Daily Reading: 9-1-16
Psalm 139:1-6 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
How does God know what’s going on inside us? In our passage from the Psalter, we are reminded that God looks in our hearts; He knows our desires. God knows our thoughts; he discovers them from heaven. God knows what we are going to say before we even open our mouths. Yikes! That thought comforts me and startles me all at the same time. God knows me.
Daily Reading: 8-31-16
Luke 14:15-24 Living Bible (TLB)
Like an excellent Host, God has extended two invitations for people to enter the Kingdom. One invitation was through Moses and the prophets; this was really to announce an upcoming event. Many religious people received this invitation. The second invitation was when God sent his Son into the world to announce the guests should now come because everything is ready for relationship. This second invitation has been met with all kinds of excuses through the years.
Our present culture may use different excuses, but they are still excuses for not attending and feasting on spiritual provision that is found in a relationship with Christ. By making excuses, people find themselves in spiritual starvation. How sad when the feast is ready and waiting.
While Jesus was having dinner with friends and family, he was sharing with them about the invitation to enter the Kingdom. A man listening to Jesus and witnessing his glory still did not understand how one could enter the Kingdom. So Jesus told the following parable.
Daily Reading: 8-29-16
Psalm 119:65-72 New Living Translation (NLT)
If I have calculated things correctly, today would have been Mother and Dad’s 68th wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe but it has been six years since Dad went home to be with Jesus; I miss him. In fact, I have thought a lot about Dad recently. He was a strict parent, but a good one. When Dad told us to do something; he meant it and wanted it done quickly. More than once I dallied too long and found myself in the thick of a discipline moment.
It can be the same with our heavenly Father. Sometimes we can be so slow to follow God’s commands for our lives we find ourselves being disciplined. God is honored when we pay attention to His Word and quickly step out to follow. In our passage today, the Psalmist reminds us what a blessing it is when we allow God to teach us.
Psalm 119:65-72
65
You have done many good things for me, Lord,
just as you promised.
66
I believe in your commands;
now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
67
I used to wander off until you disciplined me;
but now I closely follow your word.
68
You are good and do only good;
teach me your decrees.
69
Arrogant people smear me with lies,
but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.
70
Their hearts are dull and stupid,
but I delight in your instructions.
71
My suffering was good for me,
for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
72
Your instructions are more valuable to me
than millions in gold and silver.
Prayer: Father, please continue to teach and instruct me; I need you. I want to thank you for the times you have disciplined me, too. I have learned many valuable insights even from my mistakes; I thank you for my ability to recognize the truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Reading: 8-26-16
Psalm 112 New Living Translation (NLT)
Do you ever read the Word of God and then sit back and ponder the great blessings that are available to those who trust and obey Him? In our passage today, we notice those who turn from doing evil and respect God’s ways are truly blessed. A few spiritual blessings I notice from our reading: joy, successful relationships, prosperity, live without fear, compassion, and generosity. Some character blessings that are developed in those who love and trust God: fairness, kindness, mercy, dependability, and influence. And let’s not forget our passage ends with the statement that God’s blessings are so great on His children, the wicked of the world can actually be jealous.
Daily Reading: 8-25-16
1 Peter 3:8-12 New Living Translation (NLT)
In God’s Kingdom, taking revenge or insulting another person is an unacceptable behavior. This is a very challenging expectation God has for His children, because it is our natural inclination to lash out and hurt people who hurt us. Being tenderhearted and humble when someone else has pushed you beyond your ability to maintain peace requires God’s strength. You cannot accomplish it alone.
All Christians are called to be peacemakers; sons and daughters of God who work toward peace. We work to bring people into a place of peace with God and one another. To work toward peace with others, we must bring problems out into the open and deal with them before those problems begin to dominate our thoughts and steer us toward negativity. Because when we allow negativity to take root, it isn’t long before our mouths are engaged in speaking evil.
Daily Reading: 8-24-16
Luke 6:6-11The Voice (VOICE)
God is always trying to bring us spiritual insight, but we must be open to it. The Word brings instruction to our souls which need salvation, but many times that Word finds a hostile reception from our mind, will, and emotions. We may be resistant to change, so we seek to dismiss or even discredit the Word of God.
In our passage of Scripture today, Jesus wants to help people understand God’s heart to heal and restore them. A man with a crippled hand would be Christ’s example. Jesus also wants the religious scholars and teachers who are witnesses to gain a glimpse of their malicious intent; he knows their thoughts. They wanted to accuse Jesus of breaking the spirituals law of practicing medicine on the Sabbath, but instead the Word accused them by shining a light on the evil in their own hearts.
Daily Reading: 8-23-16
Revelation 3:7-13 New Living Translation (NLT)
Have you ever been falsely accused? In this world, we may find ourselves enduring accusatory comments, nasty rumors, and unkind or even cruel treatment. This treatment can come from unbelievers, as well as professing believers. Just because a person confesses to know Jesus does not mean that person has allowed the Holy Spirit to bring transforming love to his or her soul (mind/will/emotions). When a Spirit-led Christ follower opens his or her mouth, the words are not accusatory. Satan is actually the accuser of those who love Christ.
In his revelation to the Apostle John, we understand Jesus knows when his followers endure trials and remain obedient despite persecution. God knows when our hearts are faithful. That understanding encourages my heart! Let’s read our passage for today; Christ’s message to the church in Philadelphia.
Daily Reading: 8-22-16
Hebrews 3:12-4:3 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Faith is what pleases God. It is faith in God’s love and promises that keeps us following and discovering more about God’s character. All too easily, we can choose to harden our hearts and refuse to listen to God’s voice. When we listen and obey God’s instructions, it actually causes us to prosper in every area of our lives.
The writer of Hebrews reminds his readers by revisiting the story of the Israelites in the wilderness.
Daily Reading: 8-19-16
Psalm 103:1-8 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Some days I am overwhelmed by the love of God and how He values people; His love is so pure. God truly desires our highest and best (our wholeness) all the time. He understands our struggles and He is compassionate and merciful with our failures.
David was very familiar with this pure love of God; His enduring kindness and absolute forgiveness. This unfailing love and favor that surrounded David caused him to trust his whole heart to God; every aspect of his life. Praise for God erupted from the depths of his soul.
As we head into the weekend, let’s spend a few minutes reading David’s song of praise to the Lord.
Daily Reading: 8-18-16
Hebrews 12:3-11 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Suffering is the training ground for spiritual maturity. God uses it because it develops our patience and endurance. It is never fun being corrected by God, but it is necessary because He loves us and wants us to be able to share in His holiness. God is trying to teach us about Himself and we must decide if we are going to receive that discipline with gratitude.
In our Scripture passage, today, the Apostle Paul is extending this same wisdom in his letter to the Hebrews. He reminds God’s people, it is because of God’s great love that he corrects anyone. If they are not being corrected, it is not a good sign.
