Live in the Word

Scripture Focus: I Peter 1:13-2:5

Listen to Sermon Here 

God has spoken in His Word and communicated the essentials to us.

* The Word of God is the source of eternal life.

You have been born again through the living and enduring Word of God.
  
* The Word of God exposes sin.

As the one who has called you is holy, you are to be holy in all your conduct.

* The Word of God is the means to Christian growth.

You are to conduct yourselves in reverence during this time of temporary residence.

* The Word of God leads to spiritual maturity.

Since you have, in obedience to the truth, purified your souls. 

Read the Word

Meditate on the Word

Memorize the Word

Study the Word

Pray the Word

Ask God to reveals areas of your life that are hindering growth.

Apply the Word

Missions: Down the Street and Around the World

Scripture Focus: Luke 10:25-27; Luke 24:44-49   

(Sermon 2/28/10- Unfortunately we had audio problems today and the recording did not work) 

God is concerned about His kingdom. He is the Creator and Sovereign God of the universe and is worthy of our worship. God's Kingdom eternally will be inclusive of every tribe, language, culture, and nation. He calls us to extend the kingdom through our witness and work for Christ.

Kingdom of God= the rule and reign of God over all things.

The vision that guides us as a church must be a kingdom vision.

"Every gathered people of God, the local church, is to be a world mission strategy center." Henry Blackaby

The World in Gospel Perspective:

10% are Bible believing Christians
23% are cultural Christians
42% have some Gospel access
25% have little to no Gospel access

God has sent us into the world as missionary servants with a missionary strategy that we might fulfill the Great Commission. If we truly believe people are lost without Jesus and on their way to an eternal hell, and that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, we must hear and respond to the calling of God to take the Gospel, down the street and around the world.

God gives us instructions on what He expects and all the tools we need to accomplish the work. In order to be faithful to the calling, we need to:

1) Begin with the right motivation.

The right motivation is a love for God and love for others. It is the only right motivation for missions.

2) Understand the passion of God.

God loves the nations. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.

3) Rely on the power of God.

The foundation of missions is not money or manpower, or even methodology, it is the power of God through the Holy Spirit.

4) Commit to the plan of God.

Jesus Christ is the Person of Missions
The Holy Spirit is the Power of Missions
Witnessing is the Plan of Missions
Christians are the People of Missions

5) Utilize the pattern of God.

Beginning at Jerusalem- Our church reaching our community.

Judea- Our church reaching our state or region.

Samaria- Our church reaching North America.

To the ends of the earth- Our church reaching our world. 

As a church we have committed to four keys in our mission strategy:

Praying

Giving

Going

Educating

Will we be faithful to the challenge given to us by God?

Matthew 24:14 This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations. And then the end will come.

90 Day Challenge- Day 50, March 1st

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love, break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

Today's Reading: Isaiah 14- Isaiah 28

14   The Downfall of the King of Babylon, Assyria to Be Destroyed, An Oracle Against Philistia

15-16    An Oracle Against Moab

17    An Oracle Against Damascus, Judgment Against Israel, Judgment Against the Nations

18    The Lord's Message to Cush

19     An Oracle Against Egypt

20     No Help From Cush or Egypt

21    A Judgment on Babylon, An Oracle Against Dumah, An Oracle Against Arabia

22    An Oracle Against Jerusalem, An Oracle Against Shebna

23    An Oracle Against Tyre

24    The Earth Judged

25    Salvation and Judgment on That Day

26    The Song of Judah

27    The Lord's Vineyard

28    Woe to Samaria

Prayer Focus: The Son of Judah (Ch 26)

Father, you will keep in perfect peace, the mind that is dependent on You, for it is trusting in You. Lord, I trust in You forever, You are the everlasting rock. You humble those who live in lofty places. The path of the righteous is level and You clear a straight path for the righteous. Lord, we wait for You in the path of your judgments. Our desire is for Your name and renown. I long for You in the night, yes, my spirit within me diligently seeks You. When Your judgments are in the land, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. Lord, Your hand is lifted up but they do not see it. They will see Your zeal for Your people, and they will be put to shame. Lord, You establish peace for us, for You have also done all our work for us. Lord, You have ruled over us and we remember Your name alone.

90 Day Challenge- Day 49, Feb 28th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love, break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

Today's Reading:  Isaiah 1- Isaiah 13

The prophet Isaiah wrote approximately 700 years before Jesus was born. Isaiah is the first book in the section called the Major Prophets, called that because of the volume of what they wrote, not because of the importance of what they wrote.

Isaiah contains some of the most incredible prophecies of any book. There is foreknowledge about the Messiah and also the future reign of Jesus Christ. There is a call to the nation to return to faithfulness. In it is a message of judgment, but also of hope.

Chapters 1-39 point out the sins of both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms.

Chapters 40-55 speak of the return and restoration after exile in Babylon.

Chapters 56-66 tell of the New Heaven and the New Earth.

1  An indictment against Judah and Israel. The first chapter is an introduction to the entire book containing the basic themes of Isaiah's ministry, mainly the sinfulness of Judah and Jerusalem, the appeals of the Lord, and the coming judgment, tempered by the hope of salvation to come.

2   Early prophecies of Isaiah begin. There is a section referencing the Day of the Lord, or the Last Days which would begin with the advent of Messiah, who would bring salvation and deliverance eternally.

3-4   Judah's punishment and glory are outlined. The leaders are judged, the women are judged, and future glory will come.

5   The Lord planted a vineyard, His people, but they disobeyed and sinned against the Vineyard Keeper. Their sins are denounced.

6    The vision of Isaiah's calling as a prophet

7    The Immanuel Prophecy

8   The Assyrian invasion prophesied

9   The Birth of the Prince of Peace prophesied

10   Assyria prophesied as the instrument of wrath, and the return of the remnant, God's judgment on Assyria

11   Reign of the Davidic King

12  A Song of Praise

13  An Oracle Against Babylon

A Prayer of Repentance and then Praise from Isaiah 6, 12

Lord, You are holy, holy, holy. Your glory fills the whole earth. Woe is me, for I am ruined, and I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips. Lord, use me, send me for Your glory. I will praise You. Your anger has been turned away and You have shown compassion on me. God, You are my salvation. I will trust You and not be afraid. You are my strength and my song. You are my salvation. I give thanks to You and proclaim Your name! I celebrate Your deeds and declare that Your name is exalted. Lord, You have done glorious things and this is to be known throughout the earth. I cry out to You and sing about Your greatness.

90 Day Challenge- Day 48, Feb 27th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love, break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

Today's Reading: Ecclesiastes 3- Song of Solomon 8 

Ecclesiastes

3  The Mystery of Time, The Mystery of Injustice and Death

4  The Loneliness of Wealth

5-6  Caution in God's Presence, The Realities of Wealth

7   Wise Sayings, Avoiding Extremes, What the Teacher Found

8   Wisdom and Authorities

9    Enjoy Life in View of Death, the Limitations of Wisdom

10  The Burden of Folly

11  Invest in Life

12  The Conclusion of it All

Song of Songs- Was written by Solomon probably during the early part of his reign. It is lyric poetry written to extol the virtues of love between a husband and his wife. It presents marriage as God's design. A man and a woman are to live together within the context of marriage, loving each other. It is a model of commitment, care and joy. The couple is secure in their love. Song of Songs is also symbolic of Christ and His Church.

There are 3 Sections that reflect dialogue between the husband king and the Shulamite wife.

Courtship  1:1-3:5
Wedding  3:6-5:1
Maturing Marriage  5:2-8:14 

Let us return to Ecclesiastes for our Prayer Focus:

Lord, there is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven. There is a time to give birth and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones, a time to embrace and a time to count as lost, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to sew, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. God, you have given us wisdom and the conclusion of the matter according to the wise king is this: fear You and keep Your commands. This is for all humanity. God, you will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil. Guide us and keep us Lord. In Jesus' name.

90 Day Challenge- Day 47, Feb 26th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love, break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

Today's Reading: Proverbs 21- Ecclesiastes 2

Proverbs

21  v21 The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor.

22  v17 Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge.

23  vv15-16 My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will indeed rejoice. My innermost being will cheer when your lips say what is right.

24  vv3-4 A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.

25  Hezekiah's Collection- v25 Good news from a distant land is like cold water to a parched throat.

26  v12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than him.

27  v12 The sensible see danger and take cover; the foolish keep going and are punished.

28  v6 Better a poor man who lives with integrity than a rich man who distorts right and wrong.

29  v7 The righteous person knows the rights of the poor, but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.

30  The Words of Agur- v5 Every word of God is pure, He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

31  The Words of Lemuel- v10 Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels.

Ecclesiastes- This book contains proverbs, and sayings, that are largely autobiographical in nature. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, wrote it late in life, around 935 BC. He became aware of the life mistakes he had made and began to document them. The purpose is to spare those who follow the misery of seeking after foolish, meaningless, materialistic emptiness and to offer wisdom by discovering truth in seeking after God.

Ch 1-2  Deal with Solomon's personal experiences throughout his life. He describes everything he sought as selfish pleasure and meant nothing eternally. He sought after and researched everything to have happiness, made some conclusions. Apart from God, pleasure is empty. Possessions are empty. Work is empty.

1:10-14 Can one say about anything, "Look, this is new"? It has already existed in the ages before us. There is no memory of those who came before; and of those who will come after there will also be no memory among those who follow them. I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. I applied my mind to seek and explore through wisdom all that is done under heaven. God has given people this miserable task to keep them occupied. I have seen all the things that are done under the sun and found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.

Prayer Focus:

Lord, help me to live with wisdom. I do not want to spend my life chasing after the things of this world that are fleeting. You alone are my Satisfaction and You alone are eternal. God deliver me from idolatry of the temporal. I am tempted by the pleasures of this life and if I am not careful I am prone to chasing after them, even under the cloak of outward righteousness. Lord, you are not pleased with hypocrites. Help me in the motivation of my heart to hold loosely to the things of this life and to cling to You. In Jesus' name.

90 Day Challenge- Day 46, Feb 25th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love, break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

Today's Reading:  Proverbs 7- Proverbs 20

  
Proverbs is a collection of wisdom. 

Wisdom is the ability to see with discernment, to view life as God perceives it. Understanding is the skill to respond with insight. Knowledge is the rare trait of learning with perception- discovering and growing.  Charles Swindoll

7    A Warning About The Adulteress Woman- v21-23 She seduces him with her persistent pleading; she lures with her flattering talk. He follows her impulsively like an ox going to the slaughter, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding toward a trap until the arrow pierces its liver, like a bird darting into a snare- he doesn't know it will cost him his life.

8    The Appeal of Wisdom- v8 All the words of my mouth are righteous; none of them are deceptive or perverse.

9    Wisdom vs. Foolishness- v12 If you are wise, you are wise for your own benefit; if you mock, you alone will bear the consequences.

10   A Collection of Proverbs- v8 A wise heart accepts commands, but foolish lips will be destroyed.

11   v23 The desire of the righteous turns out well, but the hope of the wicked leads to wrath.

12   v15 A fool's way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise.

13   v16 Every sensible person acts knowledgeably, but a fool displays his stupidity.

14   v2 Whoever lives with integrity fears the Lord, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.

15   v14 A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

16    v3  Commit your activities to the Lord and your plans will be achieved.

17    v24 Wisdom is the focus of the perceptive, but a fool's eyes roam to the ends of the earth.

18    v4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.

19    v16 The one who keeps commands preserves himself; one who disregards his ways will die.

20    v5 Counsel in a man's heart is deep water; but a man of understanding draws it up.

When I have ceased to break my wings against the faultiness of things;
And learned that compromises wait behind each hardly opened gate;
When I can look life in the eyes, grown calm and very coldly wise;
Life will have given me truth and taken in exchange my youth. 
Sara Teasdale 

A Prayer for Wisdom:

Lord, you are the source of all truth and righteousness. You have promised wisdom to those who seek it and ask for it. Thank you for wisdom that comes from above that leads us on the right paths. Lord, protect me from foolishness. Open my eyes that I might see temptations and be warned away from them as I cling to righteousness. Lord, rescue me from foolishness and from destruction. Empower me by Your Spirit to glorify You in all things. In Jesus' name.

A Lesson in Ministry

Scripture Focus- Exodus 18

Listen to Sermon Here

The Exodus was behind them and the Promised Land was in front of them. But between Egypt and Canaan were many trials, and many demands that would test the leadership capability of Moses. As his responsibilities increased and the load became heavier, Moses was swamped with the varied needs and details of organizing such a large group of people. Without realizing it, he had taken on more than he could bear in administrative functions, judicial functions, and an endless list of problems and daily issues. From morning until evening Moses labored.

He quickly came face to face with his own limitations. Thankfully, Moses' father in law Jethro came to diagnose the situation and offer some practical counsel. Jethro came to reunite the family but also because he had heard all that God had done for Moses and for Israel. He rightly observed that what Moses was doing was not good.

Jethro posed two questions: What is this thing you are doing for the people? This was a question of priorities. The second question was related to personnel. Why not utilize others to accomplish the task?  Jethro offered some powerful wisdom and clear insight.

1) Pray for the people. v19

2) Minister the Word to people. v20

3) Lead others to lead. v21

4) Organize the people into manageable groups. v21

5) Retain the difficult cases. v22

6) Leaders will endure, and the people will be satisfied.

Principles for Application to Multiply the Ministry:
 
-Determine what your essential responsibilities are, and delegate the others.

- Recognize that increased workload is an opportunity to live this out in real time.

- Realize that if you violate God's principles you will suffer the consequences.

-Understand that efficiency and excellence is actually sacrificed when we exhaust ourselves.

- You will recognize the giftings and abilities of others.

- You will release the organization to be all that God wants it to be.

90 Day Challenge- Day 45, Feb 24th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love, break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain. 

Today's Reading: Psalm 135- Proverbs 6

Psalm 

135  The Lord is Great-  For I know that the Lord is great; our Lord is greater than all gods.

136   The Love of God is Eternal- Give thanks to the God of heaven! His love is eternal.

137   The Lament of the Exiles

138   A Heart of Thanksgiving-  I will give You thanks with all my heart.

139  God is All Knowing and Ever Present-  Search me, God, and know my heart.

140   A Prayer for Rescue-  Listen, Lord, to my cry for help.

141   Protection from Sin and Sinners-  But my eyes look to You, Lord God. I seek refuge in You, do not let me die.

142   A Cry of Distress-  I cry to You, Lord, I say You are my shelter, my portion in the land of the living.

143   Help Me Lord-  In Your righteousness, answer me.

144   The Prayer of a King-  Happy are the people with such blessings. Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.

145   Praise God for His Greatness-  His greatness is unsearchable.

146   The God of Compassion-  The Lord opens the eyes of the blind, the Lord raises up those who are oppressed.

147   God Restores Jerusalem

148   All of Creation Praises the Lord- Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted.

149   Praise for God's Triumph- Let the godly celebrate in triumphal glory, let them shout for joy on their beds.

150   Praise the Lord-  Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Proverbs

The Book of Proverbs is a wonderful collection of wise sayings and instructions for living a faithful life.

Proverb= parallel or description by comparison.

The proverbs were written mainly by Solomon (reigned from 970-930 BC), the wisest king to ever rule. He asked God for wisdom to rule and God granted it. Some of the later sections were written by Agur and Lemuel. They are short explanations that are easy to remember dealing with life, and good judgment. There is a clear contrast between the wise man and the foolish man. They are intended to teach and to proclaim thought. Many people include a chapter of Proverbs each day in their ongoing devotional reading, as there are 31, or one for each day of the month and they easily lend themselves to this.

1  Wisdom's Plea- v20 Wisdom calls out in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares.

2  Wisdom's Worth-  v6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

3  Trust in the Lord- vv5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.

4   A Godly Father-  v10 Listen, my son. Accept my words, and you will live many years.

5   Avoid Wicked Seduction-  v3 Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her words are smoother than oil, in the end she's as bitter as wormwood and as sharp as a double-edged sword.

6   Financial Matters, Laziness, A Malicious Man, What the Lord Hates, Warning Against Adultery

A Prayer From Psalm 147-

Hallelujah! I sing to you God, for praise is pleasant and lovely. You gather the exiles, You heal the brokenhearted, You bind up the wounded. You count the stars and name all of them. You help the afflicted and bring the wicked down. I sing to You Lord with thanksgiving. You are not impressed by the strength or power of man. You value those who fear You Lord. I fear You. I put my hope in Your faithful love. You bless our children and endow us with prosperity in the things that matter. You satisfy with the finest provision. You send Your command throughout the earth and Your Word runs swiftly. You spread out the snow like wool and scatter the frost like ashes on the earth. You throw hailstones as though they were crumbs. No man can withstand Your cold. You send Your Word and it melts. You have declared Your Word and statutes, and judgments. Hallelujah! I praise You Lord.

Scripture By Heart (Book Review)

 

Scripture By Heart: Devotional Practices for Memorizing God's Word by Joshua Choonmin Kang (Intervarsity Press, 2010)

A new book by Pastor Kang is being released on the subject of Scripture memory.

The main message of the book is: To memorize the Bible, we have to pray the Bible first.

Pastor Kang encourages reading and praying the Scripture specifically for the purpose of memorization.

This book is . . .

Convicting: Honestly, I know very few people who take Scripture memory seriously. Yet, God tells us to hide His Word in our hearts that we might not sin against him. You will not be able to read of Pastor Kang's dedication to serious Scripture memory without being convicted by the Holy Spirit of the importance of consuming the Word of God.

Practical: There are seventeen practices to implement in memorizing the Word of God. Pastor Kang communicates the impact that the Navigators' Topical Memory System has had on his life and the practices reflect this. 

  

Reasonable: Some Scripture memory systems are overwhelming, and are really a barrier to Scripture memory. Pastor Kang suggests focusing on the Scripture for the purpose of memorization, 15-30 minutes per day, and one chapter per week.

Encouraging: The point in memorizing the Word of God is not knowledge, but relationship with God. To know God better so we can be changed and serve God more faithfully. Pastor Kang makes the point that Scripture memory is a heart issue, a matter of our affections and what is really important to us.

Several practical results of Scripture memory are identified- peace in our Christian walk, victory over sin, a stronger heart, maturity as a teacher, competency as a counselor, power in evangelism, and guidance in trials. 

If you have a desire to know the Word of God so that you can rightly apply it, I would highly recommend this new book. Pastor Kang's style is very readable, and he writes from a pastor's perspective, guiding the sheep to green pastures. 

90 Day Challenge- Day 44, Feb 23rd

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love, break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

Today's Reading: Psalm 109- Psalm 134

Psalm 

109  Prayer Against the Enemy- God my Lord, deal kindly with me because of Your name; deliver me because of the goodness of Your faithful love.

110   The Priestly King- The Lord declared to my Lord: Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool.

111  Praise the Lord for His Works- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His instructions have good insight.

112  The Character of the Righteous-  Light shines in the darkness for the upright. He is gracious, compassionate and righteous.

113  Praise To God Who is Merciful-  From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of the Lord be praised.

114  God's Deliverance of Israel-  Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.

115  Glory to God Alone- Our God is in Heaven and does whatever He pleases.

116  Thanks to God for His Deliverance- The Lord guards the inexperienced; I was helpless, and He saved me.

117  A Call to Praise-  Hallelujah!

118  Thanksgiving for Victory-  The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.

119  Delight in the Word of God-  I will praise You with a sincere heart when I learn Your righteous judgments.

120  A Cry to God for Truth and Peace-  In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me.

121  The Lord is My Protector-  The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side.

122  Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem-  May those who love you prosper; may there be peace within your walls.

123  Look to God for Favor-  Show us favor, Lord, show us favor.

124  The Lord is On Our Side- Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

125  Israel's Stability- The Lord surrounds His people, both now and forever.

126  The Restoration of Zion-   Restore our fortunes, Lord, like watercourses in the Negev.

127  The Blessing of the Lord- Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, children, a reward.

128  Blessings for Those Who Fear God- How happy is everyone who fears the Lord who walks in His ways.

129  Protection of the Oppressed-  The Lord is righteous; He has cut the ropes of the wicked.

130  Awaiting Redemption-  For there is faithful love with the Lord, and with Him is redemption in abundance.

131  A Childlike Spirit- I have calmed and quieted myself like a little weaned child with its mother; I am like a little child.

132  David and Zion are Chosen-  Let us go to His dwelling place, let us worship at His footstool.

133  Living in Harmony-  How good and pleasant it is when brothers can live together.

134  A Call to Worship- Lift up your hands in the holy place and praise the Lord.

Devotional Focus: Psalm 119

The longest psalm in the Psalter is Psalm 119. It is well known for its teaching on God's law. The beauty of the Psalm lies not only in its focus on the law, but in the psalmist's devotion to God. It was most likely written during the postexilic era so the psalmist knows well oppression from evil. His refuge is in God. He cries out to God and finds solace in God's strength. It is a psalm of law and of love.

Psalm 119 is an alphabetic acrostic consisting of twenty-two stanzas of eight verses each. The psalmist uses eight words for God's law:

Law is used twenty-five times. It refers to instruction flowing from the revelation of God as the basis for all of life. It also refers to the Law of Moses in its totality.

Word is used twenty-four times. Any word that proceeds from the mouth of God is divine.

Laws is used twenty-three times. This denotes particular cases or legal decisions. God is the Great Judge.

Statutes is used twenty-three times. This reflects the covenant made between God and Israel.

Commands is used twenty-two times. It is a designation for anything God has ordered.

Decrees occurs twenty-one times. God has, by His sovereignty, established His will and made it known.

Precepts occurs twenty-one times. God who delivers His decrees, expects loyal submission to Him. The precepts are to be lived.

Promise is used nineteen times. This is anything God has said will come to pass.

A Prayer from Psalm 119:33-48

Lord, teach me, the meaning of Your statutes so that I can keep them. Help me understand Your instruction and I will follow You with all my heart. Help me stay on the path of Your commands for I take pleasure in them. Turn my heart to You, and not for material gain. Turn my eyes away from things that are worthless and give me life in Your ways. Confirm what You have said, and produce reverence in my heart. Turn away from the disgrace I dread, for Your judgments are good. Give me life through Your righteousness. Lord, let your faithful love come to me, salvation, as You promised. I trust in Your word. I hope in Your judgments. I will keep Your law. I will speak of Your decrees and not be ashamed. I will delight in Your commands. I will lift up my hands. I will meditate on Your statutes. Be glorified Lord through me.

90 Day Challenge- Day 43, Feb 22nd

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love, break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

Today's Reading: Psalm 90- Psalm 108

Book IV

Psalm 90  Eternal God and Mortal Man- Our lives last seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years. Even the best of them are struggle and sorrow, indeed, they pass quickly and we fly away.

91 The Protection of the Most High-  God is my refuge and fortress, in whom I trust.

92  God's Love and Faithfulness- How magnificent are Your works, Lord, how profound Your throughts.

93  God Reigns Eternally- Your throne has been established from the beginning; You are from eternity.

94  The Just Judge- The Lord will not forsake His people or abandon His heritage, for justice will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

95  Worship and Warning-  Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

96  King of the Earth- Ascribe to the Lord the glory of His name.

97  The Majestic King- For You, Lord are the Most High over all the earth.

98  Praise the King-  Shout to the Lord, all the earth; be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing.

99   The King is Holy-  Exalt the Lord our God; bow in worship at His footstool. He is holy.

100   Give Thanks to the Lord- Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

101   A Vow of Integrity- I will live with integrity of heart in my house. I will not set anything godless before my eyes.

102   Affliction in Light of Eternity- You are the same Lord and Your years will never end. Your servants' children will dwell securely and their offspring will be established before You.

103   The Forgiving God- He forgives all your sin, He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit.

104   God the Creator- He waters the mountains from His palace.

105   God's Faithfulness to His People- He is the Lord our God; His judgments govern the whole earth.

106    Israel's Unfaithfulness to God-  He saved them because of His name, to make His power known.

Book V

Psalm 107    Thanksgiving for God's Deliverance-  They cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He rescued them from their distress.

Psalm 108    A Cry for Victory-  With God we will perform valiantly; He will trample our foes.

A Prayer from Psalm 92:

Lord it is good to sing praise to You, to sing praise to Your name. You are the Most High God. I declare Your faithful love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night. You have made me rejoice Lord by what You have done. I will shout for joy because of the works of Your hands. Your works are magnificent and Your thoughts are profound. Lord, a fool does not understand this. The wicked may prosper for a time, but they will be eternally destroyed. You, Lord, are exalted forever. The righteous prosper, they thrive and will still bear fruit in their old age. Lord, you are just in all your ways! You are my rock and there is no unrighteousness in You.

A Loving People

 Scripture Focus: John 13:31-35

Listen to Sermon Here

What does it mean to be a loving people?

The word love brings to mind different images and definitions to people. To understand love as with anything righteous and good and true, we must begin with God.

God is love. I John 4:8

God's love is the expression of His person. Divine love works consistently with His other attributes- immutability, lordship, righteousness, holiness, glory, justice, truth and light.

God's love is expressed to us most supremely through His Son Jesus, who gave Himself for us, so that sinners would be reconciled to God.

v34 I give you a new commandment: love one another.

New commandment- new is the sense that it presented a higher standard of love based on the finished work of the Son of God. A selfless, sacrificial love that is the supreme example of what love is all about.

Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.

6 expressions of love in the Body of Christ:

1) Love is expressed in obedience.  

John 14:15, John 15:9-10

2) Love is expressed in service to others.

Galatians 5:13

3) Love is expressed by bearing with others. 

Ephesians 4:1-3

4) Love is expressed by carrying the burdens of others.

Galatians 6:2,5

5) Love is expressed by encouraging others.

I Thessalonians 5:11

6) Love is expressed by forgiving others.

Colossians 3:13-14 

The effect of love in the Body of Christ is clear.

John 13:35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

The love of God's people for each other is a powerful apologetic, a powerful witness for the Gospel. Cultivate your relationship with God and with others. It is the plan of God that we would get involved in the lives of others, that we would connect in Christian fellowship beyond a superficial level to share life together for the glory of God!

90 Day Challenge- Day 42, Feb 21st

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love, break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain. 

Today's Reading: Psalm 70- Psalm 89 

Psalm 70   A Cry for Deliverance- God, deliver me.

71 God is Our Help- Don't discard me in my old age, as my strength fails, do not abandon me.

72  A Prayer for the King- May the Lord God, the God of Israel, be praised, who alone does wonders.

Book III

73  God's Ways Vindicated- My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.

74   Prayer for Israel- Arise, God, defend Your cause!

75   God Judges the Wicked- God is the judge: He brings down one and exalts another.

76   God, the Powerful Judge- You are to be feared. When You are angry, who can stand before You?

77  Confidence in Crisis- God, Your way is holy. What god is great like God? You are the God who works wonders; You revealed Your strength among the peoples.

78  Direction from Israel's History- I will declare wise sayings; I will speak mysteries from the past.

79  Confidence in the Midst of Confusion- God of our salvation, help us- for the glory of Your name. Deliver us and atone for our sins, because of Your name.

80  A Prayer for Restoration- Restore us, Lord God of hosts; look on us with favor, and we will be saved.

81  A Call to Obedience- Sing for joy to God our strength; shout in triumph to the God of Jacob.

82  A Cry for Righteous Judgment- Rise up, God, judge the earth, for all the nations belong to You.

83  Prayer Against Enemies-May they know that You alone- whose name is Yahweh- are the Most High over all the earth.

84  A Desire for the House of God- Better a day in Your courts than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather be at the door of the house of my God than to live in the tents of the wicked.

85  Restoration of Favor- Show us Your faithful love, Lord, and give us Your salvation.

86  A Prayer of Petition- Protect my life, for I am faithful. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.

87  The City of God-The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

88  A Desperate Cry- I call to You for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer meets You.

89  God's Faithful Promises- May the Lord be praised forever!

A Prayer from Psalm 86:

Listen to me, Lord, and answer me. I am poor and needy and I depend on You. Protect my life, for I am faithful. You are my God, there is no other. Save your servant who trusts in You. Be gracious to me, Lord. I call on You all day long. Bring joy to my life. I have set all of my hope on You Lord. You are kind and merciful and ready to forgive. Your faithful love is abundant to all who call on Your name. Lord, hear my prayer and listen to my petition for mercy. I call on You when I am in distress and You answer me. Lord, there is no one like You. There are no works like Your works. You have made all the nations and they will come and bow down before You, Lord and will honor Your name. You are great and perform many wonders. Teach me Your way, Lord and I will live by Your truth. Lord, help me to have an undivided mind and to fear Your name. I will praise You with all my heart, Lord and will honor Your name forever. Your faithful love for me is great and you deliver me. The arrogant have no regard for You. But You, Lord, are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in love and truth. Turn to me and be gracious. Grant me Your strength and show me Your goodness. Lord, You help me and comfort me.

90 Day Challenge- Day 41, Feb 20th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love, break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain. 

Today's Reading: Psalm 46-Psalm 69 

 
Psalm 46  God is Our Refuge

47  God is Our King

48   The Exaltation of Zion
 
49    Wealth is Fleeting 

50    God as Judge

51    A Prayer of Repentance for Restoration

52    God Judges the Proud

53    The Foolishness of Sinners

54    A Prayer for Deliverance

55    Betrayal by a Friend 

56    A Cry for God's Protection

57    Praise for God's Protection

58   A Cry Against Injustice 

59   God is Our Stronghold

60   A Prayer in Difficult Times

61   A Prayer for Security in God

62   Trust in God Alone

63   Praise God Who Satisfies

64   Protection from Evildovers

65   God Cares for the Earth

66   Praise God for His Mighty Acts

67   All Will Praise God
 
68   God is Majestic in Power

69   A Plea for Rescue

Prayer Focus (A paraphrase of Psalm 63)

God, You are my God. I eagerly seek You with all my heart. I thirst for You, my body faints for You in a land that is dry and desolate and without water. I gaze on You Lord in the sanctuary to see Your strength and Your glory. No one is like You Lord. I will glorify You with my words. Your faithful love is better than life and I do not deserve it.  I will praise You with all that I have for as long as I live. At Your name, I will lift up my hands in praise. You satisfy me with rich food, and my mouth will praise You with joyful lips. When I lie down, I think of You, I meditate on You during the night watches because You are my help. I will rejoice in the shadow of Your wings. I follow close to You and I thank You for your presence. Your right hand holds on to me. Those who are my enemies, who seek to destroy my life, will go into the depths of the earth. Even the king will rejoice in You. All who swear by You will boast and the mouths of liars will be shut for You are truth.

90 Day Challenge- Day 40, Feb 19th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love, break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

Today's Reading: Psalm 25- Psalm 45

Psalm 25  Depend on the Lord- Who is the person who fears the Lord? He will show him the way he should choose.

26   Prayer for Vindication- Vindicate me, Lord, because I have lived with integrity and have trusted in the Lord without wavering.

27   The Lord is My Stronghold- I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire; to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking Him in His temple.

28   The Lord is My Strength- The Lord is my strength and my shield.

29   The Voice of the Lord- The voice of the Lord is above the waters. The God of glory thunders- the Lord, above vast waters.

30   Joy in the Morning- Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning.

31   A Cry for Protection- Into Your hand I entrust my spirit.

32   Forgiveness Brings Joy- Happy is the one whose transgression is forgiven.

33  Praise to the Creator- We wait for the Lord; He is our help and shield.

34  God Delivers the Righteous- Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him.

35   A Prayer for Victory- Lord, who is like You, rescuing the poor from one too strong for him, the poor or the needy from one who robs him?

36    The Faithful Love of God-  Lord, Your faithful love reaches to heaven, Your faithfulness to the sky.

37    Wisdom Brings Instruction- Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will act.

38    The Prayer of a Suffering Sinner- Lord, do not abandon me, my God, do not be far from me.

39    Life is Fleeting- Lord, reveal to me the end of my life and the number of my days.

40    Thanksgiving to God and a Cry for Help- How happy is the man who has put his trust in the Lord and has not turned to the proud.

41    Victory in Spite of Difficulty- Lord, be gracious to me and raise me up; then I will repay them.

BOOK II  (42-72)

42    Longing for God- As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God.

43   The Light and Truth of God- For You are the God of my refuge.

44    Israel's Complaint- Rise up! Help us! Redeem us because of Your faithful love.

45   A Royal Wedding Song- I will cause your name to be remembered for all generations; therefore the peoples will praise you forever and ever.

A Prayer of Praise from Psalm 33:

Lord, I rejoice in you, and I praise you. I will sing a new song to you, and I will shout joyfully. Lord your word is right and all of your work is trustworthy. Righteousness and justice are yours, the earth is full of your unfailing love. You made the heavens by your word and all the stars by the breath of your mouth. You gather the waters of the sea. May the whole earth tremble before you Lord and all the inhabitants of the earth stand in awe of you. You spoke and everything came into being. You commanded and it all came into existence. Lord, you frustrate the counsel of the nations. Your counsel stands forever and the plans of your heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the nation whose God is you! You look down from heaven and observe everyone. You gaze on the inhabitants of the earth and consider all our works. Your eye is on those who fear you and depend on your faithful love. We wait for you Lord for you are our help and our shield. Our hearts rejoice in you because we trust in your holy name. We put our hope in you.

A Journey in the Wilderness

 

Scripture Focus: Exodus 16-17

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The Lord had just delivered His children at the Red Sea. It was a time of rejoicing for God's people. For the first time in over 400 years the Israelites could call themselves free. With freedom came responsibility to honor and obey God. 

Between the Red Sea and the Promised Land was the wilderness. This is symbolic of the Christian life - from Salvation to Glorification is the wilderness.

1) The wilderness reveals who we are. 

2) The wilderness reveals who God is.

3) The wilderness reveals God's power.

Do you really know who you are?

Thankful or ungrateful

Patient or impatient

Trusting or fretting

  

Do you really know who God is?

Gracious

Patient

Sufficient Provider

Purposeful

All Powerful

90 Day Challenge- Day 39, Feb 18th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love, break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

Today's Reading: Psalm 1- Psalm 24

The Psalms are a wonderful section of Scripture. It is poetry and praise written to, and about God. People meet intimately with God in the Psalms and it expresses the heart of worship. The Psalms were written by several authors from approximately 1400 B.C. to 450 B.C.

At least seven contributors/writers to Psalms can be identified:

King David wrote at least 75 of the 150 psalms.

The sons of Korah wrote 10.

Asaph wrote 12.

Solomon, Moses, Heman, and Ethan all wrote one psalm.

The writers of 48 psalms are anonymous.

The Psalms were first written during the early days of Israel's extended worship in the wilderness. They are a record of the acts of God in creation and history, particularly in the history of His people Israel. They teach about a proper relationship with God and worship of Him.

The ancient way of organizing the Psalms is as follows:

Book 1 (1-41)

Book 2  (42-72)

Book 3  (73-89)

Book 4  (90-106)

Book 5  (107-150)

When making reference to the Psalms, they are properly referred to as "Psalm 1," "Psalm 2," etc. Not "Psalm Chapter 2." To use chapter in reference to the Psalms is incorrect.

There are different types of psalms including Wisdom, Lamentation, Penitential, Kingship, and Thanksgiving.

Psalm

1    The Two Ways- The blessed man walks in the path of the Lord and meditates on His Word day and night and God prospers Him. The wicked man walks a path that leads to ruin and judgment.

2     The Crowning of the Son- Kings and rulers plot against the Lord and His Anointed One and He laughs. His decree is certain and He judges the earth. All who take refuge in Him will be blessed.

3      Hope in Troubled Times- Our foes may increase but God is our shield. Salvation belongs to Him and He blesses His people.

4      A Prayer at Night 

5      A Prayer for Refuge

6      A Prayer for Mercy

7      A Prayer for Justice 

8      The Glory of God and the Dignity of Man- The Lord is magnificent in all the earth. His name is majestic.

9       God is Just- God is seated on the the throne as the Righteous Judge.

10     The Lord is King Forever

11     The Lord is our Refuge-  The Lord is righteous and loves righteousness. Those who are righteous will see Him.
  
12     Oppression from the Wicked- The Lord guards His people and protects us.

13     A Cry for Deliverance- The Lord is to be trusted. We are to sing to the Lord.

14     The Heart of Sinners-   The fool says in his heart there is no God. All have turned away and do not call on the Lord.

15     The Heart of the Godly-  Who can dwell with the Lord? Those who are righteous.

16     Hope in the Lord- The Lord is our portion and cup of blessing. Therefore our heart is glad.

17     A Prayer for Protection- Call on God, for He will answer in a time of trouble.
  
18     Praise for Deliverance- The Lord is our strength and rock. 

19     The Heavens Declare the Glory of God- General revelation of God in creation
  
20     Deliverance in Battle-  The Lord gives victory to His anointed.

21     The Victory of the King- Be exalted Lord in Your strength.

22     From Suffering to Praise-  A Messianic Psalm

23     The Psalm of the Shepherd- The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

24     The King of Glory- He is the Lord, strong and mighty.

Let's look at excerpts from Psalm 6-7 as a prayer to God:

Lord show mercy on me. Be gracious for I am weak, heal me for I am sick. Rescue me and save me because of Your faithful love. Lord you hear my plea for help and accept my prayer. Lord, I seek my refuge in You and you save me from trouble. Rise up Lord against my adversaries. Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness and integrity. Examine my thoughts and emotions. My shield is with You and You save the upright in heart. God, You are righteous and You execute justice every day. I will thank You Lord for Your righteousness, and I will sing about Your name Lord, the Most High.

90 Day Challenge- Day 38, Feb 17th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love, break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

Today's Reading:  Job 25- Job 41

Ch 25   Bildad Speaks

26-28   Job's Response

29-31   Job's Claim of Innocence

32    Elihu's Angry Response

33-37    Elihu Confronted Job

38-41    The Lord Spoke

42    Job's Reply to the Lord & Restoration by the Lord

There is great wisdom in Job's words in Chapter 28:12 But where can wisdom be found, and where is understanding located? No man can know its value, since it cannot be found in the land of the living. . . v28 Look! The fear of the Lord- that is wisdom, and to turn from evil is understanding.

All of Job's friends had opinions. Job had comments to make. Then the entire matter was settled when God spoke and schooled Job.

38:3-4 Get ready to answer Me like a man; when I question you, you will inform Me. Where were you when I established the earth? Tell me if you have understanding.

v36 Who put wisdom in the heart or gave the mind understanding? Who has the wisdom to number the clouds? Or who can tilt the water jars of heaven when the dust hardens like cast metal and the clods of dirt stick together?

40:2 Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? Let him who argues with God give an answer. 

How did Job respond to being taken to task by the Lord? The only way a man could respond to God.

42:6 Therefore I take back my words and repent in dust and ashes.

God restored Job and blessed him tremendously. 42:12-13 So the Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the earlier. He owned 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters.  v17 Then Job died, old and full of days. 

Prayer Focus:

Almighty God, the one who set the boundaries of the earth, who are we to question you? Forgive us for being prideful and irreverent in our approach to you, and for not honoring you as we should. We are reminded of what you have done and you are in control of all things. We are at your mercy. Thank you for dealing with us patiently and graciously in all your ways. Everything we have has come from your hand and we are to take nothing for granted. We praise you in the good times and in the trials. Your hand is at work in both. Thank you for your daily blessings. We praise you in Jesus' name.

90 Day Challenge- Day 37, Feb 16th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love; break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

Today's Reading:  Job 8- Job 24

We continue today reading in Job. Job's "friends" continued their speeches blaming him and coming up with various reasons why Job was experiencing the trials in his life.

Ch 8-10    Bildad spoke, Job replied

11-14    Zophar spoke, Job replied

15-17    Eliphaz spoke, Job replied

18-19    Bildad spoke, Job replied

20-21    Zophar spoke, Job replied

22-24    Eliphaz spoke, Job replied

In Job's replies, we learn about life and we learn about the character of God from a faith perspective:

9:4 God is wise and all powerful. Who has opposed Him and come out unharmed?

12:13 Wisdom and strength belong to God, counsel and understanding are His.

12:16 True wisdom and power belong to Him.

12:23 He makes nations great, then destroys them. He enlarges nations, then leads them away.

14:1 Man born of woman is short of days and full of trouble. He blossoms like a flower, then withers. He flees like a shadow and does not last.

14:5 Since man's days are determined and the number of his months depends on You, and since You have set limits he cannot pass.

21:22 Can anyone teach God knowledge, since He judges the exalted ones?

23:13 He is unchangeable, who can oppose Him? He does what He desires.

Father God, you are wise, powerful, and strong. You have all knowledge. You raise up nations and you bring them down. You are unchangeable in all your ways. Our days are limited, marked out by boundaries that we cannot pass. Teach us to number our days and grow in our faith each day. Thank you for your sufficient grace and mercy each day that makes life worth living and provides the purpose for our existence. In Jesus' name.

90 Day Challenge- Day 36, February 15th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love; break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

Today's Reading:  Esther 1- Job 7

Esther:

Esther is remembered by her Hebrew name, Hadassah, which means myrtle. God used her life to protect His chosen people. The author of Esther is anonymous. Some have suggested Mordecai, Ezra and Nehemiah as possibilities but there is not certainty on who the writer was. It is one of only two Old Testament books that bear the names of women.

During the time period of Esther, the Persians ruled the world (539-331 BC). Esther's husband, Ahasuerus, reigned from 486 to 465 BC. The events in Esther took place between 483 and 473 BC. Esther fits during the first return of the Jews to Jersusalem under Zerubbabel around 538 BC (Ezra 1-6), and the second return led by Ezra around 458 BC (Ezra 7-10).

Throughout history, foreign powers have tried to eliminate the Jews. God continually has protected and preserved them.
  
Ch 1-2   Esther became Queen to Ahasuerus of Persia. She was personally chosen by the king probably for her beauty and intelligence.

3-4  Mordecai, Esther's uncle, refused to bow down and pay respect to Haman a high official of the king. Haman became angry and plotted to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom. Mordecai found out and reported it to Esther.

5-10  Esther outwitted Haman and took her petition to the king and asked for protection for the Jews. The king, out of anger, had Haman hung on the gallows. Esther's faith and courage saved her people.
  
Job:

I believe the Book of Job took place during the time of the Patriarchs. The Book of Job demonstrates that God has all power including over what Satan can and cannot do. We cannot understand the "whys" of all the suffering in the world. Suffering is sometimes allowed in our lives to purify, test, teach, or strengthen. God is sufficient and deserves our faith and trust.

The book opens with a scene in Heaven where Satan comes to accuse Job before God. He insists Job only serves God because God protects and blesses Him. God grants permission to test Job within certain boundaries. Job ultimately loses his family, wealth, and health. His supposed friends insist his suffering is due to sin. Yet through it all Job remains faithful.

Ch 1  Job and his family

v1 He was a man of perfect integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil.

Satan's first test of Job

2   Satan's second test of Job; Job's three friends

3   Job's opening speech

4-5   Eliphaz spoke

6-7  Job replied to Eliphaz

Devotional Focus:

Job 1:21 Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of the Lord.

This is a good attitude, and it is good theology. We spend so much of our time hoarding and holding on to what we have gathered. We have a short term perspective. God's Word encourages an eternal perspective. We bring nothing into this life and we will take nothing out of it. It is the Lord who gives, and it is the Lord who takes. Either way, we praise the name of the Lord.

The Glory of the Lord

Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 5 

Listen to Sermon Here

Worship is central to the life of the church- Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!

True biblical worship is a response with all we have, to who God is and all that God has done.

God gave a divine pattern of worship to His people.

The context of this passage is the dedication of the Temple that Solomon has built. The Temple had been completed and they were preparing for dedication. The priests have come out of the holy place the king was present, the Levitical singers were there, they were complemented by a host of instruments, they were preparing for worship. Then they joined together in a chorus that rose in a crescendo of praise and thanksgiving to God with one voice.

For He is good! His faithful love endures forever!

Then something powerful took place- the Temple was filled with a cloud and the priests could not even continue because the glory of the Lord filled God's Temple!

There are some powerful principles we can learn about the glory of the Lord that will transform our lives individually and impact how we worship congregationally.

• Recognize the Glory of the Lord.

• Respond to the Glory of the Lord.

• Reflect the Glory of the Lord.

The glory of the Lord is my strength! When the beginning, the middle, and the end of all things focuses on the glory of the Lord, all of life lines up under Him. You have answers to the questions, guidance for the journey, peace in the valley and joy on the mountaintop!

90 Day Challenge- Day 35, Feb 14th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love; break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain. 

Today's Reading: Nehemiah 1- Nehemiah 13

God places His servants in strategic places and works sovereignly in their lives to bring about His plan. Nehemiah was a cupbearer of the King of Persia. His name only appears in this book but God worked in his life in a powerful way to reestablish the nation in the Promised Land after the Exile.

Nehemiah was probably written by Ezra in the early 400s BC. Much of the information was drawn from Nehemiah's personal reports. The accounts are written in the first person, but Ezra has long been thought to be the writer.

Nehemiah was the influential cupbearer of the King of Persia, Artaxerxes. He led the third group of exiles to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. The opening scenes of the Book of Nehemiah occur in Persia. The Promised Land had been invaded by the Assyrians, leading to deportation and the loss of the ten northern tribes. Later the Babylonians deported the best of Judah to Babylon. God allowed His people to be taken captive for 70 years in Babylon. The following years saw the rise of the Persian Empire. King Cyrus set into motion the series of events leading up to the Jews' return to Jerusalem. Ezra, Esther, Daniel, Nehemiah, and Malachi provide details for this period of history. By the time Nehemiah closes, God's people have been reestablished in the Promised Land.

Review and Outline:

Ch 1  News came from Jerusalem

2   Nehemiah was sent to Jerusalem

Preparations were made for the rebuilding of the walls.

3   The rebuilding of the walls began.

4-5    Opposition came but progress continued.

6   Discouragement came to the builders, an attempt was made to intimidate Nehemiah. 

7   The Exiles returned.

8   The Law was read publicly by Ezra

9   National sin was confessed. 

10  Israel vowed faithfulness to God.

11-12  They began to resettle Jerusalem

The wall was dedicated.

13   Nehemiah instituted further reforms. 

Prayer focus:

Nehemiah's Prayer in Chapter 1

Lord God of heaven, the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps His gracious covenant with those who love Him and keep His commands, let Your eyes be open and Your ears be attentive to hear Your servant's prayer that I now pray to You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins we have committed against You. Both I and my father's house have sinned. We have acted corruptly toward You and have not kept the commands, statutes, and ordinances You gave Your servant Moses. Please remember what You commanded Your servant Moses: If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples. But if you return to Me and carefully observe My commands, even though your exiles were banished to the ends of the earth, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place where I chose My name to dwell. They are Your servants and Your people. You redeemed them by Your great power and strong hand. Please, Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and to that of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success today, and have compassion on him in the presence of this man.

90 Day Challenge- Day 34, Feb 13th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love; break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on  you like the rain.

Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 36- Ezra 10

We conclude 2 Chronicles and the selective genealogy and history of Israel from Adam to the return from Babylon. It was intended to remind the Jews of God's promises and intentions regarding the land, their identity as a nation, the Davidic royal line, the Levitical Priesthood, the Temple, and the nature of true worship.

 God told His people that if they obeyed Him, they would prosper, but if they broke the covenant with Him, He would allow them to be overtaken by outside nations. In 722 this came to pass when the Assyrians defeated and deported the 10 Northern Tribes and scattered them throughout the Empire. From 605 to 586 BC God allowed the Babylonians to destroy and depopulate Judah and Jerusalem. They would experience 70 years of exile in Babylon. Then Cyrus, King of Persia overthrew Babylon and a year later permitted them to begin to return to Jerusalem.

 The decree of Cyrus is recorded at the end of 2 Chronicles and the beginning of Ezra- 2 Chonicles 36:22 In the first year of Cyrus King of Persia, the word of the Lord spoken through Jeremiah was fulfilled. The Lord put it into the mind of King Cyrus of Persia to issue a proclamation throughout his entire kingdom and also to put it in writing: This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build Him a temple at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you of His people may go up, and may the Lord his God by with him.

The name Ezra means Jehovah helps. God was working to bring His people back from Babylonian captivity. Ezra's name does not appear until the 7th chapter of the book and the writing at that point switches from third person to first person. The book begins with God's people in exile. Babylon has just been defeated by Persia the new world power. Ezra as a scribe had access to various administrative documents and he quotes from official Persian records (1:2-4, 4:9-22, 5:7-17, 6:3-12).  He was scribe and teacher of God's Word who led reforms among the people and led the second group of exiles from Babylon to Jersualem.

There are several other key figures in Ezra:

Cyrus- Persian King who conquered Babylon, and assisted the return of the Israelite exiles to their homeland.

Zerubbabel- Led the first group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and completed the rebuilding of the Temple.

Haggai- the post exilic prophet who encouraged Zerubbabel and the Israelite people rebuilding the Temple.

Zechariah- the post exilic prophet who encouraged Zerubbabel and the Israelite people to continue rebuilding the Temple.

Darius I- the Persian King who supported the rebuilding of the Temple by the Israelites

Artaxerxes- the Persian King who allowed Ezra to return to Jerusalem to reinstate Temple worship and the teaching of the Law (7:11).

Judah was originally deported in three waves- 605, 597, and 586 BC. The return would be similar over nine decades- Zerubbabel in 538 BC, Ezra in 458 BC, and Nehemiah in 445 BC.

Jerusalem and the Temple would be rebuilt, but it would be a shadow of its former self, much like the people of the nation.

Ch 1-2 The Decree of Cyrus
     First return under Zerubbabel
     Offering for rebuilding the Temple

3  Sacrifice was restored.
    Temple rebuilding began.

4   The people faced opposition.

5   Rebuilding resumed.

6   Temple Dedication and Observance of Passover

7    Ezra came up from Babylon 
     His purpose was clearly stated- v10 Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey it and teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel. 

8   Those returning with Ezra 

9    Israel intermarried with foreign, pagan wives.

10   The foreign wives were sent away.

A model for repentance:

9:4-15 My God, I am ashamed at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me, because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat devastated until the evening offering. At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation, with my tunic and robe torn. Then I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God. And I said: My God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face toward You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads and our guilt as high as the heavens. Our guilt has been terrible from the days of our fathers until the present. Because of our iniquities we have been handed over, along with our kings and priests, to the surrounding kings, and to the sword, captivity, plundering, and open shame, as it is today. But now, for a brief moment, grace has come from the Lord our God to preserve a remnant for us and give us a stake in His holy place. Even in our slavery, God has given us new life and light to our eyes. Though we are slaves, our God has not abandoned us in our slavery. He has extended grace to us in the presence of the Persian kings, giving us new life, so that we can rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem.

Now, our God, what can we say in light of this? For we have abandoned the commandments, You gave Your servants and the prophets saying: The land you are entering to possess is an impure land. The surrounding peoples have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness by their impurity and detestable practices. So do not give your daughters to their sons in marriage or take their daughters for your sons. Never seek their peace or prosperity, so that you will be strong, eat the good things of the land, and leave it as an inheritance to your sons forever. After all that has happened to us because of our evil deeds and terrible guilt- though You, our God have punished us less than our sins deserve and have allowed us to survive, should we break Your commandments again and intermarry with the peoples who commit these detestable practices? Wouldn't You become so angry with us that You would destroy us, leaving no survivors? Lord God of Israel, You are righteous, for we survive as a remnant today. Here we are before You with our guilt, though no one can stand in Your presence because of this.

Notice the pattern:

- Ezra clearly recognized the holiness of God and the mercy and goodness He had shown to the people.

- Ezra humbled himself before the Lord.

- Ezra recognized the sin for what it was.

- Ezra repented on behalf of the people.

- According to Chapter 10, they took repentant action.

This is a good pattern to follow in our own lives. Ask yourself if there is anything in your life that needs to be addressed in this manner before the Lord.

90 Day Challenge- Day 33, Feb 12th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love; break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain. 

Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 24- 2 Chronicles 35

The review of the Kings continues:

Ch 24     Joash King of Judah
               Repairing of the Temple
              Joash's Apostasy, Aramean Invasion, Joash is Assassinated 

25    Amaziah King of Judah
        Campaign against Edom
        War with Joash King of Judah, Amaziah's Death

26    Uzziah King of Judah
        Uzziah's Work and Disease that followed (due to arrogance and unfaithfulness)

27     Jotham King of Judah

28     Ahaz King of Judah

29    Hezekiah King of Judah

30    Celebration of the Passover under Hezekiah

31     Offering for the Levites

32-33     Invasion of Sennacherib King of Assyria
              Manasseh King of Judah
              Amon King of Judah

34    Josiah King of Judah

35    Observance of the Passover Under Josiah
        Josiah's Death

Devotional:

There is a clear contrast between the righteous acts that the Kings performed, and the overwhelming wickedness that permeated much of their rule. We read in 2 Chronicles 29 and following of the reign of King Hezekiah. It is recorded that he did what was right in the Lord's sight. He opened the doors of the Temple and repaired them. He restored the Levites to their work. He led the people to worship and observe the Passover. Idolatry was removed from the land as they broke down the sacred pillars, chopped down the Asherah poles, and tore down the altars and high places. He did what was good and upright and true before the Lord and was diligent in service to God in order to seek Him, and God prospered him. At some point he became prideful in his heart and the wrath of God came on him, but even then he humbled himself before the Lord and God prospered and blessed him.

In contrast to Hezekiah, 2 Chronicles 32:33- 2 Chronicles 33 records the reign of Manasseh, son of Hezekiah. The account begins rather abruptly with the simple statement, "His son Manasseh became king in his place." Manasseh did what was evil, imitating the practices of the nations the Israelites conquered. He reestablished the worship of idolatry. He practiced witchcraft, divination, sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He set up a carved idol in the Temple of God. They did even worse evil than the nations they had driven out. The wrath of God fell on him and he was taken with hooks and bound with bronze shackles to Babylon. He prayed sincerely to God in his distress and God heard him and brought him back to Jerusalem. He brought reforms to the land until his death.

- God is patient. He is completely righteous in all His ways. Even in the midst of wickedness, He is patient with His people, desiring that they turn in repentance to Him.

- God is merciful. When His people turn in repentance, He hears.

- God brings judgment upon those who reject Him and refuse to listen.

We are to maintain a close walk with God, so that our hearts do not become prideful and as a result we drift away from God. Our children need to know and understand the ways of God for themselves so they can walk in them. We cannot expect that just because we have followed God, our children automatically will.

Prayer Focus:

Righteous Father, thank you for your patience with your people. You are righteous in every way, and you are patient with sinners. Thank you for your mercy and for hearing our cries of repentance when we have sinned. Empower us by your Spirit to live for you righteous lives. Help us to live in a way that our children will also love and follow you for your glory.

90 Day Challenge- Day 32, February 11th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love; break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

Today's Reading:  2 Chronicles 8- 2 Chronicles 23

  
You will notice in the account of Chronicles, that the overview of the kings and the kingdom is more general and positive than in I and II Kings. 

Outline:

Ch 8   Solomon's later building projects.

Public worship was established at the Temple.

9   The Queen of Sheba visited Solomon, and we are told of his vast wisdom and wealth.

10  The Divided Kingdom

11   Rehoboam ruled in Jerusalem.

12  Egypt warred against Israel.

13   Judah's King Abijah

14   Judah's King Asa

15  Revival Under Asa 

16  Asa's treaty with Aram, Asa's Death

17  King Jehoshaphat of Judah

18  Jehoshaphat aligned with Ahab

Ahab's death

19  Jehu's Rebuke of Jehoshaphat, Reforms followed

20  War against people form the east, Summary of Jehoshaphat's reign 

21  Jehoram King of Judah

22-23  Ahaziah King of Judah

Athaliah usurped the throne, and was overthrown.

Jehoiada's reforms.

24  King Joash of Judah  

Prayer Focus:

Jehoshaphat's Prayer to God (Paraphrased)

Lord, you are the God of our ancestors. You are the God in heaven and you rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can stand against you. You drove out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and gave it to them forever. If disaster comes, we will cry out to you because of our distress and you will heal and deliver. God you will judge the nations. We are powerless against our enemies, but you fight for us, we look to you. We are not afraid or discouraged. We give thanks to you for your faithful love endures forever. We shout and praise your name.

90 Day Challenge- Day 31, Feb 10th

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love; break up your untilled ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 24- 2 Chronicles 7

Outline:

This is a rich section of Scripture that focuses on worshiping God in all of His glory.

Ch 24  The Divisions of the Priests

Their purpose, v19 These had their assigned duties for service when they entered the Lord's temple, according to their regulations, which they received from their ancestor Aaron, as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him.

25  The Levitical Musicians

Their purpose, v6 All these men were under their own fathers' authority for the music in the Lord's Temple.

26  The Levitical Gatekeepers

Their purpose, v12 These divisions of the gatekeepers, under their leading men, had duties for ministering in the Lord's temple, just as their brothers did.

The Levitical Treasurers and Other Officials

Their purpose, v20 From the Levites, Ahijah was in charge of the treasuries of God's temple and the treasuries for what had been dedicated.

27  Secular Officials

Their purpose, v1 This is the list of the Israelites, the heads of the families, the commanders of thousands and the commanders of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter to do with the divisions that were on rotated military duty each month throughout the year.

28  David commission Solomon to build the Temple

vv9-10 As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. Realize now that the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong, and do it.

29  Contributions for the Temple

David collected as much as he could. Then he also personally sacrificed- v3 Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God, I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the house of my God over and above all that I've provided for the holy house.

The other leaders followed the king and gave willingly.

Solomon was made king- v25 The Lord highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel, and betowed on him such royal majesty as had not been bestowed on any king over Israel before him.

Summary of King David's reign- vv26-28 David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. The length of his reign over Israel was 40 years, he reigned in Hebron for seven years and in Jerusalem for 33. He died at a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon became king in his place.

2 Chronicles

Ch 1    Solomon requested wisdom from God, and received both wisdom and riches.

2   Solomon sent for craftsmen to build the Temple.


3   The Building of the Temple

The Most Holy Place

4   The Altar, Reservoir, Basins, Lampstands, Tables, Courts, Bronze and Gold Furnishings

5   Preparation for the Temple Dedication

vv11-14 When the priests came out of the holy place- for all the priests who were present had consecrated themselves regardless of their tour of duty- the Levitical singers of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, and of their sons and their relatives, dressed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps and lyres, were standing east of the altar, and with them were 120 priests blowing trumpets. The trumpeters and singers joined together with praise and thank the Lord with once voice. They raised their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the Lord: For He is good; His faithful love endures forever; the temple, the Lord's temple, was filled with a cloud. And because of the cloud, the priests were not able to continue ministering, for the glory of the Lord filled God's temple.

What a scene of worship! The people lifted up their voices and praised God. They were accompanied by trumpets, and cymbals, and musical instruments- great variety in worship. The glory of God fell on the place.

6  Dedication of the Temple and Solomon's Prayer

7   Dedication ceremonies

The Lord's response to the people: v12ff I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for Myself as a temple of sacrifice. If I close the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the grasshopper to consume the land, or if I send pestilence on My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer from this place.

Prayer Focus:

David's Prayer, I Chronicles 29 (Paraphrased)

Lord God, you are to be praised, from eternity to eternity. Greatness and power and glory and splendor and majesty are yours, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. The kingdom is yours and you are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor come from you and you are the ruler of everything. You hold power and might in your hand and you make great and give strength to all. We give you thanks and praise your glorious name. Who am I Lord? Everything comes from you and anything I give is already yours. Our days on earth are like a shadow without hope. Lord our God all the wealth we have comes from your holy hand. You test the heart and are pleased with uprightness. Grant us a heart to keep your commandments and confirm our hearts toward you. Praise you Lord! We bow down and pay homage to you as Lord and king.