Date Joined: Jun 7, 2010 10:10:35 GMT -5
|
Post by deyana on Feb 10, 2024 19:53:06 GMT -5
|
|
Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
|
Post by Les on Feb 21, 2024 9:35:00 GMT -5
Which Way? God's Way By: Anne Le Tissier
Click here for the Audio Message
Stand at the crossroads and look ...ask where the good way is ...and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16
Today's Scripture & Insight : Jeremiah 6:10-16 When I lived in Guernsey, I often got stuck behind the hire cars of tourists pausing to check directions at junctions. The island’s signposts were minimal, so visitors struggled to navigate the complex network of narrow lanes. In fact, this problem became so common that one resident, living by a junction, decided to have some fun. They constructed a four-way signpost:“This Way. That Way. Other Way. Wrong Way.”
Amusing as it was, it reminded me of Jeremiah’s stern warning. Ignoring God’s directions in favour of the wrong way inevitably has consequences. The Israelites had closed their ears to God’s Word, which was denouncing their worldly ways (Jeremiah 6:10). Even leaders ignored the spiritual decay and made false promises of peace (v. 14). But God spoke through His prophet Jeremiah, urging them to “ask for the ancient paths”—the “good” ways of God’s Word, tried and proved by their ancestors. For if they walked in these, they would “find rest for [their] souls”(v. 16).
God longs for us to know wholeness and wellbeing by choosing to live in yielded response to His life-giving words. Other attractive paths may beckon, but they are destined for heartache or difficulty. Whatever choice we face, we can pause at the crossroads of options and ask God for His Word to direct us in His good way. As we walk that path, a clear conscience and His reassuring presence will strengthen our souls.
Reflect & Pray How has God guided your choices and responses in the past through His word? What options are you faced with today that you need His directions for?
Loving God, thank You that Your ways are the best directions for me to choose, even when the alternatives may appear more attractive. Please help me discern the guidance in Your Word that I need for today.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Jeremiah, often called the “weeping prophet,” brought a depressing message to Israel:“Behold, I will certainly bring calamity on this people”(6:19). God would bring the consequences of Israel’s choices on them. Calamity was coming (v.15) because Israel had forgotten the path given in the past (v.16). Yet Jeremiah also offered words of hope: One day God would bring “the remnant” back to Israel and raise up a “Branch of righteousness”( 23:3-8).
Our Daily Bread
Jeremiah 6:10-16 King James Version 10 To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.
11 Therefore I am full of the fury of the Lord; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days.
12 And their houses shall be turned unto others, with their fields and wives together: for I will stretch out my hand upon the inhabitants of the land, saith the Lord.
13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord.
16 Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
|
|
Date Joined: Oct 26, 2021 18:21:44 GMT -5
|
Post by Rusty on Feb 21, 2024 22:06:13 GMT -5
Was never an " in your face Christian ".You know, the one's who hit you over the head with a Bible.I've screwed up my life more than I show on social media. One can laugh at me but doesn't effect me. I'm not John, the John here who has a different approach towards those who think the Bible is a fairy tale. I've been going to this church for about a year( my FB friends already know this) and this hit me hard. If you have 25 minutes and have nothing to do watch this. I'd be curious about any thoughts 🤔
|
|
Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
|
Post by Les on Feb 22, 2024 6:38:23 GMT -5
Walking in Jesus’ Shoes By: James Banks
Click here for the Audio Message
Clothe yourselves with compassion. Colossians 3:12
Today's Scripture & Insight : Colossians 3:8–17 What would it be like to walk in the shoes of royalty? Angela Kelly, the daughter of a dockworker and nurse, knows. She was also the official dresser for the late Queen Elizabeth for the last two decades of the monarch’s life. One of her responsibilities was to break-in the ageing Queen’s new shoes by walking in them around the palace grounds. There was a reason for it: compassion for an elderly woman who sometimes was required to stand for extended periods at ceremonies. Because they wore the same shoe size, Kelly was able to save her some discomfort.
Kelly’s personal touch in her care for Queen Elizabeth makes me think of Paul’s warm encouragement to the church in Colossae (an area in modern Turkey):“clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”(Colossians 3:12). When our lives are “built on” Jesus (2:7 NLT), we become “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved”(3:12). He helps us take off our “old self” and “put on the new self”(vv. 9–10)—living out the identity of those who love and forgive others because God has loved and forgiven us (vv. 13–14).
All around us are those who need us to “walk in their shoes” and have compassion for them in the day-to-day challenges of life. When we do, we walk in the shoes (or the sandals) of a king—Jesus—who always has compassion for us.
Reflect and Pray How has God had compassion for you? Who can you show His love to today?
Thank You, Jesus, for Your forgiveness and love. Help me to receive it, and also to give it away.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Paul’s letters are both doctrinal and practical. Colossians 1-2 tell us who Jesus is. Chapters 3-4 teach us what kind of people we ought to be. In Colossians 3:1-17, the apostle tells us what “a life worthy of the Lord”(1:10) looks like. Employing the image of clothing (3:12 ), the apostle commands us to take off our old sinful self and to put on the new self. Listing various vices a believer of Jesus must get rid of—including sexual immorality, lust, greed, anger, malice, and lying (vv. 5-9)—Paul instructs believers to put on Christlike virtues—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and a forgiving heart—enveloped and motivated by love (vv. 12-14). Elsewhere, he speaks of these as the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
K. T. Sim
Colossians 3:8-17 King James Version 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
|
|
Date Joined: Feb 22, 2023 5:39:37 GMT -5
|
Post by foxy on Feb 22, 2024 6:59:01 GMT -5
Yay, you're back Les! Please update us on your dear wife. ^ Great messages. Thanks.
|
|
Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
|
Post by Les on Feb 22, 2024 7:21:40 GMT -5
Yay, you're back Les! Please update us on your dear wife. ^ Great messages. Thanks. Hi, Thanks foxy. My dear wife is doing remarkably well after surgury. She picked up a chest infection which was a concern but she is fighting her way through - The wound is healing well. She is now home with her own surroundings and will have to take things easy for a few months. The good news is that her quality of life is already starting to improve. Please keep her in prayer as she continues to go forward. This surgery was one of two surgeries that she needed but the 2nd one will now be placed on hold until the first stage heals.
|
|
Date Joined: Feb 22, 2023 5:39:37 GMT -5
|
Post by foxy on Feb 22, 2024 9:43:35 GMT -5
So glad she is home and improving Les, what a relief. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. God bless you both.
|
|
Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
|
Post by Les on Feb 23, 2024 11:44:12 GMT -5
Welcome the Stranger By: Mike Wittmer
Click here for the Audio Message
You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. Ephesians 2:19
Today's Scripture & Insight : Ephesians 2:11–22 In Everything Sad Is Untrue, Daniel Nayeri describes his harrowing flight with his mother and sister from persecution through a refugee camp to safety in another country. An elderly couple agreed to sponsor them, though they didn’t know them. Years later, Daniel still can’t get over it. He writes,“Can you believe that? Totally blind, they did that. They’d never even met us. And if we turned out to be villains, they’d have to pay for it. That’s almost as brave, kind and reckless as I can think of anybody being.”
Yet God desires us to have that level of concern for others. He told Israel to be kind to foreigners.“Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt”(Leviticus 19:34). He reminds gentile believers in Jesus—that’s many of us—that once we “were separate from Christ ... and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world”(Ephesians 2:12). So He commands all of us former foreigners, both Jew and gentile,“to show hospitality to strangers”(Hebrews 13:2).
Now grown-up with a family of his own, Daniel praises Jim and Jean Dawson,“who were so Christian that they let a family of refugees come live with them until they could find a home.”
God welcomes the stranger and urges us to welcome them too.
Reflect & Pray Who is an outsider in your world? How might you reach out and welcome them into your space?
Dear Jesus, show me the stranger You want me to love.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The separation between Jewish and non-Jewish people was critically important when Paul wrote Ephesians. And, indeed, as God’s chosen people, the Jews held a special place in His plan. Messiah Himself was thoroughly Jewish. But the distinction created much animosity between the two groups, particularly concerning the practice of circumcision. Paul dismissed such attitudes as contrary to God’s plan—the “mystery ... that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel”(Ephesians 3:6). God “has made the two groups one”(2:14). Gentiles are “no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens”( v. 19) through Christ’s blood (v. 13).
Tim Gustafson
Ephesians 2:11-22 King James Version 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
|
|
Date Joined: May 20, 2022 16:28:37 GMT -5
|
Post by apple on Feb 24, 2024 15:04:09 GMT -5
|
|
Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
|
Post by Les on Feb 25, 2024 10:50:40 GMT -5
Not Luck, but Christ By: Marvin Williams
Click here for the Audio Message
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17
Today's Scripture & Insight : Colossians 1:15–20 Discover magazine suggests that there are around 700 quintillion (7 followed by 20 zeros) planets in the universe, but only one like Earth. Astrophysicist Erik Zackrisson said that one of the requirements for a planet to sustain life is to orbit in the “Goldilocks” zone, where the temperature is just right, and water can exist. Out of 700 quintillion planets, Earth seems to be one planet where conditions are just right. Zackrisson concluded that Earth somehow had been dealt a “fairly lucky hand”.
Paul assured the Colossian believers that the universe existed, not because of Lady Luck, but because of the work of Jesus. The apostle presents Christ as the creator of the world:“For in him all things were created”(Colossians 1:16). Not only was Jesus the powerful creator of the world, but Paul says that “in him all things hold together”(v. 17)—a world that’s not too hot and not too cold, but one that’s just right for human existence. What Jesus created, He’s sustaining with His perfect wisdom and unceasing power.
As we participate in and enjoy the beauty of creation, let’s choose not to point to the random activity of Lady Luck, but to the purposeful, sovereign, powerful and loving One who possesses “all [God’s] fullness”(v. 19).
Reflect & Pray What does it mean for you to know that Jesus is in control of the natural world and your personal world? How will you show your dependence on Him today?
Dear Jesus, I thank You for graciously and purposefully creating and sustaining Your creation.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT In Colossians 1:15-20 (perhaps an ancient Christian hymn), the supremacy of Jesus, the beloved Son of God (v. 13), comes into focus. Included in the credits that speak of Christ’s incomparable excellence is the term “firstborn”(vv. 15, 18). This word isn’t a reference to birth order—as if Christ was the first in a line of created beings. Rather, it speaks of Him—“the image of the invisible God”(v. 15 )—as the head (source) of and ruler over all things (vv. 16-19). Paul isn’t the only witness to this amazing truth. John notes,“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made”(John 1:3). And the writer of Hebrews also corroborates this:“In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe”(1:2).
Arthur Jackson
Colossians 1:15-20 King James Version 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
|
|
Date Joined: Oct 26, 2021 18:21:44 GMT -5
|
Post by Rusty on Feb 25, 2024 17:34:42 GMT -5
The source of REAL joy. FINALLY after 46 years I understand what it's about. We're not killjoys. If you're a believer he speaks of the 2 things that kill true joy. Legalism- having to live by a set of rules. Consumerism- which says God will give you everything you want, just ask. Quite an eye opening morning 😎
|
|
Date Joined: Oct 26, 2021 18:21:44 GMT -5
|
Post by Rusty on Feb 25, 2024 17:45:48 GMT -5
Btw at the 16:55 mark is a real life example of exactly what this is all about.
|
|
Date Joined: Aug 28, 2012 3:23:19 GMT -5
|
Post by toetapping on Feb 25, 2024 18:01:48 GMT -5
|
|
Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
|
Post by Les on Feb 26, 2024 10:51:06 GMT -5
Sweet Sleep By: Tom Felten
Click here for the Audio Message
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. Psalm 3:5
Today's Scripture & Insight : Psalm 3 Bad memories and accusing messages flooded Sal’s mind. Sleep eluded him as fear filled his heart and sweat covered his skin. It was the night before his baptism, and he couldn’t stop the onslaught of dark thoughts. Sal had received salvation in Jesus and knew that his sins had been forgiven; yet the spiritual battle continued. Then his wife took his hand and prayed for him. Moments later, peace replaced the fear in Sal’s heart. He got up and wrote the words he would share prior to being baptised—something he hadn’t been able to do. After that, he experienced sweet sleep.
King David also knew what a restless night felt like. Fleeing from his son Absalom who wanted to steal his throne (2 Samuel 15–17), he knew that “tens of thousands [assailed him] on every side”(Psalm 3:6). David moaned,“How many are my foes!”(v. 1). Though fear and doubt could have won out, he called out to God, his “shield”(v. 3). Later, he found that he could “lie down and sleep ... because the Lord sustains [him]”(v. 5).
When fears and struggles grip our mind and rest is replaced by restlessness, hope is found as we pray to God. While we might not experience immediate sweet sleep as Sal and David did,“in peace [we can] lie down and ... dwell in safety”(4:8). For God is with us and He’ll be our rest.
Reflect & Pray What things are weighing on your heart and mind? What will it mean for you to truly surrender them to God through prayer?
Dear God, thank You for providing hope and peace as I lift my prayers to You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The psalm-writer David wasn’t a model father, but he deeply loved his rebellious son Absalom, who usurped his throne and sought to kill him. And Absalom nearly succeeded. David fled Jerusalem with his household, his loyal officials, and others who were faithful to him (2 Samuel 15:1–17:24).
So many of the psalms were written out of deep personal or national crisis—often both. The turmoil and uncertainty of Absalom’s rebellion inspired Psalm 3. Many scholars believe Psalm 4 was also written during this time, as well as Psalm 63. Intriguingly, all three psalms allude to sleep:“I lie down and sleep”(3:5);“In peace I will lie down and sleep”(4:8 ); and “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night”(63:6). David’s troubles always drove him to his bedrock faith in God, where he unfailingly found rest.
Tim Gustafson
Psalm 3 King James Version 3 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
|
|
Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
|
Post by Les on Feb 27, 2024 11:07:09 GMT -5
When Jesus Stops By: Karen Huang
Click here for the Audio Message
Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. Luke 18:40
Today's Scripture & Insight : Luke 18:35–43 For days, the sickly cat cried, huddled in a box near my workplace. Abandoned on the street, the feline went unnoticed by many who passed it by—until Jun came along. The street sweeper carried the animal home, where he lived with two dogs, which were former strays.
“I care for them because they’re the creatures no one notices,” Jun said.“I see myself in them. No one notices a street sweeper, after all.”
As Jesus walked towards Jericho on His way to Jerusalem, a blind man sat begging by the roadside. He felt unnoticed too. And on this day especially—when a crowd was passing through and all eyes were focused on Christ—no one stopped to help the beggar.
No one except Jesus. In the midst of the clamouring crowd, He heard the forgotten man’s cry.“What do you want me to do for you?” Christ asked, and He received the heartfelt reply,“Lord, I want to see.” Then Jesus said,“Receive your sight; your faith has healed you”(Luke 18:41–42).
Do we feel unnoticed at times? Are our cries drowned out by people who seem to matter more than us? Our Saviour notices those the world doesn’t care to notice. Call to Him for help! While others may pass us by, He’ll stop for us.
Reflect & Pray How does knowing that Jesus sees you change how you view yourself and your life? Who are those around you who might need to be noticed, and how can you ‘stop’ to encourage them with the Saviour’s love?
Dear Jesus, thank You for hearing me when I call to You. Like the blind man who received his sight, help me to follow and praise You all my life.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The healing of the blind beggar in Luke 18:35-43 is also told in Matthew 20:29-34 and Mark 10:46-52, but with differences in the details. Matthew says there are two blind men, whereas Mark and Luke choose to tell the story of only one, whom Mark calls “Bartimaeus” or “son of Timaeus”(10:46). The Gospels tell of several other instances where Jesus healed the blind: Matthew 9:27-31 (two blind men); 12:22 (blind and mute demon-possessed man); Mark 8:22-26 (blind man at Bethsaida); and John 9 (man born blind). In addition, Matthew records a general healing of the blind (15:30; 21:14). At the start of His public ministry, Christ read from Isaiah 61:1-2 about the ministry of the Messiah. Healing of the blind is one of the signs of the Messiah (Luke 4:18-19, see also Matthew 11:2-6). After the Scriptures from Isaiah were read, Jesus declared that He’s indeed the Messiah:“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing”(Luke 4:21).
K. T. Sim
Luke 18:35-43 King James Version 35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:
36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.
38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,
41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.
42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
|
|
Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
|
Post by Les on Feb 28, 2024 10:20:55 GMT -5
Trinkets By: Debbi Fralick
Click here for the Audio Message
Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6
Today's Scripture & Insight : 1 Timothy 6:6–10 Walking my dog along the shore, I’d become entirely engrossed in beachcombing. Gleaming sea glass, soft twisty bits of driftwood and little pebbles soon filled my pockets. But as I lingered, the tide quietly rose, forcing me to navigate deeper waters and slippery rocks. I was desperate not to lose my footing or my dog.
Eventually we arrived home unharmed. But as I surveyed my trinkets, I began to think what they might well have cost me. How I wished I’d kept my eyes on where I was going, rather than on what I could collect along the way!
Similarly, Paul issues a warning to Christians as we walk through life. Those with sights set on collecting the treasures of this world “fall into temptation and a trap”, potentially leading to “ruin and destruction”(1 Timothy 6:9). So easily we can lose sight of where we are going. I was meant to be heading home, just as all of God’s people are journeying towards our true home.
That’s why Paul urges,“Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it”(vv. 6–7). We can’t keep a single piece of the ‘treasure’ we collect here. But we can learn to be content with God’s daily presence, and provision—whether much or little—in our lives (v. 8), knowing that each day we are slightly closer to being home.
Reflect & Pray Have your eyes been lured away from your true home by the treasures of this world? What “great gain” would godliness with contentment bring to your life?
Heavenly Father, I pray that You would help me fix my eyes on where I am going, not on what I can collect along the way.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT In 1 Timothy 6:6–7, the apostle Paul states,“Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” His words are reminiscent of Job’s:“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised”(Job 1:21). Yet these men differed in more than the suffering they endured, for Paul knew why he suffered whereas Job didn’t. Paul was “fight[ing] the good fight of the faith”(1 Timothy 6:12 ), and he understood that trials and persecution often accompanied this spiritual battle. As 2 Corinthians 11 details, Paul’s life as an apostle included beatings, stoning, prison, hunger, thirst, and more. Yet Paul had “learned to be content whatever the circumstances ... through him who [gave him] strength”(Philippians 4:11–13).
Alyson Kieda
1 Timothy 6:6-10 King James Version 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
|
|
Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
|
Post by Les on Feb 29, 2024 11:09:18 GMT -5
Even Leviticus By: Tim Gustafson
Click here for the Audio Message
You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy. Leviticus 20:26
Today's Scripture & Insight : Leviticus 13:1–8 The topic was Leviticus, and I had a confession to make.“I skipped a lot of the reading,” I told my Bible study group.“I’m not reading about skin diseases again.”
That’s when my friend Dave spoke up.“I know a guy who believed in Jesus because of that passage,” he said. Dave explained that his friend—a doctor—had been an atheist. He decided that before he completely rejected the Bible, he’d better read it for himself. The section on skin diseases in Leviticus fascinated him. It contained surprising details about contagious and noncontagious sores (Leviticus 13:1–46) and how to treat them (14:8–9). He knew this far surpassed the medical knowledge of that day—yet there it was in Leviticus. There’s no way Moses could have known all this, he thought. The doctor began to consider that Moses really did receive his information from God. Eventually he put his faith in Jesus.
If parts of the Bible seem a bit boring, well, I’m with you. But everything it says is there for a reason. Leviticus was written so the Israelites would know how to live for and with God. As we learn more about this relationship between God and His people, we learn about God Himself.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” wrote the apostle Paul (2 Timothy 3:16). Let’s read on. Even Leviticus.
Reflect & Pray What sections of the Bible seem irrelevant to you? How can you learn to recognise their value?
Father, teach me how to appreciate the Bible. Let every part speak to me.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The book of Leviticus gives the account of events that took place after God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt and describes how His people could live in His presence. At that time, Israel’s priests were entrusted with great responsibility in guiding the Israelites in how to live. In chapter 13, we find this includes taking great care regarding those with infectious skin diseases. The priests were trained how to recognize contagious conditions and to require those with such diseases to isolate themselves until there was evidence of healing (vv. 4, 8). Minor, noncontagious skin conditions wouldn’t require being quarantined ( vv. 7, 11).
Monica La Rose
Leviticus 13:1-8 King James Version 13 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, saying,
2 When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh like the plague of leprosy; then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests:
3 And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and when the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.
4 If the bright spot be white in the skin of his flesh, and in sight be not deeper than the skin, and the hair thereof be not turned white; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague seven days:
5 And the priest shall look on him the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague in his sight be at a stay, and the plague spread not in the skin; then the priest shall shut him up seven days more:
6 And the priest shall look on him again the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague be somewhat dark, and the plague spread not in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean: it is but a scab: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.
7 But if the scab spread much abroad in the skin, after that he hath been seen of the priest for his cleansing, he shall be seen of the priest again.
8 And if the priest see that, behold, the scab spreadeth in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a leprosy.
|
|
Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
|
Post by Les on Mar 1, 2024 10:14:25 GMT -5
Owner or Steward? By: James Banks
Click here for the Audio Message
Every animal of the forest is mine. Psalm 50:10
Today's Scripture & Insight : Psalm 50:7–15 “Am I an owner or a steward?” The CEO of a multibillionpound company asked himself that question as he weighed what was best for his family. Concerned about the temptations that can come with vast wealth, he didn’t want to burden his heirs with that challenge. So he gave up ownership of his company and placed 100 percent of the voting stock in a trust. Recognising that everything he owns belongs to God helped him make the decision to allow his family to earn a living in exchange for work while also using future profits to fund Christian ministry.
In Psalm 50:10, God tells His people,“Every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” As the Creator of all things, God owes us nothing and needs nothing from us.“I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens,” He says (Psalm 50:9). He generously provides everything that we have and use. Because He does, as the psalm shows us, He’s worthy of our heartfelt worship.
God owns everything. But because of His goodness, He even chose to give Himself, entering into a relationship with any who turn to Him. Jesus “did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”(Mark 10:45). When we value the Giver over the gifts and serve Him with them, we are blessed to delight in Him forever.
Reflect & Pray What has God given you that you’re grateful for? How can you serve Him with it?
You made everything, faithful Creator. Help me to live my life as a gift from You today.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The superscription attributes Psalm 50 to Asaph, a Levite and one of David’s three chief musicians (see 1 Chronicles 6:31, 39; 16:4-5; 2 Chronicles 5:12). Asaph also composed eleven other songs (Psalms 73-83). In Psalm 50 , a didactic psalm (one that teaches us about God and how to live in a way that pleases Him), he describes a courtroom scene where God testifies against and judges His people for two grave sins—their formalism in worship (vv. 7-15) and their hypocrisy in living (vv. 16-23). We’re reminded that God has no need for our offerings, for He’s the Lord of all creation and owner of all we have (vv. 8-15). Instead, He desires us to “make thankfulness [our] sacrifice to” Him ( v. 14 NLT).
K. T. Sim
Psalm 50:7-15 King James Version 7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.
8 I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.
9 I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.
11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?
14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
|
|
Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
|
Post by Les on Mar 2, 2024 10:55:18 GMT -5
Speaking as God Helps Us By: Kirsten Holmberg
Click here for the Audio Message
Then there came a voice from above the vault over their heads as they stood with lowered wings. Ezekiel 1:25
Today's Scripture & Insight : Ezekiel 1:22–28 One wouldn’t normally think of butterflies as being loud creatures: after all, the flapping of a single Monarch butterfly’s wings is practically inaudible. But in the Mexican rainforest, where many of them begin their short lives, their collective flapping is surprisingly loud. When millions of Monarchs flap their wings at the same time, it sounds like a rushing waterfall.
The same description is given when four very different winged creatures appear in Ezekiel’s vision. Though fewer than the number of butterflies, he likens the sound of their flapping wings to “the roar of rushing waters”(Ezekiel 1:24). When the creatures stood still and lowered their wings, Ezekiel heard the voice of God calling him to “speak [God’s] words to [the Israelites]”(2:7).
Ezekiel, like the other Old Testament prophets, was charged with the task of speaking truth to God’s people. Today, God asks us all to share the truth of His good work in our lives with those He puts around us (1 Peter 3:15). Sometimes we’ll be asked a direct question—an invitation to share that’s as ‘loud’ as a waterfall. Other times, the invitation might be more of a whisper, such as seeing an unspoken need. Whether the invitation to share God’s love is as loud as a million butterflies or as quiet as just one, we must listen, as Ezekiel did, with ears tuned to hear what God wants us to say.
Reflect & Pray Who’s inviting you to speak into their lives—even if only faintly? How will you respond?
Thank You, Father, for inviting me to share about You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT When Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon first attacked Jerusalem, he took most people from Jerusalem into exile (2 Kings 24:10-14). Ezekiel was one of those captives. The book of Ezekiel opens five years later (Ezekiel 1:2) when Ezekiel was thirty years old—the year he would’ve been installed as a priest in Jerusalem. Instead, he was with the other exiles in a camp by a river in Babylon (v. 1 ). Yet God appeared to the prophet, revealing to him that not just in Jerusalem but even in this land of exile, He’s present in glory—“like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day .... This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord”(v. 28).
Monica La Rose
Ezekiel 1:22-28 King James Version 22 And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.
23 And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies.
24 And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.
25 And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
26 And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
27 And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
|
|
Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
|
Post by Les on Mar 3, 2024 10:59:56 GMT -5
A Heart for Christ By: Karen Huang
Click here for the Audio Message
Out of the heart come evil thoughts ... these are what defile a person. Matthew 15:19−20
Today's Scripture & Insight : Matthew 15:7−20 As long as you keep your mouth closed, I told myself, you won’t be doing anything wrong. I’d been outwardly holding back my anger towards a colleague after misinterpreting things she’d said. Since we had to see each other every day, I decided to limit communication to only what was necessary (and retaliate with my silent treatment). How could a quiet demeanour be wrong?
Jesus said that sin begins in the heart (Matthew 15:18−20). My silence may have fooled people into thinking all was well, but it wasn’t fooling God. He knew I was hiding a heart filled with anger. I was like the Pharisees who honoured God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him (v. 8). Even though my outward appearance didn’t show my true feelings, the bitterness was festering inside me. The joy and closeness I’d always felt with my heavenly Father were gone. Nurturing and hiding sin does that.
By God’s grace, I told my colleague how I was feeling and apologised. She graciously forgave me and, eventually, we became good friends.“Out of the heart come evil thoughts”(v. 19), Jesus says. The state of our heart matters because evil residing there can overflow into our lives. Both our exterior and interior matter.
Reflect & Pray Jesus said that the sin in our heart defiles us. What “evil thoughts” might be defiling your heart? How can you pray regarding this matter?
Loving God, please forgive me for the sins I’ve been nurturing in my heart. I want my heart to be pleasing in Your sight. Please help me to change.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT When Jesus quoted Isaiah in Matthew 15:8-9, it was from a passage in which God, through the prophet, confronted the people of Jerusalem over their self-righteous religious practices (Isaiah 29:13). In that day, the people claimed to know God, but their actions proved their hearts were stone-cold. In the Messiah’s day, He directed Isaiah’s accusation specifically at the Pharisees, who were guilty of the same sin. The Pharisees had just accused Jesus of His failure to wash His hands before eating. Mark’s parallel account about this scene expands on the Pharisees’ unhelpful tradition (see Mark 7:3-4). There was nothing wrong with the washing of one’s hands prior to eating. But the Pharisees had made this a requirement, elevating “human rules” to the status of God-ordained law (Matthew 15:9).
Tim Gustafson
Matthew 15:7-20 King James Version 7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.
16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
|
|