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Post by Les on Feb 7, 2020 22:06:10 GMT
Does What We Do Matter? By: Julie Schwab
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Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Today's Scripture & Insight: Colossians 3:12–17 I dropped my forehead to my hand with a sigh, “I don’t know how I’m going to get it all done.” My friend’s voice crackled through the phone: “You have to give yourself some credit. You’re doing a lot.” He then listed the things I was trying to do—maintain a healthy lifestyle, work, do well in graduate school, write, and attend a Bible study. I wanted to do all these things for God, but instead I was more focused on what I was doing than how I was doing it—or that perhaps I was trying to do too much.
Paul reminded the church in Colossae that they were to live in a way that glorified God. Ultimately, what they specifically did on a day-to-day basis was not as important as how they did it. They were to do their work with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12), to be forgiving, and above all to love (vv. 13–14) and to “do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 17). Their work wasn’t to be separated from Christlike living.
What we do matters, but how we do it, why, and who we do it for matters more. Each day we can choose to work in a stressed-out way or in a way that honors God and seeks out the meaning Jesus adds to our work. When we pursue the latter, we find satisfaction.
Reflect & Pray In what ways do you do things out of need or obligation rather than for God’s glory? How do you think meaning is found in Christ rather than accomplishments?
Jesus, forgive me for the times I stress over what I’m trying to accomplish. Help me to instead seek to accomplish things for Your glory.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT It appears that the faith community in Colossae was a sister church to the church at nearby Laodicea (the same Laodicea Jesus so strongly challenged in Revelation 3:14-22). Paul writes to the church at Colossae: “After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea” (Colossians 4:16). Not only were these cities close geographically, but there was a solid relationship between them—even to the point of sharing their letters with one another. Additionally, the church at Colossae received a letter written to one of its leaders, Philemon. The Colossians would have had the benefit of no less than three letters from the apostle Paul. Bill Crowder
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Post by Les on Feb 8, 2020 22:29:43 GMT
Raise Praise By: Mike Wittmer
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Your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Psalm 48:10
Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 48 You can generally tell where a map was drawn by what lies in its middle. We tend to think our home is the center of the world, so we put a dot in the middle and sketch out from there. Nearby towns might be fifty miles to the north or half a day’s drive to the south, but all are described in relation to where we are. The Psalms draw their “map” from God’s earthly home in the Old Testament, so the center of biblical geography is Jerusalem.
Psalm 48 is one of many psalms that praise Jerusalem. This “city of our God, his holy mountain” is “beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth” (vv. 1–2). Because “God is in her citadels,” He “makes her secure forever” (vv. 3, 8). God’s fame begins in Jerusalem’s temple and spreads outward to “the ends of the earth” (vv. 9–10).
Unless you’re reading this in Jerusalem, your home is not in the center of the biblical world. Yet your region matters immensely, because God will not rest until His praise reaches “to the ends of the earth” (v. 10). Would you like to be part of the way God reaches His goal? Worship each week with God’s people, and openly live each day for His glory. God’s fame extends “to the ends of the earth” when we devote all that we are and have to Him.
Reflect & Pray How have you spread God’s fame this week? What else might you do?
Father, use me to spread Your fame to the ends of the earth.
To learn more about the Psalms, visit christianuniversity.org/OT222.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Psalm 48 is a hymn which may have been adopted as a celebration of Zion (Jerusalem). Scholars suggest it was used during the Feast of Tabernacles. God’s presence was declared to be in the city of Zion’s citadels as a fortress (v. 3). The picture of kings fleeing in terror at the sight of the city (vv. 4-5) held up Zion as a symbol of God’s protection. The call to “walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels” (vv. 12-13) would have allowed those present to see Zion’s structures and gain a tangible sense of God’s presence and protection—a physical act of worship that would strengthen their faith. Julie Schwab
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Post by Les on Feb 9, 2020 22:30:08 GMT
We Are Dust By: John Blase
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He remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:14
Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 103:8–14 The young father was at the end of his rope. “Ice cream! Ice cream!” his toddler screamed. The meltdown in the middle of the crowded mall began drawing the attention of shoppers nearby. “Fine, but we just need to do something for mommy first, okay?” the father said. “Nooooo! Ice cream!” And then she approached them: a small, well-dressed woman with shoes that matched her handbag. “He’s having a big fit,” the father said. The woman smiled and responded, “Actually, it looks like a big fit is having your little boy. Don’t forget he’s so small. He needs you to be patient and stay close.” The situation didn’t magically resolve itself, but it was just the kind of pause the father and son needed in the moment.
Echoes of the wise woman’s words are heard in Psalm 103. David writes of our God who is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (v. 8). He then continues by invoking the image of an earthly father who “has compassion on his children,” and even more so “the Lord has compassion on those who fear him” (v. 13). God our Father “knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (v. 14). He knows we’re small and fragile.
We often fail and are overwhelmed by what this big world hands us. What an amazing assurance to know of our Father’s patient, ever-present, abounding love.
Reflect & Pray When have you felt overwhelmed like a little child? How do you believe God the Father responded to you in that moment?
Thank You for being our patient, present Father who remembers who and what we are.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8) echoes the description of God revealed to Moses on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 34:6-7). God’s love (Hebrew hesed) is often paired in the psalms with the word faithfulness (see Psalm 100:5), but Psalm 103 connects God’s love with His compassion (vv. 8, 13). The psalmist insists that God’s anger isn’t a vengeful, vindictive one, but is related to His longing for human beings to find forgiveness, healing, joy, and satisfaction in Him (vv. 3-5). Monica La Rose
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Post by Les on Feb 10, 2020 21:48:49 GMT
In It Together By: Arthur Jackson
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Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15
Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 12:9–16 During a two-month period in 1994, as many as one million Tutsis were slain in Rwanda by Hutu tribe members bent on killing their fellow countrymen. In the wake of this horrific genocide, Bishop Geoffrey Rwubusisi approached his wife about reaching out to women whose loved ones had been slain. Mary’s reply was, “All I want to do is cry.” She too had lost members of her family. The bishop’s response was that of a wise leader and caring husband: “Mary, gather the women together and cry with them.” He knew his wife’s pain had prepared her to uniquely share in the pain of others.
The church, the family of God, is where all of life can be shared—the good and not-so-good. The New Testament words “one another” are used to capture our interdependence. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. . . . Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:10, 16). The extent of our connectedness is expressed in verse 15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
While the depth and scope of our pain may pale in comparison with those affected by genocide, it’s nonetheless personal and real. And, as with the pain of Mary, because of what God has done for us it can be embraced and shared for the comfort and good of others.
Reflect & Pray When have you allowed someone else to share your sorrow? How does the body of Christ—the church—help you deal with the hard times in life?
Gracious God, forgive me for my reluctance to enter the pain of others. Help me to live more fully as a connected member of Your church.
Learn about loving as Jesus does at discoveryseries.org/q0208.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Most of Paul’s letters were directed to churches he and his team had planted, but Rome (like Colossae) was an exception. So how did the church at Rome begin? One theory is that it got its start on the day of Pentecost—the day the church itself was born. On that day, as the uneducated disciples of Jesus began speaking of Him in languages previously unlearned, Luke records a list of places from which people had gathered to celebrate the feast in Jerusalem. Among them are “visitors from Rome” (Acts 2:10). The belief is that these hearers of the gospel message carried it with them back to their home and began to evangelize the city—the most powerful city in the world of that day. This resulted in the establishment of the church in Rome to whom Paul wrote his most theological letter, the book of Romans. Bill Crowder
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Post by Les on Feb 11, 2020 22:09:42 GMT
Nearby Neighbors By: Kirsten Holmberg
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Better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away. Proverbs 27:10
Today's Scripture & Insight: Proverbs 27:1–10 Our neighborhood, like many others, uses a website to help neighbors connect immediately with those surrounding them. In my community, members warn one another of mountain lion sightings and wildfire evacuation orders, as well as supply one another with child care when the need arises. It has even proven to be a resource for locating runaway pets. By leveraging the power of the internet, those living near one another are connecting again in ways that are often lost in today’s fast-paced world.
Being in relationship with those who live nearby was also important long ago in the days of King Solomon. While family relationships are truly important and can be a source of great support, Solomon indicates that the role of a friend is vital—especially when “disaster strikes” (Proverbs 27:10). Relatives might care deeply for their family members and desire to be of help in such circumstances. But if they’re far away, there’s little they can do in the moments when calamity strikes. Neighbors, however, because they’re close by, are likely to know of the need quickly and can assist more readily.
Because technology has made it easier than ever to remain connected with loved ones across the globe, we may be tempted to overlook those living nearby. Jesus, help us invest in relationships with the people You’ve placed around us!
Reflect & Pray Who has brought you aid in your times of need? How can you come alongside those living nearest you?
Thank You, God, for giving us neighbors to show care for one another.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The book of Proverbs consists of two main parts. After a preamble that introduces the book (1:1-7), the first nine chapters contain speeches. The text identifies the contents as the teaching of a father to his son. The second part of Proverbs (chs. 10-31) contains actual proverbs. Proverbs are short observations, encouragements, or prohibitions that often seem like simple, practical advice. It’s a mistake to read the individual proverbs without considering the theme of the whole book—the connection between wisdom and a relationship with God—for only a life empowered or guided by the Spirit can consistently live out this wisdom.
Adapted from Understanding the Bible: The Wisdom Books.
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Post by Les on Feb 12, 2020 22:51:07 GMT
The Miracle of White Snow By: Linda Washington
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Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Isaiah 1:18
Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 1:15–20 In the seventeenth century, Sir Isaac Newton used a prism to study how light helps us see different colors. He found that when light passes through an object, the object appears to possess a specific color. While a single ice crystal looks translucent, snow is made up of many ice crystals smashed together. When light passes through all of the crystals, snow appears to be white.
The Bible mentions something else that has a certain color—sin. Through the prophet Isaiah, God confronted the sins of the people of Judah and described their sin as “like scarlet” and as “red as crimson.” But God promised they would “be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). How? Judah needed to turn away from wrongdoing and seek God’s forgiveness.
Thanks to Jesus, we have permanent access to God’s forgiveness. Jesus called Himself “the light of the world” and said whoever follows Him “will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). When we confess our sins, God forgives us and we’re seen through the light of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. This means that God sees us as He sees Jesus—blameless.
We don’t have to wallow in the guilt and shame of what we’ve done wrong. Instead, we can hold on to the truth of God’s forgiveness, which makes us “white as snow.”
Reflect & Pray What does it mean to be completely forgiven? What helps you remember that God has forgiven you?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the forgiveness You freely offer.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The imagery in Isaiah 1:15-20 stands as a testimony to the universal accessibility of the Bible’s wisdom. Isaiah uses the dual analogies of snow and wool to convey the idea of flawless and complete cleanliness of heart (1:18). Fresh fallen snow transforms a bleak winter landscape with its blanket of white, but readers who have never been to a cold climate can’t fully grasp that experience. However, such people would likely be familiar with the brilliant whiteness of freshly shorn sheep’s wool. In this way Isaiah clearly communicated to everyone in the world that our sins, though as red as the blood on the hands of a killer (v. 15), can be washed away. Although Isaiah prophesied to Judah specifically, the deep soul-cleansing described here applies to all and requires the blood of Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb. Tim Gustafson
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Post by Les on Feb 13, 2020 21:29:15 GMT
Freed from Our Cage By: Winn Collier
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[God] brought me out into a spacious place. Psalm 18:19
Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 18:3–6, 16–19 While out taking walks, writer Martin Laird would often encounter a man with four Kerry Blue Terriers. Three of the dogs ran wild through the open fields, but one stayed near its owner, running in tight circles. When Laird finally stopped and asked about this odd behavior, the owner explained that it was a rescue dog that had spent most of his life locked in a cage. The terrier continued to run in circles as though contained inside a confined box.
The Scriptures reveal that we’re trapped and hopeless unless God rescues us. The psalmist spoke of being afflicted by an enemy, entrapped by “the snares of death” with the “cords of death . . . coiled around” him (Psalm 18:4–5). Enclosed and shackled, he cried to God for help (v. 6). And with thundering power, He “reached down . . . and took hold” of him (v. 16).
God can do the same for us. He can break the chains and release us from our confining cages. He can set us free and carry us “out into a spacious place” (v. 19). How sad it is, then, when we keep running in small circles, as if we’re still confined in our old prisons. In His strength, may we no longer be bound by fear, shame, or oppression. God has rescued us from those cages of death. We can run free.
Reflect & Pray What are the cages that have you confined? How are you living as though an old cage still traps and holds you?
God, You say You set the captives free. Help me to believe it. Help me to live it. I want to be free. I want to be in Your spacious place.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Poetry is compact language which says a lot using few words. The poets who wrote much of the Old Testament spoke Hebrew. Hebrew poetry is slightly different than poetry written in modern languages, so we need to ask how poetry worked in that ancient Near Eastern culture.
Today we might be familiar with poetry that has rhyme and meter (a patterned rhythm). Hebrew poetry, on the other hand, doesn’t use either rhyme or meter. We learn how to read it when we become familiar with the tools the ancient poet used, particularly parallelism, imagery, and acrostics.
Parallelism is used throughout Psalm 18. It’s a term that describes the echoing effect within a single poetic line or verse by way of contrast or repetition. It may be the single most important poetic tool because it’s used so frequently in Hebrew poetry. Tremper Longman
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Post by Les on Feb 14, 2020 22:17:39 GMT
When Life Is Hard By: Xochitl Dixon
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I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2
Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 16 Physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted, I curled up in my recliner. Our family had followed God’s leading and had moved from California to Wisconsin. After we arrived, our car broke down and left us without a vehicle for two months. Meanwhile, my husband’s limited mobility after an unexpected back surgery and my chronic pain complicated our unpacking. We uncovered costly problems with our new-to-us, old home. Our senior dog suffered with health issues. And though our new pup brought great joy, raising a furry ball of energy was far more work than anticipated. My attitude soured. How was I supposed to have unshakable faith while traveling on a bumpy road of hardships?
As I prayed, God reminded me of the psalmist whose praise didn’t depend on circumstances. David poured out his emotions, often with great vulnerability, and sought refuge in the presence of God (Psalm 16:1). Acknowledging God as provider and protector (vv. 5–6), he praised Him and followed His counsel (v. 7). David affirmed that he would “not be shaken” because he kept his eyes “always on the Lord” (v. 8). So, he rejoiced and rested secure in the joy of God’s presence (vv. 9–11).
We too can delight in knowing our peace doesn’t depend on our present situation. As we thank our unchanging God for who He is and always will be, His presence will fuel our steadfast faith.
Reflect & Pray How can offering God praise for His unchanging character and wondrous works increase your faith during challenging circumstances? What situations do you need to place in God’s trustworthy hands?
Thanks for being You, Father!
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Several of David’s inspired songs operate on two levels. The first level describes the emotional weight of David’s own experience, whether good or bad, and the second level looks forward to David’s greater Son (Jesus) and what He would experience on earth during His incarnation. We see a clear example of this in Psalm 22, where David’s experiences of suffering and persecution perfectly anticipate Christ’s crucifixion—even to the point where David says his foes pierced his hands and feet (v. 16).
A similar thing occurs in Psalm 16:8-11, which Peter quotes in Acts 2:25-28 as part of his Pentecost sermon. Peter said that David’s words anticipated the resurrection of Jesus. This is a marvelous picture of divine inspiration of the Scriptures. While David couldn’t have been aware of the future implications of his words, hindsight now makes their reality clear. Bill Crowder
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Post by Les on Feb 15, 2020 22:13:15 GMT
The Mouse That Roared By: David H. Roper
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The one who is in [us] is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 4:1–11 Several years ago my sons and I spent a few days camping in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in Northern Idaho. It’s grizzly bear habitat, but we carried bear spray, kept our campsites clean, and anticipated no major grizzly encounters.
One evening, in the middle of the night, I heard Randy scramble around trying to get out of his sleeping bag. I grabbed my flashlight and turned it on, expecting to see him in the clutches of an enraged grizzly.
There, sitting upright on its haunches and waving its paws in the air was a field mouse about 4 inches tall. It had Randy’s cap firmly clenched in its teeth. The little creature had tugged and tugged until he pulled Randy’s cap from his head. As I laughed, the mouse dropped the cap and scampered away. We crawled back into our sleeping bags. I, however, fully adrenalized, couldn’t get back to sleep and thought about another predator—the devil.
Consider Satan’s temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1–11). He countered his enticements with the Scriptures. With each answer, Jesus reminded Himself that God had spoken on this issue and therefore He wouldn’t disobey. This caused the devil to flee.
Although Satan wants to devour us, it’s good to remember that he’s a created being like the little rodent. John said, “the one who is in [us] is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
Reflect & Pray What are your greatest temptations? What does God say about these issues and how might you use that when you’re tempted?
Dear God, I’m grateful that You’re greater than any temptation that comes at me. Please provide the way out.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Some scholars believe Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:11-19 tell of how Lucifer became Satan (meaning “adversary”) and was cast out of heaven because of his rebellion against and desire to be God. Alluding to this, Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18). Three times he’s called “the prince of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). In the third temptation of Jesus, Satan—claiming to rule over the world—offers Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world” if He would worship him (Matthew 4:8-10). Though powerful, Satan is a defeated foe (Genesis 3:15; John 12:31; 16:11; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8; Revelation 20:7-10), and has no power other than that allowed by God (Job 1:12; 2:6; Luke 22:31-32). K. T. Sim
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Post by Les on Feb 16, 2020 22:14:17 GMT
Divided in Love By: Leslie Koh
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Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2
Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 4:2–6 When public debate erupted over a controversial Singapore law, it divided believers with differing views. Some called others “narrow-minded” or accused them of compromising their faith.
Controversies can cause sharp divisions among God’s family, bringing much hurt and discouraging people. I’ve been made to feel small over personal convictions on how I apply the Bible’s teachings to my life. And I’m sure I’ve been equally guilty of criticizing others I disagree with.
I wonder if the problem lies not in what or even in how we express our views, but in the attitudes of our hearts when we do so. Are we just disagreeing with views or seeking to tear down the people behind them?
Yet there are times when we need to address false teaching or explain our stand. Ephesians 4:2–6 reminds us to do so with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. And, above all else, to make every effort “to keep the unity of the Spirit” (v. 3).
Some controversies will remain unresolved. God’s Word, however, reminds us that our goal should always be to build up people’s faith, not tear them down (v. 29). Are we putting others down to win an argument? Or are we allowing God to help us understand His truths in His time and His way, remembering that we share one faith in one Lord? (vv. 4–6).
Reflect & Pray How can you explain your stand on sensitive issues humbly, gently, and lovingly? What will you pray for those who seem to disagree?
God, guide me as I speak the truth so that I do so out of love and seek only to build up, not to tear down.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT When Paul urges his readers to be gentle and patient with one another, he describes what real strength looks like. Earlier in the same letter he repeatedly expresses his prayer that his readers would join him in understanding the ability of God to strengthen them in their inner being with the love of Christ (Ephesians 1:19; 3:16-18). He prays they will be given the power to understand the heart of God who wants to do for them more than they could ever ask or think (3:20).
The old Paul wouldn’t have written this. Before meeting Christ on the road to Damascus, he was doing everything he could to bully and terrorize those with whom he disagreed. It’s a dramatically changed Paul who calls for the strength of a humility, patience, and kindness that brings out the best in us rather than the worst. Mart DeHaan
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Post by Les on Feb 17, 2020 23:08:06 GMT
Ever-Present Presence By: Lisa M. Samra
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Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20
Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 28:16–20 During the 2018 World Cup, Colombian forward Radamel Falcao scored in the seventieth minute against Poland, securing a victory. The dramatic goal was Falcao’s thirtieth in international play, earning him the distinction of scoring the most goals by a Colombian player in international competition.
Falcao has often used his success on the soccer pitch to share his faith, frequently lifting his jersey after a score to reveal a shirt with the words, Con Jesus nunca estara solo: “With Jesus you’ll never be alone.”
Falcao’s statement points us to the reassuring promise from Jesus, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Knowing He was about to return to heaven, Jesus comforted His disciples by assuring them He’d always be with them, through the presence of His Spirit (v. 20; John 14:16–18). Christ’s Spirit would comfort, guide, protect, and empower them as they took the message of Jesus to cities both near and far. And when they experienced periods of intense loneliness in unfamiliar places, Christ’s words would likely echo in their ears, a reminder of His presence with them.
No matter where we go, whether close to home or faraway, as we follow Jesus into the unknown we too can cling to this same promise. Even when we experience feelings of loneliness, as we reach out in prayer to Jesus, we can receive comfort knowing He’s with us.
Reflect & Pray How does the assurance that Jesus is always with you provide comfort? How has He comforted you when you felt alone?
Jesus, thank You that I’m never alone because You’re with me.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The events in our passage from the final chapter of Matthew take place soon after Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. At dawn “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary” had gone to “look at [Jesus’] tomb” (Matthew 28:1). Mary Magdalene was the woman from Magdala who’d been healed of seven evil spirits and was one of the women who helped support Jesus and His disciples (Luke 8:1-3). But who was this “other Mary”? Many believe she was “Mary the wife of Clopas” (John 19:25). Others say she was Mary the mother of James and Joseph (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40; Luke 24:10). And others declare she was both the wife of Clopas and the mother of James and Joseph. No matter her identity, she and Mary Magdalene expected to see a closed tomb and instead met the risen Christ Himself (Matthew 28:1-9). Alyson Kieda
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Post by Les on Feb 18, 2020 22:49:26 GMT
Unimaginable By: Dave Branon
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Though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Psalm 23:4
Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 23 Bart Millard penned a megahit in 2001 when he wrote, “I Can Only Imagine.” The song pictures how amazing it will be to be in Christ’s presence. Millard’s lyrics offered comfort to our family that next year when our seventeen-year-old daughter, Melissa, died in a car accident and we imagined what it was like for her to be in God’s presence.
But imagine spoke to me in a different way in the days following Mell’s death. As fathers of Melissa’s friends approached me, full of concern and pain, they said, “I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”
Their expressions were helpful, showing that they were grappling with our loss in an empathetic way—finding it unimaginable.
David pinpointed the depth of great loss when he described walking through “the darkest valley” (Psalm 23:4). The death of a loved one certainly is that, and we sometimes have no idea how we’re going to navigate the darkness. We can’t imagine ever being able to come out on the other side.
But as God promised to be with us in our darkest valley now, He also provides great hope for the future by assuring us that beyond the valley we’ll be in His presence. For the believer, to be “away from the body” means being present with Him (2 Corinthians 5:8). That can help us navigate the unimaginable as we imagine our future reunion with Him and others.
Reflect & Pray What’s the best thing you can say to friends who’ve suffered the loss of someone they loved? How can you prepare for those times?
Thank You, God, for being with us even in the darkest valley as we imagine the glories of heaven.
For hope, read Life After Loss at discoveryseries.org/cb131.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT David isn’t the first to use the shepherd-sheep metaphor. Hundreds of years before, Jacob referred to God as his shepherd (Genesis 48:15). Later, the prophets too used this metaphor (Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:12, 31).
Psalm 23 is undeniably the best-known psalm. We traditionally view it with the assuring and comforting picture of the Lord as the Shepherd-Pastor. But in the ancient Near East, the shepherd metaphor is also used to denote the Shepherd-King who provides for (vv. 1-3) and protects His people (vv. 4-6). Other psalms also speak of God as a shepherd leading His people (28:9; 78:52-53; 79:13; 80:1; 95:7; 100:3).
In the New Testament, Jesus is called our Good Shepherd (John 10:11), the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20), and the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). K. T. Sim
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Post by Les on Feb 19, 2020 22:30:07 GMT
The Reality of God By: Remi Oyedele
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The Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he [saw] chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17
Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Kings 6:8–17 In C. S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, all of Narnia is thrilled when the mighty lion Aslan reappears after a long absence. Their joy turns to sorrow, however, when Aslan concedes to a demand made by the evil White Witch. Faced with Aslan’s apparent defeat, the Narnians experience his power when he emits an earsplitting roar that causes the witch to flee in terror. Although all seems to have been lost, Aslan ultimately proves to be greater than the villainous witch.
Like Aslan’s followers in Lewis’ allegory, Elisha’s servant despaired when he got up one morning to see himself and Elisha surrounded by an enemy army. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” he exclaimed (2 Kings 6:15). The prophet’s response was calm: “Don’t be afraid . . . . Those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (v. 16). Elisha then prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see” (v. 17). So, “the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (v. 17). Although things at first seemed bleak to the servant’s eye, God’s power ultimately proved greater than the enemy horde.
Our difficult circumstances may lead us to believe all is lost, but God desires to open our eyes and reveal that He is greater.
Reflect & Pray What difficult times are you facing? How have you experienced that God is greater than any evil you face?
Thank You, God, for Your faithfulness.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Although the two Old Testament prophets Elijah (whose name means “Yahweh is God”) and Elisha (whose name means “God is salvation”) had similar names and missions—to serve God and the people of Israel—they are two different people. Their prophetic exploits are found in 1 Kings 17 through 2 Kings 13. Elijah departed this earth dramatically—caught up in a whirlwind into heaven (2 Kings 2:11); Elisha succumbed to sickness and died (13:14). Arthur Jackson
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Post by Les on Feb 20, 2020 22:28:42 GMT
The Hardest Places By: James Banks
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Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea. Genesis 41:49
Today's Scripture & Insight: Genesis 41:46–52 Geoff is a youth pastor today in the same city where he once abused heroin. God transformed both his heart and his circumstances in a breathtaking way. “I want to keep kids from making the same mistakes and suffering the pain I went through,” Geoff said. “And Jesus will help them.” Over time, God set him free from the slavery of addiction and has given him a vital ministry in spite of his past.
God has ways of bringing unexpected good out of situations where hope seems lost. Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt and falsely accused and sent to prison, where he was forgotten for years. But God restored him and placed him in a position of authority directly under Pharaoh, where he was able to save many lives—including the lives of his brothers who’d abandoned him. There in Egypt Joseph married and had children. He named the second Ephraim (drawn from the Hebrew term for “twice fruitful”), and gave this reason: “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering” (Genesis 41:52).
Geoff’s and Joseph’s stories, while separated by three to four thousand years, point to the same unchanging truth: even the hardest places in our lives can become fertile ground for God to help and bless many. Our Savior’s love and power never change, and He’s always faithful to those who trust in Him.
Reflect & Pray When have you seen God bring something good out of difficulty in your life? How can you use your past problems to encourage others today?
All-powerful Father, I praise You that nothing is too hard for You! Thank You for Your perfect faithfulness, today and forever.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers at age seventeen (Genesis 37:2, 27-28) and was later imprisoned after being wrongly accused of trying to sleep with his master’s wife (39:1-20). Thirteen years passed from when he first became a slave to when he entered Pharaoh’s service (41:46). God was with Joseph when he was a slave (39:2-6) and while he was in prison (vv. 20-23), and He later used him to prepare the land for famine. This allowed him to save his family, God’s people, from starvation and bring them to Egypt (see chs. 41-47). If Joseph hadn’t been sold into slavery, he wouldn't have been in a position to get his family to Egypt to survive the famine. If they’d died, then Jesus, a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, would not have come from that line. Ultimately, God used Joseph’s life to set His plan of redemption into motion. Julie Schwab
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Post by Les on Feb 21, 2020 21:52:57 GMT
A Place of Belonging By: Anne Cetas
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So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:17
Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 3:14–21 Some years after the tragic loss of their first spouses, Robbie and Sabrina fell in love, married, and combined their two families. They built a new home and named it Havilah (a Hebrew word meaning “writhing in pain” and “to bring forth”). It signifies the making of something beautiful through pain. The couple says they didn’t build the home to forget their past but “to bring life from the ashes, to celebrate hope.” For them, “it is a place of belonging, a place to celebrate life and where we all cling to the promise of a future.”
That’s a beautiful picture of our life in Jesus. He pulls our lives from the ashes and becomes for us a place of belonging. When we receive Him, He makes His home in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17). God adopts us into His family through Jesus so that we belong to Him (1:5–6). Although we’ll go through painful times, He can use even those to bring good purposes in our lives.
Daily we have opportunity to grow in our understanding of God as we enjoy His love and celebrate what He’s given us. In Him, there’s a fullness to life that we couldn’t have without Him (3:19). And we have the promise that this relationship will last forever. Jesus is our place of belonging, our reason to celebrate life, and our hope now and forever.
Reflect & Pray In what ways has Jesus changed your life? What does it mean for you to belong to Jesus?
I’m grateful that I belong to You, Jesus. Thank You for a life of hope for now and forever.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Because Paul led the Ephesian believers to faith (Acts 19:1-10), he considers them his spiritual children and is unwaveringly committed to pray fervently for their spiritual growth (see Philippians 1:3-6; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). Ephesians 3:14-21 is one of the few recorded prayers of Paul in the New Testament (see also Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-12), and is the second of two prayers in Ephesians (also Ephesians 1:15-23). In these prayers, Paul doesn’t pray for their material well-being but focuses on their spiritual development and maturity.
In the first prayer, which emphasizes knowledge, Paul prays they’ll have “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation” so that they may “know the hope to which [God] has called [them]” (1:17-18). In his second prayer (3:14-21), he focuses on love and prays that having been “rooted and established in love” they’ll “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (vv. 17-18). K. T. Sim
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