “We will gladly give them.” And they spread out a garment, and each man threw into it the earrings from his plunder. 26 Now the weight of the gold earrings that he requested was one thousand seven hundred shekels of gold, besides the crescent ornaments, pendants, and purple robes which were on the kings of Midian, and besides the chains that were around their camels’ necks. 27 Then Gideon made it into an ephod and set it up in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house.
Gideon did well to give God the honour, but in making this ephod made himself a focus of devotion to God
Posted by Jingle at 3/26/2010 10:27:00 PM 0 comments
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Judges 1-6
1 Now these are the nations which the LORD left, that He might test Israel by them, that is, all who had not known any of the wars in Canaan 2 (this was only so that the generations of the children of Israel might be taught to know war, at least those who had not formerly known it)
Challenges are there so we can learn to fight.
Posted by Jingle at 3/25/2010 11:49:00 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Joshua 21-24
11Be very watchful of yourselves, therefore, to love the Lord your God.
Genuinely, we need to observe what our heart runs after, and how we respond to blessing and trials. What is our spiritual temperature?
Posted by Jingle at 3/23/2010 09:15:00 PM 0 comments
Joshua 14-20
19Achsah answered, Give me a present. Since you have set me in the [dry] Negeb, give me also springs of water. And he gave her the [sloping field with] upper and lower springs.
Ask
1 ALLOTMENT WAS made for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph. To Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, were allotted Gilead and Bashan because he was a man of war.
Possess according to identity.
3Joshua asked the Israelites, How long will you be slack to go in and possess the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?
Get on with it.
Posted by Jingle at 3/23/2010 09:08:00 AM 0 comments
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Joshua 9-13
12Then Joshua spoke to the Lord on the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, be silent and stand still at Gibeon, and you, moon, in the Valley of Ajalon!
Joshua spoke to the Lord and then commanded the Universe. Proclamation proceeds from the Lord.
24When they brought out those kings to Joshua, [he] called for all the Israelites and told the commanders of the men of war who went with him, Come, put your feet on the necks of these kings. And they came and put their feet on the [kings'] necks.
What "kings" will have my foot on their necks?
Posted by Jingle at 3/21/2010 09:15:00 PM 0 comments
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Luke 22
8Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover."
Jesus prepared Peter and John to work together.
26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.
The youngest.
Posted by Jingle at 3/20/2010 10:04:00 PM 0 comments
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Joshua 6-8
1 Now the LORD said to Joshua: “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. 2 And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its cattle you shall take as booty for yourselves. Lay an ambush for the city behind it.”
6 For they will come out after us till we have drawn them from the city, for they will say, ‘They are fleeing before us as at the first.’ Therefore we will flee before them. 7 Then you shall rise from the ambush and seize the city, for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.
I love how the Lord redeems Israel's reputation, so that it makes their initial retreat (when they were defeated at Ai, ch 7) seem like a deliberate strategy to fool the enemy. God makes our all failures His perfect success.
Posted by Jingle at 3/18/2010 09:45:00 AM 0 comments
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Joshua 2-5
4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before.
When following the Lord, what does it mean to give Him space? Surely it means waiting for direction in advance of our journey at the start of the day.
Posted by Jingle at 3/14/2010 09:56:00 PM 0 comments
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Joshua 1
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Courage comes with the command.
Posted by Jingle at 3/13/2010 11:03:00 PM 0 comments
Luke 21
3"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
Can I prosper and yet still give like the widow? Can I live freely? Yes!
Posted by Jingle at 3/13/2010 12:11:00 AM 0 comments
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Deuteronomy 32-34
30 How could one chase a thousand,
And two put ten thousand to flight,
Unless their Rock had sold them,
And the LORD had surrendered them?
God has sold the nations into our hands for salvation! Let us serve them freely!
51 because you trespassed against Me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah Kadesh, in the Wilderness of Zin, because you did not hallow Me in the midst of the children of Israel.
Showing God is Holy means obeying His moment by moment instruction, not just the written commandments.
Posted by Jingle at 3/11/2010 11:34:00 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Deuteronomy 29-31
5 Then the LORD your God will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers. 6 And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.
Increase begets increased capacity fo increase.
23 Then He inaugurated Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land of which I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
Courage comes from keeping His company.
Posted by Jingle at 3/10/2010 10:49:00 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Luke 20
38He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.
By the promises we enter the divine nature: can we time travel?
Posted by Jingle at 3/09/2010 10:14:00 PM 0 comments
Deuteronomy 26-28
12 When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, thealien , the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied.
Always give to the poor.
7 The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.
There will be enemies until the end; but there will be many many victories.
9 The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in his ways.
He will make us holy as we walk, not just as we wait.
Posted by Jingle at 3/09/2010 10:08:00 PM 0 comments
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Catch up 4
Monday, 8 March 2010
Luke 19
8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
I love the joyful exuberance of salvation: may God restore that in my heart!
22 And he said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow.
God create out of nothing and expects us to do the same! He looks for faith.
Posted by Jingle at 3/08/2010 06:13:00 AM 0 comments
Deuteronomy 23-25
5 Nevertheless the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.
Love breaks the curse and brings a blessing.
Posted by Jingle at 3/08/2010 06:03:00 AM 0 comments
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Luke 18
43Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.
I ask for more"immediatelys" on the streets of Bromley. Amen!
Posted by Jingle at 3/07/2010 09:58:00 PM 0 comments
Deuteronomy 20-22
10 Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together.
There is a place for pooling strengths, but when tasks have been allocated let the donkeys do the donkey work and the oxes do their thing.
Posted by Jingle at 3/07/2010 09:53:00 PM 0 comments
Luke 17
5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? 8 But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.[c] 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’”
Faith works through love, but love is demontrated in obedience.
Posted by Jingle at 3/07/2010 09:40:00 PM 0 comments
Deuteronomy 17-19
15 you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses; one from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. 16 But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall not return that way again.’ 17 Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself.
Fiduciary.
Posted by Jingle at 3/07/2010 09:39:00 PM 0 comments
Monday, 1 March 2010
Deuteronomy 13-16
1IF A prophet arises among you, or a dreamer of dreams, and gives you a sign or a wonder,
2And the sign or the wonder he foretells to you comes to pass, and if he says, Let us go after other gods--gods you have not known--and let us serve them,
3You shall not listen to the words of that prophet or to that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being.
Prophecy tests our hearts.
Posted by Jingle at 3/01/2010 01:01:00 PM 0 comments
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Luke 16
13No servant is able to serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches, or anything in which you trust and on which you rely).
14Now the Pharisees, who were covetous and lovers of money, heard all these things [taken together], and they began to sneer at and ridicule and scoff at Him.
One master. Not ambition, not wealth, not fame, not power. One beautiful, loving, friend and Saviour. Jesus. He is worth all the rest.
Posted by Jingle at 2/28/2010 11:28:00 PM 0 comments
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Deuteronomy 10-12
8 At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, and to stand before the Lord as his ministers, and to pronounce blessings in his name. These are their duties to this day.
It still is the duty of the Lord's ministers to pronounce blessing. Those we bless will be blessed, as we declare what Jesus says over their lives. We must be careful that our correction doesn't carry over into cursing and we neglect the ministry of pronounced blessings.
Posted by Jingle at 2/27/2010 06:49:00 PM 0 comments
Luke 15
8"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?
Search carefully.
Posted by Jingle at 2/27/2010 12:26:00 AM 0 comments
Friday, 26 February 2010
Deuteronomy 7-9
22 The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you.
Conquest is assured according to our capacity to contain.
Posted by Jingle at 2/26/2010 01:33:00 AM 0 comments
Luke 14
33In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
Everything.
Posted by Jingle at 2/26/2010 01:21:00 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Deuteronomy 4-6
6So keep them and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
Be set apart and youi'll be honoured; be the same and you'll be despised.
Luke 19
8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
I love the joyful exuberance of salvation: may God restore that in my heart!
22 And he said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow.
God create out of nothing and expects us to do the same! He looks for faith.
Posted by Jingle at 3/08/2010 06:13:00 AM 0 comments
Deuteronomy 23-25
5 Nevertheless the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.
Love breaks the curse and brings a blessing.
Posted by Jingle at 3/08/2010 06:03:00 AM 0 comments
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Luke 18
43Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.
I ask for more"immediatelys" on the streets of Bromley. Amen!
Posted by Jingle at 3/07/2010 09:58:00 PM 0 comments
Deuteronomy 20-22
10 Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together.
There is a place for pooling strengths, but when tasks have been allocated let the donkeys do the donkey work and the oxes do their thing.
Posted by Jingle at 3/07/2010 09:53:00 PM 0 comments
Luke 17
5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? 8 But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.[c] 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’”
Faith works through love, but love is demontrated in obedience.
Posted by Jingle at 3/07/2010 09:40:00 PM 0 comments
Deuteronomy 17-19
15 you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses; one from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. 16 But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall not return that way again.’ 17 Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself.
Fiduciary.
Posted by Jingle at 3/07/2010 09:39:00 PM 0 comments
Monday, 1 March 2010
Deuteronomy 13-16
1IF A prophet arises among you, or a dreamer of dreams, and gives you a sign or a wonder,
2And the sign or the wonder he foretells to you comes to pass, and if he says, Let us go after other gods--gods you have not known--and let us serve them,
3You shall not listen to the words of that prophet or to that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being.
Prophecy tests our hearts.
Posted by Jingle at 3/01/2010 01:01:00 PM 0 comments
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Luke 16
13No servant is able to serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches, or anything in which you trust and on which you rely).
14Now the Pharisees, who were covetous and lovers of money, heard all these things [taken together], and they began to sneer at and ridicule and scoff at Him.
One master. Not ambition, not wealth, not fame, not power. One beautiful, loving, friend and Saviour. Jesus. He is worth all the rest.
Posted by Jingle at 2/28/2010 11:28:00 PM 0 comments
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Deuteronomy 10-12
8 At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, and to stand before the Lord as his ministers, and to pronounce blessings in his name. These are their duties to this day.
It still is the duty of the Lord's ministers to pronounce blessing. Those we bless will be blessed, as we declare what Jesus says over their lives. We must be careful that our correction doesn't carry over into cursing and we neglect the ministry of pronounced blessings.
Posted by Jingle at 2/27/2010 06:49:00 PM 0 comments
Luke 15
8"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?
Search carefully.
Posted by Jingle at 2/27/2010 12:26:00 AM 0 comments
Friday, 26 February 2010
Deuteronomy 7-9
22 The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you.
Conquest is assured according to our capacity to contain.
Posted by Jingle at 2/26/2010 01:33:00 AM 0 comments
Luke 14
33In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
Everything.
Posted by Jingle at 2/26/2010 01:21:00 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Deuteronomy 4-6
6So keep them and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
Be set apart and youi'll be honoured; be the same and you'll be despised.
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Luke 4v1-30
v1-15
In a roundabout way, the devil now gives his testimony. Jesus faces the devil, and proves that God's voice has as much authority today as it did at creation. For all his power, the devil cannot silence God's words. Notice the teamwork here - the Son, led by the Spirit, speaks the words of the Father.
16-30
Jesus testifies of himself through the words of Isaiah. What an amazing passage - '...good news to the poor...liberty to the captives...sight to the blind...freedom to the oppressed...' And Jesus says 'This is about me!' This is the good news! Yet notice the response of the religious - they 'were filled with wrath'. The message of the gospel should have greatest positive impact upon the marginalised in society - is this reflected in our churches?
In a roundabout way, the devil now gives his testimony. Jesus faces the devil, and proves that God's voice has as much authority today as it did at creation. For all his power, the devil cannot silence God's words. Notice the teamwork here - the Son, led by the Spirit, speaks the words of the Father.
16-30
Jesus testifies of himself through the words of Isaiah. What an amazing passage - '...good news to the poor...liberty to the captives...sight to the blind...freedom to the oppressed...' And Jesus says 'This is about me!' This is the good news! Yet notice the response of the religious - they 'were filled with wrath'. The message of the gospel should have greatest positive impact upon the marginalised in society - is this reflected in our churches?
Luke 3
Another two testimonies are added which shed light on the identity of Jesus - before his miracles prove he is God in the flesh.
Firstly, John the Baptist, who tells us Jesus is 'the salvation of God'. He challenges the crowds about their repentance, and notice his understanding of the true descendents of Abraham - 'God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham'. In other words, true citizenship of God's kingdom was not hereditary - it was obtained by grace through faith with repentance.
Notice also the strong language about Jesus in verse 17. He will gather the wheat, and burn the chaff.
The second testimony about the identity of Jesus comes from God himself - 'You are my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.' In one statement, we are told everything we need to know that Jesus could save us from our sins - he was without sin. He had been a perfectly obedient Son to his Father in heaven.
Finally, to add weight to the reality of Jesus in history, Luke finishes the chapter with a genealogy. He is saying 'Whatever else you think about Jesus, be sure of one thing - he is real!' When we start to confront the truth about Jesus, we are forced to consider our own response.
Firstly, John the Baptist, who tells us Jesus is 'the salvation of God'. He challenges the crowds about their repentance, and notice his understanding of the true descendents of Abraham - 'God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham'. In other words, true citizenship of God's kingdom was not hereditary - it was obtained by grace through faith with repentance.
Notice also the strong language about Jesus in verse 17. He will gather the wheat, and burn the chaff.
The second testimony about the identity of Jesus comes from God himself - 'You are my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.' In one statement, we are told everything we need to know that Jesus could save us from our sins - he was without sin. He had been a perfectly obedient Son to his Father in heaven.
Finally, to add weight to the reality of Jesus in history, Luke finishes the chapter with a genealogy. He is saying 'Whatever else you think about Jesus, be sure of one thing - he is real!' When we start to confront the truth about Jesus, we are forced to consider our own response.
Friday, 5 March 2010
Luke 2
Having given us the testimonies of Zechariah and Mary, now we have those of the angels (v1-21) and Simeon (25-35) as well as Anna (36-38).
First, the angels appear to the shepherds, and tell them of a saviour. This is good news 'for all the people' (v10). Jesus will bring glory to God, and good will to all men (v14). The gospel is a message of salvation to every kind of person.
In offering turtle doves (v24), Luke reveals to us the Jesus has been born into a poor family (Lev. 12v8).
Simon and Anna tell us more about Jesus - he will bring revelation and redemption.
Verses 41-50 are tricky - I'm not sure what I would preach on this passage. However, one thing is noticeable - for all of Luke's investigations, this is the only incident in Jesus' childhood that stands out. Other than this, it appears Jesus was simply a good son.
When we add this to Luke chapter 3, we find a repeated message - there were people who knew Jesus was the Messiah before he could prove it.
First, the angels appear to the shepherds, and tell them of a saviour. This is good news 'for all the people' (v10). Jesus will bring glory to God, and good will to all men (v14). The gospel is a message of salvation to every kind of person.
In offering turtle doves (v24), Luke reveals to us the Jesus has been born into a poor family (Lev. 12v8).
Simon and Anna tell us more about Jesus - he will bring revelation and redemption.
Verses 41-50 are tricky - I'm not sure what I would preach on this passage. However, one thing is noticeable - for all of Luke's investigations, this is the only incident in Jesus' childhood that stands out. Other than this, it appears Jesus was simply a good son.
When we add this to Luke chapter 3, we find a repeated message - there were people who knew Jesus was the Messiah before he could prove it.
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Luke 1
Currently feeling like preaching through Luke, so will post my thoughts here. Because of the length of the chapter, I think it would be inevitable that it would be split into two sermons - one about Zechariah, the other about Mary.
Luke 1 - Good news if you're feeling doubtful
If you have any doubts about Jesus Christ, this is exactly what you want to hear: 'It seemed good to me...to write an orderly account...that you may have certainty...'
In other words, as we read Luke, we should see evidence of an investigation within the information he gives us, and the information he doesn't. My purpose in preaching through Luke will be to convince those listening of the identity and purposes of Jesus Christ.
In chapter 1, we find two people with doubts - Zechariah ('How shall I know this...?') and Mary ('How will this be...?'). They both submit to the will of the Lord (verses 38 and 63), and this leads to the expressions of praise which describe the power of the gospel.
'He has filled the hungry with good things' (v53)
'...to give light to those who sit in darkness' (v79)
When you submit to the gospel, God is able to transform your life, no matter how hopeless you may consider yourself to be. He is able to turn your world upside down - or rather, he is able to turn it the right way up. This is the power of Jesus Christ upon your life.
Luke 1 - Good news if you're feeling doubtful
If you have any doubts about Jesus Christ, this is exactly what you want to hear: 'It seemed good to me...to write an orderly account...that you may have certainty...'
In other words, as we read Luke, we should see evidence of an investigation within the information he gives us, and the information he doesn't. My purpose in preaching through Luke will be to convince those listening of the identity and purposes of Jesus Christ.
In chapter 1, we find two people with doubts - Zechariah ('How shall I know this...?') and Mary ('How will this be...?'). They both submit to the will of the Lord (verses 38 and 63), and this leads to the expressions of praise which describe the power of the gospel.
'He has filled the hungry with good things' (v53)
'...to give light to those who sit in darkness' (v79)
When you submit to the gospel, God is able to transform your life, no matter how hopeless you may consider yourself to be. He is able to turn your world upside down - or rather, he is able to turn it the right way up. This is the power of Jesus Christ upon your life.
Monday, 22 February 2010
Catch up 3
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Luke 13
12And when Jesus saw her, He called [her to Him] and said to her, Woman, you are released from your infirmity!
13Then He laid [His] hands on her, and instantly she was made straight, and she recognized and thanked and praised God.
The command to heal was fulfilled through the laying on of hands.
23And someone asked Him, Lord, will only a few be saved (rescued, delivered from the penalties of the last judgment, and made partakers of the salvation by Christ)? And He said to them,
24Strive to enter by the narrow door [force yourselves through it], for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.
Go for the many and gain some.
Posted by Jingle at 2/23/2010 05:50:00 AM 0 comments
Deuteronomy 1-3
21Behold, the Lord your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has said to you. Fear not, neither be dismayed.
Courage is more important than ability, when you work for the Almighty.
Posted by Jingle at 2/23/2010 05:44:00 AM 0 comments
Monday, 22 February 2010
Luke 12
7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
When we really catch a revelation of just how precious we are to God, that we are His prized possession, any fear of not being looked after will vanish. we are eternal beings, and absolutely everything will work out. Everything. He is so good, and He loves us so much. Blessed be the Name of the Lord, His Love endures forever!!!
33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.
There is a safe place to invest our money :-)
Posted by Jingle at 2/22/2010 10:02:00 PM 0 comments
Numbers 35-36
12And the cities shall be to you for refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he has had a fair trial before the congregation.
Sometimes we are accused and pursued by the avenger even though we are not guilty. God provides refuge.
Posted by Jingle at 2/22/2010 05:36:00 AM 0 comments
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Luke 11
2And He said to them, When you pray, say: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. Your will be done [held holy and revered] on earth as it is in heaven.
Heaven is our model.
Posted by Jingle at 2/21/2010 09:29:00 PM 0 comments
Numbers 31-34
8 They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of those who were killed—Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. Balaam the son of Beor they also killed with the sword.
The wages of sin is death.
Posted by Jingle at 2/21/2010 09:19:00 PM 0 comments
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Luke 10
3Go your way; behold, I send you out like lambs into the midst of wolves.
We go out in our vulnerable weakness...
19Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.
...but equipped with His marvellous strength.
Posted by Jingle at 2/20/2010 01:17:00 AM 0 comments
Luke 13
12And when Jesus saw her, He called [her to Him] and said to her, Woman, you are released from your infirmity!
13Then He laid [His] hands on her, and instantly she was made straight, and she recognized and thanked and praised God.
The command to heal was fulfilled through the laying on of hands.
23And someone asked Him, Lord, will only a few be saved (rescued, delivered from the penalties of the last judgment, and made partakers of the salvation by Christ)? And He said to them,
24Strive to enter by the narrow door [force yourselves through it], for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.
Go for the many and gain some.
Posted by Jingle at 2/23/2010 05:50:00 AM 0 comments
Deuteronomy 1-3
21Behold, the Lord your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has said to you. Fear not, neither be dismayed.
Courage is more important than ability, when you work for the Almighty.
Posted by Jingle at 2/23/2010 05:44:00 AM 0 comments
Monday, 22 February 2010
Luke 12
7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
When we really catch a revelation of just how precious we are to God, that we are His prized possession, any fear of not being looked after will vanish. we are eternal beings, and absolutely everything will work out. Everything. He is so good, and He loves us so much. Blessed be the Name of the Lord, His Love endures forever!!!
33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.
There is a safe place to invest our money :-)
Posted by Jingle at 2/22/2010 10:02:00 PM 0 comments
Numbers 35-36
12And the cities shall be to you for refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he has had a fair trial before the congregation.
Sometimes we are accused and pursued by the avenger even though we are not guilty. God provides refuge.
Posted by Jingle at 2/22/2010 05:36:00 AM 0 comments
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Luke 11
2And He said to them, When you pray, say: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. Your will be done [held holy and revered] on earth as it is in heaven.
Heaven is our model.
Posted by Jingle at 2/21/2010 09:29:00 PM 0 comments
Numbers 31-34
8 They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of those who were killed—Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. Balaam the son of Beor they also killed with the sword.
The wages of sin is death.
Posted by Jingle at 2/21/2010 09:19:00 PM 0 comments
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Luke 10
3Go your way; behold, I send you out like lambs into the midst of wolves.
We go out in our vulnerable weakness...
19Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.
...but equipped with His marvellous strength.
Posted by Jingle at 2/20/2010 01:17:00 AM 0 comments
Catch up 2
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Numbers 28-30
2If a man vows a vow to the Lord or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break and profane his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Words make ways.
Posted by Jingle at 2/20/2010 01:13:00 AM 0 comments
Friday, 19 February 2010
Luke 9
1When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases
We do not just need power, but also authority. When we move in power of any sort, be it status, money, muscle or even miracles, but without submission to the specific will of the Lord i.e. His authority, we can miss the eternal purposes of God and see only temporal impact.
23Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Our primary denial each day is not of things or of particular desires, but it is a denial od our very selves. There is no reward for selfish sacrifice.
Posted by Jingle at 2/19/2010 05:53:00 AM 0 comments
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Numbers 25-7
11 “Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned back My wrath from the children of Israel, because he was zealous with My zeal among them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in My zeal.
If we judged ourselves we would not come under judgement.
10 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up together with Korah when that company died, when the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men; and they became a sign. 11 Nevertheless the children of Korah did not die.
I love it that the children of Korah, with their awful heritage, became known as holy psalmists in future generations. We can see a bad name redeemed.
Posted by Jingle at 2/18/2010 09:03:00 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Luke 8
5A sower went out to sow seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the traveled path and was trodden underfoot, and the birds of the air ate it up.
I am wary of giving an interpretation beyond what Jesus gave, nonetheless, this phrase "travlelled path" reminds me of sharing the word with those who have received the word, but trust more strongly in their experience.
6And some [seed] fell on the rock, and as soon as it sprouted, it withered away because it had no moisture.
It is relationship with the Holy Spirit (moisture) that causes the root to grow, not just good theological knowledge.
55And her spirit returned [[t]from death], and she arose immediately; and He directed that she should be given something to eat.
The spirit can return to the body, even if it has departed. This is useful to know.
Posted by Jingle at 2/17/2010 10:59:00 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Numbers 22-24
20And God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, If the men come to call you, rise up and go with them, but still only what I tell you may you do. 21And Balaam rose up in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab.
22And God's anger was kindled because he went, and the [a]Angel of the Lord stood in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his donkey, and his two servants were with him.
God is consistent in character: He sends forth a word that Balaam already knows conflicts with His heart, to sift the heart of Balaam.
19God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?
God is faithfully consistent.
Posted by Jingle at 2/16/2010 05:58:00 AM 0 comments
Monday, 15 February 2010
Luke 7
8For I also am a man [daily] subject to authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my bond servant, Do this, and he does it.
9Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and He turned and said to the crowd that followed Him, I tell you, not even in [all] Israel have I found such great faith [as this].
Jesus connects obedience to faith.
50But Jesus said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go (enter) [s]into peace [[t]in freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin].
I love the way the Amplified version says "enter into peace" as if peace is a substance or a place. It just makes the statement so weighty: a woman that was subject to continual abuse by profession was finally going to find a safe place.
Numbers 28-30
2If a man vows a vow to the Lord or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break and profane his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Words make ways.
Posted by Jingle at 2/20/2010 01:13:00 AM 0 comments
Friday, 19 February 2010
Luke 9
1When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases
We do not just need power, but also authority. When we move in power of any sort, be it status, money, muscle or even miracles, but without submission to the specific will of the Lord i.e. His authority, we can miss the eternal purposes of God and see only temporal impact.
23Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Our primary denial each day is not of things or of particular desires, but it is a denial od our very selves. There is no reward for selfish sacrifice.
Posted by Jingle at 2/19/2010 05:53:00 AM 0 comments
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Numbers 25-7
11 “Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned back My wrath from the children of Israel, because he was zealous with My zeal among them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in My zeal.
If we judged ourselves we would not come under judgement.
10 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up together with Korah when that company died, when the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men; and they became a sign. 11 Nevertheless the children of Korah did not die.
I love it that the children of Korah, with their awful heritage, became known as holy psalmists in future generations. We can see a bad name redeemed.
Posted by Jingle at 2/18/2010 09:03:00 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Luke 8
5A sower went out to sow seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the traveled path and was trodden underfoot, and the birds of the air ate it up.
I am wary of giving an interpretation beyond what Jesus gave, nonetheless, this phrase "travlelled path" reminds me of sharing the word with those who have received the word, but trust more strongly in their experience.
6And some [seed] fell on the rock, and as soon as it sprouted, it withered away because it had no moisture.
It is relationship with the Holy Spirit (moisture) that causes the root to grow, not just good theological knowledge.
55And her spirit returned [[t]from death], and she arose immediately; and He directed that she should be given something to eat.
The spirit can return to the body, even if it has departed. This is useful to know.
Posted by Jingle at 2/17/2010 10:59:00 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Numbers 22-24
20And God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, If the men come to call you, rise up and go with them, but still only what I tell you may you do. 21And Balaam rose up in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab.
22And God's anger was kindled because he went, and the [a]Angel of the Lord stood in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his donkey, and his two servants were with him.
God is consistent in character: He sends forth a word that Balaam already knows conflicts with His heart, to sift the heart of Balaam.
19God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?
God is faithfully consistent.
Posted by Jingle at 2/16/2010 05:58:00 AM 0 comments
Monday, 15 February 2010
Luke 7
8For I also am a man [daily] subject to authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my bond servant, Do this, and he does it.
9Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and He turned and said to the crowd that followed Him, I tell you, not even in [all] Israel have I found such great faith [as this].
Jesus connects obedience to faith.
50But Jesus said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go (enter) [s]into peace [[t]in freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin].
I love the way the Amplified version says "enter into peace" as if peace is a substance or a place. It just makes the statement so weighty: a woman that was subject to continual abuse by profession was finally going to find a safe place.
Monday, 15 February 2010
Catch Up
Numbers 19-21
13Whoever touches the corpse of any who has died and does not purify himself defiles the tabernacle of the Lord, and that person shall be cut off from Israel. Because the water for impurity was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is still upon him.
These principles still apply. Sanctification is available, but it is not automatic. We are "a people of unclean lips, dwelling in the midst of a people of unclean lips" and we need the word to wash us daily if we are to be transformed.
12And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, Because you did not believe in (rely on, cling to) Me to sanctify Me in the eyes of the Israelites, you therefore shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
Moses sin was not anger, but inbelief. Frustration, anger, disappointment can all erode our confidence in God, but we must be unswervingly persuaded of the moment by moment efficacy of the blood of Jesus Christ. The Father wants to act now: in us through us , with us, for us, in the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus!!!
Luke 5-6
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”
At your word evangelism never fails, though it seem impossible.
12 And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
Do we allow lepers to fall right on our face? Do we let the foulest be the closest?
17 Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
The power of the Lord was present to heal the pharisees! God loves the legalists too!
6 Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him.
Even Jesus enemies knew He couldn't resist healing the sick. Will we be so known?
Numbers 16-18
32 By presenting the best part of it you will not be guilty in this matter; then you will not defile the holy offerings of the Israelites, and you will not die.' "
Give the best.
Luke 4
6And he said to Him, To You I will give all this power and authority and their glory (all their magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, and grace), for it has been turned over to me, and I give it to whomever I will.
7Therefore if You will do homage to and worship me [[d]just once], it shall all be Yours.
Satan's offer is brought to every Christian in every generation: the crown without the cross. This is not the path Jesus chose, nor the path He called us to follow. He said take up your cross daily and follow Me.
Numbers 13-15
16These are the names of the men whom Moses sent to explore and scout out the land. And Moses called Hoshea son of Nun, Joshua.
"Hoshea" means "Salvation" or "Deliverer" and had connotations of being independent or a free man. Moses changed Hoshea's name to "Joshua" which means "the Lord saves" or "the Lord is salvation". At some point, every man or woman of God must shift from relying on their own resources to depending entirely on the Lord, or they will never fulfil the Lord's mandate. By the Lord, we possess the Land. Joshua knew it was the Lord who saved, so he gave the good report:
9Only do not rebel against the Lord, neither fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their defense and the shadow [of protection] is removed from over them, but the Lord is with us. Fear them not.
Luke 3
11John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."
The call to repentance is a call to justice.
Numbers 10-12
9When you go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresses you, then blow an alarm with the trumpets, that you may be remembered before the Lord your God, and you shall be saved from your enemies.
Rememberance is for our benefit, that we may remember the God of promise is with us.
35Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, Rise up, Lord; let Your enemies be scattered; and let those who hate You flee before You
Rise up: in what way? In the hearts and minds and praises of the people!
1AND THE people grumbled and deplored their hardships, which was evil in the ears of the Lord, and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burned among them and devoured those in the outlying parts of the camp.
It is safest to be in the bosom of God, not doubting on the edges.
4And the mixed multitude among them [the rabble who followed Israel from Egypt] began to lust greatly [for familiar and dainty food], and the Israelites wept again and said, Who will give us meat to eat?
Be single in vision for God. This kind of mixture is dangerous. The huntsman never hesitates.
34That place was called Kibroth-hattaavah [the graves of sensuous desire], because there they buried the people who lusted, whose physical appetite caused them to sin.(F)
The graves of sensuous desire: wow.
13Whoever touches the corpse of any who has died and does not purify himself defiles the tabernacle of the Lord, and that person shall be cut off from Israel. Because the water for impurity was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is still upon him.
These principles still apply. Sanctification is available, but it is not automatic. We are "a people of unclean lips, dwelling in the midst of a people of unclean lips" and we need the word to wash us daily if we are to be transformed.
12And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, Because you did not believe in (rely on, cling to) Me to sanctify Me in the eyes of the Israelites, you therefore shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
Moses sin was not anger, but inbelief. Frustration, anger, disappointment can all erode our confidence in God, but we must be unswervingly persuaded of the moment by moment efficacy of the blood of Jesus Christ. The Father wants to act now: in us through us , with us, for us, in the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus!!!
Luke 5-6
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”
At your word evangelism never fails, though it seem impossible.
12 And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
Do we allow lepers to fall right on our face? Do we let the foulest be the closest?
17 Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
The power of the Lord was present to heal the pharisees! God loves the legalists too!
6 Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him.
Even Jesus enemies knew He couldn't resist healing the sick. Will we be so known?
Numbers 16-18
32 By presenting the best part of it you will not be guilty in this matter; then you will not defile the holy offerings of the Israelites, and you will not die.' "
Give the best.
Luke 4
6And he said to Him, To You I will give all this power and authority and their glory (all their magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, and grace), for it has been turned over to me, and I give it to whomever I will.
7Therefore if You will do homage to and worship me [[d]just once], it shall all be Yours.
Satan's offer is brought to every Christian in every generation: the crown without the cross. This is not the path Jesus chose, nor the path He called us to follow. He said take up your cross daily and follow Me.
Numbers 13-15
16These are the names of the men whom Moses sent to explore and scout out the land. And Moses called Hoshea son of Nun, Joshua.
"Hoshea" means "Salvation" or "Deliverer" and had connotations of being independent or a free man. Moses changed Hoshea's name to "Joshua" which means "the Lord saves" or "the Lord is salvation". At some point, every man or woman of God must shift from relying on their own resources to depending entirely on the Lord, or they will never fulfil the Lord's mandate. By the Lord, we possess the Land. Joshua knew it was the Lord who saved, so he gave the good report:
9Only do not rebel against the Lord, neither fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their defense and the shadow [of protection] is removed from over them, but the Lord is with us. Fear them not.
Luke 3
11John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."
The call to repentance is a call to justice.
Numbers 10-12
9When you go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresses you, then blow an alarm with the trumpets, that you may be remembered before the Lord your God, and you shall be saved from your enemies.
Rememberance is for our benefit, that we may remember the God of promise is with us.
35Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, Rise up, Lord; let Your enemies be scattered; and let those who hate You flee before You
Rise up: in what way? In the hearts and minds and praises of the people!
1AND THE people grumbled and deplored their hardships, which was evil in the ears of the Lord, and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burned among them and devoured those in the outlying parts of the camp.
It is safest to be in the bosom of God, not doubting on the edges.
4And the mixed multitude among them [the rabble who followed Israel from Egypt] began to lust greatly [for familiar and dainty food], and the Israelites wept again and said, Who will give us meat to eat?
Be single in vision for God. This kind of mixture is dangerous. The huntsman never hesitates.
34That place was called Kibroth-hattaavah [the graves of sensuous desire], because there they buried the people who lusted, whose physical appetite caused them to sin.(F)
The graves of sensuous desire: wow.
Monday, 8 February 2010
Fw: [5amcall] Luke 2
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 21:58:37 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Luke 2
Simeon saw a baby, but recognised God.
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/09/2010 05:58:00 AM
Fw: [5amcall] Numbers 7-9
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 21:52:59 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Numbers 7-9
God values our giving.
89And when Moses went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was upon the ark of the Testimony from between the two cherubim; and He spoke to [Moses].
Moses spoke to God, and heard His voice from the place of mercy.
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/09/2010 05:52:00 AM
Fw: [5amcall] Luke 1
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 22:04:47 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Luke 1
Accurate history.
15For he will be great and distinguished in the sight of the Lord. And he must drink no wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit even [l]in and from his mother's womb.
What do I want to be filled with?
20Now behold, you will be and [o]will continue to be silent and not able to speak till the day when these things take place, because you have not believed what I told you; but my words are [p]of a kind which will be fulfilled in the appointed and proper time.
Faith leads to speech; doubt should better remain silent, or it will never see good fruit.
37For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.
Confidence in His word!
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/08/2010 06:04:00 AM
Fw: [5amcall] Numbers 4-6
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 21:52:16 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Numbers 4-6
Maturity is mandatory.
24The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you;
25The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you;
26The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).
When we perceive His face, His countenance, with our hearts, we receive the abundant life: grace, peace, and truth (enlightenment).
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/08/2010 05:52:00 AM
Fw: [5amcall] Mark 15-16
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 13:42:39 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Mark 15-16
Tongues isn't just a private affair; it is a sign.
20And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied [it]. Amen (so be it).
Miracles closely accompanied the preaching.
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/07/2010 09:42:00 PM
Saturday, 6 February 2010
Fw: [5amcall] Numbers 1-3
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 21:44:02 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Numbers 1-3
God decides our position, and we are to humbly delight in the responsibilities of that place.
33But the Levites were not numbered with the Israelites, for so the Lord commanded Moses.
When we enter the priesthood of Jesus Christ, we cease to be "numbered" with everyone else because we are caught up in Him, the number one Son.
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/07/2010 05:44:00 AM
Fw: [5amcall] Mark 13-14
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 13:00:23 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Mark 13-14
We are to be watching in the Spirit, looking for His intervention in our days and our moments.
38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
An observant lifestyle can prevent us stumbling into sin.
39 Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words.
If you still feel the burden, don't stop crying to God.
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/06/2010 09:00:00 PM
Fw: [5amcall] Leviticus 26-27
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 12:48:16 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Leviticus 26-27
7And you shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.
There is no authority over the enemy without being in right covenant with God. Being in right covenant does not consist of merely having the covenant, but in abiding by its terms: 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will[b] ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. (John 15)
9For I will be leaning toward you with favor and regard for you, rendering you fruitful, multiplying you, and establishing and ratifying My covenant with you.(A)
12And I will walk in and with and among you and will be your God, and you shall be My people.
Some churches focus on getting people in and hoping God shows up. The pattern here is to get God in, and then the people will show up (He will multiply, when we obey).
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/06/2010 08:48:00 PM
Friday, 5 February 2010
Fw: [5amcall] Leviticus 23-25
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 17:55:57 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Leviticus 23-25
Crushed olives release the oil that gives light to this world: people will watch you when your life is on fire!
14Bring him who has cursed out of the camp, and let all who heard him lay their hands upon his head; then let all the congregation stone him.
If you are a witness to sin, you are responsible for responding appropriately; you cannot be neutral.
23The land shall not be sold into perpetual ownership, for the land is Mine; you are [only] strangers and temporary residents with Me.(C)
Profound implications for this nation's idolatrous obssession with propety.
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/06/2010 01:55:00 AM
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Fw: [5amcall] Mark 12
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 22:12:31 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Mark 12
Pray before you speak publicly!
30 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.'
All.
34 Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." But after that no one dared question Him.
Not far is far enough; knowledge that doesn't yield experience is no use in the Kingdom of God.
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/04/2010 06:12:00 AM
Fw: [5amcall] Leviticus 20-23
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 22:02:09 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Leviticus 20-23
Even the stench of other people's sin does linger on us spiritually (this is a separate issue from forgiveness). We must take care to be cleansed in prayer and worship after any heavy counselling or outreach in the company of "sinners".
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/04/2010 06:02:00 AM
Fw: [5amcall] Leviticus 17-19
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:36:29 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Leviticus 17-19
Independant, selfish worship is demonic.
27 (for all these abominations the men of the land have done, who were before you, and thus the land is defiled), 28 lest the land vomit you out also when you defile it, as it vomited out the nations that were before you.
Sin curses the land.
1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: 'You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.
Be Holy, because its possible, because God is with you, and He is Holy.
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/03/2010 11:36:00 PM
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Fw: [5amcall] Mark 9-10
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 14:12:49 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Mark 9-10
Miracles can help you stay focused on Jesus!
41For I tell you truly, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to and bear the name of Christ will by no means fail to get his reward.
Is this talking about a temporal reward only, or suggesting that to acknowledge the Christ as Lord in even this simple way demonstrates faith enough to make it?
29Jesus said, Truly I tell you, there is no one who has given up and left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for My sake and for the Gospel's
30Who will not receive a hundred times as much now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life.
With persecutions. Hmm. So sowing and reaping isn't that straightforward then!
34And they will mock Him and spit on Him, and whip Him and put Him to death; but after three days He will rise again [[at]from death].
He knew all of that, and chose to go into it for me.
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/02/2010 10:12:00 PM
Fw: [5amcall] Leviticus 13-16
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:32:45 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Leviticus 13-16
Sin contaminates; old and new testament reality (bad company corrupts good character).
22The goat shall bear upon himself all their iniquities, carrying them to a land cut off (a land of forgetfulness and separation, not inhabited)! And the man leading it shall let the goat go in the wilderness.
What a comforting reminder that our sins can be gone forgotten and driven away!
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/02/2010 08:32:00 PM
Fw: [5amcall] Mark 7-8
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:02:52 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Mark 7-8
12Then you no longer are permitting him to do anything for [his] father or mother [but are letting him off from helping them].
Does church business keep me from serving my family?
18And He said to them, Then are you also unintelligent and dull and without understanding? Do you not discern and see that whatever goes into a man from the outside cannot make him unhallowed or unclean,
19Since it does not reach and enter his heart but [only his] digestive tract, and so passes on [into the place designed to receive waste]? Thus He was making and declaring all foods [ceremonially] clean [that is, [h]abolishing the ceremonial distinctions of the Levitical Law].
This encourages me that I can sustain a fasted lifestyle (yielded, surrendered) whilst maintaining a healthy diet.
21And He [r]kept repeating, Do you not yet understand?
I know this is the Amplified version, but I like the idea that Jesus asks the question until we get the answer: He never gives up on us.
35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.
We are to die to a fulfilled and happy life, and as we do we discover the Christian lifestyle of sacrifice and service eminently joyful and rewarding: truly it it is life in all its abundance!
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/01/2010 06:02:00 AM
Fw: [5amcall] Leviticus 9-12
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:33:02 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Leviticus 9-12
It has to be seen by the people that we the ministers of God are deliberately yielded to His will, not just making our own plans.
9Do not drink wine or strong drink, you or your sons, when you go into the Tent of Meeting, lest you die; it shall be a statute forever in all your generations.
10You shall make a distinction and recognize a difference between the holy and the common or unholy, and between the unclean and the clean;
I want to live in His presence: I have continual access to the Most Holy Place by the shed blood of the Lamb, so should I ever compromise my judgement?
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 2/01/2010 05:33:00 AM
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Mark 4
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:03:54 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Mark 4
God gives clarity according to our heart's capacity; if we receive clearly and reject it anyway there is a greater judgement.
19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
The desire for other things...we must be singular in our vision.
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 1/30/2010 12:03:00 AM
Friday, 29 January 2010
Leviticus 1-4
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:57:35 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Leviticus 1-4
The Priest can bring the people into guilt.
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 1/29/2010 11:57:00 PM
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Mark 2-3
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:49:47 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Mark 2-3
Is it right that I am never angry?
27But no one can go into a strong man's house and ransack his household goods right and left and seize them as plunder unless he first binds the strong man; then indeed he may [thoroughly] plunder his house.
Simple principle. To take a city without dealing with principalities in prayer first is folly.
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 1/27/2010 09:49:00 PM
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Exodus 38-40
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From: Jingle <misteringle@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:31:29 -0800 (PST)
To: <misteringle@aol.com>
Subject: [5amcall] Exodus 38-40
Have we lost the sense of the command of God?
30And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold and wrote upon it an inscription, like the engravings of a signet, HOLY TO THE LORD.
Do we realise whose name we wear as we make our careless choices?
32When they went into the Tent of Meeting or came near the altar, they washed, as the Lord commanded Moses.
Preparation. Do we prepare for prayer? Do we recognise how fully we have been prepared; dressed and washed for prayer by Him who made us holy?
--
Posted By Jingle to 5amcall on 1/26/2010 07:31:00 PM
Monday, 25 January 2010
Mark 1
10 And immediately, coming up from[d] the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.
When you know you are a Son, you are ready for sacrifice; it doen't work the other way round.
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
That was Jesus' message. Does ours match? We know gospel means "good news". Is our emphasis on the good news or the bad news of the gospel? Conversely, do we neglect the call to repentance, to major lifestyle change?
23 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”
Demons recognise Authority. All authority delegates from the Father. If we are submitted to God's authority, we are then able to establish that authority in our surroundings through prayer and command.
35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
This is our pattern.
When you know you are a Son, you are ready for sacrifice; it doen't work the other way round.
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
That was Jesus' message. Does ours match? We know gospel means "good news". Is our emphasis on the good news or the bad news of the gospel? Conversely, do we neglect the call to repentance, to major lifestyle change?
23 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”
Demons recognise Authority. All authority delegates from the Father. If we are submitted to God's authority, we are then able to establish that authority in our surroundings through prayer and command.
35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
This is our pattern.
Exodus 34-37
1 And the LORD said to Moses, “Cut two tablets of stone like the first ones, and I will write on these tablets the words that were on the first tablets which you broke.
God holds leaders to account. He doesn't say, "the first tablets which got broken". He does say, "the first tablets which you broke."
“The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, 7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty
God's goodness is linked to his determination that people experience the consequence of their actions.
29 Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.
Intimacy with God always affects how we appear to men; we should take confidence from that, but often we don't recognise the change God is working in our lives.
God holds leaders to account. He doesn't say, "the first tablets which got broken". He does say, "the first tablets which you broke."
“The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, 7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty
God's goodness is linked to his determination that people experience the consequence of their actions.
29 Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.
Intimacy with God always affects how we appear to men; we should take confidence from that, but often we don't recognise the change God is working in our lives.
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Matthew 28
19 Go therefore[c] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
It is important to receive the full ministry of the Trinity in our lives: the love of the Father, the forgiveness of the Son, the power of the Spirit.
------------------
Exodus 30-33
15 The rich shall not give more and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when you give an offering to the LORD, to make atonement for yourselves.
The price of forgiveness is the same for everyone.
25 Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies),
Fathers shepherd their kids in the way they should go. They give direction and are not easily led by popular choice.
18 And he said, "Please, show me Your glory."
19 Then He said, "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."
The glory of God is His goodness.
------------------
The price of forgiveness is the same for everyone.
25 Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies),
Fathers shepherd their kids in the way they should go. They give direction and are not easily led by popular choice.
18 And he said, "Please, show me Your glory."
19 Then He said, "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."
The glory of God is His goodness.
------------------
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Matthew 27
14But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.
The more confident we are in our identity, the less we feel we have to defend it.
The more confident we are in our identity, the less we feel we have to defend it.
Exodus 22-29
The diligent preparation of the priestly garment and the deliberate and thorough consecration of the priests impresses me. Though our salvation in Christ is so much more straightforward, we must be no less diligent in our pursuit of consecration to Him.
Friday, 22 January 2010
Matthew 26
11For you always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me.
Give while the opportunity lasts.
Generosity can be offensive to the mean-spirited and the greedy: immediately after Mary pours her wealth out at Jesus' feet, Judas leaves to sell Jesus.
Give while the opportunity lasts.
Generosity can be offensive to the mean-spirited and the greedy: immediately after Mary pours her wealth out at Jesus' feet, Judas leaves to sell Jesus.
Exodus 23-26
12Six days you shall do your work, but the seventh day you shall rest and keep Sabbath, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your bondwoman, and the alien, may be refreshed.
You may cope without rest, but you'll burn out those around you (and actually you can't cope either).
Reflecting on the detail God gave to Moses regarding the design of the tabernacle makes me wonder if we seek Him enogh for the detailed design of our lives.
You may cope without rest, but you'll burn out those around you (and actually you can't cope either).
Reflecting on the detail God gave to Moses regarding the design of the tabernacle makes me wonder if we seek Him enogh for the detailed design of our lives.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Matthew 24
41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels
Hell wasn't made for man; the less that go there the better.
Hell wasn't made for man; the less that go there the better.
Exodus 20-22
19 Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”
The same temptation to delegate relationship remains today.
31 “And you shall be holy men to Me: you shall not eat meat torn by beasts in the field; you shall throw it to the dogs.
It is not humility to undermine your identity.
The same temptation to delegate relationship remains today.
31 “And you shall be holy men to Me: you shall not eat meat torn by beasts in the field; you shall throw it to the dogs.
It is not humility to undermine your identity.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Matthew 23
34 Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city
God sends scribes. Jesus ordains writers for Kingdom missions.
------------------
Exodus 17-19
15 And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner;
The Banner declares identity, and in that identity is the intended victory.
11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them.
C'mon! Egypt displayed its ability to curse and threaten, but the bully got his comeuppance!
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Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Matthew 21-22
Psalm 8:2 Out of the mouths of babes and unweaned infants You have established strength because of Your foes, that You might silence the enemy and the avenger.(A)
Matthew 21:16And they said to Him, Do You hear what these are saying? And Jesus replied to them, Yes; have you never read, Out of the mouths of babes and unweaned infants You have made (provided) perfect praise?(D)
It was not explicit in the version of Psalm 8.2 used by most translations where the strength came from. Jesus reveals that God's manifest strength is established through praise (quoting the Septuagint version of Psalm 8.2 I think).
43I tell you, for this reason the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce the fruits of it.
Where is the fruit in my ministry? How can I become more fruitful?!
Matthew 21:16And they said to Him, Do You hear what these are saying? And Jesus replied to them, Yes; have you never read, Out of the mouths of babes and unweaned infants You have made (provided) perfect praise?(D)
It was not explicit in the version of Psalm 8.2 used by most translations where the strength came from. Jesus reveals that God's manifest strength is established through praise (quoting the Septuagint version of Psalm 8.2 I think).
43I tell you, for this reason the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce the fruits of it.
Where is the fruit in my ministry? How can I become more fruitful?!
Exodus 13-16
15The Lord said to Moses, Why do you cry to Me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward!
How often are we looking for a response from Heaven< and Heaven is wqaiting for a response from Earth?
3The Lord is a Man of War; the Lord is His name.
We cannot forget this. He still fights injustice; he has not changed. Those outside the blood covenant today are not privy to the benefits of that covenant.
26Saying, If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God and will do what is right in His sight, and will listen to and obey His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I brought upon the Egyptians, for I am the Lord Who heals you.
Healing and obedient action go hand in hand in the gospels. So often Jesus gives basic instruction: offer your gift, sin no more etc. Conversely, a disobedient lifestyle will put its strain on the body. This does not mean every sickness is caused by an individual's sin as the book of Job attests.
How often are we looking for a response from Heaven< and Heaven is wqaiting for a response from Earth?
3The Lord is a Man of War; the Lord is His name.
We cannot forget this. He still fights injustice; he has not changed. Those outside the blood covenant today are not privy to the benefits of that covenant.
26Saying, If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God and will do what is right in His sight, and will listen to and obey His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I brought upon the Egyptians, for I am the Lord Who heals you.
Healing and obedient action go hand in hand in the gospels. So often Jesus gives basic instruction: offer your gift, sin no more etc. Conversely, a disobedient lifestyle will put its strain on the body. This does not mean every sickness is caused by an individual's sin as the book of Job attests.
Monday, 18 January 2010
matthew 19-20
12Saying, These [men] who came last worked no more than an hour, and yet you have made them rank with us who have borne the burden and the [m]scorching heat of the day.
13But he answered one of them, Friend, I am doing you no injustice. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
14Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this man hired last the same as I give to you.
15Am I not permitted to do what I choose with what is mine? [Or do you begrudge my being generous?] Is your eye evil because I am good?
Do I labour for the size of my reward? Is that my motive, or is it love for the Master? If it is the latter, I cannot be disappointed.
13But he answered one of them, Friend, I am doing you no injustice. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
14Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this man hired last the same as I give to you.
15Am I not permitted to do what I choose with what is mine? [Or do you begrudge my being generous?] Is your eye evil because I am good?
Do I labour for the size of my reward? Is that my motive, or is it love for the Master? If it is the latter, I cannot be disappointed.
Exodus 9-12
48 And when a stranger dwells with you and wants to keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as a native of the land. For no uncircumcised person shall eat it.
The Israel of God is not, nor has it ever been, exclusive. We now are privileged to be part of this noble vine because Jesus Christ has circumcised our hearts.
The Israel of God is not, nor has it ever been, exclusive. We now are privileged to be part of this noble vine because Jesus Christ has circumcised our hearts.
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Matthew 17-18
5While he was still speaking, behold, a shining cloud [[b]composed of light] overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is My Son, My Beloved, with Whom I am [and [c]have always been] delighted. Listen to Him!(A)
The Amplified Bible's phrase "have always been delighted" led me to ponder how wonderful a blessing we have been brought into in Christ. He will be forever delighted by me in His Son, as if He had always delighted in me (which in His Son, He has).
The Amplified Bible's phrase "have always been delighted" led me to ponder how wonderful a blessing we have been brought into in Christ. He will be forever delighted by me in His Son, as if He had always delighted in me (which in His Son, He has).
Exodus 5-8
21And the foremen said to them, The Lord look upon you and judge, because you have made us a rotten stench to be detested by Pharaoh and his servants and have put a sword in their hand to slay us.
Time and again Leaders are knocked by their people when the answer is not immediate. Leadership requires faithful tenacity, and a forgiving heart.
5I have also heard the groaning of the Israelites whom the Egyptians have enslaved
Is this really what they want? Yes, deep down.
Time and again Leaders are knocked by their people when the answer is not immediate. Leadership requires faithful tenacity, and a forgiving heart.
5I have also heard the groaning of the Israelites whom the Egyptians have enslaved
Is this really what they want? Yes, deep down.
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Matthew 15-16
13He answered, Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be torn up by the roots.
All roads do not lead to God.
19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth [r]must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth [s]must be what is already loosed in heaven.(E)
Heaven is what we pray to Earth. No sickness in Heaven, so we bind it up and cast it out here. Your Kingdom come O Lord!
All roads do not lead to God.
19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth [r]must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth [s]must be what is already loosed in heaven.(E)
Heaven is what we pray to Earth. No sickness in Heaven, so we bind it up and cast it out here. Your Kingdom come O Lord!
Exodus 1-4
12But the more [the Egyptians] oppressed them, the more they multiplied and expanded, so that [the Egyptians] were vexed and alarmed because of the Israelites.
Pressure builds strength.
24And God heard their sighing and groaning and [earnestly] remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.
God hears our cries according to His covenant.
4And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here am I.
God watches our reactions.
Pressure builds strength.
24And God heard their sighing and groaning and [earnestly] remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.
God hears our cries according to His covenant.
4And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here am I.
God watches our reactions.
Friday, 15 January 2010
Matthew 13-14
19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.
Its really important to connect with the people using relevant examples so they can understand the gospel appeal.
22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
A God given vision will be provided for; but provision without vision leads to dissipation.
10 So he sent and had John beheaded in prison.
If we call sinners to repentance, we will definitely experience some level of attack.
36 and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.
Just the peripheries of His presence brings healing. How deep can we really go in encountering God now?
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Genesis 46-50
8 " Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise;
Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;
Your father's children shall bow down before you.
Joseph dreamt his brothers would bow before him, and they did. Judah was blessed to know his brothers would bow before him. God raises up one and puts down another. Promotion comes from the Lord.
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Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;
Your father's children shall bow down before you.
Joseph dreamt his brothers would bow before him, and they did. Judah was blessed to know his brothers would bow before him. God raises up one and puts down another. Promotion comes from the Lord.
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Thursday, 14 January 2010
Matthew 12
13 Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other. 14 Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.
It is amazing how theology can blind us to fruit. Discernment works with Love
16 Yet He warned them not to make Him known
The discretion of Jesus is interesting indeed. He didn't rely on advertising at all!
36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned
Sobering words. I shall give account for every thoughtless comment.
42 The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.
Genuine humility does not hide giftedness to people's hurt.
It is amazing how theology can blind us to fruit. Discernment works with Love
16 Yet He warned them not to make Him known
The discretion of Jesus is interesting indeed. He didn't rely on advertising at all!
36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned
Sobering words. I shall give account for every thoughtless comment.
42 The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.
Genuine humility does not hide giftedness to people's hurt.
Genesis 37-45
8 And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.
Obvious wisdom, but easy to forget: consider who you share your dreams with, as not everyone wants you to achieve your goal. People are rarely disinterested.
Its amazing the level of deceit in Jacob's household. Reuben deceives The boys, the boys deceive Reuben, they all deceive their Dad regarding Joseph's whereabouts. Jacob of course spent much of his life being tricked by his uncle, Laban. God saw Jacob's heart when he deceived his own Father and his brother, and God still blessed him, but boy did Jacob ever reap what He sowed.
8 And Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and marry her, and raise up an heir to your brother.” 9 But Onan knew that the heir would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother’s wife, that he emitted on the ground, lest he should give an heir to his brother. 10 And the thing which he did displeased the LORD; therefore He killed him also.
Family first.
23 The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority,[c] because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.
I read that and assume that Joseph was diligent and wise, which may well have been true, but its not what the verse says is it? The Lord was with him; the Lord made him prosper. (When recruiting staff, look for the level of favour on a person's life in other areas as well as their natural abilities).
8 So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
Joseph changed from a proud son to a wise father.
Obvious wisdom, but easy to forget: consider who you share your dreams with, as not everyone wants you to achieve your goal. People are rarely disinterested.
Its amazing the level of deceit in Jacob's household. Reuben deceives The boys, the boys deceive Reuben, they all deceive their Dad regarding Joseph's whereabouts. Jacob of course spent much of his life being tricked by his uncle, Laban. God saw Jacob's heart when he deceived his own Father and his brother, and God still blessed him, but boy did Jacob ever reap what He sowed.
8 And Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and marry her, and raise up an heir to your brother.” 9 But Onan knew that the heir would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother’s wife, that he emitted on the ground, lest he should give an heir to his brother. 10 And the thing which he did displeased the LORD; therefore He killed him also.
Family first.
23 The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority,[c] because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.
I read that and assume that Joseph was diligent and wise, which may well have been true, but its not what the verse says is it? The Lord was with him; the Lord made him prosper. (When recruiting staff, look for the level of favour on a person's life in other areas as well as their natural abilities).
8 So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
Joseph changed from a proud son to a wise father.
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