Daily Devotions for September 2004
THEME - Questions From the Synoptic Gospels
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Please click on the current date # above or scroll down to read the devotional for the day!
It
is our desire to make these devotionals readily available to anyone
who can use them. We pray that as you daily read and meditate on
God's Word, you will be able to use these to help you spiritually
grow in your daily walk with the Lord
These
devotionals are written by the following men:
- DW - Senior Pastor, Dan Wilkenson
- RJS - Retired Pastor, Dr. Bob Shifflett
- DM - Associate Pastor, Dave Most
Wednesday, September 1
The Family
Luke 2:41-52
The Bible has a lot to say about the
spiritual life of the family. Relative to children we read, Colossians
Most preachers that I have known do not like the title reverend. I think this is due to the idea in some denominations that there is some kind of priesthood. Before the Lord, we are all priests. Yet, it is not just wives, but all under authority need this understanding relative to leadership. Leaders are not there on their own, but by divine appointment. Perhaps one of the reasons we are having so many problems with young people today is that many adults are not setting a Biblical example. Just listen to radio talk shows today. Our culture delights in irreverence. We need to remember that God does not.
When King Saul came to destruction,
because of his sin and failure, King David did not rejoice. He ever maintained
a spirit of reverence to the Lord�s anointed. We read in 2 Samuel
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Thursday, September 2
Things Dedicated to God
Deuteronomy 20:5, 2 Samuel 8:11, Numbers 7:1
Houses: Deuteronomy 20:5 And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it. Have you dedicated your home to the Lord?
Silver and Gold: 2 Samuel 8:11 Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued; Have you dedicated your bank account, stocks and bonds to the Lord?
The
House of Worship: Numbers
7:1 And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the
tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments
thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and
sanctified them. The tabernacle of the Lord was dedicated. Our Church was
dedicated when it was built. That dedication was unto the Lord. Dedication
means it is to be used for the Lord�s glory, and is a place where God�s
people meet to worship Him. (Read 1 Kings 8 and reflect upon the dedication of
the
Our Tithes and our Offerings: 2 Chronicles 31:12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully. Hezekiah looked upon the things brought before the Lord as dedicated. It is both the gift and the giver that is dedicated before the Lord. The Lord Jesus reminded us in Matthew 5:23-24 �. if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. If we are disobedient in our giving, our gift is not received of the Lord. Oh yes, we give, but not with a broken and contrite heart. In the life of a Christian there must be a transparent relationship between God and man, and our fellow Christians. If our relationship with the Lord is broken because of sin, there is no acceptance of our dedication of our gifts. God is not mocked! We cannot deceive Him! We only deceive ourselves! RJS
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Friday, September 3
Reverence to: God, the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:37-47
Today let�s take a look at 2 important aspects of the Holy Spirit, the third person in the Trinity. First, we find that He is given to those that have placed their faith and trust in God the Son, Jesus, as a guarantee of salvation. He literally comes into our bodies and dwells in our lives to help us grow spiritually, part of the work of sanctification. We have amazingly, been freely given, the most powerful force in the universe, to help us live joyfully, even in the midst of difficult tribulation. Secondly, all Christians have this awesome power available to them and yet, many have never learned to use it or even worse, just simply have chosen to ignore it. The bible calls this sin, the quenching of the Holy Spirit in 1 Thes. 5:19. There are other sins of lying, grieving, blaspheming, and rejecting the Holy Spirit as well. But the sin of quenching the Holy Spirit seems to be one area that many folks are so overcome by. Thomas Manton put it like this: �Fire is quenched by pouring on water or by withdrawing fuel; so the Spirit is quenched by living in sin, which is like pouring water on a fire; or by not improving our gifts and graces, which is like withdrawing fuel from the hearth.�
If we would allow God, the Holy Spirit to guide us daily, and we would immediately busy ourselves with the spiritual gifts He has given us, we would then see such a change in our families and churches. As is given in today�s text when the power of the Holy Spirit came upon the church there, �and many were being saved and added to them.� So let�s be encouraged today to confess sin, to ask God the Holy Spirit to display His power in our lives, and to help us allow Him free access in our hearts, so that His power can be used to change us, and others for Him. This will bring Him the true Reverence that He wants and deserves in our lives!
Gracious God the Holy Spirit, show me areas in my life where I have quenched you and forgive my sin. Help me to live a life that is obedient and pleasing to you. Help me to allow you free reign and access to my heart and life. Thank you for teaching me the truths of God�s Word. And especially, thank you for the guarantee of Salvation that you have brought to my life! I pray in Jesus name, Amen. DM
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Saturday, September 4
Humanity
James 3:2-10
In this month�s devotional, we have been looking at the idea of respect or reverence. In today�s text, we read concerning the words we speak: James 3:9, 10 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. The point is made, subtly, that if we really respect God, we ought not be able to so freely curse people who are made in His image. In other words, there ought to be a respect for people.
Sadly, all of us terribly fail in this respect. Consider this for example, in Jude 8, 9 we read relative to apostates, 8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. The devil is not made in the image of God, yet Michael was careful to show due reverence. How much more ought we to show reverence to all that are made in his image.
There is some political debate in this country relative to the burning of the American flag. Some think that the right of free speech gives anyone the right to burn a flag. Others are convinced that if we are citizens, we need to show proper respect for the flag. They rightly understand that we have to teach respect for something. I made this point when it came to some states that still choose to fly the confederate flag. That flag means more to Southern states than racism and slavery, and everything done in the name of the stars and stripes was not always pure and right. I do not know of many Christians who would burn an American flag. Yet, I know many that give very little respect for people they deem unworthy. I cannot think of anyone more unworthy than the devil. Yet, proper protocol demanded respect and Michael gave proper respect. Are we respectful in the things we say and do? DW
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Sunday, September 5
Elohim � Jehovah � Adonahy
Acts 9
The above three names are the primary names for God. There are many other names, but most are what we call compound names that include the three above. In the King James Bible: Elohim is seen as �God.� Jehovah is �LORD � and Adonahy �Lord.� We will look at the last name for today.
Adonahy is often used in respect toward a person, especially (Gen. 18:12) where Sarah refers to Abraham as lord. Lord or Master is used 290 times in the Bible and we want to see one of its meanings in the New Testament. Saul of Tarsus was on the road to Damascus, believing he was doing the will of God. He was going there to persecute the �followers of the way,� Christians. The Risen Lord Jesus changed all that when Saul saw a blinding light and heard his name called twice, �Saul, Saul.� Saul then used the words �Adonahy, Adonahy � translated �Lord, Lord.� That calling was a call to �service.� Saul continued on to Damascus, blind, and led by the ones in his caravan. Three days later a Christian, named Ananias came to Saul and used the same word, the Lord �Adonahy � sent me to you, when he introduced himself to Saul.
Persecuting Saul became preaching Paul when he recognized Jesus as Lord. Paul immediately called Jesus �Master.� Many Christians don�t even know Jesus as the Lord of their lives, let alone recognizing Him as their Master. Paul saw him self as a �bond slave � which means he was a slave to the Lord of and by his own will. Paul �s new life was in total submission to the will of the Lord, �Adonahy.�
When we see Jesus as Master we see what Paul saw. We put away the past life, desires, aspirations, goals, dreams etc. And daily we seek to do, say and be what the Lord wants us to be. Paul said, �I die daily.� He meant I am submissive to Jesus in all things. No part of Paul �s being was held back, he truly was a slave in thought, word and deed. Try it, it will change your life when Jesus becomes the Master �Adonahy � of you life. RJS
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Monday, September 6
Reverence to the Elderly and Seniors
Ephesians 5:20
� 6:4
God has ordained the family unit as the earthly authority that would bring Him reverence, glory, and honor. The head of the family is Christ, then the husband, then the wife, and then the children. This is God�s way of leadership in and for the home. As we study this today, let�s prayerfully consider and ponder how we should honor and respect the elderly, including our own parents, grandparents and so-forth.
In today�s society, we literally see a total breakdown of the family unit. Many parents have lost their love for the Lord and so are not teaching their children the proper respect for God and His Word. Dads and moms are getting divorces at the most alarming rate in history. Many children are not being taught the precepts of the Lord and are following in the parents footsteps, as our society is progressively becoming more fragmented. Many elderly folks are unwillingly getting moved into nursing homes and so forth. The family unit is in total disarray.
As believers, what can or should we do? I believe the answer lies in our text today from Ephesians, in teaching and living in obedience and giving honor to those placed in authority over us. As a child, I was taught this over and over again. I involuntarily came along at first, when my folks went to visit the Nursing Homes, to bring them a church service, or just a visit with a little music and prayer. I was taught to honor my father and my mother and all those that were in authority over me. I began to love and enjoy helping the elderly, visiting them and bringing the love of Christ into their lives. God�s grace, love and mercy is many times distributed by obedient believers unto others that have need. And what a blessing it is to be one that brings these precious gifts.
Dear Lord, as we teach our children by example to obey God�s Word, help us to show proper respect to the elderly by calling them Mr. And Mrs., by bringing the children along when helping the elderly in areas of need, and by regularly visiting the elderly in their homes. Thank You that reverence is something that is taught and then lived, and learned by example. May we bring glory to You as we bring the proper reverence to the elderly as you have asked us to; in Jesus Name, Amen. DM
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The Human Body
Genesis 9:1-6
In our text today, we read about the special place humanity plays in creation. There are those today who teach that man is another animal. They teach that we ought to treat all species equally. They object to animals standing in the law as property. In our text we read, Genesis 9:3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. The only thing that has changed is that for those under the law, some moving things are unclean. Some Christians even believe some foods are unclean. Yet, the principle for Christians is given in 1 Timothy 4:4,5 �every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
This is not pride; it is the heritage of those who are made in the image of God. The respect for humanity that we have talked about extends to the human body. Note in particular Genesis 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man �s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. Here we see the crime of murder involves a lack of respect for the image of God. Murder is not a crime against the soul or spirit. It is a crime against the body.
I
know there are those who do not want to listen, but I would encourage you to
open your heart to God. Consider Leviticus 19:28, Ye shall not make any
cuttings in your flesh � nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. Leviticus 21:5 They shall not make�. any cuttings in their flesh. Though not specifically stated, I
believe God forbids these pagan acts, because they show disrespect for the
human body. God would not have us tattoo or pierce our bodies. Yet, this is not
all. In burial, God would have us treat the body with respect. In the chapter
on the resurrection, the body is illustrated seed that is sown. We read in 1
Corinthians
Wednesday, September 8
Dressing for Activities
2 Corinthians 5:17
When we are going out camping or hunting, we wear clothes appropriate for what we are going to be doing. When we go to work we again wear clothes that are necessary for the job. Many times around home we wear older objects of clothing that we would not wear when visiting with friends. If we know the preacher is coming for a visit, we put on different clothes that are appropriate and acceptable. I have been in the Vatican three times, and every time there was a sign that said, �Please wear clothing that is modest and acceptable in this Holy Place.�
Some churches have two morning services. One is called �traditional,� and the other is referred to as �contemporary.� In the traditional service men are expected to wear a dress shirt, tie, suit, or sport coat. In other words they are to look like gentlemen. Women are expected to wear respectable and modest dresses, and have their hair combed. In the �contemporary� service anything goes. In light of the above, when you go to church you are going into a house of worship and it behooves each to dress as if the Lord God were in church also, because He is. He is there even though we do not see Him, He sees us. In respect to the Lord and His house we should dress appropriately.
I have often thought, what would the congregation think if the preacher went to the pulpit in street shorts and a polo shirt? When I was in college, professors were clean-shaven, wore suits, ties and dress shirts. Doctors looked like professional men. Nurses had white uniforms and caps. Something has happened over the years. We no longer respect ourselves. We have been taught in school that we are descendants of monkeys or apes, in other words, we do not see ourselves as being created in the image of God. We are taught that we are nothing more than educated animals. Well, some of my ancestors may have hung in the trees, but it was not by their tails.
Every believer should see him or herself as a new person in Christ. Paul said we are a creation in Christ, therefore let�s look and act like new creations, 2 Corinthians 5:17. RJS
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Thursday, September 9
Inspiration from OT � NT fulfilled concerning the Messiah
Isaiah 7:14, quoted in Matthew 1:18-25
This prophecy from Isaiah 7 was fulfilled when Christ came through the virgin birth and in the flesh as Emmanuel. Let�s look at four very convincing things about the virgin birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ!
1. Matthew went to great pains to point out the supernatural birth of Jesus. He says very pointedly, �Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened like this.� First, �Mary�was found with child of the Holy Ghost.� Then, �That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.� Then, �Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled��Behold, a virgin�shall bring forth a son.� � Finally, �They shall call His name, Emmanuel�God with us.� Matthew wasn�t interested in giving a detailed account of Jesus birth. He wanted to simply draw attention to the fact that the OT prophecies of Messiah�s birth were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Jews also needed to know that Christ was born of a virgin, to put away the slanderous gossip that was going on about Joseph and Mary. It�s easy to look at the account now and see what really took place, but what if we had personally been there? What would we have thought and believed?
2. Mary also clearly gave a simple profession that shows �shock and amazement�. �How can this be, seeing I know not a man?�
3. Then we need to consider the mystery of life that man knows so little about! Ecclesiastes 11:5, As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.
4. Lastly, we see the mystery of godliness. 1 Timothy 3:16, And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Dear Lord Jesus, how we thank You for being Emmanuel, God with us! We thank You for Your virgin birth. We thank You that these facts are indisputable. We are so thankful for Your holy Word that was written in times past and was fulfilled in times present so that all mankind would have opportunity to place their faith and trust in You as their Savior. Help us to love and trust You completely, in Your name, Amen. DM
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Friday, September 10
The Church
Ephesians 5:25-33
In our text, we read that the wife is one flesh with the
husband. Therefore, the husband ought to love his wife as he loves his own
body. Yet, we read in Ephesians
Sadly, I do not think many Christians understand this. Too many seem to view the church and the ones God has called to leadership, as they view a restaurant and a waitress. The one is a place to get physical food and the person who brings it. The other is a place to get spiritual food and the one who brings it. Thus, the church and God�s servants are often viewed in terms of servants or ones we hire to do certain things rather than ones specially chosen and loved by God Himself.
If we understand this, we will not bring accusation against an elder save at the mouth of two or three witnesses. If we understand this, we will not move from church to church for light cause. If we understand this, we will conduct business differently than they do in corporate board meetings and congress. David had an understanding of these things, therefore, he dealt very carefully with King Saul. He wanted to make very sure he showed the proper reverence for the things of God.
It was this understanding that moved the Psalmist to cry out, Psalm 84:10 � I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. He had a great love and respect for the things of God. I fear in contemporary culture, we do not. If we did, we would not defend the salaries of corporate chief executive officers, while we condemn comparatively modest, but unusually high, preachers� salaries. We would not defend excessive expenses of public buildings and condemn comparatively modest but unusually expensive church buildings. We need to remember what God has said. Malachi 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings! An important way we honor God is through our giving to the local church. 1 Timothy 5:8 � if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. DW
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Saturday, September 11
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Sunday, September 12
Inspiration from OT � NT fulfilled concerning the Messiah
Isaiah 25:8, quoted in 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Death is something that we all face as humans. It is a reality and it brings much pain and sorrow and grief. For those who know not Christ, death has much power and causes hopelessness and brings futility and despair. But for those who have placed their faith and trust in Christ to save them, they can shout victoriously this OT promise that Paul also quotes in 1 Corinthians 15:54, ��Death is swallowed up in victory.�
This realization brings a joyful hope, as
the believer is pictured already standing before the Lord in the
The victory believers are given is over the strength of sin. The law of God is what gives sin its power and its control over mankind. When believers stand perfected before God, the law hovering over their heads will be done away with and the strength of sin will be gone forever. When a person is perfected in Christ, Romans 8:1, says, �There is therefore now, no condemnation�!
As we meditate today on God� s Word, may we but simply grasp the implications of these saving truths for our hearts! Revelation 21:4 says, �And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.�
O gracious God and Savior, may we be encouraged today as we begin to realize that our hope and our strength and our victory over death has been given to us through the mighty work of Jesus Christ on the cross. We can shout victoriously, �O death, where is your sting? O grave there is thy victory? But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.� In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen! DM
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Monday, September 13
The Serpents of the Magicians
Exodus 7:8-13
Sadly, there are those who seem to think that if God does not work in a way that they can accept, it would be unjust for Him to condemn them. This is not true. As soon as a heart allows itself to turn from God, it will be filled with all kinds of good reasons to reject the truth. God hardens the hearts and blinds the minds of all that turn from Him. It is a dangerous thing to turn from the light. DW
The Christian�s Reaction to Government
1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. The government is ordained of God because there needs to be rules for society and protection from the criminal element. We have the greatest government in the world. It is weak because of political divisions and personal desire to gain power. However, it is still ordained of God and is the best we can expect to find until Jesus sets up His Kingdom in the Millennium.
2. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. The Bible sets the standard for church government. The church constitution is a set of rules that control the members and activities of our church. It also established the decorum and relationship among the church family.
3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: If we abide by the laws of the land we need not fear those in authority. It is good that we have an opportunity to change the leadership when we find those who are despotic and only seek to gain more power over the people. It is unfortunate that in the last few years we see ministers who are dictators instead of leaders. God forbid we have that happen in our church. 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. All four above verses in our text deal with temporal and ecclesiastical governments. Therefore, it behooves us to be obedient to leadership in the world, as well as, to God. We have freedom of speech and voting rights that are guaranteed by constitutional authority. Never let these be lost because of apathy or indifference. Let us pray for those in leadership and trust God to keep them in line. RJS
Wednesday, September 15
Inspiration from
OT � NT fulfilled concerning the Messiah
Isaiah 42:1-4, quoted in Matthew 12:14-21
In our text today, we see some interesting details that should cause us to evaluate our individual lives to see where we really stand in the spiritual sense. The very first thing that took place was an attitude of defiance from the people who refused to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is exactly who He said He was. They represent people who rebel against the Lordship of Christ, and who rebel against Him having any control over their lives. They had opportunity after opportunity, and they rejected and rejected. They rejected so much in fact, that their hearts were hardened and they forced Christ to withdraw from them. Have you ever been there or are you maybe there now, or do you know someone who is? Think about the implications here; God says in Gen. 6:3, �My spirit will not always strive with man.�
Why did Jesus withdraw from them? Jesus knew His hour had not yet come and He didn�t want to be pushed forward by public acclaim and opinion. He first needed to fulfill the mission of being the �Suffering Servant�. Jesus needed to teach the people what true Messiahship meant, that it was spiritual, rather than physical. He also needed to teach humility as He refused to be made a spectacle to �be seen by men�. He then gave an example of the principle He had taught: �When they persecute you in this city, flee to another� in Matt. 10:23. This whole passage proves that Jesus is God�s Chosen Servant, that He is God�s Beloved Son, and that God�s Spirit was fully upon Him in His physical form.
Finally, we see that Jesus� work was to proclaim justice to all people, to show true humility by not arguing, or reacting, or fussing. We could learn something here! He came to earth as Savior, to love and encourage, to lead justice to victory and ultimately to give hope to all mankind. Do you personally know this God-man, the Suffering Servant, the one and only Savior of the World?!
O gracious and merciful Savior, how we praise You for Your great love for us. How we thank You for being our suffering Servant, showing us how to truly live pleasing to You. Guide us, O great Jehovah as we seek to conform our lives to Your example, in Jesus Name, Amen. DM
Thursday, September 16
The Frogs
Exodus 8:1-7
Because of Pharaoh 's disobedience
to God, He sent ten plagues on the nation
In this instance, Pharaoh's sorcerers also produce frogs, but they are powerless to get rid of the frogs, which is what Pharaoh wants and needs. Pharaoh calls for Moses in order to get relief for himself and the people. We are not told why, but Moses asks Pharaoh when he should pray. He gives Pharaoh the power to choose the time of his relief from this plague. It may be that Pharaoh 's heart hardened somewhat from the time he calls for Moses till the time he sees him, and does not seem as concerned about immediate relief. At any rate, he says tomorrow.
Why does he say tomorrow? It is not because he likes the
frogs. I believe it is likely that he hopes the frogs will go away before the
next day. In that way, he will not be obliged to keep his promise. In
other words, he delays because his heart is still opposed to God
's will. Moses says specifically, that relief will come on the next day
so that he would know the truth. Pharaoh needed to understand that God was in
control, even though he ruled
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The Land That Walked in Darkness Has Seen a Great Light
Isaiah 9:1-2 and Matthew 4:15-16
In this passage, Isaiah is referring to the
Isaiah
9:1-2 Verse one identifies the area: Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such
as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond
Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. Verse 2 the prophecy: The people that
walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the
shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. They practiced
witchcraft, golden calf worship, and every known manner of sexual perversion.
They were walking in total spiritual blindness and every known form of
wickedness. That is why God led them into captivity in 721 B.C.
Jesus
began His ministry in this northern area or what was known as
Saturday, September 18
Inspiration from OT � NT fulfilled concerning the Messiah
Isaiah 53:4-6, quoted in 1 Peter 2:19-25
The one thing that God wants in a Christian is a genuine life. He wants believers to live for Christ and to live exactly what they profess, even to the point of bearing suffering, as we truly follow Christ�s example of suffering. God has given Christians a call, the great call in particular to those who really believe in Christ and that call is to suffer for His names sake. How many physically smart and logically, educated people sadly miss the point of this spiritual teaching of suffering for the cause of Christ! Paul was an eyewitness to Jesus� life and His sufferings. He gives us three things to ponder about the death of Christ on the cross.
First, we see that Christ suffered for us! His death on the cross took the place of sinners, of which we all are. He gave us everything. He suffered for you and me so that we don�t have to. He calls us to be holy and live godly lives, separated from the world and its ungodliness.
Next, we see that Christ �did no sin�. He didn�t deserve suffering. He was sinless. He lived a perfect and righteous life and so the sins He bore on the cross were not His own, but instead they were yours and mine. And so the wonderful truth is that any person who turns from sin and accepts Christ�s payment for him will be saved from eternal damnation.
Lastly, we see that Christ willingly and voluntarily suffered as He bore our sins in His own body. He was reviled but He did not rail back at the attackers. He suffered the abuse and physical death willingly, and He committed Himself to the Father knowing that God would vindicate Him. God judges righteously and fairly and so He committed His life, as our ultimate example, into the hands of the Father. Thus, God gives all believers the call to suffer for Him in our short lives here on this earth and to suffer for Him because He has already suffered the ultimate price for you and me with His own life. We are to die to sin and self and live unto righteousness through the victory that Christ bought and paid for.
Dear Lord God, as we humbly consider the great suffering and sacrifice that Jesus gave freely for all, we pray that You will bring to our hearts a desire to suffer and sacrifice for You because we love You as our Great God and Savior. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. DM
Fiery Serpents
Numbers 21:4-9
It is interesting to note in our text that God sent this plague against the people, because they spoke against Him. Because of the lack of water, the manna and the hardship of the desert, they criticiz