Influential Men of the Bible: James
The story of James is found in Matthew 4:21-22.
James, son of Zebedee and brother of John, was one of the twelve Apostles. He should not be confused with James, the son of Alphaeus (Luke 6:15) or James, the brother of Jesus. Originally fishermen like their father, James and John fished with Peter and Andrew, another pair of brothers who became disciples. They were among the first that Jesus called to be his disciples, and they left everything, including their father, to follow him. James and his brother John were among those closest to Jesus. With Peter, they formed an inner circle of trusted disciples who accompanied Jesus on special occasions, as when he healed Jairus’ daughter (Luke 8:51), conversed with Elijah and Moses on the mountain (Luke 9:28), and agonized in prayer in the garden (Matthew 26:37). At one point, the two brothers evoked the indignation of the other disciples by asking for special positions of privilege in the coming Kingdom (Matthew 20:20-28). Perhaps because of James’ prominence among the disciples, Herod Agrippa had him killed soon after Jesus’ death, which pleased the Jewish leaders (Acts 12:2-3) and fulfilled Jesus’ prediction about his drinking the bitter cup that Jesus drank.
James was an ordinary working person whom Jesus called to be his disciple. His willingness to leave everything he knew — work, family, and home — to follow Jesus in simple trust, and eventually to die for him, makes him a model of committed discipleship.
Oftentimes it’s the front-line soldiers such as James, those closest to the leader, who suffer the fiercest attack. Enduring the affliction is not in vain, for the Bible says, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:12). God is faithful to His word that “as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). God has never been known for forsaking His children. In fact, Luke 12:32 says, “It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Your commitment to Christ may cause you to leave some things behind, but remember this promise: “Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life” (Matthew 19:29). Hold on believer, pay day is coming!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
God’s Compass for the Heart and Mind
God’s Compass for the Heart and Mind
Proverbs 3:7-12
Yesterday we discussed the importance of depending on the Word of God as our compass throughout life. Following the Lord’s directions will change behavior and challenge our thinking, attitudes, and desires. He leads us to think differently about ourselves, our values, and and even the difficulties facing us.
We naturally want to determine our own course in life.It seems like the only logical way to get where we want to go. But being wise in our own eyes is pride. To combat this tendency, the Lord instructs us to fear Him and turn away from evil (v. 7). This “fear” is not a horrified dread of the Father, but an attitude of respect that motivates us to obey Him for both our good and His glory.
We naturally want to keep our money for ourselves. A desire for a better lifestyle or fear of not having enough leads us to hang onto everything we get. But our compass directs us to honor God by giving Him the first part of all we have, trusting Him to provide for our needs (vv. 9-10).
We naturally hate God’s discipline. His painful reproofs seem to prove that He doesn’t care about us. But our heavenly Father says His discipline is the evidence that confirms His love and delight in us as His children (vv. 11-12).
Sometimes in our desire to follow the Lord, we focus on obedient actions—doing what He says—but miss His directions concerning our attitudes and thought patterns. To stay on God’s path for our lives, we must make course corrections not only in our behavior but also in our hearts and minds.
Proverbs 3:7-12
Yesterday we discussed the importance of depending on the Word of God as our compass throughout life. Following the Lord’s directions will change behavior and challenge our thinking, attitudes, and desires. He leads us to think differently about ourselves, our values, and and even the difficulties facing us.
We naturally want to determine our own course in life.It seems like the only logical way to get where we want to go. But being wise in our own eyes is pride. To combat this tendency, the Lord instructs us to fear Him and turn away from evil (v. 7). This “fear” is not a horrified dread of the Father, but an attitude of respect that motivates us to obey Him for both our good and His glory.
We naturally want to keep our money for ourselves. A desire for a better lifestyle or fear of not having enough leads us to hang onto everything we get. But our compass directs us to honor God by giving Him the first part of all we have, trusting Him to provide for our needs (vv. 9-10).
We naturally hate God’s discipline. His painful reproofs seem to prove that He doesn’t care about us. But our heavenly Father says His discipline is the evidence that confirms His love and delight in us as His children (vv. 11-12).
Sometimes in our desire to follow the Lord, we focus on obedient actions—doing what He says—but miss His directions concerning our attitudes and thought patterns. To stay on God’s path for our lives, we must make course corrections not only in our behavior but also in our hearts and minds.
David charges Solomon with the urgency of living for the Lord.
1 Kings 2
David charges Solomon with the urgency of living for the Lord.
INSIGHT
Parts of the Old Testament tax our understanding and our acceptance. First, we do not understand much about Judaism, the Law, and Old Testament culture and customs. Second, many of the events are violations of God's desires—though that is not explained to us. And finally, God deals with men differently in the Old Testament than in the New Testament. While not all things are easily explained, in chapter 2, Solomon takes vengeance only upon all those people who had already committed acts that were punishable by death. This doesn't answer every problem we might have with this difficult chapter, but it is a beginning.
PRAYER
The Lord will guard and care for those who want to follow Him with their whole heart:
I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:1-4).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
The Lord answered Job, and said:
"Shall the one who contends with the
Almighty correct Him?
He who rebukes God, let him answer it."
Then Job answered the Lord and said: "Behold, I am vile;
What shall I answer You?
I lay my hand over my mouth" (Job 40:1-4).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
"Do not labor for the food which perishes,
but for the food which endures to everlasting life,
which the Son of Man will give you,
because God the Father has set His seal on Him" (John 6:27).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
A friend to believe in Christ
Greater understanding and love for God's Word
Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned (Revelation 11:17).
David charges Solomon with the urgency of living for the Lord.
INSIGHT
Parts of the Old Testament tax our understanding and our acceptance. First, we do not understand much about Judaism, the Law, and Old Testament culture and customs. Second, many of the events are violations of God's desires—though that is not explained to us. And finally, God deals with men differently in the Old Testament than in the New Testament. While not all things are easily explained, in chapter 2, Solomon takes vengeance only upon all those people who had already committed acts that were punishable by death. This doesn't answer every problem we might have with this difficult chapter, but it is a beginning.
PRAYER
The Lord will guard and care for those who want to follow Him with their whole heart:
I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:1-4).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
The Lord answered Job, and said:
"Shall the one who contends with the
Almighty correct Him?
He who rebukes God, let him answer it."
Then Job answered the Lord and said: "Behold, I am vile;
What shall I answer You?
I lay my hand over my mouth" (Job 40:1-4).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
"Do not labor for the food which perishes,
but for the food which endures to everlasting life,
which the Son of Man will give you,
because God the Father has set His seal on Him" (John 6:27).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
A friend to believe in Christ
Greater understanding and love for God's Word
Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned (Revelation 11:17).
The story of Andrew is found in Matthew 4:18-20.
Influential Men of the Bible: Andrew
The story of Andrew is found in Matthew 4:18-20.
The name Andrew is a Greek name which means “manly” or “of valor.” Andrew, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, was the brother of Simon Peter. He was born in Bethsaida in the province of Galilee, and he and his brother were both fisherman. Before he met Jesus, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist. However, when John pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God, Andrew realized that Jesus was the Messiah and immediately left John, found his brother Peter, and became a disciple of Jesus (John 1:35-42). After deciding to follow Jesus, he was transformed from a fisherman to a “fisher of men” (Matthew 4:18).
Most of what we know about Andrew comes from the Gospel of John. John reveals Andrew as one who was constantly bringing people to Jesus. He began by bringing his brother Peter to Jesus. Later, as Jesus is teaching the multitudes on the mountainside, it was Andrew who brought the boy with five barley loaves and two fish to Jesus. Jesus took the two fish and five loaves of bread and miraculously multiplies them into enough food to feed everyone (John 6:8-11). And it was Andrew who during the Passover Feast brought a group of Greeks (Gentiles) to meet Jesus (John 12:20-22), which prompts Jesus to remark “when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all men to myself” (John 12:32). Andrew knew that Jesus came not only to save Israel but everyone on the earth.
You may not hear many sermons preached on Andrew, but his role is no less significant. He had a tendency of bringing all the right people to Jesus. We should never despise what God has qualified us to do. Everyone in the Kingdom is significant. I’m convinced that we can be a greater blessing to the Body of Christ by being committed to helping someone else, rather than doing our own thing. Look at the fruit Andrew bore because of being committed to helping Jesus. Proverbs 28:20 says, “A faithful man will abound in blessings.” And if God can trust us with the little things, He’ll also be able to trust us with greater responsibilities (Luke 16:10).
The story of Andrew is found in Matthew 4:18-20.
The name Andrew is a Greek name which means “manly” or “of valor.” Andrew, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, was the brother of Simon Peter. He was born in Bethsaida in the province of Galilee, and he and his brother were both fisherman. Before he met Jesus, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist. However, when John pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God, Andrew realized that Jesus was the Messiah and immediately left John, found his brother Peter, and became a disciple of Jesus (John 1:35-42). After deciding to follow Jesus, he was transformed from a fisherman to a “fisher of men” (Matthew 4:18).
Most of what we know about Andrew comes from the Gospel of John. John reveals Andrew as one who was constantly bringing people to Jesus. He began by bringing his brother Peter to Jesus. Later, as Jesus is teaching the multitudes on the mountainside, it was Andrew who brought the boy with five barley loaves and two fish to Jesus. Jesus took the two fish and five loaves of bread and miraculously multiplies them into enough food to feed everyone (John 6:8-11). And it was Andrew who during the Passover Feast brought a group of Greeks (Gentiles) to meet Jesus (John 12:20-22), which prompts Jesus to remark “when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all men to myself” (John 12:32). Andrew knew that Jesus came not only to save Israel but everyone on the earth.
You may not hear many sermons preached on Andrew, but his role is no less significant. He had a tendency of bringing all the right people to Jesus. We should never despise what God has qualified us to do. Everyone in the Kingdom is significant. I’m convinced that we can be a greater blessing to the Body of Christ by being committed to helping someone else, rather than doing our own thing. Look at the fruit Andrew bore because of being committed to helping Jesus. Proverbs 28:20 says, “A faithful man will abound in blessings.” And if God can trust us with the little things, He’ll also be able to trust us with greater responsibilities (Luke 16:10).
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
A Compass for Life’s Journey
A Compass for Life’s Journey
Proverbs 3:1-6
If you’ve ever been lost in the woods, you know the concerns, confusion, and panic this situation causes. Now think what a difference it would have made to know that a compass was in your pocket.
Spiritually speaking, we have such a compass—God’s Word. But it does no good unless we let it guide us. Yet at times, we may fail to follow its direction because of . . .
1. Neglect. Sometimes we are so busy walking through life that we forget to look at God’s compass to make sure we’re headed in the right direction.
2. Pride. Oftentimes we want to determine the destiny ourselves. Relying on our own strength, understanding, and abilities, we plan our own route.
3. Distractions. God’s path of obedience isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it can be extremely challenging. Satan offers other trails that promise pleasure and ease if we will just ignore the compass and follow him. Although these trails seem pleasant at first, they lead to heartbreak and discouragement.
4. Difficulties. Whenever obstacles appear on the trail, our natural tendency is to try and find a way around them. But by ignoring God’s compass and stepping off the path, we’ll miss the blessings He wants to give us through the rough patches—strong faith and godly character.
Why should we wander when the Lord’s compass is available? Let Scripture be your guide on life’s journey. God promises to give you productive days and fruitful years if you follow His path. He’ll direct each step of your way, and His peace will sustain you, even during the difficult times.
Proverbs 3:1-6
If you’ve ever been lost in the woods, you know the concerns, confusion, and panic this situation causes. Now think what a difference it would have made to know that a compass was in your pocket.
Spiritually speaking, we have such a compass—God’s Word. But it does no good unless we let it guide us. Yet at times, we may fail to follow its direction because of . . .
1. Neglect. Sometimes we are so busy walking through life that we forget to look at God’s compass to make sure we’re headed in the right direction.
2. Pride. Oftentimes we want to determine the destiny ourselves. Relying on our own strength, understanding, and abilities, we plan our own route.
3. Distractions. God’s path of obedience isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it can be extremely challenging. Satan offers other trails that promise pleasure and ease if we will just ignore the compass and follow him. Although these trails seem pleasant at first, they lead to heartbreak and discouragement.
4. Difficulties. Whenever obstacles appear on the trail, our natural tendency is to try and find a way around them. But by ignoring God’s compass and stepping off the path, we’ll miss the blessings He wants to give us through the rough patches—strong faith and godly character.
Why should we wander when the Lord’s compass is available? Let Scripture be your guide on life’s journey. God promises to give you productive days and fruitful years if you follow His path. He’ll direct each step of your way, and His peace will sustain you, even during the difficult times.
The prophet Nathan and Bathsheba join forces to ensure that Solomon replaces David as king.
1 Kings 1
The prophet Nathan and Bathsheba join forces to ensure that Solomon replaces David as king.
INSIGHT
As Adonijah, David's oldest living son, takes steps to become king, only Bathsheba and Nathan know of David's desire that Solomon succeed him. Circumstances seem grim to Bathsheba. Should Adonijah become king, she and Solomon most probably would lose their lives, being seen as threats to the throne. Yet it is God who establishes kings, and His will is that Solomon reign. Again God demonstrates that He is in control–in spite of the foreboding circumstances. As we consider the perplexing nature of circumstances in the world, we are tempted to lose heart, perhaps to question whether God is really in control. We should be reminded from 1 Kings 1 that He is. Whatever comes our way, the hand of God is there to see us through. It is something we must believe.
PRAYER
As you continue your time with the Lord, offer this praise to Him:
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works. . . .
The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You (Psalm 9:1, 9-10).
Now express any additional thoughts of praise, adoration, or thanksgiving.
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
"Now, therefore," says the Lord,
"Turn to me with all your heart,
With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning."
So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm (Joel 2:12-13).
The Lord encourages us to come to Him with our concerns and desires.
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Greater sensitivity to sin
The ministry of your local church
Your activities for the day
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
"The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26).
The prophet Nathan and Bathsheba join forces to ensure that Solomon replaces David as king.
INSIGHT
As Adonijah, David's oldest living son, takes steps to become king, only Bathsheba and Nathan know of David's desire that Solomon succeed him. Circumstances seem grim to Bathsheba. Should Adonijah become king, she and Solomon most probably would lose their lives, being seen as threats to the throne. Yet it is God who establishes kings, and His will is that Solomon reign. Again God demonstrates that He is in control–in spite of the foreboding circumstances. As we consider the perplexing nature of circumstances in the world, we are tempted to lose heart, perhaps to question whether God is really in control. We should be reminded from 1 Kings 1 that He is. Whatever comes our way, the hand of God is there to see us through. It is something we must believe.
PRAYER
As you continue your time with the Lord, offer this praise to Him:
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works. . . .
The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You (Psalm 9:1, 9-10).
Now express any additional thoughts of praise, adoration, or thanksgiving.
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
"Now, therefore," says the Lord,
"Turn to me with all your heart,
With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning."
So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm (Joel 2:12-13).
The Lord encourages us to come to Him with our concerns and desires.
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Greater sensitivity to sin
The ministry of your local church
Your activities for the day
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
"The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26).
The story of Zacchaeus is found in Luke 19:1-10.
Influential Men Of The Bible: Zacchaeus
The story of Zacchaeus is found in Luke 19:1-10.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector. In fact, he was chief tax collector and a wealthy man. Tax collectors were hated because they were known for cheating people by collecting more than they should. They gave part of the money to the government and kept the rest for themselves. Many times in the Bible they are grouped with sinners, pagans, and immoral people. However, Jesus portrayed many of them as teachable and ready to repent. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector shows the contrast in their attitudes. The Pharisee was proud of his goodness, but the tax collector was humble and asked for forgiveness (Luke 18:10-14).
Zacchaeus was such a man. He wanted to see Jesus, but he was not very tall. So he had an idea; he would run ahead of the crowd and climb up in the sycamore fig tree that was beside the path where Jesus would walk. When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up at Zacchaeus. Jesus told him to come down immediately, saying “I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5 ESV)! Zacchaeus was so excited. He climbed down and welcomed Jesus. People began to criticize Jesus because he was going to the house of a "sinner," but Zacchaeus was a repentant sinner. He was willing to change. He told the Lord that he would give half of his possessions to the poor, and if he had cheated anybody out of anything, he would give back four times that amount. Jesus was pleased with his genuine attitude of heart. He said, "Today salvation has come to this house" (Luke 19:9).
When the Bible refers to the “heart” it very rarely means the organ in your chest cavity with four valves that pumps blood throughout the body. The “heart” refers to the center of one’s being and is the image of a person’s thought life, reflections, and will. We are commanded to love God and people with our heart (Matthew 22:37-40). According to Romans 10:9-10 we believe with our heart. This belief is accompanied by outward evidence that demonstrates an inward faith. Zacchaeus’ faith was demonstrated in the risk he took and the love he showed. Faith works through love (Galatians 5:6). As the opportunity presents itself, take a risk and demonstrate the love of Christ today. “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good” (Romans 12:9).
The story of Zacchaeus is found in Luke 19:1-10.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector. In fact, he was chief tax collector and a wealthy man. Tax collectors were hated because they were known for cheating people by collecting more than they should. They gave part of the money to the government and kept the rest for themselves. Many times in the Bible they are grouped with sinners, pagans, and immoral people. However, Jesus portrayed many of them as teachable and ready to repent. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector shows the contrast in their attitudes. The Pharisee was proud of his goodness, but the tax collector was humble and asked for forgiveness (Luke 18:10-14).
Zacchaeus was such a man. He wanted to see Jesus, but he was not very tall. So he had an idea; he would run ahead of the crowd and climb up in the sycamore fig tree that was beside the path where Jesus would walk. When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up at Zacchaeus. Jesus told him to come down immediately, saying “I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5 ESV)! Zacchaeus was so excited. He climbed down and welcomed Jesus. People began to criticize Jesus because he was going to the house of a "sinner," but Zacchaeus was a repentant sinner. He was willing to change. He told the Lord that he would give half of his possessions to the poor, and if he had cheated anybody out of anything, he would give back four times that amount. Jesus was pleased with his genuine attitude of heart. He said, "Today salvation has come to this house" (Luke 19:9).
When the Bible refers to the “heart” it very rarely means the organ in your chest cavity with four valves that pumps blood throughout the body. The “heart” refers to the center of one’s being and is the image of a person’s thought life, reflections, and will. We are commanded to love God and people with our heart (Matthew 22:37-40). According to Romans 10:9-10 we believe with our heart. This belief is accompanied by outward evidence that demonstrates an inward faith. Zacchaeus’ faith was demonstrated in the risk he took and the love he showed. Faith works through love (Galatians 5:6). As the opportunity presents itself, take a risk and demonstrate the love of Christ today. “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good” (Romans 12:9).
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