"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."
It is always cool to see prophesies of Jesus years before Jesus came to the earth. Reading this passage God is very elusive in delivering his message. A lot of times we may misinterpret the meaning of God's messages to us. In this particular case I thought it was pretty weird how Daniel got someone in his dream to interpret his dream for him. He actually asked a usually inanimate object the meaning of his dream. There is no doubt that this son of man that comes from the clouds is Jesus Christ himself. Daniel knew of the coming way before it ever happened. Why would God show this to Daniel? I think that this was shown to Daniel mainly for us. God could have shown Daniel this dream to strengthen him, but I believe God wanted Daniel to share this with us in the future. This constitutes as evidence for Jesus being the Christ that the Jews have so longed and waited for. This is really kool =]
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
April 28 : Daniel 6
"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: "Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or man except to you, O king, would be thrown into the lions' den?"
Man I love this story. I think its amazing that Daniel was able to stand his ground regardless of the decree set before him. In today's world in America we will not face the threat of being thrown into a lions' den. We just don't have that threat. But we face threats of many kinds on many different levels. I think the biggest threat to me is the doubt that sometimes clouds my faith. Studying in the university setting, especially in the sciences, we are told not to think in the creationists pattern of thought. We are told many different things that, usually, seem to be at odds with the Christian faith. We are left with this sense of doubt. Sometimes we are dragged down by our friends into places, where we did not necessarily want to go in the first place, but now enjoy. But we see from Daniel that he was able to overcome that - even if it meant his death. We can probably assume that Daniel had a great deal of fear during the whole process. But he still stood his ground. And in the end we see that God's name was glorified through it all. How awesome.
Man I love this story. I think its amazing that Daniel was able to stand his ground regardless of the decree set before him. In today's world in America we will not face the threat of being thrown into a lions' den. We just don't have that threat. But we face threats of many kinds on many different levels. I think the biggest threat to me is the doubt that sometimes clouds my faith. Studying in the university setting, especially in the sciences, we are told not to think in the creationists pattern of thought. We are told many different things that, usually, seem to be at odds with the Christian faith. We are left with this sense of doubt. Sometimes we are dragged down by our friends into places, where we did not necessarily want to go in the first place, but now enjoy. But we see from Daniel that he was able to overcome that - even if it meant his death. We can probably assume that Daniel had a great deal of fear during the whole process. But he still stood his ground. And in the end we see that God's name was glorified through it all. How awesome.
Monday, April 27, 2009
April 27 : Daniel 5
"This is what these words mean:
Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."
All I can say is, freaky! I thought this was such a scary chapter. The king basically got told that he was going to pay for his transgressions and die. So the story goes like this. The king took goblets from God's altar and brought it to his party. Then this king got his wives, concubines, and his friends and drank wine from them. Then they worshiped the gods of gold, silver, bronze. After that moment God sent down a big hand that wrote on the wall three words: Mene, Tekel, and Peres. Up above is the meaning of those words. The night Daniel had translated those words God took his life. What I learned from this a few things. First, there is a parallel between this story and that of Jesus'. Just as the king did not know when judgement was coming we too do not know either. I bet the king had no idea that this was going to happen like this. He was living life of sin, and it was then that God decided to take his life. Second, God watches what we do. He saw the king defile God's glory, and God was not happy. Third, we must heed the words of those who are faithful to God. Daniel basically gave a huge warning to the people of Babylon about who they should worship. This king failed to do so and he paid the price of it - even to this day. We must learn from the mistakes of those in the past. Even though they lived so long ago, we can learn a lot here.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
April 25 : Daniel 4
"Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like cattle. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird."
As I was reading this chapter I began thinking of how powerful God is. God doesn't care who you are or what your status holds. People who are so powerful that no one would dare rise up against, God rises against. God is so powerful that he humbles whoever he needs to. I think a lot of people in this world are like this. I may be a little like this as well, maybe not as bad as King Nebuchadnezzar, but a little. I think we forget how we came to be who we are now. A lot of times we contribute our successes to our own power and might. Our own intellect and wisdom is what carried us this far. We know this is not true. God is the one who allows a certain thing to pass. God is also the one who gives you what you need when you really need it. It is a sin to not recognize the God who gave it all. We know this as we read this chapter. The King was getting over confident in himself. He worshiped other gods, while acknowledging the God of Daniel, yet he worshiped other Gods. It says in Scripture that God is a jealous God. We must be afraid not to anger him. With our successes let us not boast or find pride, but let us give praise to the Father who gives us opportunities and successes.
As I was reading this chapter I began thinking of how powerful God is. God doesn't care who you are or what your status holds. People who are so powerful that no one would dare rise up against, God rises against. God is so powerful that he humbles whoever he needs to. I think a lot of people in this world are like this. I may be a little like this as well, maybe not as bad as King Nebuchadnezzar, but a little. I think we forget how we came to be who we are now. A lot of times we contribute our successes to our own power and might. Our own intellect and wisdom is what carried us this far. We know this is not true. God is the one who allows a certain thing to pass. God is also the one who gives you what you need when you really need it. It is a sin to not recognize the God who gave it all. We know this as we read this chapter. The King was getting over confident in himself. He worshiped other gods, while acknowledging the God of Daniel, yet he worshiped other Gods. It says in Scripture that God is a jealous God. We must be afraid not to anger him. With our successes let us not boast or find pride, but let us give praise to the Father who gives us opportunities and successes.
Friday, April 24, 2009
April 24 : Daniel 3
"Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"
I think its funny how King Nebuchadnezzar said, "what god will be able to rescue from my hand?" He thought of himself greater than any god I think. This King was known to be someone who worshiped many gods. He was a man who trusted in man gods, yet he probably had more faith in himself than any god. The big statue he made of gold that everyone needed to bow down to he probably didn't think it was a true god. He probably wanted people to worship it because he made it, indirectly worshiping him. However this is all speculation on my part. But how many people today have a mindset like this man? Most of may profess that we believe in Jesus' name for salvation. But many people have idols that they do not even know about. Some people believe entirely in themselves. Some people believe in others. Some people believe in materials they own or want to own. Have you ever questioned yourself, "do I have any idols?" Many of these idols are probably hidden behind our own intentions we may not even know. Let us look for these idols and throw them in the furnace.
I think its funny how King Nebuchadnezzar said, "what god will be able to rescue from my hand?" He thought of himself greater than any god I think. This King was known to be someone who worshiped many gods. He was a man who trusted in man gods, yet he probably had more faith in himself than any god. The big statue he made of gold that everyone needed to bow down to he probably didn't think it was a true god. He probably wanted people to worship it because he made it, indirectly worshiping him. However this is all speculation on my part. But how many people today have a mindset like this man? Most of may profess that we believe in Jesus' name for salvation. But many people have idols that they do not even know about. Some people believe entirely in themselves. Some people believe in others. Some people believe in materials they own or want to own. Have you ever questioned yourself, "do I have any idols?" Many of these idols are probably hidden behind our own intentions we may not even know. Let us look for these idols and throw them in the furnace.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
April 22 : Daniel 2
He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king."
This story is awesome. I think its cool to see a man of God being appointed to a high governmental postion. Its not everyday you see a person placed in a high position because of his faith. In this chapter we see how Daniel gets his recognition. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that had to be figured out. He gathered up all the wise men, magicians, enchanters, and the alike of Babylon to interpret his dream. If they failed to interpret it they would die. The catch though to this interpretation was that the king would not tell them what the dream was. So bascially these guys were screwed. However, Daniel prayed to God that he would be given the answer. Daniel and his friends from Judah were all considered wise men, so they too would have felt the sword. Imagine how hard Daniel prayed. It says simply that Daniel "prayed", but I bet it was a really hard and fervent prayer. And of course God answers Daniel's prayer. Daniel then goes to the king to tell him his dream and the meaning behind it all. This king was not a God fearing man. He may have been a god fearing man, but not of the living God. So Daniel was bold to declare such a powerful statement up above. When is the last time you stood up for your faith like Daniel did. He was talking to the most powerful man at that time. He had all power in his hands. He did not know God - he was an idol worshiper and had many gods. But from this we can see that Daniel was an agent of change; bold and wise. Lets try to be like Daniel also!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
April 21 : Daniel 1
"At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom."
I think most of us are familiar with the story of Daniel and his friends. Its always nice to read about Daniel and how he was used by God. Many Old Testament stories are difficult to relate to, but its a little easier with Daniel. He is someone I want to emulate in my daily living. He was such a devout man. Although he was a lot younger than me during this part of his life than I am now, I still look up to him. First thing I noticed was that he knew what he wanted and how he was going to do it. God gave him the wisdom to be better than everybody else. The reason why they were so much better than the chosen Babylonians was because God was with them. How can these four guys be better than the best of Babylon? It would be reasonable if they were just slightly better, but to be 10 times better is amazing! I wonder how they got to have so much favor with God. I think it will be interesting to read about Daniel and his life. Let us learn and pray to be like Daniel in many ways
I think most of us are familiar with the story of Daniel and his friends. Its always nice to read about Daniel and how he was used by God. Many Old Testament stories are difficult to relate to, but its a little easier with Daniel. He is someone I want to emulate in my daily living. He was such a devout man. Although he was a lot younger than me during this part of his life than I am now, I still look up to him. First thing I noticed was that he knew what he wanted and how he was going to do it. God gave him the wisdom to be better than everybody else. The reason why they were so much better than the chosen Babylonians was because God was with them. How can these four guys be better than the best of Babylon? It would be reasonable if they were just slightly better, but to be 10 times better is amazing! I wonder how they got to have so much favor with God. I think it will be interesting to read about Daniel and his life. Let us learn and pray to be like Daniel in many ways
Monday, April 20, 2009
April 20 : Psalm 55
But you, O God, will bring down the wicked
into the pit of corruption;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men
will not live out half their days.
But as for me, I trust in you.
Living a wicked life is so easy. I think its human nature to live a wicked life right? But we as Christians must try as hard as we can to stay away from wickedness. Everyday we are bombarded with the things of the world, its so easy. But as David says, the wicked will be thrown into the pit of corruption - hell. We must choose to be faithful to God and trust he will take care of all things. This world tells us to be bloodthirsty. In this capitalistic society we are told that the strong will survive. The sky is the limit - do whatever it takes to get there. If you have to lie here and there to get ahead its permissible. But what I admire about David is that he really tried to be faithful. He wasn't perfect, we know he messed up big time in a couple instances. But what we can tell from his psalms is that he really loved God. He was after all given the name: the man after Gods own heart. Let us try to be like this!
into the pit of corruption;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men
will not live out half their days.
But as for me, I trust in you.
Living a wicked life is so easy. I think its human nature to live a wicked life right? But we as Christians must try as hard as we can to stay away from wickedness. Everyday we are bombarded with the things of the world, its so easy. But as David says, the wicked will be thrown into the pit of corruption - hell. We must choose to be faithful to God and trust he will take care of all things. This world tells us to be bloodthirsty. In this capitalistic society we are told that the strong will survive. The sky is the limit - do whatever it takes to get there. If you have to lie here and there to get ahead its permissible. But what I admire about David is that he really tried to be faithful. He wasn't perfect, we know he messed up big time in a couple instances. But what we can tell from his psalms is that he really loved God. He was after all given the name: the man after Gods own heart. Let us try to be like this!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
April 19 : Psalm 54
"Save me, O God, by your name;
vindicate me by your might.
Hear my prayer, O God;
listen to the words of my mouth.
For he has delivered me from all my troubles,
and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes."
Now with finals approaching we kind of...need a lot of help from God. Its not that God is only good for this issue, or even that he will help us, but he does help his children from things like these! Right now I am almost on rotations. Rotations is not what scares me, its getting there. I am less than a month away from finishing classes for the rest of my life I guess, but I am afraid of this class. I believe I have been faithful to God this year. Although there were a few bumps here and there I know I grew a great deal. I feel that my greatest adversary right now is this one do-or-die class. Its been giving me a great deal of stress. I hope that God will deliver me from this stress. I know Davids psalm here was meant for something bigger and badder but I hope that I can put my faith in him to take care of me. There are a few of us I know who are about to graduate who are afraid of not making it. For those of us who are worried they can't make it to next semester let us pray for help. Its not going to take only God to magically make things happen, but he wants us to try as hard as we can until its all over. Lets push on guys!
vindicate me by your might.
Hear my prayer, O God;
listen to the words of my mouth.
For he has delivered me from all my troubles,
and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes."
Now with finals approaching we kind of...need a lot of help from God. Its not that God is only good for this issue, or even that he will help us, but he does help his children from things like these! Right now I am almost on rotations. Rotations is not what scares me, its getting there. I am less than a month away from finishing classes for the rest of my life I guess, but I am afraid of this class. I believe I have been faithful to God this year. Although there were a few bumps here and there I know I grew a great deal. I feel that my greatest adversary right now is this one do-or-die class. Its been giving me a great deal of stress. I hope that God will deliver me from this stress. I know Davids psalm here was meant for something bigger and badder but I hope that I can put my faith in him to take care of me. There are a few of us I know who are about to graduate who are afraid of not making it. For those of us who are worried they can't make it to next semester let us pray for help. Its not going to take only God to magically make things happen, but he wants us to try as hard as we can until its all over. Lets push on guys!
Friday, April 17, 2009
april 17 : psalm 53
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When God restores the fortunes of his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!"
Today I did my quiet time on psalm 53. This chapter is about people who turn away from God. You know, what surprised me about this passage was how it was similar to today. What I mean by that is that the world today is turning away from God and saying that God does not exist. In this chapter we see that the people of those days were saying the same thing - that God does not exist. I guess it has been a debate even then when there were many more miracles and supernatural events. But the reason why I like this chapter is that it involves a little bit of revenge and justice. In the latter portion of this chapter we see that God shows his glory by destroying those who opposed him. The ones that said there is no God are the ones who got to see Gods wrath first hand. Today we have many people who say God does not exist, and even worse, blaspheme against the name of God. However, we must not get angry because we know God will serve justice. Let us keep acknowledging God and try to win souls over instead of trying to win this battle all on our own!
When God restores the fortunes of his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!"
Today I did my quiet time on psalm 53. This chapter is about people who turn away from God. You know, what surprised me about this passage was how it was similar to today. What I mean by that is that the world today is turning away from God and saying that God does not exist. In this chapter we see that the people of those days were saying the same thing - that God does not exist. I guess it has been a debate even then when there were many more miracles and supernatural events. But the reason why I like this chapter is that it involves a little bit of revenge and justice. In the latter portion of this chapter we see that God shows his glory by destroying those who opposed him. The ones that said there is no God are the ones who got to see Gods wrath first hand. Today we have many people who say God does not exist, and even worse, blaspheme against the name of God. However, we must not get angry because we know God will serve justice. Let us keep acknowledging God and try to win souls over instead of trying to win this battle all on our own!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
april 16 : Matthew 6:19-24
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
In today's society, especially in America, everything is really just about sex and money. You can't escape the lures of these two things being flashed before your eyes. These things are like fishing lures to us. They are shiny and enticing. They are presented to us to make us believe they are real. However like a fishing lure, once caught on the hooks its difficult to escape. This passage was the passage we used for coffee house. I like it a lot because it really talks to us college students. Its really dangerous for us to really want money so badly. The real reason why I went into pharmacy was because of the money. There were other reasons, but the big one was - money. I am beginning to see that the world offers only that, and thats it. God offers so much more. He offers us treasures in Heaven! Not to say that we're going to be buying stuff in heaven with heaven currency. But we will be full of Gods greatness and blessings. How awesome would that be. Let us stay away from the pursuit of money, and focus on the real treasure - God!
In today's society, especially in America, everything is really just about sex and money. You can't escape the lures of these two things being flashed before your eyes. These things are like fishing lures to us. They are shiny and enticing. They are presented to us to make us believe they are real. However like a fishing lure, once caught on the hooks its difficult to escape. This passage was the passage we used for coffee house. I like it a lot because it really talks to us college students. Its really dangerous for us to really want money so badly. The real reason why I went into pharmacy was because of the money. There were other reasons, but the big one was - money. I am beginning to see that the world offers only that, and thats it. God offers so much more. He offers us treasures in Heaven! Not to say that we're going to be buying stuff in heaven with heaven currency. But we will be full of Gods greatness and blessings. How awesome would that be. Let us stay away from the pursuit of money, and focus on the real treasure - God!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
april 15 : psalm 52
But I am like an olive tree
flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God's unfailing love
for ever and ever.
Don't you hate it when you see unholy and unrighteous people have the best luck? In this chapter David talks about a man named Doeg, he just sounds like a punk right? But David describes this man as being all about unrighteousness and stepping all over people to get ahead. David gives the impression that this man has it going for him. I guess in the eyes of the world he is living it up; its as if he's doing something right. We know this can be frustrating when we see it happen close to us. Like when you refuse to cheat on a test or homework because of God, but then your friend cheats and does a lot better than you. Of course there are more worse senarios I or you can come up with, but its all the same. But David talks about what he is going to do - live righteous. The verse ontop describes how David views himself with God even though he may not be "prospering" in this world. He waits on the Lord to rescue him. He says he will remain in God regardless of how enticing unrighteousness may be. Lets do the same
flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God's unfailing love
for ever and ever.
Don't you hate it when you see unholy and unrighteous people have the best luck? In this chapter David talks about a man named Doeg, he just sounds like a punk right? But David describes this man as being all about unrighteousness and stepping all over people to get ahead. David gives the impression that this man has it going for him. I guess in the eyes of the world he is living it up; its as if he's doing something right. We know this can be frustrating when we see it happen close to us. Like when you refuse to cheat on a test or homework because of God, but then your friend cheats and does a lot better than you. Of course there are more worse senarios I or you can come up with, but its all the same. But David talks about what he is going to do - live righteous. The verse ontop describes how David views himself with God even though he may not be "prospering" in this world. He waits on the Lord to rescue him. He says he will remain in God regardless of how enticing unrighteousness may be. Lets do the same
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
April 15 : Psalm 51
"Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
I think a lot of times we base our spiritual state with how much sin we have at that moment. Although faith is not based on the works you do, it is a measure of it. Paul describes to us the fruits of the Spirit. If we cannot discipline our selves we lack something. However there are times where our sins seem bigger than the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The chapter I read today was written by King David after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba. He had a lot of shame and guilt. He probably thought it was so bad that it would keep God away. He says it so clearly here, "Do not cast me from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from me." However God is the God of forgiveness. How many times have we felt like this? A sin too dirty to look at. However we can pray this same prayer too! David asks God if he can forget this sin of his, to forgive him. David asks also for a pure heart. "A pure heart will see God," said Jesus. How awesome is that. After being tainted with such dirty sin God will forgive a sincere heart. I am not saying that there are no consequences. King David knows about the consequences of his behavior very well. But we are to take the responsibility of our actions and know that Christ has died for that sin.
I think a lot of times we base our spiritual state with how much sin we have at that moment. Although faith is not based on the works you do, it is a measure of it. Paul describes to us the fruits of the Spirit. If we cannot discipline our selves we lack something. However there are times where our sins seem bigger than the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The chapter I read today was written by King David after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba. He had a lot of shame and guilt. He probably thought it was so bad that it would keep God away. He says it so clearly here, "Do not cast me from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from me." However God is the God of forgiveness. How many times have we felt like this? A sin too dirty to look at. However we can pray this same prayer too! David asks God if he can forget this sin of his, to forgive him. David asks also for a pure heart. "A pure heart will see God," said Jesus. How awesome is that. After being tainted with such dirty sin God will forgive a sincere heart. I am not saying that there are no consequences. King David knows about the consequences of his behavior very well. But we are to take the responsibility of our actions and know that Christ has died for that sin.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
April 12 : Luke 24
"The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."
Awesome. For some reason Easter has meant more to me this year than any other year. I think it is because of the Bible studies my small group has been going over this semester. Topics such as legalism, honesty, purity, etc have really helped me. To me Easter is everything to me. It has allowed me to be who I am today. My identity comes from Christ who is risen. Today during Easter service my father was proving the point that the resurrection was real. A lot of arguments can be made, but eyewitnesses are a necessary part of supporting a type of historical event. There were about 500 people who have testified as having seen Jesus after his death. There are number disciples who have died for their belief in Jesus Christ after his death. Why would these people do these things if they found out it was all a hoax. These people became as fervent as ever for the Gospel of Jesus Christ AFTER the resurrection. Was it because it became a reality to them? Maybe seeing Jesus shattered all doubts and allowed them to become fighters for Jesus' name. Man, today was beautful. Today was the day our Lord rised from the dead! What an amazing thing Jesus has done. The truth of Jesus must be told to everyone and everywhere! Let us live for Him.
Awesome. For some reason Easter has meant more to me this year than any other year. I think it is because of the Bible studies my small group has been going over this semester. Topics such as legalism, honesty, purity, etc have really helped me. To me Easter is everything to me. It has allowed me to be who I am today. My identity comes from Christ who is risen. Today during Easter service my father was proving the point that the resurrection was real. A lot of arguments can be made, but eyewitnesses are a necessary part of supporting a type of historical event. There were about 500 people who have testified as having seen Jesus after his death. There are number disciples who have died for their belief in Jesus Christ after his death. Why would these people do these things if they found out it was all a hoax. These people became as fervent as ever for the Gospel of Jesus Christ AFTER the resurrection. Was it because it became a reality to them? Maybe seeing Jesus shattered all doubts and allowed them to become fighters for Jesus' name. Man, today was beautful. Today was the day our Lord rised from the dead! What an amazing thing Jesus has done. The truth of Jesus must be told to everyone and everywhere! Let us live for Him.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
April 11 : Luke 23
"When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened."
Guys one more day until the day of Jesus' resurrection! Awesome! I kind of wanted to finish the whole chapter but I wanted to save the rest of it until tomorrow. When I read of Peter I find it really cool that he ran out to see for himself the risen Lord. The chapter doesn't mention anyone else who ran out like this. Peter was known to be rash and a little quick to act, but it shows his personality and love he had for Jesus. Him running out there meant that he believed it. If you totally thought someone was lying to you you wouldn't just run out like Peter did. He must have been so excited to see Jesus again. I think I need to learn a thing or two from Peter here. I should learn to be excited to read the Bible or pray because I know he is living now. Jesus conquered the grave! Let us try to be like Peter in this way! Push hard guys!
Guys one more day until the day of Jesus' resurrection! Awesome! I kind of wanted to finish the whole chapter but I wanted to save the rest of it until tomorrow. When I read of Peter I find it really cool that he ran out to see for himself the risen Lord. The chapter doesn't mention anyone else who ran out like this. Peter was known to be rash and a little quick to act, but it shows his personality and love he had for Jesus. Him running out there meant that he believed it. If you totally thought someone was lying to you you wouldn't just run out like Peter did. He must have been so excited to see Jesus again. I think I need to learn a thing or two from Peter here. I should learn to be excited to read the Bible or pray because I know he is living now. Jesus conquered the grave! Let us try to be like Peter in this way! Push hard guys!
Friday, April 10, 2009
April 10 : Luke 23
Jesus' Crucifixion.
This day and the day after tomorrow is what our faith is all about. Without the death and resurrection our faith would mean nothing. One is not more important than the other, but both needed to happen. Without death there would obviously be no need for a resurrection. Without a resurrection there would be no difference between the death of a regular man and Jesus'. I remember a pastor once saying, "if there was no resurrection there would be no Christianity." How true is that right? If Jesus were have just died and that's it everything he said and did would mean nothing right? It was prophesied in the Scriptures about this and Jesus had to fulfill this. Let us take a moment and realize the extent of God's necessary gift to us for eternal life. I was talking to BD just now and he said that Easter is a sad day because all he thinks about when he hears of Easter is a bunny with chocolate. But to us who are saved it is the power of God! Who has ever risen from the dead? Nobody but our Lord Jesus Christ. Today is a powerful day to us. Let us live a life that is beautiful and worth the death of Jesus.
This day and the day after tomorrow is what our faith is all about. Without the death and resurrection our faith would mean nothing. One is not more important than the other, but both needed to happen. Without death there would obviously be no need for a resurrection. Without a resurrection there would be no difference between the death of a regular man and Jesus'. I remember a pastor once saying, "if there was no resurrection there would be no Christianity." How true is that right? If Jesus were have just died and that's it everything he said and did would mean nothing right? It was prophesied in the Scriptures about this and Jesus had to fulfill this. Let us take a moment and realize the extent of God's necessary gift to us for eternal life. I was talking to BD just now and he said that Easter is a sad day because all he thinks about when he hears of Easter is a bunny with chocolate. But to us who are saved it is the power of God! Who has ever risen from the dead? Nobody but our Lord Jesus Christ. Today is a powerful day to us. Let us live a life that is beautiful and worth the death of Jesus.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
April 9 : Luke 22
"This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
Today is the day before Jesus was crucified. He was taken into the hands of the Jewish leaders at that time and committed the most hanus crime in the history of mankind. Jesus was betrayed by the very people he came to save. I think it would be most appropriate to spend some time this Friday in remembrance of Him. We forget too often the price that was paid for our souls. Only on Easter do we realize the extend of God's love. During the last supper Jesus formed for us a ritual we do on Easter - drinking wine and eating bread. These two acts are really performed for us to remember Jesus, and what he has done. Jesus wanted this to be a special time. He asked a couple of his disciples to go and find a place where they can have this last supper. He made special arrangements for this final dinner to occur. We see that Jesus was trying to make a point that this was a very monumental time. Lets all take this next day and realize what Jesus has done for us. Lets truly thank Him.
Today is the day before Jesus was crucified. He was taken into the hands of the Jewish leaders at that time and committed the most hanus crime in the history of mankind. Jesus was betrayed by the very people he came to save. I think it would be most appropriate to spend some time this Friday in remembrance of Him. We forget too often the price that was paid for our souls. Only on Easter do we realize the extend of God's love. During the last supper Jesus formed for us a ritual we do on Easter - drinking wine and eating bread. These two acts are really performed for us to remember Jesus, and what he has done. Jesus wanted this to be a special time. He asked a couple of his disciples to go and find a place where they can have this last supper. He made special arrangements for this final dinner to occur. We see that Jesus was trying to make a point that this was a very monumental time. Lets all take this next day and realize what Jesus has done for us. Lets truly thank Him.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
April 8 : Luke 21
"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Oh man I hope we can escape these dreadful days that are to come. I hope I can escape them or die before the day comes. Do you ever wonder how "scary" it will be when heaven comes down? We must be ready. The first verse here is what most of us struggle with as college students. I think its kind of awkward how Jesus lists drunkenness as 1 of 3 traps he lists - i guess its that bad. If it really is that bad we as college students need to learn how to beat this right? More and more we see the use of alcohol penetrate the walls of the church. We must stand firm against this. But more than the drunkenness I think the anxiety is what will catch most people off guard. In all walks of life anxiety is such a powerful adversary to our spiritual and emotional well being. Anxiety about our faith, about how we appear to people, the doubt, the "waste" of time, etc. Jesus lists these things here because he knew what was going to happen in our days. He warned us more than 2000 years ago - it would be foolish not to listen. Lets try to find these traps in our walk with Christ.
Oh man I hope we can escape these dreadful days that are to come. I hope I can escape them or die before the day comes. Do you ever wonder how "scary" it will be when heaven comes down? We must be ready. The first verse here is what most of us struggle with as college students. I think its kind of awkward how Jesus lists drunkenness as 1 of 3 traps he lists - i guess its that bad. If it really is that bad we as college students need to learn how to beat this right? More and more we see the use of alcohol penetrate the walls of the church. We must stand firm against this. But more than the drunkenness I think the anxiety is what will catch most people off guard. In all walks of life anxiety is such a powerful adversary to our spiritual and emotional well being. Anxiety about our faith, about how we appear to people, the doubt, the "waste" of time, etc. Jesus lists these things here because he knew what was going to happen in our days. He warned us more than 2000 years ago - it would be foolish not to listen. Lets try to find these traps in our walk with Christ.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
April 7 : Luke 21
"As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 'I tell you the truth,' he said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.'"
A lot of Jesus' interactions with people and parables involve money; the rich young man who couldn't give up money, the landowner who is pleased with someone who can double his money, Zacchaeus, and so forth. But from this passage we can tell Jesus really doesn't care about money. What he cares about is the power of money in your life. Jesus hardly cares about the value of money, how much it can buy, but rather the value you have on it. Because we can tell that Jesus does not consider money to be the center of his story we can say that this passage applies to our most valuable asset - money, time, relationships, entertainment, etc. This tells me that we need to give with all we got, no matter how big or small. We gotta give to the extent to where it hurts. For me time is most valuable. I do not like giving my time to other things if its going to hurt me. Even serving in the church I find myself complaining because I don't have time for much anything else. However, I need to learn to give my time as if it were my last like the woman in the story.
A lot of Jesus' interactions with people and parables involve money; the rich young man who couldn't give up money, the landowner who is pleased with someone who can double his money, Zacchaeus, and so forth. But from this passage we can tell Jesus really doesn't care about money. What he cares about is the power of money in your life. Jesus hardly cares about the value of money, how much it can buy, but rather the value you have on it. Because we can tell that Jesus does not consider money to be the center of his story we can say that this passage applies to our most valuable asset - money, time, relationships, entertainment, etc. This tells me that we need to give with all we got, no matter how big or small. We gotta give to the extent to where it hurts. For me time is most valuable. I do not like giving my time to other things if its going to hurt me. Even serving in the church I find myself complaining because I don't have time for much anything else. However, I need to learn to give my time as if it were my last like the woman in the story.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
April 5 : Luke 20
"Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."
Do you see people like this? Who like to flaunt their righteousness in front of everyone so they can receive honor? Sometimes, as hard as it is to admit, I think I may fall in this category. The times where I probably do this I do subconsciously, but sometimes its an intentional thing. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I have it that bad, but sometimes I can see it surface and say hello. I think as leaders in Cornerstone we tend to put out this exterior aura of righteousness because we do not want to lose credibility during Bible studies and such. Sometimes when people come to me for help with certain issues I find that I need the answers just as much as the person who asked the question. I think being real is what we need to learn to do. I think I am real with most everybody at the church, but sometimes I know that it can come off the wrong way. Lets be humble with our position and try to really be encouragements rather than hindrances.
Do you see people like this? Who like to flaunt their righteousness in front of everyone so they can receive honor? Sometimes, as hard as it is to admit, I think I may fall in this category. The times where I probably do this I do subconsciously, but sometimes its an intentional thing. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I have it that bad, but sometimes I can see it surface and say hello. I think as leaders in Cornerstone we tend to put out this exterior aura of righteousness because we do not want to lose credibility during Bible studies and such. Sometimes when people come to me for help with certain issues I find that I need the answers just as much as the person who asked the question. I think being real is what we need to learn to do. I think I am real with most everybody at the church, but sometimes I know that it can come off the wrong way. Lets be humble with our position and try to really be encouragements rather than hindrances.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
april 4 : Luke 19
''I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.''
This passage always confused me, and still does. I am reading this passage thinking why is the tone of the story so negative? I guess in a different perspective it has a more brighter tone. However, let me just try to break it down so I can understand it better. First the story begins by a man of noble birth (presumably Jesus) going off to a distant land to be made king of the land. But during the processes people of the land did not want him to be king. But immediately it said, "he was made king, however, and returned home." So what I thought while reading this was this: even though the world does not acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and hates him, he is still God. No matter how hard you do not acknowledge Him as Lord, he still is your Lord. Lets be reminded of the supremacy of Christ.
The second part of this passage looks at how his servants responded to the money that was left for them to increase while the master was gone. One man makes 1 into 10, another 2 into 5, and another saves the money. We can see here that God is pleased with us when we work for His kingdom. If we can do a lot with a little then we will be asked to do more with more. However, the man that did nothing with the money was scolded. Jesus does not want us to be lazy and do nothing for His kingdom.
Application: serve the Kingdom in any way possible so as long as you can handle it. Serve the church by being a leader, co leader, praise leader, food maker, volunteer, helping the poor, cleaning the church, helping your leader, helping your pastor, praying for the sick and needy, the list goes on and on. What can you and I do to better Gods kingdom here on earth?
This passage always confused me, and still does. I am reading this passage thinking why is the tone of the story so negative? I guess in a different perspective it has a more brighter tone. However, let me just try to break it down so I can understand it better. First the story begins by a man of noble birth (presumably Jesus) going off to a distant land to be made king of the land. But during the processes people of the land did not want him to be king. But immediately it said, "he was made king, however, and returned home." So what I thought while reading this was this: even though the world does not acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and hates him, he is still God. No matter how hard you do not acknowledge Him as Lord, he still is your Lord. Lets be reminded of the supremacy of Christ.
The second part of this passage looks at how his servants responded to the money that was left for them to increase while the master was gone. One man makes 1 into 10, another 2 into 5, and another saves the money. We can see here that God is pleased with us when we work for His kingdom. If we can do a lot with a little then we will be asked to do more with more. However, the man that did nothing with the money was scolded. Jesus does not want us to be lazy and do nothing for His kingdom.
Application: serve the Kingdom in any way possible so as long as you can handle it. Serve the church by being a leader, co leader, praise leader, food maker, volunteer, helping the poor, cleaning the church, helping your leader, helping your pastor, praying for the sick and needy, the list goes on and on. What can you and I do to better Gods kingdom here on earth?
April 3 : Luke 19
"Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."
Do you guys remember the sunday school song on Zacchaeus? Zacchaeus was a wee little man a wee little man was he! Although this passage was made into a fun childrens song, is there a much deeper meaning? If you think about it, there must be a much greater implication to this real-life story than a song made for dancing. If you go to the end of this passage we see that Zacchaeus ultimately receives salvation. But why? To everybody else Zacchaeus was nothing but a tax collector, a sinner. He was probably hated on by most people. He probably cheated people because Zacchaeus said he would pay them back quadruple what he stole. He probably did not care for the poor before this encounter because it seems as though he didn't really like to give to them anyways. But why was this act, by Zacchaeus, such an incredible one that it bought him a ticket to heaven? Lets examine it for a second. What we can deduce from this passage as well as the rest of the New Testament is that tax collectors were all about money. Apparently money was their life. Unlike tax collectors today who follow strict rules for collecting...tax, Zacchaeus probably charged a higher interest without legal reason to make some extra cash. But what granted him salvation was the promise that he would give money to the poor and pay back four times to those he stole from. It was because he gave up the one thing that probably meant the most to him. It was worth it for him for the sake of knowing Christ. Jesus emphasized this all the time. If you aren't willing to give up your old life for Christ you aren't deserving of receiving a new one. What do you prize the most?
Do you guys remember the sunday school song on Zacchaeus? Zacchaeus was a wee little man a wee little man was he! Although this passage was made into a fun childrens song, is there a much deeper meaning? If you think about it, there must be a much greater implication to this real-life story than a song made for dancing. If you go to the end of this passage we see that Zacchaeus ultimately receives salvation. But why? To everybody else Zacchaeus was nothing but a tax collector, a sinner. He was probably hated on by most people. He probably cheated people because Zacchaeus said he would pay them back quadruple what he stole. He probably did not care for the poor before this encounter because it seems as though he didn't really like to give to them anyways. But why was this act, by Zacchaeus, such an incredible one that it bought him a ticket to heaven? Lets examine it for a second. What we can deduce from this passage as well as the rest of the New Testament is that tax collectors were all about money. Apparently money was their life. Unlike tax collectors today who follow strict rules for collecting...tax, Zacchaeus probably charged a higher interest without legal reason to make some extra cash. But what granted him salvation was the promise that he would give money to the poor and pay back four times to those he stole from. It was because he gave up the one thing that probably meant the most to him. It was worth it for him for the sake of knowing Christ. Jesus emphasized this all the time. If you aren't willing to give up your old life for Christ you aren't deserving of receiving a new one. What do you prize the most?
Thursday, April 2, 2009
April 2 : Luke 18
There are so many good principles we can learn from this chapter about prayer. Prayer is complicated. I think its complicated because we make it out to be so simple. Prayers don't get answered, or better yet we don't even believe it will come true. So why do we pray to God about the things we need if God already knows the things we need? If you're praying to get a special position at work and your competitor is also praying for that same position, what happens then? So many bizarre questions we can ask about prayer. However, Jesus gives us a couple principles here. Basically, God wants sincerity. Sincerity can be broken down into a couple other pieces. He wants us to know that God will always serve justice the way he deems appropriate - and of course we all know that to be the best way. Secondly we see that Christ wants us to come with humility when it comes to praying to God. God is God, why come with a sense of pride right? A lot of times when we pray aloud, its almost a competition; the louder you pray the more holy and righteous you are or appear. But God likes someone who can come in front of God and admit his faults and shortcomings. He likes a person who can say, "I am nothing without you, you're all I need." Thirdly, he likes you to have faith - a childlike faith that is. A childlike faith is hard to come by. To say, "God I believe in your word and I believe it all to be truth." When you were little you always thought your parents knew everything. If someone said something contradictory to what your parents said you knew your parents were the ones that were right. Although our parents may be incorrect from time to time our father in heaven is always right, and that we can totally bank on. Fourthly, he wants us to follow after him with complete abandon. Simply put, we can't be holding on to anything when we come to him. We have to follow, chase, and run after the things of God leaving behind the things of this world.
Now that is sincere praise. Can we all do it? Why of course we can. What is impossible to us is possible to God.
Now that is sincere praise. Can we all do it? Why of course we can. What is impossible to us is possible to God.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April 1 : 1 Timothy 1
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen
I guess we can say that Paul was probably the worst of sinners. I was thinking, who would be someone comparable to Paul today? People like Marilyn Manson or Richard Dawkins, but probably not Hitler, are people similar I guess. Paul was a murderer and a slanderer towards the name of God. However, God chose to save this man and make an example of him - that the grace of God extends further than the eye can see. This is what I got out of the passage tonight: I should not be judge of people around me who I think do not deserve the grace of God. I need to be able to look at everyone with love and compassion because I know God does. God does not discriminate when it comes to giving grace and mercy. The love God has for others is the same kind of love God wants us to have with the people around us. I think a lot of the times we forget this and kind of offer God's grace to those who we think are deserving. We though need to be able to open our eyes and see that everyone has a potential place in God's kingdom.
I guess we can say that Paul was probably the worst of sinners. I was thinking, who would be someone comparable to Paul today? People like Marilyn Manson or Richard Dawkins, but probably not Hitler, are people similar I guess. Paul was a murderer and a slanderer towards the name of God. However, God chose to save this man and make an example of him - that the grace of God extends further than the eye can see. This is what I got out of the passage tonight: I should not be judge of people around me who I think do not deserve the grace of God. I need to be able to look at everyone with love and compassion because I know God does. God does not discriminate when it comes to giving grace and mercy. The love God has for others is the same kind of love God wants us to have with the people around us. I think a lot of the times we forget this and kind of offer God's grace to those who we think are deserving. We though need to be able to open our eyes and see that everyone has a potential place in God's kingdom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
