Psalm 125 - As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people.
1 Kings 9:1-9; 10:1-13 - Talk about the high point for Israel. They had difficulty in the wilderness. Their judges came and went. Even David struggled for most of his life. But with Solomon there's peace and prosperity. Not only that other nations are coming to Jerusalem and giving praise to Yahweh. It seems like everything is coming up Israel. No wonder this is the concept of Messiah that the people had when Jesus began his ministry. Yet, Jesus came not simply to restore glory days but to do a whole new thing. What are some of the new things Jesus brought and is bringing?
2 Corinthians 5:1-21 - Paul is saying a lot here. A good focus for us is on Jesus as new creation. What does this mean?
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
August 26 - Time of the Church
Psalm 46 - This psalm reminds me in powerful language who is in charge of all things.
1 Kings 8:22-30, 46-63 - Solomon reminds everyone that the Temple he has built for God surely cannot contain God. But the Lord in His mercy chooses to dwell among His people in that place. And the purpose for God dwelling among His people? That all nations may know who is God alone.
2 Corinthians 4:1-18 - Paul uses imagery that can be hard to pin down, but one thought occurred to me regarding the treasure in jars of clay. Just after that line Paul talks about being afflicted but not crushed... If we are indeed clay than all of these suffering would crush us since we are so fragile, and yet Paul's focus is not on the clay but the treasure inside. Each of carries the death and resurrection of Jesus and so for all the hardship we may face, the victory is ours.
1 Kings 8:22-30, 46-63 - Solomon reminds everyone that the Temple he has built for God surely cannot contain God. But the Lord in His mercy chooses to dwell among His people in that place. And the purpose for God dwelling among His people? That all nations may know who is God alone.
2 Corinthians 4:1-18 - Paul uses imagery that can be hard to pin down, but one thought occurred to me regarding the treasure in jars of clay. Just after that line Paul talks about being afflicted but not crushed... If we are indeed clay than all of these suffering would crush us since we are so fragile, and yet Paul's focus is not on the clay but the treasure inside. Each of carries the death and resurrection of Jesus and so for all the hardship we may face, the victory is ours.
Monday, August 24, 2009
August 24 - Time of the Church
Psalm 67 - It seems as though the psalmist is saying, "God, be good to us so that others will know you." What a sweet deal. Others will know that God is God if my life is blessed! Can the psalmist really be advocating prosperity gospel? Unlikely. More likely is that this psalm recounts the gracious acts of God toward His people to bring them out of suffering. Think Abraham, Exodus, promised land. We may need to suffer, we may not. Regardless, God's power and authority will be revealed, and the nations will rejoice and fear the LORD.
1 Kings 5:1-18 - It is no small statement that God allows non-Israelites to assist with the building of the temple.
2 Corinthians 1:23-2:17 - Paul reminds us not to be outwitted by Satan. What does he mean by that here?
1 Kings 5:1-18 - It is no small statement that God allows non-Israelites to assist with the building of the temple.
2 Corinthians 1:23-2:17 - Paul reminds us not to be outwitted by Satan. What does he mean by that here?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
August 5 - Time of the Church
Psalm 13 - Cry out to God in the midst of troubles.
1 Samuel 19:1-24 - Interesting in this story that Saul's son, then his daughter seek to protect God's chosen one David. And in a strange twist even Saul is prophesying and not able to oppose David.
Acts 28:1-15 - As we come to the end of Acts I find myself thinking about Paul's acts of healing in this chapter. My first reaction is that I wish I had this gift from the Holy Spirit, particularly yesterday as I was riding home and saw people gathered around a dog who had gotten off his leash and was struck by a car. I wished I could have done something and I'm envious of the early disciples and of many Christians around the world who do actually heal others. One thing I forget though is how often Paul had to fight the belief that he was the power behind it. Perhaps too many have used this for their own gain, and maybe God knows this is not a gift for me.
1 Samuel 19:1-24 - Interesting in this story that Saul's son, then his daughter seek to protect God's chosen one David. And in a strange twist even Saul is prophesying and not able to oppose David.
Acts 28:1-15 - As we come to the end of Acts I find myself thinking about Paul's acts of healing in this chapter. My first reaction is that I wish I had this gift from the Holy Spirit, particularly yesterday as I was riding home and saw people gathered around a dog who had gotten off his leash and was struck by a car. I wished I could have done something and I'm envious of the early disciples and of many Christians around the world who do actually heal others. One thing I forget though is how often Paul had to fight the belief that he was the power behind it. Perhaps too many have used this for their own gain, and maybe God knows this is not a gift for me.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
August 4 - Time of the Church
Psalm 118 - "It is better to take refuge in the Lord, than to trust in man" This is a helpful reminder to me, as our world encourages us to take refuge in governments, savings accounts, etc. When we trust to greatly in these things it's good to remember that they are not a sure bet, and when we feel powerless against such things controlling our lives it's good to remember that God is in fact in control.
1 Samuel 18:10-30 - No matter what Saul does, he ends up being afraid of David. He doesn't like him hanging around so he sends him to war. David's fame grows so he tries to marry off his daughters to him. No matter what Saul does, it's clear that God is with David and will use him for His purposes.
Acts 27:27-44 - This passage is devoid of preaching or miracles. Instead we see Paul's steady hand of faith. It is not a faith of inaction, thinking God will do everything so let's just sit here. Paul's faith is all about trust in God and activity for others.
1 Samuel 18:10-30 - No matter what Saul does, he ends up being afraid of David. He doesn't like him hanging around so he sends him to war. David's fame grows so he tries to marry off his daughters to him. No matter what Saul does, it's clear that God is with David and will use him for His purposes.
Acts 27:27-44 - This passage is devoid of preaching or miracles. Instead we see Paul's steady hand of faith. It is not a faith of inaction, thinking God will do everything so let's just sit here. Paul's faith is all about trust in God and activity for others.
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