Message from Scripture: 6/16/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Esther 4:14; “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?'”
Most of us are familiar with the story of Esther, and her uncle Mordecai, and how God used them in a desperate time for their people during the days of Ahasuerus, or Xerxes, king of Persia. Haman had devised a plan to destroy the Jews, but Mordecai was told of this plot, and went to convince Queen Esther to intervene on their behalf. Esther at first was afraid, because approaching the king without him calling her could lead to her death. In the end, she knew the role she could play as God’s servant on behalf of her people, and helped bring about their deliverance. The words of Mordecai, however, no doubt played an important part in encouraging her to do the right thing.
Although Mordecai trusted in God, he knew the part people play in fulfilling the will of God, and of the influence Esther had. Although he didn't know God's purpose for her life, he did know she could be a vessel of service for the Lord at this time. We live at this point in time, knowing we all have a part to play in God’s kingdom. We should trust in the knowledge that God is still in control of His world, and that His purpose will be accomplished. Although we may not know why we are here now, and not some other time, we do know each of us can be a make a difference in the sphere of our influence, here and now, for the Lord.
As children of God, we each have a role to play in fulfilling His will. We should be instruments of righteousness, vessels of service, useful for the Master (2 Tim. 2:20-21). May we be receptive to the opportunities God provides to us for service, to be blessed, and be a blessing to others, in the name of our Lord, to His honor and glory. Working together, we can accomplish much in the Lord. God bless.
Robert
Bible
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/13/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Eph. 4:32; “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
We live in a society where hurt runs deep in people’s lives. We are hurt as a nation, we are hurt as groups of people, we are hurt individually. The hurt can be expressed in feelings, words, and actions. Scripture reveals it’s not just the worldly-minded who are hurt and hurt others, but even in the body of Christ. Barnabas and Paul had a “sharp disagreement” or “contention” over taking John Mark on a second mission effort, which could have reference to an angry dispute. Paul wanted Eudodia and Syntyche to live in harmony (Phil. 4:2), indicating such was not the case with them. He asked an unknown true companion to help them get past whatever was causing the lack of harmony in their lives. Even Jesus’ disciples argued about which one of them was greatest (Luke 9:46).
The way to get past the hurts of life, whatever form they may take, is to remember our hurts cannot compare to the hurt we each have brought to God. Paul reminds us we all have sinned and are in need of forgiveness (Rom. 3:23). Our sins caused God to send Christ to the cross, and Christ to willingly go to the cross, that His blood could wash away our sins. What pain He endured, what humiliation He went through, what a separation from the Father He faced as He bore our sins. We all need forgiveness, as we all need to forgive.
Paul goes on in Eph. 5:1 and tells us to be imitators of God. We have so much to learn, to embrace and to give up, to be like our Lord. His words from the cross touch us all, when He asked the Father, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Father, forgive us all, and help us all be more like You and Your Son. We can change the world, we can change the church, we can change our lives, with kindness, a tender heart, a forgiving spirit. May it begin within each of us. In Jesus' name, amen. Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Eph. 4:32; “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
We live in a society where hurt runs deep in people’s lives. We are hurt as a nation, we are hurt as groups of people, we are hurt individually. The hurt can be expressed in feelings, words, and actions. Scripture reveals it’s not just the worldly-minded who are hurt and hurt others, but even in the body of Christ. Barnabas and Paul had a “sharp disagreement” or “contention” over taking John Mark on a second mission effort, which could have reference to an angry dispute. Paul wanted Eudodia and Syntyche to live in harmony (Phil. 4:2), indicating such was not the case with them. He asked an unknown true companion to help them get past whatever was causing the lack of harmony in their lives. Even Jesus’ disciples argued about which one of them was greatest (Luke 9:46).
The way to get past the hurts of life, whatever form they may take, is to remember our hurts cannot compare to the hurt we each have brought to God. Paul reminds us we all have sinned and are in need of forgiveness (Rom. 3:23). Our sins caused God to send Christ to the cross, and Christ to willingly go to the cross, that His blood could wash away our sins. What pain He endured, what humiliation He went through, what a separation from the Father He faced as He bore our sins. We all need forgiveness, as we all need to forgive.
Paul goes on in Eph. 5:1 and tells us to be imitators of God. We have so much to learn, to embrace and to give up, to be like our Lord. His words from the cross touch us all, when He asked the Father, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Father, forgive us all, and help us all be more like You and Your Son. We can change the world, we can change the church, we can change our lives, with kindness, a tender heart, a forgiving spirit. May it begin within each of us. In Jesus' name, amen. Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Friday, June 12, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/12/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Jer. 6:16; “Thus says the LORD, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'”
People, for as long as there have been people I suppose, have had to get from here to there and back again. There have always been paths, roads, passages that people have journeyed. In Jeremiah’s day, paths and roads were important as well, but not necessarily just for getting from here to there. Some paths that had been abandoned needed to be rediscovered, for the spiritual journey of life was better traveled on them.
The ancient paths are the good way, where we find rest for our souls. The ancient path Jeremiah is referring to is the Law of Moses, God’s covenant for His people. When Israel would walk this path, the good way, they found rest, peace, and all that God had to offer them. To walk any other path was to leave the way of God for that which would only condemn.
Jesus spoke of the narrow path that would lead to life, that few would find (Matt. 7:13-14). It’s the gospel path, which we enter by the blood of Christ, that offers us all the blessings God provides today. This path isn’t just any path, but that which is commended by the Lord Himself. “So that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2:12).
There are, spiritually speaking, only two paths one can take; one is broad enough to accommodate every false teaching and every evil way, but it leads only to destruction. God’s path has always been narrow, in that it is well-defined as to what one believes and how one should live. It alone leads to eternal life.
Like the poem “The Road Not Taken” talks about, we should take the road less travelled by, the narrow road, as it alone offers a walk with Christ, a walk to eternal life. Which path do you take? Choose Christ. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Jer. 6:16; “Thus says the LORD, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'”
People, for as long as there have been people I suppose, have had to get from here to there and back again. There have always been paths, roads, passages that people have journeyed. In Jeremiah’s day, paths and roads were important as well, but not necessarily just for getting from here to there. Some paths that had been abandoned needed to be rediscovered, for the spiritual journey of life was better traveled on them.
The ancient paths are the good way, where we find rest for our souls. The ancient path Jeremiah is referring to is the Law of Moses, God’s covenant for His people. When Israel would walk this path, the good way, they found rest, peace, and all that God had to offer them. To walk any other path was to leave the way of God for that which would only condemn.
Jesus spoke of the narrow path that would lead to life, that few would find (Matt. 7:13-14). It’s the gospel path, which we enter by the blood of Christ, that offers us all the blessings God provides today. This path isn’t just any path, but that which is commended by the Lord Himself. “So that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2:12).
There are, spiritually speaking, only two paths one can take; one is broad enough to accommodate every false teaching and every evil way, but it leads only to destruction. God’s path has always been narrow, in that it is well-defined as to what one believes and how one should live. It alone leads to eternal life.
Like the poem “The Road Not Taken” talks about, we should take the road less travelled by, the narrow road, as it alone offers a walk with Christ, a walk to eternal life. Which path do you take? Choose Christ. God bless.
Robert
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Live in Peace
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone…” (Heb. 12:14).
At this point in time in our nation’s history, now more than ever, peace is needed in the lives of so many people. Peace of mind is one of the most needed, and one of the most sought after, attributes of our society, as peace of mind leads to peace in lives as a whole. There is such a lack of peace in people’s lives today, seen in attitudes, actions, every aspect of everyday living. The spirit of the age is all about a lack of peace, with violence, hatred, and so many attacks on people’s character, people’s occupations, and most distressingly, people’s lives. This lack of peace in our world comes from a lack of genuine spirituality.
Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth, “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33). Disorder and confusion are the opposite of peace. They are traits that fill many people’s lives, but their origin is not of God. “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (Jas. 3:16). Sin creates confusion and destroys peace, in our own lives, in our relationship with others, and especially in our relationship with God.
What is the way to find peace? The answer is Jesus. “For he himself is our peace…” (Eph. 2:14). When we obey the gospel and are cleansed of our sins by the blood of Christ, we can have peace. We have peace with God, as our sins are forgiven. We have peace in ourselves, knowing the guilt of sin is removed. We can have peace with others, as we respond to them in love, not from sinful motives and attitudes.
So, peace is something God provides in Christ, but something we must seek, as well. The Hebrew writer understood the need for his readers to positively respond in living the gospel if peace were to be a reality. Of course, those who reject God’s will, who still live in sin, cannot know God’s peace in Christ. This is why Jesus could say, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). We can be at peace with Christ, which helps us deal with those who remain in sin, which creates disorder and strife.
What can we do to encourage peace in others? Let them see Christ in you. What kind of example do they see? Do you live in godliness, or do they see sin fill your heart and actions? What kind of language do you use? Do you speak kind words, or words that create strife? “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1). To a large extent, how we respond to others determines whether we can find peace with others.
If we have peace through Christ, we should try to be at peace with those around us. There will be some who, by allowing sin to influence them, refuse to know peace. However, Christ living in us should make a difference in how we treat others, in whether or not we have, and share, peace.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.”
Robert
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone…” (Heb. 12:14).
At this point in time in our nation’s history, now more than ever, peace is needed in the lives of so many people. Peace of mind is one of the most needed, and one of the most sought after, attributes of our society, as peace of mind leads to peace in lives as a whole. There is such a lack of peace in people’s lives today, seen in attitudes, actions, every aspect of everyday living. The spirit of the age is all about a lack of peace, with violence, hatred, and so many attacks on people’s character, people’s occupations, and most distressingly, people’s lives. This lack of peace in our world comes from a lack of genuine spirituality.
Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth, “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33). Disorder and confusion are the opposite of peace. They are traits that fill many people’s lives, but their origin is not of God. “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (Jas. 3:16). Sin creates confusion and destroys peace, in our own lives, in our relationship with others, and especially in our relationship with God.
What is the way to find peace? The answer is Jesus. “For he himself is our peace…” (Eph. 2:14). When we obey the gospel and are cleansed of our sins by the blood of Christ, we can have peace. We have peace with God, as our sins are forgiven. We have peace in ourselves, knowing the guilt of sin is removed. We can have peace with others, as we respond to them in love, not from sinful motives and attitudes.
So, peace is something God provides in Christ, but something we must seek, as well. The Hebrew writer understood the need for his readers to positively respond in living the gospel if peace were to be a reality. Of course, those who reject God’s will, who still live in sin, cannot know God’s peace in Christ. This is why Jesus could say, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). We can be at peace with Christ, which helps us deal with those who remain in sin, which creates disorder and strife.
What can we do to encourage peace in others? Let them see Christ in you. What kind of example do they see? Do you live in godliness, or do they see sin fill your heart and actions? What kind of language do you use? Do you speak kind words, or words that create strife? “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1). To a large extent, how we respond to others determines whether we can find peace with others.
If we have peace through Christ, we should try to be at peace with those around us. There will be some who, by allowing sin to influence them, refuse to know peace. However, Christ living in us should make a difference in how we treat others, in whether or not we have, and share, peace.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.”
Robert
Message from Scripture: 6/11/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Psa. 119:5; “If only my ways were committed to keeping your statutes.”
For those of us who have obeyed the gospel, if asked the question, “What is the Bible,” we can answer unequivocally “The inspired word of God” (2 Tim. 3:16); but this is not all that the Bible is to us. In His infinite wisdom, God has given us His word in language we can understand, using our thought patterns, the grammar and patterns inherent in literature and language, so it will be understandable, unmistakable, and undeniable, that we can be committed to keeping His statutes.
Two figures of speech the Bible employs to communicate God’s truth is that of simile and metaphor, strong comparisons, where a word or phrase ordinarily and primarily used of one thing is applied to another. We use these all the time, as in the phrases, “Her tears flowed like a river,” or “All the world’s a stage.” God uses these figures of speech, as well, to clarify and understand what God’s word should means to us in very practical ways.
We learn from this that Scripture is a light. “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path” (Psa. 119:105). In other words, it can lead us out of the darkness of sin into the light of truth, the right way to live. Scripture is also a fire. “But his message becomes a fire burning in my heart” (Jer. 20:9). It motivates us to speak it and live, that its power can be made effective in and through us. Scripture is also a sword. “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit — which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17). It defends the faith and pierces our hearts with its truths.
Scripture is to be many things to us. It is living and active, coming from the God who always lives, always works, always is there to use it to bring us to maturity, to salvation. What is Scripture to you? Spend time in it today, and be blessed.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Psa. 119:5; “If only my ways were committed to keeping your statutes.”
For those of us who have obeyed the gospel, if asked the question, “What is the Bible,” we can answer unequivocally “The inspired word of God” (2 Tim. 3:16); but this is not all that the Bible is to us. In His infinite wisdom, God has given us His word in language we can understand, using our thought patterns, the grammar and patterns inherent in literature and language, so it will be understandable, unmistakable, and undeniable, that we can be committed to keeping His statutes.
Two figures of speech the Bible employs to communicate God’s truth is that of simile and metaphor, strong comparisons, where a word or phrase ordinarily and primarily used of one thing is applied to another. We use these all the time, as in the phrases, “Her tears flowed like a river,” or “All the world’s a stage.” God uses these figures of speech, as well, to clarify and understand what God’s word should means to us in very practical ways.
We learn from this that Scripture is a light. “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path” (Psa. 119:105). In other words, it can lead us out of the darkness of sin into the light of truth, the right way to live. Scripture is also a fire. “But his message becomes a fire burning in my heart” (Jer. 20:9). It motivates us to speak it and live, that its power can be made effective in and through us. Scripture is also a sword. “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit — which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17). It defends the faith and pierces our hearts with its truths.
Scripture is to be many things to us. It is living and active, coming from the God who always lives, always works, always is there to use it to bring us to maturity, to salvation. What is Scripture to you? Spend time in it today, and be blessed.
Robert
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/9/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Rom. 10:17; “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” This is a fascinating verse. The word translated “hearing” doesn’t refer exclusively to the ability to hear, but what is heard. The term “word,” in word of Christ, is the Greek ῥῆμα, which is a declaration or saying. So, it can be translated, “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.”
Since faith comes from what is heard, what message is it that you’re listening to? There are many different messages competing for our attention. The world is a cacophony of ideas and philosophies that so often are in conflict with the message of Christ. Satan is at work in the world, and he would have us believe there are so many different ways to believe, so many paths to take, so many messages that all are valid expressions for life. The problem is, all of the concepts and views offered by the world are variations on the same theme of sin. Paul summed up everything the world offers this way; “Do not be conformed to this age,” or stop being conformed to this age (Rom. 12:2). The message the world offers is really just one message, based in sin, which destroys and condemns.
If we are to develop a strong faith, then what we must hear is the message about Christ. We need a philosophy of life based on Christ, on His love for us, on His sacrifice for us, on His will for our lives. “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude” (Col. 2:6-7). We must spend time daily in Scripture if we are to be spiritually formed into the image of Christ. As the Psalmist reminds us, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You” (Psa. 119:11).
We hear all kinds of messages; make sure you hear the message that can save your soul. Read your Bible every day, and every day will be great. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Rom. 10:17; “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” This is a fascinating verse. The word translated “hearing” doesn’t refer exclusively to the ability to hear, but what is heard. The term “word,” in word of Christ, is the Greek ῥῆμα, which is a declaration or saying. So, it can be translated, “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.”
Since faith comes from what is heard, what message is it that you’re listening to? There are many different messages competing for our attention. The world is a cacophony of ideas and philosophies that so often are in conflict with the message of Christ. Satan is at work in the world, and he would have us believe there are so many different ways to believe, so many paths to take, so many messages that all are valid expressions for life. The problem is, all of the concepts and views offered by the world are variations on the same theme of sin. Paul summed up everything the world offers this way; “Do not be conformed to this age,” or stop being conformed to this age (Rom. 12:2). The message the world offers is really just one message, based in sin, which destroys and condemns.
If we are to develop a strong faith, then what we must hear is the message about Christ. We need a philosophy of life based on Christ, on His love for us, on His sacrifice for us, on His will for our lives. “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude” (Col. 2:6-7). We must spend time daily in Scripture if we are to be spiritually formed into the image of Christ. As the Psalmist reminds us, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You” (Psa. 119:11).
We hear all kinds of messages; make sure you hear the message that can save your soul. Read your Bible every day, and every day will be great. God bless.
Robert
Monday, June 8, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/8/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from 2 Tim. 1:13; “Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
The concept of a pattern plays an important part in the teaching of Scripture. Moses was told to build the tabernacle according to the pattern God was showing him on the mountain where he received the covenant (Num. 8:4). Not just the construction of the tabernacle was to be followed according to God’s pattern, His standard for construction, but the entirety of the Law of Moses was God’s pattern for Israel to live by (Deut. 12:1).
The New Covenant, the gospel of Christ, is God’s pattern for us to live by today. In Rom. 6:17 Paul wrote, “But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over.” We could say Paul is telling us to abandon the pattern of sin, which enslaves us to it and leads to condemnation. We follow instead the pattern the gospel provides, which leads us to liberty from sin and to forgiveness. As Paul goes on to say, “and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness” (Rom. 6:18).
Living by God’s pattern in Christ, we are transformed (Rom. 12:2). Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). There has always been a right way, and a wrong way, to live. God knew, for the Israelites, it would be difficult for them to stay faithful, not to go astray. That’s why He gave them a pattern to live by in the Law of Moses. Today, we need the Biblical pattern found in the New Testament to follow God’s pattern for us today, to have the good life, to live with the assurance of eternal life. Jesus put it this way; “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
Let’s follow God’s pattern in Scripture. Let’s have confidence in the life He offers, today and eternally. Live by the pattern, and find the life really worth living. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from 2 Tim. 1:13; “Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
The concept of a pattern plays an important part in the teaching of Scripture. Moses was told to build the tabernacle according to the pattern God was showing him on the mountain where he received the covenant (Num. 8:4). Not just the construction of the tabernacle was to be followed according to God’s pattern, His standard for construction, but the entirety of the Law of Moses was God’s pattern for Israel to live by (Deut. 12:1).
The New Covenant, the gospel of Christ, is God’s pattern for us to live by today. In Rom. 6:17 Paul wrote, “But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over.” We could say Paul is telling us to abandon the pattern of sin, which enslaves us to it and leads to condemnation. We follow instead the pattern the gospel provides, which leads us to liberty from sin and to forgiveness. As Paul goes on to say, “and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness” (Rom. 6:18).
Living by God’s pattern in Christ, we are transformed (Rom. 12:2). Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). There has always been a right way, and a wrong way, to live. God knew, for the Israelites, it would be difficult for them to stay faithful, not to go astray. That’s why He gave them a pattern to live by in the Law of Moses. Today, we need the Biblical pattern found in the New Testament to follow God’s pattern for us today, to have the good life, to live with the assurance of eternal life. Jesus put it this way; “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
Let’s follow God’s pattern in Scripture. Let’s have confidence in the life He offers, today and eternally. Live by the pattern, and find the life really worth living. God bless.
Robert
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