Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
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Post by Les on Mar 4, 2024 14:09:41 GMT -5
Jesus Dwells Within By: Patricia Raybon
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Then Christ will make his home in your hearts. Ephesians 3:17
Today's Scripture & Insight : Ephesians 3:14–20 As a blizzard bore down on my hometown, my widowed mother agreed to stay with my family to “ride out” the storm. After the blizzard, however, she never returned to her house. She moved in, dwelling with us for the rest of her life. Her presence changed our household in many positive ways. She was available daily to provide wisdom, advice to family members and share ancestral stories. She and my husband became the best of friends, sharing a similar sense of humour and love of sports. No longer a visitor, she was a permanent and vital resident—forever changing our hearts even after God called her home.
The experience recalls John’s description of Jesus—that He “dwelt among us”(John 1:14 KJV). It’s a compelling description because in the original Greek the word dwelt means “to pitch a tent”. Another translation says, He “made his home among us”(NLT).
By faith, we also receive Jesus as the One who dwells in our hearts. As Paul wrote,“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong”(Ephesians 3:16–17 NLT).
Not a casual visitor, Jesus is an empowering permanent resident of all who follow Him. May we open wide the doors of our hearts and welcome Him.
Reflect & Pray What does it mean for you to open your heart to Christ? How can you make Him more welcome?
As You live in my heart, loving Jesus, make me more like You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The word dwell in Ephesians 3:17 is a translation of the word katoikeō. Literally, the word means “to settle down in a dwelling, to dwell fixedly in a place.” Twice in Colossians Paul used this word to emphasize the deity and supremacy of Jesus:“God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him”(1:19);“In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form”(2:9). Christ Himself, through His Spirit, makes His home in us ( Romans 8:9, 11; Ephesians 3:17), and the implications of Him residing in each member of His body are significant. Believers in Jesus are to conduct their lives in a manner that acknowledges and respects the residency of a “houseguest” like no other.“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you ...?” Paul says.“Therefore honour God with your bodies”(1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Arthur Jackson
Ephesians 3:14-20 King James Version 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
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Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
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Post by Les on Mar 5, 2024 14:28:08 GMT -5
Power of the Powerless By: Amy Boucher Pye
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God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21
Today's Scripture & Insight : 1 Corinthians 1:18–31 “We are in the centre of power and yet we are powerless,” reflected a church leader in Moscow. But although they couldn’t stop the so-called “special military operations”, they could, in fact, act.“We are gospel people ... the ‘nobodies’ of 1 Corinthians 1,” observed the leader.“It is our very powerlessness and insignificance and foolishness that can also be our strength, if it is handed to God.” During the conflict, he and others sought to worship, pray, serve and speak truth to their neighbours.
This leader referred to Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian Christians, in which the apostle defended the wisdom of God over the foolishness of the powerful:“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength”(1 Corinthians 1:25). Paul addressed the divisions of this church, which was located in a city of debauchery and excess, not unlike some of our cities today. He called believers in Jesus not to be swayed by the trappings of power, but to trust the God who chooses the weak and the foolish to shame the strong and the wise (v. 27).
We too might feel hopeless about wars between nations and the rancour that exists between people closer to home. But we can trust our ever-wise God, who is more powerful than any earthly ruler. Through Christ, He redeems us and makes things right.
Reflect & Pray How do you put your trust in God when things feel hopeless? How have you seen God turn the wisdom of the world on its head?
Loving God, You are pained by all of the fighting that goes on between nations, communities and families. Please help me to be Your agent of peace and love.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Writers of the New Testament were themselves students of Scripture, and their writings reflect knowledge of the Old Testament. Occasionally they preface their use of the Old Testament with words like “to fulfil”(Matthew 1:22) or “it is written”(1 Corinthians 1:19, 31). Paul bookends his teaching in 1 Corinthians 1:19–31 about the wisdom and power of God that are inherent in the preaching of the gospel with quotes from Isaiah and Jeremiah. The section begins with a citation from Isaiah 29:14 and ends with words based on Jeremiah 9:24,“Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Arthur Jackson
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 King James Version 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
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Date Joined: Feb 22, 2023 5:39:37 GMT -5
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Post by foxy on Mar 5, 2024 23:42:05 GMT -5
^ Very timely message Les. But then isn't every teaching from the Bible - a timeless book indeed!
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Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
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Post by Les on Mar 6, 2024 9:40:18 GMT -5
^ Very timely message Les. But then isn't every teaching from the Bible - a timeless book indeed! Praise the Lord my friend.
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Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
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Post by Les on Mar 6, 2024 10:11:51 GMT -5
Doing Good for God By: Arthur Jackson
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Remind the people ... to be ready to do whatever is good. Titus 3:1
Today's Scripture & Insight : Titus 3:4–8 Though he didn’t normally carry money with him, Patrick sensed God was leading him to tuck a five-pound note in his pocket before leaving home. During the lunch hour at the school where he worked, he understood how God had prepared him to meet an urgent need. In the midst of the lunchroom buzz, he heard these words:“Scotty needs £5 to pay for his school dinners for the rest of the week.” Imagine the emotions Patrick experienced as he gave his money to help Scotty!
In Titus, Paul reminded believers in Jesus that they weren’t saved “because of righteous things [they] had done”(Titus 3:5), but they should “be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good”(v. 8; see v. 14). Life can be full, extremely busy and hectic. Attending to our own wellbeing can be overwhelming. Yet, as believers in Jesus, we’re to be ready to do good works. Rather than being overwhelmed by what we don’t have and can’t do, let’s think about what we do have and can do as God helps us. In doing so, we get to help others at the point of their needs, and God is honoured.“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”(Matthew 5:16).
Reflect & Pray What can hinder good-works readiness in your life? How can you reorder your life to be available for helping people who are in need?
Dear Father, please forgive me for the times I’ve ignored opportunities to do good. Help me to be more available to help others.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Titus, Paul’s gentile convert and protégé(Galatians 2:1), travelled with him on his missionary journeys (Titus 1:4). Paul had left him in Crete to strengthen the church (v. 5)—to teach believers how to live lives that honoured Jesus, to set standards for leadership (ch. 1), and to encourage Christ-honoring and gracious behaviours within the church family and the unbelieving community ( chs. 2–3). Paul reminds us that “[God] saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy”(3:5). We’re “justified by his grace”(v. 7). We’re not saved by our good works, but we’re saved so we can do good works. Believers in Jesus must “be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good”(v. 8 ). We’re reminded that as “a people that are [God’s] very own,” we must be “eager to do what is good”(2:14).
K. T. Sim
Titus 3:4-8 King James Version 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
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Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
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Post by Les on Mar 7, 2024 13:28:53 GMT -5
God Our Refuge By: Lisa M. Samra
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The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10
Today's Scripture & Insight : Proverbs 18:10–12 The remarkable 2019 movie Little Women sent me back to my worn copy of the novel, especially the comforting words of Marmee, the wise and gentle mother. I’m drawn to the novel’s depiction of her steadfast faith, which underlies many of her words of encouragement to her daughters. One that stood out to me was this:“Troubles and temptations ... may be many, but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your heavenly Father.”
Marmee’s words echo the truth found in Proverbs that “the name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe”(Proverbs 18:10). Towers were built in ancient cities to be places of safety during danger, perhaps because of an enemy attack. In the same way, it’s through running to God that believers in Jesus can experience peace in the care of the One who’s “our refuge and strength”(Psalm 46:1).
Proverbs 18:10 tells us protection comes from God’s “name”—which refers to all of who He is. Scripture describes God as “the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness”(Exodus 34:6). God’s protection comes from His mighty strength, as well as His tenderness and love, which causes Him to long to provide refuge to the hurting. For all who are struggling, our heavenly Father offers a place of refuge in His strength and tenderness.
Reflect & Pray How have you experienced God’s strength in times of trouble? Where have you seen His comforting care?
Heavenly Father, please help me to run to You in both good times and times of struggle.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The Hebrew word saghav is used twenty times in the Old Testament, and except for one occurrence in Deuteronomy 2:36, it’s only found in poetry passages. It occurs three times in the book of Proverbs (18:10, 11; 29:25). The word is rendered “safe” in Proverbs 18:10 and “too high to scale” in verse 11 . It means “high,”“lofty,”“inaccessibly high”; something or someone who is safe, secure, out of reach.
Furthermore, the word fortified is used in Proverbs 18:10 and 11.“Might” or “strength” is what’s in view—physical, material, social, political. The contrast in these verses is between those who find their refuge in God and those who find security in possessions. In Psalm 20:7, David declares where our allegiance should be:“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
Arthur Jackson
Proverbs 18:10-12 King James Version 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
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Date Joined: Mar 9, 2024 15:02:57 GMT -5
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Post by diane on Mar 9, 2024 19:58:30 GMT -5
Love this section, thanks!
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Date Joined: Oct 26, 2021 18:21:44 GMT -5
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Post by Rusty on Mar 9, 2024 21:05:21 GMT -5
Christians don't necessarily cruise thru life. Bruce is in charge of media at our church.
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Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
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Post by Les on Mar 10, 2024 9:20:46 GMT -5
God Made Them All By: Xochitl Dixon
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How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all. Psalm 104:24
Today's Scripture & Insight : Psalm 104:24–35 My three-year old son, Xavier, squeezed my hand as we entered the impressive aquarium. Pointing to a life-size sculpture of a humpback whale suspended from the ceiling, he said,“Enormous!” His wide-eyed joy continued as we explored each exhibit. We laughed as the otters splish-splashed during feeding time. We stood in silence in front of a large glass aquarium window, mesmerised by the golden-brown jellyfish dancing in the electric blue water.“God made every creature in the ocean,” I said,“just like He made you and me.” Xavier whispered,“Wow.”
In Psalm 104, the psalmist acknowledged God’s abounding creation and sang,“In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures”(Psalm 104:24). He declared,“There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small”(v. 25). He proclaimed God’s generous and satisfying provision for all He created (vv. 27–28). He also affirmed that God has determined the days of each one’s existence (vv. 29–30).
We can join the psalmist in singing this declaration of devotion:“I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live”(v. 33). Every creature that exists, from the big to the small, can lead us to praise because God made them all.
Reflect & Pray When has exploring the wonderful world God made led you to praise Him? How has God used His creation to deepen your faith in His power and provision?
All-powerful Creator and Sustainer of all, You are so worthy of all my praise!
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Psalm 104:3-30 parallels the creation account in Genesis; for instance, verses 25-26 mirror Genesis 1:20-28 and verses 27-30 pair with Genesis 1:29-31. Psalm 104:32 , however, evokes the scene not at creation but when Israel gathered as “the Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai”(Exodus 19:20). Having recounted God’s works of creation, the psalmist praises His awesome power:“He who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke”(Psalm 104:32). This matches Exodus 19:18:“The smoke billowed up from [Sinai] like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently.”
Tim Gustafson
Psalm 104:24-35 King James Version 24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
25 So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.
26 There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.
27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
28 That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.
29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.
31 The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.
32 He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.
33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.
35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord.
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Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
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Post by Les on Mar 11, 2024 12:34:45 GMT -5
Remember the Creator By: Sheridan Voysey
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Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. Ecclesiastes 9:7
Today's Scripture & Insight : Ecclesiastes 9:7–10 I recently read a novel about a woman who refuses to acknowledge she has terminal cancer. When Nicola’s exasperated friends force her to face the truth, the reason for her avoidance emerges.“I’ve wasted my life,” she tells them. Though born with talents and wealth,“I made nothing of my life. I was sloppy. I never stuck at anything.” The prospect of leaving the world now, feeling she’d achieved little, was too painful for Nicola to contemplate.
I was reading Ecclesiastes around the same time and found the contrast stark. Its Teacher won’t let us avoid the reality of the grave,“the realm of the dead, where you are going”(Ecclesiastes 9:10). And while this is hard to face (v. 2), it can lead us to value every moment we have now (v. 4), intentionally enjoying our food and families (vv. 7–9), working purposefully (v. 10), taking adventures and risks (11:1, 6), and doing it all before the God we’ll one day answer to (v. 9; 12:13–14).
Nicola’s friends point out that her faithfulness and generosity to them proves her life hasn’t been a waste. But maybe the Teacher’s advice can save us all from such a crisis at the end of our lives: remember our Creator (12:1), follow His ways and embrace every opportunity to live and love that He provides.
Reflect & Pray How will you take delight in today’s simple, godly joys? What one good thing have you yet to do or attempt?
Loving God, thank You for today and the gifts it holds. I will enjoy its simple joys and embrace its opportunities as an act of worship to You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The book of Ecclesiastes includes many sayings that compel readers to affirm that life “under the sun” is complex and “utterly meaningless”(Ecclesiastes 1:2-3). The writer reminds us that life on earth includes times of head-scratching, groaning, and pain. His realism is quite sobering, even jarring. Yet, his observations and life assessments also include heartwarming truth like what’s expressed in Ecclesiastes 9:7-10. In his book Something New Under the Sun , Ray Pritchard uses the chapter title “Have a Blast While You Last” for these verses. Indeed, life is to be embraced, treasured, and celebrated as a precious gift from an awesome Creator. The apostle Paul reminds us that God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment”(1 Timothy 6:17). We must never forget that—along with our rich spiritual heritage in Jesus—our provisions from a good God include food and drink (Ecclesiastes 9:7), loving companionship (v. 9), and worthwhile labours ( vv. 9-10).
Arthur Jackson
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The book of Ecclesiastes includes many sayings that compel readers to affirm that life “under the sun” is complex and “utterly meaningless”(Ecclesiastes 1:2-3). The writer reminds us that life on earth includes times of head-scratching, groaning, and pain. His realism is quite sobering, even jarring. Yet, his observations and life assessments also include heartwarming truth like what’s expressed in Ecclesiastes 9:7-10. In his book Something New Under the Sun , Ray Pritchard uses the chapter title “Have a Blast While You Last” for these verses. Indeed, life is to be embraced, treasured, and celebrated as a precious gift from an awesome Creator. The apostle Paul reminds us that God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment”(1 Timothy 6:17). We must never forget that—along with our rich spiritual heritage in Jesus—our provisions from a good God include food and drink (Ecclesiastes 9:7), loving companionship (v. 9), and worthwhile labours ( vv. 9-10).
Arthur Jackson
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Date Joined: Mar 9, 2024 15:02:57 GMT -5
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Post by diane on Mar 11, 2024 21:28:01 GMT -5
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Date Joined: Oct 26, 2021 18:21:44 GMT -5
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Post by Rusty on Mar 12, 2024 22:25:20 GMT -5
I have to brag about my church. Hadn't been to chuch since 2002 and in 2023 I finally found home thanks to my lady and the reckless love of God. Never met this guy but his story is quite inspiring.
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Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
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Post by Les on Mar 13, 2024 9:13:44 GMT -5
Cries of Distress By: Matt Lucas
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When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. Psalm 118:5
Today's Scripture & Insight : Psalm 118:1–9 Trapped under two floors of collapsed rubble caused by an earthquake, five-year-old Jinan, a Syrian girl, called out to rescuers as she shielded her little brother from the debris surrounding them.“Get me out of here; I’ll do anything for you,” she called heartbreakingly.“I’ll be your servant.”
Cries of distress are found throughout the Psalms:“When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord”(Psalm 118:5). While we may never experience the crushing weight of earthquake-collapsed buildings, we all recognise the suffocating fears from a challenging medical diagnosis, economic hardship, uncertainty about the future or relational loss.
In those moments we may offer bargains to God for deliverance. But God doesn’t need to be persuaded to help. He promises to answer, and while it may not be relief from our situation, He’ll be with us and on our side. Nor do we need to fear any other peril—including death. We can say with the psalmist,“The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies”(v. 7).
We’re not promised as dramatic a rescue as Jinan and her brother experienced, but we can trust our faithful God, who brought the psalmist “into a spacious place”(v. 5). He knows our situation and He’ll never abandon us, even in death.
Reflect & Pray How has God shown Himself faithful when you’re in distress? How have you recognised His presence during difficult times?
Heavenly Father, I call to You knowing that You hear me. Thank You for being faithful and loving.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Psalm 118 is one of six psalms (Psalms 113-118) called the “Egyptian Hallel.” These were used when observing Passover, the time when Jewish people remember God delivering them from slavery in Egypt. Psalm 118, the final psalm in this grouping, was used to conclude the Passover meal.
A thanksgiving psalm, it celebrates God’s hesed—a significant Hebrew word meaning “loyal, faithful, or steadfast love”(translated “love” in the NIV). The psalm begins and ends with an invitation to praise God because “his love endures forever”(vv. 1, 29).
In the New Testament, nearing the hours before His suffering and death, Jesus would refer to Himself as the fulfilment of Psalm 118:22—“the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”(see Matthew 21:42). His sacrifice would be the greatest demonstration of God’s faithful love.
Monica La Rose
Psalm 118:1-9 King James Version 118 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
4 Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
5 I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
7 The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.
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Date Joined: Mar 9, 2024 15:02:57 GMT -5
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Post by diane on Mar 14, 2024 19:30:32 GMT -5
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Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
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Post by Les on Mar 15, 2024 13:07:49 GMT -5
You are very welcome diane.
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Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
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Post by Les on Mar 15, 2024 13:08:24 GMT -5
Get Up and Walk By: Chris Wale
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I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. Mark 2:10
Today's Scripture & Insight : Mark 2:1–12 Many know him as the father of modern fantasy writing. He inspired great authors like J. R. R. Tolkien, Lewis Carroll and C. S. Lewis. Yet Scottish author and poet George MacDonald’s most powerful words may well have been those concerning his Saviour’s forgiving heart. Reflecting on Jesus’ healing of a paralysed man, MacDonald wrote,“To save a man from his sins, is to say to him, in a sense perfect and eternal,‘Rise up and walk. Be at liberty in thy essential being. Be free as the Son of God is free.’”
In the story, the paralysed man is dramatically laid before Jesus by his friends (Mark 2:4). To onlookers, this man obviously needs freedom from his trapped body. But for Jesus, the real problem lies far deeper within.“He said to the paralysed man,‘Son, your sins are forgiven’”(v. 5).
When the teachers of the law took offence (v. 6-7), Jesus made His intentions clear:“‘I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.’ So he said to the man,‘I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home’”(vv. 10-11).
Jesus brought freedom to the man’s body to prove His authority to bring eternal freedom to the man’s soul. It is a freedom that He still offers today; He has authority on earth to forgive so that we may “get up” from our prisons of sin and follow Him into liberty.
Reflect & Pray What sin is weighing you down and trapping you? What might it look like to take hold of Jesus’ forgiveness and “get up” and walk with Him in your soul?
Dear Jesus, thank You that You have all authority to forgive sin. Gratefully and joyfully, I receive the freedom of Your forgiveness today.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Capernaum was a fishing community on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee which essentially became the headquarters of Jesus’ northern ministry (Matthew 4:13). Home to Peter, James, John, and Andrew, first century Capernaum was an important area on a major trade route. The name Capernaum actually means “the village of Nahum,” one of the Old Testament minor prophets. This fact seems to have been conveniently ignored by the religious leaders of Jesus’ day who, when debating Jesus’ legitimacy as a prophet, said,“They answered him,“You are not also from Galilee, are you? Search, and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee.”(John 7:52).
Bill Crowder
Mark 2:1-12 King James Version 2 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,(he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
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Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
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Post by Les on Mar 16, 2024 16:12:43 GMT -5
Share Your Faith By: Bill Crowder
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Come over to Macedonia and help us. Acts 16:9
Today's Scripture & Insight : Acts 16:1–10 In 1701, the Church of England founded the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in order to send missionaries around the globe. The motto they chose was transiens adiuva nos—Latin for “Come over and help us!” This has been the call for gospel ambassadors since the first century, as followers of Jesus take the message of His love and forgiveness to a world in desperate need of it.
The phrase “come over and help us” comes from the “Macedonian call” described in Acts 16. Paul and his team had arrived at Troas on the west coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). There,“Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him,‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’”(Acts 16:9). Having received the vision, Paul and his companions “got ready at once to leave for Macedonia”(v. 10). They understood the vital importance of the call.
Not everyone is called to cross the seas, but we can support those who do with our prayers and finances. And all of us can tell someone, whether across the room, the street or the community, about the good news of Jesus. Let’s pray that our good God will enable us to cross over and give people the greatest help of all—the opportunity for forgiveness in Jesus’ name.
Reflect & Pray Where is God calling you to share your faith? How might He empower you to do this today?
Loving Father, You sent Your Son for our rescue and forgiveness. Equip me to be an agent of Your great good news that forgiveness and freedom are available to whoever will receive Jesus by faith.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT There’s a fascinating note in Luke’s description of Paul’s journey to Philippi (Acts 16:1-11). In verse 6 , he says:“Paul and his companions travelled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.” The apostle had been prevented from preaching by the Spirit! Somehow, in God’s good plan, they were to bypass Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) in order to cross over to Greece and begin the movement of the gospel in Europe. The text doesn’t tell us why this was done, but we can be sure that—knowing God’s heart for the lost everywhere—it wasn’t a reflection of any lack of love for those in Asia Minor.
Bill Crowder
Acts 16:1-10 King James Version 16 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
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Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
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Post by Les on Mar 17, 2024 15:41:01 GMT -5
Kingdom-Minded Leadership By: Xochitl Dixon
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I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them! Numbers 11:29
Today's Scripture & Insight : Numbers 11:16–17, 27–29 When I joined a group of Christian children’s book authors who prayed for one another and helped spread the word about each other’s books, some people said we were “foolish for working with competitors”. But our group was committed to kingdom-minded leadership and promoting community, not competition. We shared the same goal—spreading the gospel. We served the same King—Jesus. Together, we’re reaching more people with our witness for Christ.
When God asked Moses to choose seventy elders with leadership experience, He said,“I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone”(Numbers 11:16–17). Later, Joshua saw two of the elders prophesying and told Moses to stop them. Moses said,“Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!”(v. 29).
Any time we focus on competition or comparisons that hinder us from working with others, the Holy Spirit can empower us to shrug off that temptation. When we ask God to nurture kingdom-minded leadership in us, He spreads the gospel around the world and can even lighten our loads as we serve Him together.
Reflect & Pray How have you teamed up with others to serve God? Who can you support as they serve Him with their unique gifts?
Holy Spirit, please make me a kingdom-minded leader committed to working together to reach more people with the life-saving message of the gospel.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT As Numbers 11 begins, it had been more than a year since the Israelites escaped out of Egypt (10:11-12). They’d spent almost a year at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1; Numbers 10:11), where Moses received the Law, the people rebelled by crafting a golden calf, the tabernacle was built, and the priesthood was established. The Israelites were the beneficiaries of God’s daily care through manna and a cloud that guided them during the day and a pillar of fire at night. But soon after leaving Mount Sinai, the people “complained about their hardships”( 11:1), and God judged them with fire. After His judgment subsided, some began to “crave other food”(v. 4). Moses grew tired of their complaints and cried out to God,“I cannot carry all these people by myself”(v. 14). As a result, He instructed Moses to choose seventy leaders to help share the burden (vv. 16-17).
Alyson Kieda
Numbers 11:16-17 King James Version 16 And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.
17 And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.
Numbers 11:27-29 King James Version 27 And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.
28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.
29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord'S people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!
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Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
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Post by Les on Mar 18, 2024 13:23:24 GMT -5
“I AM” By: Kenneth Petersen
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God said to Moses,“I am who I am.” Exodus 3:14
Today's Scripture & Insight : Exodus 3:11–15 Jack, a professor of philosophy and literature, had a brilliant mind. He’d declared himself an atheist at the age of fifteen and in adulthood adamantly defended his “atheistic faith”. Christian friends tried to persuade him. As Jack put it,“Everyone and everything had joined the other side.” But the Bible, he had to admit, was different from other literature and stories. He wrote of the Gospels:“If ever a myth had become fact, had been incarnated, it would be just like this.”
One Bible passage became most influential to Jack—Exodus 3. God was calling Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses asked God,“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?”(v. 11). God responded,“I am who I am”(v. 14). This passage is a complex play on words and names but reflects God’s eternal presence from the beginning. Interestingly, later Jesus echoed the same when he said,“before Abraham was born, I am!”(John 8:58).
Jack, better known as C. S. Lewis, was deeply persuaded by this passage. This was all that the one true God should need to say—simply that He is the “I am”. In a life-changing moment, Lewis “gave in, and admitted God was God”. This was the beginning of a journey for Lewis towards accepting Jesus.
Perhaps we struggle with belief, as Lewis did, or maybe with a lukewarm faith. We might ask ourselves if God is truly the “I am” in our lives.
Reflect & Pray What does it mean to you to hear God say,“I am”? How might it influence your days ahead?
Dear God, I come to You in awe of who You are. You are the “I am” in my life, and there is no other.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT God’s name is more than just a way to identify Him. It’s also a revelation of His person and character. When Moses encountered Him in the burning bush, God identified Himself as “I am who I am” or the “I am”(Exodus 3:14). Scholars say the Hebrew can also be rendered as “I will be what I will be.” One of the amazing realities contained in this title is that God is beyond time. Even more, He’s completely unaffected by it—though in His mercy He chooses to work within time. This reality is reaffirmed in the New Testament, where we read,“I am the Alpha and the Omega ... who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty”(Revelation 1:8 ). In the person of Jesus, our timeless God stepped into time to give us an eternity unbounded by time.
Bill Crowder
Exodus 3:11-15 King James Version 11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.
13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?
14 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.
15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.
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Date Joined: Jan 24, 2016 7:46:05 GMT -5
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Post by Les on Mar 20, 2024 11:40:02 GMT -5
Happy Trust By: Winn Collier
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Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. Psalm 40:4
Today's Scripture & Insight : Psalm 40:1–5 A woman rescued Rudy from the animal shelter days before he was to be euthanised, and the dog became her companion. For ten years, Rudy slept calmly beside Linda’s bed, but then he abruptly began to jump next to her and lick her face. Linda scolded him, but every night, Rudy repeated the behaviour.“Soon he was jumping on my lap to lick my face every time I sat down,” Linda said.
As she was planning to take Rudy to obedience school, she began to consider how insistent Rudy was and how he always licked her in the same spot on her jaw. Sheepishly, Linda went to a doctor who found a microscopic tumour (bone cancer). The doctor told Linda that if she’d waited longer, it probably would’ve killed her. Linda had trusted Rudy’s instincts, and she was happy she did.
The Scriptures tell us repeatedly that trusting God leads to life and joy.“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,” the psalmist says (Psalm 40:4). Some translations make the point even starker:“Happy are those who make the Lord their trust”(v. 4 NRSV). Happy in the psalms communicates abundance—an erupting, effervescent joy.
When we trust God, the ultimate result is deep, genuine happiness. This trust may not come easily, and the results may not be everything we envision. But if we trust God, we’ll be so happy we did.
Reflect & Pray What makes it difficult for you to trust God? How does it alter things if you begin to really believe that trusting Him leads you to happiness?
Dear God, I want the kind of happiness that only You can bring. But it’s hard for me to trust. Will You help me?
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT We’re given no background on Psalm 40 aside from the notation in the superscription. Within the psalm itself, however, we see two dominant themes—suffering and rescue. The psalm opens with praise for God’s rescue in the past (vv. 1-3). That praise then sets the stage for David’s expectation of further rescue in the future from his present troubles (vv. 11-16). In between, the singer invites his audience to likewise root their trust in God and His mercy ( vv. 4-10). The conclusion (v. 17) gives us a picture of David’s desperation and his confidence in God’s care as he affirms,“But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.” These themes, particularly the theme of God’s expected rescue, are common in David’s psalms and offer us great encouragement in our own dark seasons.
Bill Crowder
Psalm 40:1-5 King James Version 40 I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
4 Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5 Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
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