SCRIPTURE
"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who received the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on the good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." (Luke 8:11-15)
OBSERVATION
In this parable Jesus describes various responses people have to hearing the word of God. There are many things in life that compete with hearing God speak through his word. Obviously the devil, God's enemy, does not want anyone to come to faith. But this parable also talks about other, more subtle competitions to spiritual growth. Things that compete against people who know God and have had exposure to his word. Testing and life's worries can be a hindrance to growth. Riches and pleasures, can also choke out a person's faith.
APPLICATION
I was reminded reading this parable that there are a lot of things that can distract me from growing spiritually. Depending on the day, it can be different things at different times. At times I can be the rocks. I hear or read something exciting in God's word and think, "Yes, I'm going to do this." When testing, either life's trials or temptation comes, the thing I was so excited about doing no longer has its appeal. I end up not changing. It was a flash-in-the-pan moment. Other times I can be the thorns. I hear God's word and the stuff of life has a way of creeping in. Monday morning always follows Sunday. God is no longer a priority. He's been choked out by the demands of living. However, in order to grow my heart has to be dirt. The fertile place where God's word can grow. Jesus said it's about the condition of my heart...noble and good. It's also about how I respond to God's word. I have a part in this spiritual process. I not only need to hear it, but retain it by making it a part of my life through obedience. Then when life tends to come between me and God I need to hang in there, persevere so a crop will be produced. Whew...who said it was going to be easy?
PRAYER
Lord, there are a lot of things than can come between myself and you. Today, I want to be the soil that produces a crop.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
God's Great Name
SCRIPTURE
"Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord God, "It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My Holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went. I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord," declares the Lord God, "when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight."'" (Ezekiel 36:22-23, NASB)
OBSERVATION
God is concerned about his reputation, especially with people who do not have a relationship with Him. He is holy, or set apart from the things of this earth. His people had profaned His great name by their deeds and actions. They made it common, brought it down to earth, to such an extent that the nations no longer had a correct view of who He was. However, God was not content with having His name ruined. He was going to act to vindicate Himself so that once again His name was set apart and above every other name. That way the nations would know He is the Lord.
APPLICATION
How people view God's name, His reputation, is connected to how I wear His name. He said He would vindicate His name by proving Himself "holy among you in their sight." My deeds and actions communicate to people who God is. My life either shows God's holiness or profanes His name. When I live a life that is set apart, that is different, I demonstrate that God is set apart and that His ways are different.
PRAYER
Lord, you take your reputation very seriously. I want to strive for holiness so a watching world can see who you really are. Thank you for the power of your Spirit that helps me to live a life that honors you.
"Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord God, "It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My Holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went. I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord," declares the Lord God, "when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight."'" (Ezekiel 36:22-23, NASB)
OBSERVATION
God is concerned about his reputation, especially with people who do not have a relationship with Him. He is holy, or set apart from the things of this earth. His people had profaned His great name by their deeds and actions. They made it common, brought it down to earth, to such an extent that the nations no longer had a correct view of who He was. However, God was not content with having His name ruined. He was going to act to vindicate Himself so that once again His name was set apart and above every other name. That way the nations would know He is the Lord.
APPLICATION
How people view God's name, His reputation, is connected to how I wear His name. He said He would vindicate His name by proving Himself "holy among you in their sight." My deeds and actions communicate to people who God is. My life either shows God's holiness or profanes His name. When I live a life that is set apart, that is different, I demonstrate that God is set apart and that His ways are different.
PRAYER
Lord, you take your reputation very seriously. I want to strive for holiness so a watching world can see who you really are. Thank you for the power of your Spirit that helps me to live a life that honors you.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Great is Your Faithfulness!
SCRIPTURE
"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23, NASB)
OBSERVATION
My spell-checker has "lovingkindnesses" underlined. It may be spelled wrong according to Microsoft, but according to the Bible the word is correct. God shows lovingkindness in different ways. It's plural. Its many facets include goodness, mercy, and faithfulness.
There are a lot of things in life that cease. Our lives to be sure. The days and seasons are reminders of change. One thing that does not change is God. His lovingkindness, compassion, and faithfulness will never end. It's as if every morning, with the rising of the sun, God is reminding us that He is faithful. He is here today, and He is going to be here tomorrow. That's why His faithfulness is so great. It's never ending.
APPLICATION
What will happen tomorrow? I'm not sure. But one thing I am sure of, is God's compassion, mercy, and faithfulness will be new in the morning. Each day when I wake up I'm reminded of His faithfulness and mercy towards me. I've received salvation in Jesus that I don't deserve (that's mercy) and I've received even more than I deserve...a home in heaven, a new heart, a clean slate and a fresh start (that's grace). The joy in this moment comes because I know some things will never cease even in a world where everything is terminal.
PRAYER
Lord, you are so awesome. You compassion, mercy, and faithfulness amaze me. I'm so grateful that You are the God who reaches down to me and shows me not just one but many acts of lovingkindness. Amen.
Great is Thy faithfulness O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not
As Thou has been Thou for ever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!
Thomas O Chisholm (1923)
"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23, NASB)
OBSERVATION
My spell-checker has "lovingkindnesses" underlined. It may be spelled wrong according to Microsoft, but according to the Bible the word is correct. God shows lovingkindness in different ways. It's plural. Its many facets include goodness, mercy, and faithfulness.
There are a lot of things in life that cease. Our lives to be sure. The days and seasons are reminders of change. One thing that does not change is God. His lovingkindness, compassion, and faithfulness will never end. It's as if every morning, with the rising of the sun, God is reminding us that He is faithful. He is here today, and He is going to be here tomorrow. That's why His faithfulness is so great. It's never ending.
APPLICATION
What will happen tomorrow? I'm not sure. But one thing I am sure of, is God's compassion, mercy, and faithfulness will be new in the morning. Each day when I wake up I'm reminded of His faithfulness and mercy towards me. I've received salvation in Jesus that I don't deserve (that's mercy) and I've received even more than I deserve...a home in heaven, a new heart, a clean slate and a fresh start (that's grace). The joy in this moment comes because I know some things will never cease even in a world where everything is terminal.
PRAYER
Lord, you are so awesome. You compassion, mercy, and faithfulness amaze me. I'm so grateful that You are the God who reaches down to me and shows me not just one but many acts of lovingkindness. Amen.
Great is Thy faithfulness O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not
As Thou has been Thou for ever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!
Thomas O Chisholm (1923)
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