Psalm 65 - This psalm reminds us, among other things, that God did not simply create everything, wind it up and leave it alone. God is in total control of all things. From the weather to the way food gets to our table, God's hand is at work.
Deuteronomy 31:1-29 - How have we eaten and grown fat and turned to other gods? (verse 20)
Matthew 19:16-30 - It's interesting that Jesus doesn't refer to the commandments regarding worshiping God alone, or taking the Lord's name in vain. Jesus is dealing strickly on a horizontal level with the rich man. The man's problem is not that he missed one more task (give away the possessions), but that he couldn't give up his identity as a doer, a rich man, and take on discipleship with Jesus.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
October 27 - Time of the Church
Psalm 5 - This psalm can give off an "us and them" mentality. We know that Jesus says to love your enemy and pray for him. But in the context of God's truth, it is still necessary to recognize those who deceive and promote evil over against God's will. This psalm is a reminder to us, that though God's enemies may appear to hold the power, God is still in control.
Deuteronomy 29:1-29 - 29"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." How often do we seek after the secret, hidden things of God? This is ultimately what we do when we try to defend God against unbelievers. We try to answer the problem of evil. We try to defend God for His destruction of people in the Old Testament. We even try to defend Him for the idea of punishment. The things that are revealed belong to us: God has made all things, God is just, God is merciful in Jesus Christ, etc.
Matthew 18:21-35 - As I read this parable I always have a gut reaction against that ridiculous servant who can't show even a little mercy after he has been shown so much. But Jesus isn't talking in generalities. He's talking to me. What little offense have I been holding onto?
Deuteronomy 29:1-29 - 29"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." How often do we seek after the secret, hidden things of God? This is ultimately what we do when we try to defend God against unbelievers. We try to answer the problem of evil. We try to defend God for His destruction of people in the Old Testament. We even try to defend Him for the idea of punishment. The things that are revealed belong to us: God has made all things, God is just, God is merciful in Jesus Christ, etc.
Matthew 18:21-35 - As I read this parable I always have a gut reaction against that ridiculous servant who can't show even a little mercy after he has been shown so much. But Jesus isn't talking in generalities. He's talking to me. What little offense have I been holding onto?
Monday, October 26, 2009
October 26 - Time of the Church
Psalm 72 - Talk about a bold prayer. Could the author be more forward with what he wants? This psalm has a stream of requests. The translator uses the word "may" over and over again. This psalm is of course a picture of what a true king should be like, and it's also a foreshadowing of Jesus' lordship. From our perspective as a prayer, it is also an example of the boldness with which God invites us to pray. We don't pray sheepishly for things, either out of false modesty or doubt. We pray boldly and confidently knowing that God hears our prayers and answers us in Jesus His Son our Lord. It's a helpful reminder as we pray.
Deuteronomy 28:1-22 - In this section God continues to explain the terms of the covenant He has made with Israel. They are a little startling to me because it seems like the blessings or curses are based solely on the actions of Israel. Is this the case? How is this covenant similar to/different from the covenant God makes with us in Jesus?
Matthew 18:1-20 - Let's see, which thing should I talk about in this reading? There are so many areas that Jesus covers that it's hard to know which subject to highlight. That in itself is something to think about. When we have opportunity to share our faith or defend it against attack, where do we start? What should we talk about? There are so many issues to discuss. Notice that in each of these areas, knowing Jesus and his death and resurrection helps us to understand. Pick one and see how this connection might help.
Deuteronomy 28:1-22 - In this section God continues to explain the terms of the covenant He has made with Israel. They are a little startling to me because it seems like the blessings or curses are based solely on the actions of Israel. Is this the case? How is this covenant similar to/different from the covenant God makes with us in Jesus?
Matthew 18:1-20 - Let's see, which thing should I talk about in this reading? There are so many areas that Jesus covers that it's hard to know which subject to highlight. That in itself is something to think about. When we have opportunity to share our faith or defend it against attack, where do we start? What should we talk about? There are so many issues to discuss. Notice that in each of these areas, knowing Jesus and his death and resurrection helps us to understand. Pick one and see how this connection might help.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
October 22 - Time of the Church
Psalm 126 - "We were like those who dream" We might think either of sleep or day dreaming, but I wonder if the psalmist is referring to visions. What do you think this phrase means in the context of God redeeming His people?
Deuteronomy 21:1-23 - As you read these rules from Deuteronomy it's hard not to pass our modern judgment on them. It seems a little harsh for women, and near child abuse for the son who would be stoned. All of these laws are tough and fearful, yet as we read the final words about the cursed man who hangs on a tree we recognize Jesus in this position. The reality of life under sin and under the law is incredibly harsh. Yet as shocking as all these laws may be, none is so great as the reality that God took the curse on Himself.
Matthew 16:1-12 - How many times does Jesus need to correct me? Notice how often Jesus has to explain again and again a point the disciples don't get. Discipleship is not a three year program, a two month class. It is our whole lives. God gives us His Word and other disciples to correct us along the way. The question is not if or when we will need to be corrected about this or that point of faith. The question is if we will be open to such correction.
Deuteronomy 21:1-23 - As you read these rules from Deuteronomy it's hard not to pass our modern judgment on them. It seems a little harsh for women, and near child abuse for the son who would be stoned. All of these laws are tough and fearful, yet as we read the final words about the cursed man who hangs on a tree we recognize Jesus in this position. The reality of life under sin and under the law is incredibly harsh. Yet as shocking as all these laws may be, none is so great as the reality that God took the curse on Himself.
Matthew 16:1-12 - How many times does Jesus need to correct me? Notice how often Jesus has to explain again and again a point the disciples don't get. Discipleship is not a three year program, a two month class. It is our whole lives. God gives us His Word and other disciples to correct us along the way. The question is not if or when we will need to be corrected about this or that point of faith. The question is if we will be open to such correction.
Monday, October 19, 2009
October 19 - Time of the Church
Psalm 80 - Let Your face shine, that we may be saved! When those around us scoff at our faith it is tempting to want to show them our glory or goodness. But the psalmist here cries out for God to reveal Himself. This is the only way enemies are silenced and even changed into children of God.
Deuteronomy 18:1-22 - The Levites are set apart for God even with the people of Israel who have been set apart for God. Do you think this caused any envy for those who were not Levites?
Matthew 14:22-46 - Usually when people talk about this passage, a lot of emphasis is placed on Peter's action and his lack of faith. But even before we get to his part we should pause and consider the glory and awe that Jesus reveals in this passage. Notice how the disciples are terrified of him. It is similar to the fear and trembling caused by God when He reveals His glory to people in the Old Testament. In these few verses we see Jesus' glory and then his word of peace.
Deuteronomy 18:1-22 - The Levites are set apart for God even with the people of Israel who have been set apart for God. Do you think this caused any envy for those who were not Levites?
Matthew 14:22-46 - Usually when people talk about this passage, a lot of emphasis is placed on Peter's action and his lack of faith. But even before we get to his part we should pause and consider the glory and awe that Jesus reveals in this passage. Notice how the disciples are terrified of him. It is similar to the fear and trembling caused by God when He reveals His glory to people in the Old Testament. In these few verses we see Jesus' glory and then his word of peace.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
October 7 - Time of the Church
Psalm 56 - "God is for me, what can man do to me?"
Deuteronomy 6:10-25 - God gave you cities you did not build, houses you did not fill, vineyards you did not plant. God provided all this so that Israel would trust in Him and not the work of their own hands. Even for us, we trick ourselves into thinking that all that we have comes from our own labors. The reality is we could have nothing without God's mercy. He gives all things and sets us as stewards of His gifts.
Matthew 9:18-38 - The gift of faith and healing, people who can't shut up about Jesus even when he tells them to keep silent, the need for workers to proclaim the kingdom of God. There's a lot here to digest.
Deuteronomy 6:10-25 - God gave you cities you did not build, houses you did not fill, vineyards you did not plant. God provided all this so that Israel would trust in Him and not the work of their own hands. Even for us, we trick ourselves into thinking that all that we have comes from our own labors. The reality is we could have nothing without God's mercy. He gives all things and sets us as stewards of His gifts.
Matthew 9:18-38 - The gift of faith and healing, people who can't shut up about Jesus even when he tells them to keep silent, the need for workers to proclaim the kingdom of God. There's a lot here to digest.
Monday, October 5, 2009
October 5 - Time of the Church
Psalm 40 - This Psalm covers a lot. God is the deliverer from enemies, the one who places a new song on our lips, the one who does not require sacrifices but opens our ears to His Word. This psalm may be worth reading again at lunch and before bed, since it has so many angles to it.
Deuteronomy 5:1-21 - A reminder of the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20. Clearly the people needed to hear them more than once, which is true for us as well. Note how the first word of God is good news, "I brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." God doesn't begin with rules that you can follow to be pleasing to Him. He starts with His action of mercy and redemption, and goes on to describe what life under Him looks like.
Matthew 8:18-34 - It's amazing to me that people often want God to give them some sign that He exists. Even Jesus is asked repeatedly for signs and wonders so people can believe in him. In this story, where Jesus casts out the demons, the people actually ask him to leave following a great miracle. The town may have welcomed him if it had been a healing, or turning some more water into wine, but Jesus acted on his terms. This is a struggle for our sinful nature, that wants evidence on our terms.
Deuteronomy 5:1-21 - A reminder of the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20. Clearly the people needed to hear them more than once, which is true for us as well. Note how the first word of God is good news, "I brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." God doesn't begin with rules that you can follow to be pleasing to Him. He starts with His action of mercy and redemption, and goes on to describe what life under Him looks like.
Matthew 8:18-34 - It's amazing to me that people often want God to give them some sign that He exists. Even Jesus is asked repeatedly for signs and wonders so people can believe in him. In this story, where Jesus casts out the demons, the people actually ask him to leave following a great miracle. The town may have welcomed him if it had been a healing, or turning some more water into wine, but Jesus acted on his terms. This is a struggle for our sinful nature, that wants evidence on our terms.
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