The journey to read through the bible in one year. One thought and one verse from every book and chapter of the bible…
After spending some time only in the Old Testament ..spent this morning looking at the book of Mark in the New Testament...have been struck again and again through this process how vital God's Word truly is. It seems that the chapters and verses that I am reading are always perfect for the mood and life circumstance that I am facing. What an awesome and faithful God that we serve...
Mark 3
Mark 3:6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
Three chapters into the book of Mark, and we find the religious leaders of the day already making a plot to kill Jesus. It struck me as I read this, how opposed at times that Jesus really was. I sometimes only think of the end of His life as being hard and faced with tough trials and tribulations....but Jesus faced some pretty stiff opposition and resistance for most of the time that He was in ministry. It made me thankful this morning as I read this that He was willing to go through what He did for you and for me...Think about the strain of day in and day out being challenged and taught AGAINST by the religious leaders and right of the day. No wonder He was such a man of prayer. I need to take that lesson from Jesus and His life...
Mark 4
Mark 4:20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”
In this passage we find the age old familiar story of the parable of the sower. I have heard, preached, and read this story a thousand plus times...but this verse really stood out to me. We so often think of ourselves as the good soil. Depending on God...allowing Him to lead our lives...and dedicating to serving Him...but I couldnt help bu wonder, what is the CROP that we are producing? Are our lives producing anything? I think that we need to be careful to spend some time thinking about what we are helping to cultivate and produce. If our lives are producing nothing...I believe that you and I can be in dangerous dangerous situation. Dont just automatically assume that you and I are the good soil. It is more then just praying a prayer. It is lifestyle change. It is an outward display of difference. It is a life marked by doing. Can people see a difference in your life?
Mark 5
Mark 5:20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
I love seeing the ways that God is able to change and use people. Here is a man that had TERRORIZED the community that he lived in. Was so demon-possessed that no one could stop him or hold him down. Except Jesus and the power that He holds. When Jesus healed this man, he was a life that was forever transformed and changed. I think that we can sometimes be so ashamed of our past and where we have come from that we can minimize or forget that power that a changed life can truly have. This man shared freely about what God had done in his life, the miracle of his life now being transformed, and letting his life be a testimony of what it meant to be radically changed. Are you allowing God to use your story? The things that you have faced? The frustrations and obstacles that you have overcome through the power of a living God? Allow God to use your past to give glory and honor to Him...and let the people be amazed at who God is...
Mark 6
Mark 6:34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
I wish that we could see people the way that Jesus saw them. I need to learn a heart of compassion. A heart of giving. A heart of seeing people for who they are...lost and in need of a Savior that has changed my life! I often times use tiredness, justification, and just comparing myself to others when I have opportunities to help or share with other as an excuse. But Jesus never did. No matter how tired...no matter what kind of a day that He had had, He had compassion and love for those that He came in contact with. If we had THAT kind of heart and attitude, our world would never look the same.
Mark 7
Mark 7:8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.
Jesus is talking once again to the religious leaders of the day. This verse struck me because I think that I can sometimes too become more intrigued and excited about traditions or just the way that we always do things then actually being most concerned with what God wants. I far too often find myself comparing who I am with the people that are around me as opposed to what God has called me.
Mark 8
Mark 8:38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
These are strong STRONG words from Jesus. Can you imagine Jesus being ashamed of you and who are? I want to be acknowledged before Him...known for the good things that I do! Yet how often in my daily walk do I deny who He is...or am too ashamed to stand up for Him and the things that He calls us to. I spent some time this morning just meditating on these words...I encourage you to do the same...
So far to date...
Books read: 4
Chapters Read: 167
Verses Read: 5460
Monday, March 4, 2013
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Leading with a Servants Heart...
The journey to read through the bible in one year. One thought and one verse from every book and chapter of the bible…
NUMBERS 10
Numbers 10:21 Next came the Kohathite division of the Levites, carrying the sacred objects from the Tabernacle. Before they arrived at the next camp, the Tabernacle would already be set up at its new location
All of us, especially in todays age, know what it is like to be uprooted and travel. We are constantly facing new circumstances, changes in our life, our location, and in the friendships and relationships that we have. Life is so full of changes, and few things truly ever remain stable. This was the exact situation the Israelites were facing. I love that God constantly reminded them of how constant that He is/was. Before they even had a chance to get everything set up, the Tabernacle would be put up and serve to show the people that God was always with them. For us, stability doesnt mean lack of change but a willingness to acknowledge that we will go and do what God wants and calls us too...WITH the knowledge that He is right in the middle of where we are.
NUMBERS 11
Numbers 11:13-15 13 Where am I supposed to get meat for all these people? They keep whining to me, saying, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ 14 I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! 15 If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!”
My new favorite passage on leadership struggles! In moments where people all around do nothing but complain and whine about EVERYTHING...I love that Moses feel and even says exactly how I have felt so many times! I understand that part of my job is GOING to involve people who are frustrated and just want to complain...but I identify SO much with what this has to say! Thanks Moses for just the plain reality that leadership can often times just flat out be tough and blow...especially when people have nothing better to do then gripe, complain, and bring up frustrations about minor things, or stuff that they dont have a true understanding about...
NUMBERS 12
Numbers 12:3 Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.
Can you imagine this being said about you? How amazing that here is Moses...leading millions of people...having a ton of control and power, and yet being known as this. I think that as leaders, we need to take more lessons from Moses. How humble are we? Are we quick to deflect praise and credit back to the one who gave us that ability, or are we taking it for ourselves? It is so easy for us to take things for granted and to take credit...or begin to think that we can do things for ourselves. I never want to be that as a leader. I believe that we need to put people in our inner circles to help hold us accountable. I want to be humble...God help me to ALWAYS give You the glory for what You are doing...
NUMBERS 13
Numbers 13:20 ...enter the land boldly...
When Moses sent out the 12 spies to check out the promised land, I love the directive that He gives...enter the land BOLDLY...I far FAR too often am so timid and almost apathetic when I get a call from God. If it is clear...BE BOLD! If God is TRULY for us (which He is) then who can be against us? Be bold and live it out!
NUMBERS 14
Numbers 14:19 In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.”
No matter how much we stumble, disobey, act like fools, or just flat out ignore Him, He is always ready and willing to forgive. You and I can never ever ever escape His love. But we cant constantly use that grace as an excuse for inaction or continued disobedience I think that we are far too often permitting ourselves the ability to sin, knowing that this concept is true...and forgetting about who we are dealing with...
So far to date...
Books read: 4
Chapters Read: 161
Verses Read: 5210
NUMBERS 10
Numbers 10:21 Next came the Kohathite division of the Levites, carrying the sacred objects from the Tabernacle. Before they arrived at the next camp, the Tabernacle would already be set up at its new location
All of us, especially in todays age, know what it is like to be uprooted and travel. We are constantly facing new circumstances, changes in our life, our location, and in the friendships and relationships that we have. Life is so full of changes, and few things truly ever remain stable. This was the exact situation the Israelites were facing. I love that God constantly reminded them of how constant that He is/was. Before they even had a chance to get everything set up, the Tabernacle would be put up and serve to show the people that God was always with them. For us, stability doesnt mean lack of change but a willingness to acknowledge that we will go and do what God wants and calls us too...WITH the knowledge that He is right in the middle of where we are.
NUMBERS 11
Numbers 11:13-15 13 Where am I supposed to get meat for all these people? They keep whining to me, saying, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ 14 I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! 15 If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!”
My new favorite passage on leadership struggles! In moments where people all around do nothing but complain and whine about EVERYTHING...I love that Moses feel and even says exactly how I have felt so many times! I understand that part of my job is GOING to involve people who are frustrated and just want to complain...but I identify SO much with what this has to say! Thanks Moses for just the plain reality that leadership can often times just flat out be tough and blow...especially when people have nothing better to do then gripe, complain, and bring up frustrations about minor things, or stuff that they dont have a true understanding about...
NUMBERS 12
Numbers 12:3 Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.
Can you imagine this being said about you? How amazing that here is Moses...leading millions of people...having a ton of control and power, and yet being known as this. I think that as leaders, we need to take more lessons from Moses. How humble are we? Are we quick to deflect praise and credit back to the one who gave us that ability, or are we taking it for ourselves? It is so easy for us to take things for granted and to take credit...or begin to think that we can do things for ourselves. I never want to be that as a leader. I believe that we need to put people in our inner circles to help hold us accountable. I want to be humble...God help me to ALWAYS give You the glory for what You are doing...
NUMBERS 13
Numbers 13:20 ...enter the land boldly...
When Moses sent out the 12 spies to check out the promised land, I love the directive that He gives...enter the land BOLDLY...I far FAR too often am so timid and almost apathetic when I get a call from God. If it is clear...BE BOLD! If God is TRULY for us (which He is) then who can be against us? Be bold and live it out!
NUMBERS 14
Numbers 14:19 In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.”
No matter how much we stumble, disobey, act like fools, or just flat out ignore Him, He is always ready and willing to forgive. You and I can never ever ever escape His love. But we cant constantly use that grace as an excuse for inaction or continued disobedience I think that we are far too often permitting ourselves the ability to sin, knowing that this concept is true...and forgetting about who we are dealing with...
So far to date...
Books read: 4
Chapters Read: 161
Verses Read: 5210
Monday, February 25, 2013
Do we confess? Or just ask forgiveness...
The journey to read through the bible in one year. One thought and one verse from every book and chapter of the bible…
NUMBERS 4
Numbers 4:24-25 24 “This is the service of the Gershonite clans as they work and carry burdens: 25 They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, its covering and the outer covering of hides of sea cows, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
We can be discontented with the roles and jobs that we have within a church or organization. Lets be honest here...I cant imagine that this is the most sought after job that Gershonite clan was given! But it served a huge importance...When I was first youth pastoring, I used to have a volunteer that would always come 30 minutes before we were schedules to start, and all he would do is set up all my chairs and any handouts that I needed. He would do all the small jobs and ones that are tedious week after week after week. And I was so thankful! He made a huge difference in allowing me the time and flexibility to focus my time and energy on other projects. Instead of always being discontent, lets look for little ways that we can pitch in and help serve those that are around us. The glory isnt for us, but always and only for Him.
NUMBERS 5
Numbers 5:7 and must confess the sin he has committed...
I think that we have a hard time confessing out loud the sins that we have committed It is almost easier to quickly seek out and ask forgiveness then it is to actually say it out loud. It seems like when we have to say it out loud...actually hear what we have done, that we the gravity of what we have done can be potentially overwhelming. I think it is IMPERATIVE that we confess on a regular basis. Are we overwhelmed by a sense of needing the love, grace, and mercy of God for the sins that we have done? I think we miss out on the full realization is we skip this incredibly important step. Dont just ask for forgiveness, confess...
NUMBERS 6
Numbers 6:24-26 24
“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
NUMBERS 4
Numbers 4:24-25 24 “This is the service of the Gershonite clans as they work and carry burdens: 25 They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, its covering and the outer covering of hides of sea cows, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
We can be discontented with the roles and jobs that we have within a church or organization. Lets be honest here...I cant imagine that this is the most sought after job that Gershonite clan was given! But it served a huge importance...When I was first youth pastoring, I used to have a volunteer that would always come 30 minutes before we were schedules to start, and all he would do is set up all my chairs and any handouts that I needed. He would do all the small jobs and ones that are tedious week after week after week. And I was so thankful! He made a huge difference in allowing me the time and flexibility to focus my time and energy on other projects. Instead of always being discontent, lets look for little ways that we can pitch in and help serve those that are around us. The glory isnt for us, but always and only for Him.
NUMBERS 5
Numbers 5:7 and must confess the sin he has committed...
I think that we have a hard time confessing out loud the sins that we have committed It is almost easier to quickly seek out and ask forgiveness then it is to actually say it out loud. It seems like when we have to say it out loud...actually hear what we have done, that we the gravity of what we have done can be potentially overwhelming. I think it is IMPERATIVE that we confess on a regular basis. Are we overwhelmed by a sense of needing the love, grace, and mercy of God for the sins that we have done? I think we miss out on the full realization is we skip this incredibly important step. Dont just ask for forgiveness, confess...
NUMBERS 6
Numbers 6:24-26 24
“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
We see the traditional benediction given in the chapter. I have heard this countless times growing up in the church, but as I read it this morning, I slowed down and read back through it several more times. I was struck by the way that God sees you and me! I mean read back through it...hear what He is saying about you! Blessing us...protecting us (keeping)...loving on you and me...and giving us peace. That is SO HUGE. We seek out true peace...spend countless billions of dollars as a society a year in trying to secure it, and God is granting it to us. Read back through...meditate on this passage, and be blessed today!
NUMBER 7
Number 7:89 When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony. And he spoke with him.
I love how they just slip it in...Moses heard the voice of God and had conversation with Him...that is crazy and awesome! It makes me jealous of the thought of having had audible conversation...
NUMBERS 8
Numbers 8:4 4 This is how the lampstand was made: It was made of hammered gold—from its base to its blossoms. The lampstand was made exactly like the pattern the Lord had shown Moses.
When we follow God's plan exactly, it is not just a good thing, but an absolutely GREAT thing...Even as something as boring and mondain as lamp stands needed to be done to the exact specifications that God had given them to follow. No matter how small, simple, or insignificant that we think something is, we need to follow what God has called us to.
NUMBERS 9
Numbers 9:20-21 20 Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the Lord’s command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. 21 Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out.
As I read this, it occurred to me that they had no idea how long they were or werent going to be in one place. And they were willing to constantly be ready to pack up everything at a moments notice and go to God was showing them. That is so contrary to the way that I often live my life. I need confirmation...and reconfirmation...and rereconformation far too often before I act on what God has called me to. I want to learn from this. It can not be the case in our lives! Are we willing to go, drop everything, do what He is tugging on our hearts to do at a moments notice? And then have the faith to trust Him to change in a moments notice? I never want to be so attached to a place or something that I miss out on going/doing what God wants.
So far to date...
Books read: 4
Chapters Read: 156
Verses Read: 5045 (5000 in Numbers 8:4)
NUMBER 7
Number 7:89 When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony. And he spoke with him.
I love how they just slip it in...Moses heard the voice of God and had conversation with Him...that is crazy and awesome! It makes me jealous of the thought of having had audible conversation...
NUMBERS 8
Numbers 8:4 4 This is how the lampstand was made: It was made of hammered gold—from its base to its blossoms. The lampstand was made exactly like the pattern the Lord had shown Moses.
When we follow God's plan exactly, it is not just a good thing, but an absolutely GREAT thing...Even as something as boring and mondain as lamp stands needed to be done to the exact specifications that God had given them to follow. No matter how small, simple, or insignificant that we think something is, we need to follow what God has called us to.
NUMBERS 9
Numbers 9:20-21 20 Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the Lord’s command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. 21 Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out.
As I read this, it occurred to me that they had no idea how long they were or werent going to be in one place. And they were willing to constantly be ready to pack up everything at a moments notice and go to God was showing them. That is so contrary to the way that I often live my life. I need confirmation...and reconfirmation...and rereconformation far too often before I act on what God has called me to. I want to learn from this. It can not be the case in our lives! Are we willing to go, drop everything, do what He is tugging on our hearts to do at a moments notice? And then have the faith to trust Him to change in a moments notice? I never want to be so attached to a place or something that I miss out on going/doing what God wants.
So far to date...
Books read: 4
Chapters Read: 156
Verses Read: 5045 (5000 in Numbers 8:4)
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Keeping God at the center of who you are...
The journey to read through the bible in one year. One thought and one verse from every book and chapter of the bible…
Numbers 1
Numbers 1:16 These were the men appointed from the community, the leaders of their ancestral tribes. They were the heads of the clans of Israel.
In this chapter, we see that Moses is taking a census of the people under the direction of God. But what stood out to me was the leadership structure that they had. Each tribe and clan had a leader...someone that was appointed to be in charge of them and to help deal with issues and to make decisions and choices. We need leadership. People that we can rely and trust to help point us in the right direction and to give us advice and help. Be careful who you follow and the people that you allow to have significant voice in your life.
Numbers 2
Number 2:2 “The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting some distance from it, each man under his standard with the banners of his family.”
Whenever the Israelites set up camp, the tabernacle was to be placed right in the center of everything that went on. I love the foreshadowing of God needing to be at the center of everything that we are and do. The challenge for us is in truly living that out. He has called you and me to place Him in that center position. For the Israelites, it served as a constant reminder that He was and needed to be in the center of all of their activities. What can you and I do to remind ourselves on that daily basis to keep Him in the middle?
Numbers 3
Number 3:4 Nadab and Abihu, however, fell dead before the Lord when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before him in the Desert of Sinai. They had no sons; so only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.
I wonder what the reaction of the people would have been to Nadab and Abihu being killed by God for disobedience? I would imagine that it would have been a pretty huge talker around the camp. God was showing and demonstrating a couple of things. A pretty strong message would have been sent that He is not someone to mess around with. That when they knowing offered a wrong sacrifice, the consequences of those actions led to there death. In the same way, we can and will suffer spiritual death and ultimately destruction if we refuse to address and confront sins that we have in our life. What is the Holy Spirit convicting you of that you need to let go of and seek out forgiveness for? What do you need to make right before Him?
So far to date...
Books read: 4
Chapters Read: 150
Verses Read: 4800
Numbers 1
Numbers 1:16 These were the men appointed from the community, the leaders of their ancestral tribes. They were the heads of the clans of Israel.
In this chapter, we see that Moses is taking a census of the people under the direction of God. But what stood out to me was the leadership structure that they had. Each tribe and clan had a leader...someone that was appointed to be in charge of them and to help deal with issues and to make decisions and choices. We need leadership. People that we can rely and trust to help point us in the right direction and to give us advice and help. Be careful who you follow and the people that you allow to have significant voice in your life.
Numbers 2
Number 2:2 “The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting some distance from it, each man under his standard with the banners of his family.”
Whenever the Israelites set up camp, the tabernacle was to be placed right in the center of everything that went on. I love the foreshadowing of God needing to be at the center of everything that we are and do. The challenge for us is in truly living that out. He has called you and me to place Him in that center position. For the Israelites, it served as a constant reminder that He was and needed to be in the center of all of their activities. What can you and I do to remind ourselves on that daily basis to keep Him in the middle?
Numbers 3
Number 3:4 Nadab and Abihu, however, fell dead before the Lord when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before him in the Desert of Sinai. They had no sons; so only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.
I wonder what the reaction of the people would have been to Nadab and Abihu being killed by God for disobedience? I would imagine that it would have been a pretty huge talker around the camp. God was showing and demonstrating a couple of things. A pretty strong message would have been sent that He is not someone to mess around with. That when they knowing offered a wrong sacrifice, the consequences of those actions led to there death. In the same way, we can and will suffer spiritual death and ultimately destruction if we refuse to address and confront sins that we have in our life. What is the Holy Spirit convicting you of that you need to let go of and seek out forgiveness for? What do you need to make right before Him?
So far to date...
Books read: 4
Chapters Read: 150
Verses Read: 4800
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Solitary Places
The journey to read through the bible in one year. One thought and one verse from every book and chapter of the bible…
Leviticus 26
Leviticus 26:18-19 “‘If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over. 19 I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze.
In chapter 26 we find God speaking to the Israelites about rewards for obedience, and punishment for disobedience. This verse hit me hard. I often times dont listen to God. I blow off His commands, dont listen to the voice inside of me, and dont stop to even hear what He has to say. And so when I read this verse, it made me sad to think of all the things that I have missed out on by not listening, and reminded me how important this walk with Christ is. It is a daily commitment. A everyday call to take up our cross and follow. I dont listen because of my pride. I am too busy doing my own thing...that wont be an excuse that is good enough. God calls us to listen and obey. When we dont, we will face punishment.
Leviticus 27
Leviticus 27:2 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘If anyone makes a special vow...
A vow. A promise. This chapter speaks to making and keeping vows. We often times make promises and think nothing of it when we break or only partially keep something that we promised. Even in our marriages, with such a high number ending in divorce, we are trained to almost BREAK the promises that we make. Or least not worry about it if we do break it. But it wasnt that way with God at all. He took a vow that people made seriously. And He kept His promises! Think about how the story of scripture would have changed if God had forgotten His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob...the whole story of scripture would be radically different! We need to remember how important that it is to to keep the promises that we make to others and most importantly to God. It is not something that He takes lightly or just wants us to go half heartedly on.
Mark 1
Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Jesus modeled and lived a life of prayer. He knew that what He was facing was going to be so strenuous and difficult at times, that He would need to be on His knees spending time with His Father. This morning, what stood out to me was the phrase solitary place. Our lives have so much noise in them...there is almost no such thing as silence anymore! And we DO face silence, we hate it! When was the last time that we went someplace, turned our phone off, put down the ipad or ipod and just spend time with Him? Not only do we not pray, but when/if we do pray we dont get to a solitary place. That isnt what Jesus modeled to and for us...
Mark 2
Mark 2:17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
I love this verse! To this day, Jesus cares about hurting, sinful people! It is who He spent His time with...the people that He cared and was constantly connecting with. And it needs to be our passion as well. Lost, hurting people that need to know who He is and what He is about...
So far to date...
Books read: 4
Chapters Read: 147
Verses Read: 4661
Leviticus 26
Leviticus 26:18-19 “‘If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over. 19 I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze.
In chapter 26 we find God speaking to the Israelites about rewards for obedience, and punishment for disobedience. This verse hit me hard. I often times dont listen to God. I blow off His commands, dont listen to the voice inside of me, and dont stop to even hear what He has to say. And so when I read this verse, it made me sad to think of all the things that I have missed out on by not listening, and reminded me how important this walk with Christ is. It is a daily commitment. A everyday call to take up our cross and follow. I dont listen because of my pride. I am too busy doing my own thing...that wont be an excuse that is good enough. God calls us to listen and obey. When we dont, we will face punishment.
Leviticus 27
Leviticus 27:2 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘If anyone makes a special vow...
A vow. A promise. This chapter speaks to making and keeping vows. We often times make promises and think nothing of it when we break or only partially keep something that we promised. Even in our marriages, with such a high number ending in divorce, we are trained to almost BREAK the promises that we make. Or least not worry about it if we do break it. But it wasnt that way with God at all. He took a vow that people made seriously. And He kept His promises! Think about how the story of scripture would have changed if God had forgotten His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob...the whole story of scripture would be radically different! We need to remember how important that it is to to keep the promises that we make to others and most importantly to God. It is not something that He takes lightly or just wants us to go half heartedly on.
Mark 1
Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Jesus modeled and lived a life of prayer. He knew that what He was facing was going to be so strenuous and difficult at times, that He would need to be on His knees spending time with His Father. This morning, what stood out to me was the phrase solitary place. Our lives have so much noise in them...there is almost no such thing as silence anymore! And we DO face silence, we hate it! When was the last time that we went someplace, turned our phone off, put down the ipad or ipod and just spend time with Him? Not only do we not pray, but when/if we do pray we dont get to a solitary place. That isnt what Jesus modeled to and for us...
Mark 2
Mark 2:17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
I love this verse! To this day, Jesus cares about hurting, sinful people! It is who He spent His time with...the people that He cared and was constantly connecting with. And it needs to be our passion as well. Lost, hurting people that need to know who He is and what He is about...
So far to date...
Books read: 4
Chapters Read: 147
Verses Read: 4661
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Sharing your faith? Not an option...
The journey to read through the bible in one year. One thought and one verse from every book and chapter of the bible…
Leviticus 22
Leviticus 22:18-19 “If you present a gift as a burnt offering to the Lord, whether it is to fulfill a vow or is a voluntary offering, 19 you will be accepted only if your offering is a male animal with no defects. It may be a bull, a ram, or a male goat
Animals that were with defect were not acceptable as sacrifices to the Lord because they do not represent the Holiness or the Perfection of who God is. I love the way that God sets up the life that Jesus led by the fact that He had to live a perfect, sinless life. If He had had just one blemish, He would not have been that perfect sacrifice... When we give our best, it is what He wants from us.
Leviticus 23
Leviticus 23:14 Do not eat any bread or roasted grain or fresh kernels on that day until you bring this offering to your God. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation wherever you live.
This verse reminds me the importance of the tithe and in giving our first and best to God. The Festival of the First Fruits required that first crops that were harvested needed to be given to God. Today, God still expects us to set aside His portion first. Far too often we wait till the end...or once everything else has been paid. Giving our leftovers to God is a horrible way to express our thanks, obedience, and love to Him. Giving needs to be the first, and not the last thing that we do.
Leviticus 24
Leviticus 24:22 ...I am the Lord your God...
In so many of the chapters that I have read in the last few days, this saying keeps popping up. We cant ignore the fact that He is who He says that He is! He is always reminding, prompting, and showing us just that! Take some time, and remember who He is!
Leviticus 25
Leviticus 25:21 Be assured that I will send my blessing for you in the sixth year, so the land will produce a crop large enough for three years.
When we are faithful to God, He is just waiting to pour out His blessings upon us! But we need to be ready to STAY faithful and obey! That doesnt mean that we are going to rich or have everything that we want, but He will bless us with all of the things that we need. It is huge that we are willing to stay faithful and do what He is calling you and me too...
Matthew 28
Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
WE ARE TO GO! Whether it is next door, to our co-workers, people that we are in school with, relatives...someone across the world...you and I are called to make disciples. I think where we far too often get this twisted, is that THIS IS NOT AN OPTION. It is a command that is given to all believers. Did you catch that? You and I are responsible. How many of us are sharing our faith on a constant basis? I dont believe in the call to bang it over peoples heads or to judge or crush people, but we are called to live it out and be willing to have those conversations. Go and make disciples...live it out...and tell people about that God that you and I serve...it is NOT an option if we call ourselves followers of Christ.
So far to date...
Books read: 3
Chapters Read: 143
Verses Read: 4508 (4500 in Matthew 28:12)
Leviticus 22
Leviticus 22:18-19 “If you present a gift as a burnt offering to the Lord, whether it is to fulfill a vow or is a voluntary offering, 19 you will be accepted only if your offering is a male animal with no defects. It may be a bull, a ram, or a male goat
Animals that were with defect were not acceptable as sacrifices to the Lord because they do not represent the Holiness or the Perfection of who God is. I love the way that God sets up the life that Jesus led by the fact that He had to live a perfect, sinless life. If He had had just one blemish, He would not have been that perfect sacrifice... When we give our best, it is what He wants from us.
Leviticus 23
Leviticus 23:14 Do not eat any bread or roasted grain or fresh kernels on that day until you bring this offering to your God. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation wherever you live.
This verse reminds me the importance of the tithe and in giving our first and best to God. The Festival of the First Fruits required that first crops that were harvested needed to be given to God. Today, God still expects us to set aside His portion first. Far too often we wait till the end...or once everything else has been paid. Giving our leftovers to God is a horrible way to express our thanks, obedience, and love to Him. Giving needs to be the first, and not the last thing that we do.
Leviticus 24
Leviticus 24:22 ...I am the Lord your God...
In so many of the chapters that I have read in the last few days, this saying keeps popping up. We cant ignore the fact that He is who He says that He is! He is always reminding, prompting, and showing us just that! Take some time, and remember who He is!
Leviticus 25
Leviticus 25:21 Be assured that I will send my blessing for you in the sixth year, so the land will produce a crop large enough for three years.
When we are faithful to God, He is just waiting to pour out His blessings upon us! But we need to be ready to STAY faithful and obey! That doesnt mean that we are going to rich or have everything that we want, but He will bless us with all of the things that we need. It is huge that we are willing to stay faithful and do what He is calling you and me too...
Matthew 28
Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
WE ARE TO GO! Whether it is next door, to our co-workers, people that we are in school with, relatives...someone across the world...you and I are called to make disciples. I think where we far too often get this twisted, is that THIS IS NOT AN OPTION. It is a command that is given to all believers. Did you catch that? You and I are responsible. How many of us are sharing our faith on a constant basis? I dont believe in the call to bang it over peoples heads or to judge or crush people, but we are called to live it out and be willing to have those conversations. Go and make disciples...live it out...and tell people about that God that you and I serve...it is NOT an option if we call ourselves followers of Christ.
So far to date...
Books read: 3
Chapters Read: 143
Verses Read: 4508 (4500 in Matthew 28:12)
Monday, February 18, 2013
How has your faith changed you?
The journey to read through the bible in one year. One thought and one verse from every book and chapter of the bible…
Leviticus 18
Leviticus 18:3 So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life.
As God helped His people move from one region to another, He wanted to make sure that He emphasized the importance of establishing a new culture and way of life. It isnt enough to just simply pray a prayer when we decide to follow Christ, but it has to be a change in culture (ie the ENTIRE way that we live). This verse challenged me. Am I allowing my life to be changed and am I living that out? We need to spend time changing the "culture" of the way we live as we seek to follow Christ.
Leviticus 19
Leviticus 19:18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
To truly love our neighbors as ourselves is a tough and tall task. Lets be honest! We LOVE ourselves the most! I have no issues whatsoever with loving me, being selfish, and doing what I want. But we have to understand that love means selfLESSness...we have to constantly examine and look at our actions...or more importantly our INactions...
Leviticus 20
Leviticus 20:8 Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the Lord who makes you holy.
It isnt enough to just KNOW what God has called us to, we are commanded to put them into practice! So am I? Or do I just kind of go through the motions and not think about it...follow when I want...and do what is easiest and best for me? We need to put what He has called us to into practice. I took out a pen and piece of paper and wrote down the two commands that Jesus gives us in the book of Matthew, Love God...Love Others. I then wrote down how I could live that out and put it into practice today. I encourage you to do the same. The key is action! Obey and follow what God has called us to!
Leviticus 21
Leviticus 21:6 They must be set apart as holy to their God and must never bring shame on the name of God. They must be holy, for they are the ones who present the special gifts to the Lord, gifts of food for their God.
This verse reminded me about the importance of taking so so so seriously the calling that I have upon my life to be a pastor and to be involved in full time ministry as a vocation. I can not afford to take it lightly or for granted. The priests had numerous rules and regulations...God wanted them to clearly understand the magnitude of their responsibility. As a pastor, I need to do the same. God grant me the grace and strength that I need to serve and lead the people that you have entrusted in my care...
So far to date...
Books read: 2
Chapters Read: 138
Verses Read: 4333
Leviticus 18
Leviticus 18:3 So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life.
As God helped His people move from one region to another, He wanted to make sure that He emphasized the importance of establishing a new culture and way of life. It isnt enough to just simply pray a prayer when we decide to follow Christ, but it has to be a change in culture (ie the ENTIRE way that we live). This verse challenged me. Am I allowing my life to be changed and am I living that out? We need to spend time changing the "culture" of the way we live as we seek to follow Christ.
Leviticus 19
Leviticus 19:18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
To truly love our neighbors as ourselves is a tough and tall task. Lets be honest! We LOVE ourselves the most! I have no issues whatsoever with loving me, being selfish, and doing what I want. But we have to understand that love means selfLESSness...we have to constantly examine and look at our actions...or more importantly our INactions...
Leviticus 20
Leviticus 20:8 Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the Lord who makes you holy.
It isnt enough to just KNOW what God has called us to, we are commanded to put them into practice! So am I? Or do I just kind of go through the motions and not think about it...follow when I want...and do what is easiest and best for me? We need to put what He has called us to into practice. I took out a pen and piece of paper and wrote down the two commands that Jesus gives us in the book of Matthew, Love God...Love Others. I then wrote down how I could live that out and put it into practice today. I encourage you to do the same. The key is action! Obey and follow what God has called us to!
Leviticus 21
Leviticus 21:6 They must be set apart as holy to their God and must never bring shame on the name of God. They must be holy, for they are the ones who present the special gifts to the Lord, gifts of food for their God.
This verse reminded me about the importance of taking so so so seriously the calling that I have upon my life to be a pastor and to be involved in full time ministry as a vocation. I can not afford to take it lightly or for granted. The priests had numerous rules and regulations...God wanted them to clearly understand the magnitude of their responsibility. As a pastor, I need to do the same. God grant me the grace and strength that I need to serve and lead the people that you have entrusted in my care...
So far to date...
Books read: 2
Chapters Read: 138
Verses Read: 4333
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