Thursday, November 20, 2014

More of Jesus: More Than Just Enough

I love this! Read and be blessed! More of Jesus, please!

God Bless.

More of Jesus: More than Just Enough
by Anne Graham Lotz, Fixing My Eyes on Jesus

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:13-14

What’s the desire of your heart? Are you satisfied with just enough, or do you want more? More peace, more hope, more joy, more love, more fulfillment.

I want more! I want more than just being saved from God’s wrath, more than calling myself a Christian, more than just a ticket to heaven, more than the bare minimum God offers.

I’ve concluded that it won’t be enough until, like the apostle Paul, my faith becomes sight and I know Him as fully as I am known by Him (1 Corinthians 13:12). I long for everything God wants to give me. I want more of His image reflected in my life. More of His Spirit in my service.

More of His glory on my knees.

What are you longing for? If you want more, isn’t it time you began embracing the God-filled life?

Excerpted with permission from Fixing My Eyes on Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz, copyright Zondervan.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Stay in God's Presence

This is something I have longed to do but I can't seem to accomplish. Life's junk gets in my way which causes me to focus on the issues instead of the one who could solve them.

God Bless and more presence.

Stay in God’s Presence

by Joyce Meyer

And now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies round about me; in His tent I will offer sacrifices and shouting of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
—Psalm 27:6

The psalmist David said that the thing he wanted most was to be with God and to dwell in His presence all the days of his life (See Psalm 27:4). David loved God for who He is, not just for what He did for him.

The Word says that if we abide in the presence of God, He will defeat our enemies, and hide us in the day of trouble (See v.5). God’s attention is on us, but we must keep our attention on Him to enjoy the fullness of His presence in our lives. We must invite God to be involved in everything we do, and then remember to praise Him for His goodness.

Friday, November 14, 2014

No Temptation

I need to be reminded of this every day of how temptation is defeated. Knowing it and acting as if it is, a different thing.

This is my struggle. My hope is some day I will be more than a conquer in this area.

God Bless.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. As believers, we will be tempted. The idea of temptation relates to how we are attacked or addressed by the world and the forces of evil.

A thought, a circumstance, words spoken to you; sometimes it doesn't take much to cause us to be tempted. Evil strikes at opportunities that make you feel as though you are powerless to defend. God allows you to be tempted that you may hold strongly to Him and show your faithfulness. You are equipped to stand firm which, in some cases, means to flee from temptation. Feeling the pressure or pull of temptation is not a sin, but following its lead will take you to sin every time.

Verse/Commentary courtesy of 'Jesus Daily: Bible Devotional' android app.

Monday, November 10, 2014

The Honor of Following

This devotional says it better than I could possibly think of. May I truly understand what an honor it is to follow the One who died for me.

November 10, 2014

The Honor Of Following
Joe Stowell
Matthew 4:18-22
Then [Jesus] said to them, "Follow Me." -Matthew 4:19
While visiting Jerusalem, a friend of mine saw an old rabbi walking past the Wailing Wall. The interesting thing about the aged rabbi was the five young men walking behind him. They too were walking bent over, limping-just like their rabbi. An Orthodox Jew watching them would know exactly why they were imitating their teacher. They were "followers."

Throughout the history of Judaism, one of the most honored positions for a Jewish man was the privilege of becoming a "follower" of the local rabbi. Followers sat at the rabbi's feet as he taught. They would study his words and watch how he acted and reacted to life and others. A follower would count it the highest honor to serve his rabbi in even the most menial tasks. And, because they admired their rabbi, they were determined to become like him.

When Jesus called His disciples to follow Him (Matt. 4:19), it was an invitation to be changed by Him, to become like Him, and to share His passion for those who need a Savior. The high honor of being His follower should show in our lives as well. We too have been called to catch the attention of the watching world as we talk, think, and act just like Jesus-the rabbi, the teacher, of our souls.

Thank You, Lord, for the high honor of being
called to follow You. May my life so imitate
You that others will know that You are the
pursuit of my life and the rabbi of my soul.
Follow Jesus and let the world know He is your rabbi.

Trust God's Grace

Trust God's grace? I know sometimes I use and possibly abuse it; and sometimes I don't use it enough in my life which leaves me to believe I don't understand the full depth of it but I want to.

Thankfully I am a work in progress.

God Bless.

Trust God's Grace
by Joyce Meyer - posted November 10, 2014

I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.
—Galatians 2:21 NKJV

I discovered years ago that every time I became frustrated it was because I was trying to do something myself, in my own strength, instead of putting my faith in God and receiving His grace (help). Receiving a revelation of God's grace was a major breakthrough for me. I was always "trying" to do something and leaving God out of the loop. I tried to change myself and my husband and children, tried to get healed, tried to prosper, tried to make my ministry grow, and tried to change every circumstance in my life that I did not like. I was frustrated because none of my trying was producing any good results.

God will not permit us to succeed without Him. If He did, we would take the credit that is due Him. If we could change people, we would be changing them to suit our purposes, which would steal their freedom to make their own choices. I finally learned to pray for what I thought needed to be changed and let God do it His way in His timing. When I began trusting His grace, I entered His rest. Grace is always flowing to us in every situation, but it must be received by faith.

Lord, give me the understanding of Your grace that frees me from doing things in my own strength. Help me to do my part and rest in the fact that You will do the rest. Amen.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Have You Forsaken Me, Lord?

Love this devotional.

Sometimes I need a reminder I am human and I get mad at God and the best part He's not in heaven ready to throw a lighting bolt down on my head because I get all caught up in life and take my eye off the prize.

He understands me and is anxiously awaiting for me to come back home where I belong.

God Bless.

"My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" (NLT) -Matthew 27:46

It's okay to be angry at God for a short time, but don't walk away from your relationship with Him.

Don't allow your anger to become uncontrolled. Instead, work through the anger and emotions.

Your relationship with Him will grow deeper and stronger. In time, you will look back on this time with a renewed spirit of the glories God can do.

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Friday, November 7, 2014

Don't Worry About Tomorrow

Okay, I have never been able to get this scripture mastered. Have you seen what is going on in the world today?

Gee's it's hard not to be worried. You just don't know what is waiting for you around the corner amore.

You just get one test done and over with and bam! Your hit with another one, sometimes a little more harder than the last one.

So today I make the decision not to worry and let God be God.

God Bless.

So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. (NLT) -Matthew 6:34 At the very root of worry is fear. Fear of the unknowns or what if's can erode away the security we find in God.

Don't let this fear overtake you and allow the worry to creep in your thoughts. Place your confidence in Jesus that He will provide and comfort you. Then pray.

Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Take Time to Get to Know People

Always the rest of the story and you can't fill my shoes and walk a mile in them.

To judge is easy, to listen, get to know some one, and then be willing not to share their lives and heartaches to the world is priceless.

God Bless

Take Time to Get to Know People

by Joyce Meyer

Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously.
—John 7:24

Today’s verse is a very clear, specific word from God to us. He tells us not to judge people superficially or by appearances.

For years I was the kind of person who made snap judgments. God seriously dealt with me about it several times, and I finally realized the danger of judging hastily and superficially.

Before we judge people, we must take time to get to know who they really are. Otherwise, (1) we can approve of someone because they appear to be something, when in fact they are not; or (2) we can disapprove of someone because of some outward appearance or action, when that individual is actually a wonderful person inside.

We all have our little quirks, our odd little actions, behaviors, and ways that are not easily understood by others. God Himself does not judge by appearances and we need to follow His example.

David would never have been chosen to be king if people had judged superficially. Even his own family disregarded him. But God saw David’s heart, the heart of a shepherd. God saw a worshipper, someone who had a heart for Him, someone who was pliable and moldable in His hand. These are qualities God values, but they aren’t always obvious at a glance.

I encourage you to seek God and let the Holy Spirit speak to you about people. He knows their hearts, and He will tell you whether to beware or pursue a relationship with them. Trust Him, not your own judgment, to lead you as you get to know people and develop relationships.

God's word for you today: Have the same attitude toward others that you would like them to have toward you.

Friday, October 31, 2014

What is Love?

What is love? Good question. Everyone wants it, searches for it, lives for it, and will do anything for it and one man actually did it all.

He's our example. We are going to save the world by screaming and preaching at them. We are going to save them by living by love.

So we need to understand it before we hit the streets a blazing.

God Bless.

October 31, 2014
What Love Is

Bill Crowder

Romans 5:1-8

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8
Years ago I asked a young man who was engaged to be married, "How do you know that you love her?" It was a loaded question, intended to help him look at his heart's motives for the upcoming marriage. After several thoughtful moments, he responded, "I know I love her because I want to spend the rest of my life making her happy."

We discussed what that meant-and the price tag attached to the selflessness of constantly seeking the best for the other person, rather than putting ourselves first. Real love has a lot to do with sacrifice.

That idea is in line with the wisdom of the Bible. In the Scriptures there are several Greek words for love but the highest form is agape love-love that is defined and driven by self-sacrifice. Nowhere is this more true than in the love our heavenly Father has shown us in Christ. We are deeply valued by Him. Paul stated, "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8).

If sacrifice is the true measure of love, there could be no more precious gift than Jesus: "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son" (John 3:16 nlt).

Amazing love!
How can it be
That Thou, my God,
Shouldst die for me? -Wesley
The measure of love is what you are willing to give up for it.

© 2014 by RBC Ministries. All rights reserved.

Monday, October 27, 2014

First Response

What is your first response when things go haywire? Mine is to scream a little bit, throw in a good tantrum, and follow it up with dramatic tears.

Thank heavens there is a better way.

God Bless.

October 25, 2014
First Response

Cindy Hess Kasper

James 5:13-16

Be anxious for nothing, but . . . let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God . . . will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7

When my husband, Tom, was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, I began to call family members. My sister and her husband came right away to be with me, and we prayed as we waited. Tom's sister listened to my anxious voice on the phone and immediately said, "Cindy, can I pray with you?" When my pastor and his wife arrived, he too prayed for us (James 5:13-16).

Oswald Chambers wrote: "We tend to use prayer as a last resort, but God wants it to be our first line of defense. We pray when there's nothing else we can do, but God wants us to pray before we do anything at all."

At its root, prayer is simply a conversation with God, spoken in the expectation that God hears and answers. Prayer should not be a last resort. In His Word, God encourages us to engage Him in prayer (Phil. 4:6). We also have His promise that when "two or three are gathered together" in His name, He will be "there in the midst of them" (Matt. 18:20).

For those who have experienced the power of the Almighty, our first inclination often will be to cry out to Him. Nineteenth-century pastor Andrew Murray said: "Prayer opens the way for God Himself to do His work in us and through us."

When I come before His presence
In the secret place of prayer,
Do I know the wondrous greatness
Of His power to meet me there? -Hallen
Pray first!

© 2014 by RBC Ministries. All rights reserved.

Confidence in His Name

And what a name to be confident in! The Ruler of the world. The soon coming King. The great I Am.

The name above all names. Now that is something to get a hold of and get excited about! Jesus's name is everything you needs and holds your everything you will ever need.

God Bless.

Confidence in His Name

Let the name of Jesus stir new confidence in your life today. He has granted His own name as the signature, the badge of authority, the security, the guarantee of every promise offered in God’s Word. And in that name, we are to expect results—in our life, in our family, in our neighborhood, in our church, and in our world.

Yes there is the waiting of faith and the patience of hope, but people who pray in Jesus’ name can expect action. Boldly believe!

Moments with Majesty

Friday, October 24, 2014

Receive Jesus into Your Daily Life

After reading this devotional and thinking about what Joyce saying, I came to the conclusion I don't like where I am at in my walk.

This devotional shows me I still have a long way to go. I wanted to share this with you to encourage to keep running the race that is before us.

God Bless.

Receive Jesus into Your Daily Life

by Joyce Meyer

If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]
—Galatians 5:25

We ask people all the time if they have received Jesus, without ever really thinking about what that means. If we receive Him, then what do we do with Him? We certainly don’t put Him in a little box marked “Sunday morning,” go get Him out on that day, sing a few songs to Him, talk to Him a little, then put Him back in the box until the next Sunday. If we receive Him, then we have Him with us always.

It is not pleasing to God for people to leave Him out of their daily lives, while going through religious formulas to try to get what they need. Don’t just go through the motions. Either have a real relationship with God that is alive and meaningful, or face the fact that you don’t have one at all and do whatever is needed to get one.

Ask yourself these questions, and you will discover where you are spiritually:

Are you growing daily in your knowledge of God and His ways?
Do you look forward to going to church, or is it something you do out of obligation? Are you waiting for it to end so you can finally go to lunch?
Do you feel close to God?
In your life are you manifesting the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), and self-control (see Gal. 5:22–23)?
Do you have areas of your life that you have not let God into?

If you are not satisfied with your answers to these questions, throw your life entirely open to God and ask the Holy Spirit to get involved in every aspect of it. If you will do that in honesty and sincerity, He will begin to work in you in a powerful and exciting way.

Trust in Him: Are you just going through the motions, or have you fully committed your life to Christ, trusting Him with everything so that He can do a powerful work in you?

Thursday, October 23, 2014

The Word Was Made Flesh

I really needed to hear this today! This reminder about the word who became flesh devotional came just in time and I didn't want to be selfish so I'm sharing it.

God Bless

October 23

The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. – John 1:14

The most wonderful event in the history of the world was the coming of God in human flesh to dwell among men. The “Word” was in the beginning, that is, from eternity. Then in time the Word became flesh and lived among us. That is what took place that quiet night at Bethlehem when Jesus was born.

Wonderful was the life that dwelt for three and thirty years on earth. Jesus Himself interpreted it when He said, “He that hath seen the Father.” As we read the beautiful story of the life of Jesus and see His gentleness, His patience, His unselfishness, His abounding kindness, we are looking at God revealed in simple, human ways. In no other way could we ever have learned the character of the invisible God. In the incarnation He came down and lived among us, and now we know how easy it is to get to God, how loving and patient and merciful He is, and how ready He is to help us. The Christ of the Gospels is the God with whom we have to do.

Devotional provided by Morings with God

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Simple, Believing Prayer

This is the closet I have come about feeling good about prayer.

I don't know about you but I have a huge problem in thinking I am not doing this right. This devotional has helped put my mind at ease.

God Bless

Simple, Believing Prayer

by Joyce Meyer

And when you pray, do not heap up phrases (multiply words, repeating the same ones over and over) as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking…. For your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
—Matthew 6:7–8

We must develop confidence in simple, believing prayer. We need the confidence that even if we simply say, “God, help me,” He hears and will answer. We can depend on God to be faithful to do what we have asked Him to do, as long as our request is in accordance with His will. We should know that He wants to help us because He is our Helper (Hebrews 13:6).

Too often we get caught up in our own works concerning prayer. Sometimes we try to pray so long, loud, and fancy that we lose sight of the fact that prayer is our conversation with God. The length or loudness or eloquence of our prayer is not the issue; it is the sincerity of our heart and the confidence we have that God hears and will answer us that is important.

Sometimes we try to sound so devout and elegant that we get lost. We don’t even know what we are trying to pray about. If we could ever get delivered from trying to impress God, we would be a lot better off.

Lord, free me from the belief that my prayers must be eloquent and just right. Keep reminding me that what You really want from me is a heartfelt conversation. Amen.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Ebola

This devotional from Daughters of the King brings me peace and I wanted to share it with you. For the sign of the times a word to help calm our fears.

Ebola.

“So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19

The Ebola virus has become the name that people fear most. More than cancer, HIV, or any other disease. There is a growing fear of going out into public places, fear of traveling to foreign lands, fear of gathering together in one place. Below is a prophetic word from God regarding Ebola that will help to give you His mind on the matter. Please read and take heed.

“I am going to raise up a standard against this disease like the world has never seen. It will be undeniable that I am real. The cure is faith in Me. The cure is being fully persuaded that I am Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord that heals. I am Jehovah-Rohi, the Lord that protects. And though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will fear no evil. For I am Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord who is with you. My rod and my staff comforts you. I am your shield. I am your protection. The enemy is trying to create fear of gathering together, fear of going and doing the work I have called you to do, fear of uniting together in one place. But you must not fear! You are not without hope! You have Me on your side. You must not fear. No fear! Only faith in Me and My word. Fear Me, not a disease. Fear Me, not an epidemic. Fear My name and walk in the authority I have given you to heal, deliver and set people free.” Says the Spirit of the Lord.

Prayer: Father God, You are my God and I put my faith in You and Your name. Fill me with Your Spirit and power. Fill me with wisdom and knowledge of Your will. Any disease that is trying to exalt itself higher than You must come under subjection. I activate my faith in Your supernatural ability to heal. Be my shield God. Stir up every spiritual gift You have placed in me and let me be used by You in this last day. You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind. I receive soundness of mind right now on this matter and I rest in You. You are my God and my faith is in You. Be glorified in me. In Jesus name, Amen.

(Read Luke 10:19; Psalms 23:4; 2 Timothy 1:7; Mark 16:15; Hebrews 10:25; Luke 3:4-6)

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

God Have You Lost Your Mind?

This devotional says it like I've thought it a time or two. You can't be really human without having some thoughts that God has lost His mind when things don't go out way or when the world seems like a dark palace with very little light.

So go ahead and feel human and ask the Creator of the universe if He's lost His mind and then sit back as He shows you the wonderful plan He has for your life.

God Bless.

God, Have You Lost Your Mind?
by Marlo Schalesky, Wrestling with Wonder

God, have you lost your senses? I’ve muttered those words. Mary has too. We know, because the gospel of Mark tells us, “When his family heard . . . they went to take charge of him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind’ ” (Mark 3:21).

God, are you crazy? There are those times when life doesn’t make sense, when all our expectations are shattered, and we wonder, we doubt, we question, we wrestle with this God who refuses to conform to who we want him to be. God, are you really out of your mind? We think so when we’ve prayed and prayed and the opposite thing happens, when we’ve trusted and obeyed and things just get worse. I’ve been there. Mary’s been there. Maybe you have too.

Have you walked that shadowed valley where truth is tainted with unmet expectations, where doubts are colored by old paradigms not yet broken, not yet remade? Perhaps you’ve read the promises and believed them. You’ve had faith, you’ve waited, you’ve trusted. And yet . . .It seems that God himself has lost his mind, because the truth you believe does not result in the life you expect.

Who is this God? And what do we do when He isn’t the God we’ve expected Him to be? Life doesn’t turn out as we expect. God doesn’t turn out as we expect. So we think He’s crazy. Maybe the Messiah has lost his mind. We need to set Him straight. We need to explain to Him the type of God He’s supposed to be. Sounds silly when we say it that way. But when our expectations are broken, we often look at God as if something’s wrong with Him. We lose faith because He hasn’t lived up to our expectations, He hasn’t conformed to our image of Him, He hasn’t acted according to our ideas of what’s right and good.

So what do we do when life as we experience it clashes with our expectation of what life should look like, how God should act on our behalf? We glimpse God’s dream for us, we surrender our own dreams, and then our expectations paint a glorious picture of everything wondrous that life will be. But it isn’t.

Wait a minute! We believed. We surrendered. We know what is true. Yet life looks nothing like we thought it would. And God looks nothing like we thought He would! What then? What do we do when experience and expectation conflict?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that God explodes expectations.

He does not conform to our view, but instead He conforms us to His. He is the God who breaks all expectations, who shatters preconceptions, who wants nothing more than to blow apart my ideas of who He is and replace them with a true vision of who He really is.

He is the God who calls us to leave our expectations at the door and come in to sit at His feet.

* * *

Your Turn

Surrender your plans and dreams to Him. Trust in His goodness. God wants to break down the walls of fear and anxiety in your life and to replace them with His peace. We would love to hear from you about how you are trusting God with your life! Come join the conversation on our blog! ~ Devotionals Daily

Saturday, October 4, 2014

A People of Character

“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Romans 8:29 (NLT)

Our destiny is to look like Jesus on the inside and to behave like Jesus on the outside. Many of us are spiritual powerhouses, can pray the house down, sing the roof off, hang off the chandeliers when we praise the Lord, and can administrate duties with a spirit of excellence. We appear like strong mighty lions, but who are we inwardly?

Do we love just as loud? Forgive just as strong? Are we as obedient to God as our prayers are powerful?

These are things of the heart that matter most to God. The nuts and bolts of people of character is how to respond when it’s time to let go, how one behaves when one doesn’t get their way, how one acts when one gift and calling is ignored, and what one does when one's experiences failure.

Our deepest cry must be, “Lord, beautify and adorn me inwardly. Deck me out and make me to look like Your Son. Have Your way in me.” Let Him break off everything that doesn’t look like Him. The lying has to stop. The bad attitude, no more. The laziness and procrastination, no more. The unforgiveness and resentment, that’s not becoming of you. No more erotic romance novels and sexual perversion. The pride and arrogance, no ma’am.

The selfishness, not you woman of God. No more making a person your idol. Time to tell fear and timidity goodbye. You can be the the petson you know in your heart you were created to be. Let God break these things off so you can have His character. You are chosen and are predestined for a great work that will bring God great glory, but His work in you is where it all begins.

Prayer: Yes, Lord. Beautify and adorn me inwardly. Deck me out and make me to look like Your Son. Have Your way in me. Break me down and build me up into a woman of character. I know whatever You reveal to me that needs changing in my life, You will help change it. I am not alone on this journey. You are with me. Be glorified in me. In Jesus name, Amen.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 7

This devotional talks about the second half of forgiveness. Seems to me I need to work on this side too

God Bless.

Home Holidays and Festivals Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 7
Holidays and Festivals

Day 7 (10/1/14)

Let’s look at two stories about forgiveness! The first is found in the Bible and it is one of the great parables spoken by Jesus on this issue of forgiveness, which was one of His favorite topics. The second is a well-known encounter experienced between Corrie ten Boom and a German prison guard

The parable is found in the Gospel of Matthew 18:23-35 with a brief introduction to the story in verses 21-22. Take a moment and read the story – it will just take a few minutes!

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ 30 But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Jesus indicates that someone who receives forgiveness can forfeit that forgiveness by refusing to forgive others. Jesus makes the point clear: “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses” (Matt. 18:35).

That was the terrible error of the unforgiving servant in Jesus’ parable (Matt. 18:23-35; see also Matt. 5:7; Mk. 11:25). He did not rightly appreciate the forgiveness given to him and was cut off from the forgiveness granted to him earlier and his debt was reinstated (Matt. 18:34). The obvious truth Jesus presents is that proof positive of being forgiven is forgiving. Please do not misunderstand the Savior! He is not suggesting that there is any other precondition upon receiving His forgiveness other than faith (Eph. 2:8-9), but true faith in Jesus comes with a sincere repentance and desire to change. This faith, which is a gift from God, turns us away from sin and towards the Lord.

Evidently, this wicked servant did not really comprehend the Master’s gift of forgiveness as he treated those who worked for him with such cruelty and ingratitude instead of how he himself was treated. Again, our salvation is not based on forgiving others, yet it is also true that citizens of the kingdom of God are marked by the ability to forgive!

The following story told by Corrie ten Boom is a magnificent illustration of our struggle to forgive.

It was in a church in Munich that I saw him, a balding heavy-set man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. People were filing out of the basement room where I had just spoken. It was 1947 and I had come from Holland to defeated Germany with the message that God forgives.

And that's when I saw him, working his way forward against the others. One moment I saw the overcoat and the brown hat; the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones. It came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights, the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor, the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister's frail form ahead of me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment skin. Betsie, how thin you were! Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland; this man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where we were sent.

"You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk," he was saying. "I was a guard in there." No, he did not remember me.

"But since that time," he went on, "I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fraulein, " his hand came out, ... "will you forgive me?"

And I stood there — I whose sins had every day to be forgiven — and could not. Betsie had died in that place — could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking? It could not have been many seconds that he stood there, hand held out, but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do. For I had to do it — I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. "If you do not forgive men their trespasses," Jesus says, "neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."

And still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is not an emotion — I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. "Jesus, help me!" I prayed silently. "I can lift my hand, I can do that much. You supply the feeling." And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes. "I forgive you, brother!" I cried. "With all my heart!" For a long moment we grasped each other's hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then.

As the Palmist concludes,

If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared (Psalm 130:3-4).

Scriptural Meditation:

The ability to forgive is a reflection of our salvation. It is not the basis but the evidence that the Holy Spirit has performed a true work of God in our hearts. Therefore, we really must view forgiveness as a spiritual duty for people of faith. This is at the heart of these Ten Days of Awe. Jewish people understand that forgiving others is not an option, but rather an obligation.

May the Lord give you the power to be like Corrie ten Boom and forgive those who perhaps have harmed you the most. Even God Himself does not “mark iniquities,” for if He did, none of us would be able to survive His judgment. Again the Psalmist writes regarding our sin,

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us (Ps.103:12).

If God removes our sins from His view, how can we not try and do the same for those who have sinned against us?

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Ten Days of Awe Devotions - Day 6

Today's devotional is about forgiveness. Something I myself needs to work on.

God Bless.

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Day 6 (9/30/14)

Forgiveness of sin is a major theme in the Bible. The story of the Old Testament begins with Adam and Eve sinning and destroying the perfection God originally created. Sin passed from Adam and Eve to their descendants and the remainder of the biblical story focused on the way in which God would redeem mankind and creation from the ravages of sin and disobedience.

Early biblical promises of redemption and forgiveness were first heard in the Garden of Eden in passages such as Genesis 3:15—And I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel. The Bible not only began to focus on redemption and deliverance, but also upon a redeemer and deliverer – a person who would be used by the Holy One to reverse the effects of the sins committed by the first man and woman.

This hope was further outlined in Messianic prophecies throughout the Bible; Genesis 12:1-3, 49:10, Deuteronomy 18:15 ff, Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, and in the magnificent servant song in chapter 53.

Ultimately, this led to the appearance on earth of this promised One who would pay the penalty for sin by giving His own perfect life in death, conquering the curse and rising from the grave to offer redemption for individuals and eventually for the all of creation marred and tainted by sin.

It is no wonder then that the Messiah Jesus often spoke of sin, forgiveness, redemption and how we can enjoy a “remembrance of the garden” and foretaste of future glory today. Issues related to sin, forgiveness and redemption were some of His favorite topics as He had come as a friend of sinners to seek and save the lost. Jesus promised an abundant life to those who followed Him (Jn. 10:10) and this abundance would include a deeper and more profound relationship with the Creator. It would also potentially transform relationships between individuals; heal marriages, families, friendships and all broken relationships according to His will.

In the well know “Lord’s Prayer,” Yeshua revealed the secret of renewed relationships to His followers as He encourages His disciples to learn the joy of forgiving others.

In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen (Matt. 6:9-13).

The great theme we bear in mind as we press toward the conclusion of the Ten Days of Awe, Yom Kippur, is forgiveness–God forgiving us and our forgiving others.

What can we learn about being forgiven and forgiving others from this prayer of Yeshua? Can we be forgiven of our sins without forgiving others?

The simple answer is Yes and No!

A Definition of Forgiveness

The Bible uses many different words to describe forgiveness. It might be best to think of various words in the Bible as terms that are in the forgiveness family. There are a variety of terms translated as “forgiveness” or seemingly used as a synonym in Scripture. Propitiation, redemption and a number of illustrations, Old Testament examples and parables (the prodigal son, etc.) used to get the point across.

The Greek word used for “forgiveness” in this prayer is aphienai:

aphienai: “to send off,” can have such varied nuances as “to release,” “to hurl,” “to let be,” “to pardon.” Aphesis, which is less common, is used for “release” (from office, obligation, debt, penalty), pariemi means “to send by” with such nuances as “to leave behind,” “leave off,” “let be,” “give up,” “remit.”1

Essentially, the word pictures forgiveness as the release from an obligation. The word used to represent the idea of sins in this prayer is “debts,” or opheilo.

Jesus often speaks about people being debtors to God (Matt. 6: 12; 18: 23 ff.; Lk. 7: 41; 17: 10), but only in Matthew 6:12 is sin specifically equated with debt. Jesus uses the illustration of debt to explain the breach in relationship to God. The debt is portrayed as so great that no amount of good deeds can offset our guilt. We are totally dependent on His divine mercy for the repayment of our “sin debt.” The amount is so vast that it is simply too large and impossible for any human to pay.

The Messiah teaches us as well that God’s gracious forgiveness imposes a corresponding obligation upon the forgiven to also forgive. In other words, we can only forgive as we have been forgiven! Once we understand God’s grace and view the sins of those who hurt us in light of God’s mercy towards us, then we can we do no more for others than what He has done for us.

Our ability to forgive others is in fact evidence that we have been forgiven. If we are incapable of forgiving others then we have either misunderstood His grace or not allowed the redemption we have through the Messiah to seep into our souls and transform even the most difficult of our relationships.

The secret to forgiveness is when we are able to view others as Jesus views us and not hold their sins against them, but to be willing to forgive as He has forgiven us. Sometimes, this is a challenge because we have not sufficiently acknowledged the depth and horror of our own sins towards God and others. We are tempted to view the sins of others as far worse than our own.

Understandably, forgiveness is harder to extend towards those who have hurt us or our loved ones more deeply. Let’s face it, forgiveness is difficult. This is why Yeshua addresses the matter in this foundational prayer, which helps directs us towards some of the most basic steps in developing our relationship with God.

The only way to really forgive others is to ask God to give us His power and do our best, through prayer, counsel and the encouragement of others and to work towards saying, “Lord, as you have forgiven me, I forgive______. Just add the name of the person who has hurt you or your loved ones the most and then leave them in God’s hands.

As Rabbi Saul of Tarsus writes,

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in the Messiah, God forgave you(Eph. 4:31-32).

Scriptural Meditation:

The above Bible verse speaks to my heart. The Apostle reminds us that we need to view ourselves as God does–both incredibly sinful, but dramatically and eternally forgiven. In turn, knowing what God has done for us, we need to now do for others. We forgive as we have been forgiven.

Would you take a moment and think about those you need to forgive during this season of repentance. I am sure you know who they are and understand that until you forgive you are vulnerable to bitterness and guilt. Perhaps today is the day when you will be able to release the anger and unforgiveness that so easily damages our soul. You might begin by thanking God for forgiving you and then extend that same forgiveness to those who have hurt you.

I know this is not easy and I hope that you will take some time to pray, reflect and ask God to give you the strength to do what seems be humanly impossible–to forgive those who have sinned against you or those you love. If you do…you will be set free!

1Theological Dictionary of the New Testament

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Day 6 (9/30/14)

This hope was further outlined in Messianic prophecies throughout the Bible; Genesis 12:1-3, 49:10, Deuteronomy 18:15 ff, Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, and in the magnificent servant song in chapter 53.

In the well know “Lord’s Prayer,” Yeshua revealed the secret of renewed relationships to His followers as He encourages His disciples to learn the joy of forgiving others.

The great theme we bear in mind as we press toward the conclusion of the Ten Days of Awe, Yom Kippur, is forgiveness–God forgiving us and our forgiving others.

What can we learn about being forgiven and forgiving others from this prayer of Yeshua? Can we be forgiven of our sins without forgiving others?

The simple answer is Yes and No!

A Definition of Forgiveness

The Greek word used for “forgiveness” in this prayer is aphienai:

Essentially, the word pictures forgiveness as the release from an obligation. The word used to represent the idea of sins in this prayer is “debts,” or opheilo.

As Rabbi Saul of Tarsus writes,

Scriptural Meditation:

1Theological Dictionary of the New Testament

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Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Infinite Wisdom

This is just part of a devotional and I love the words, the concept, and everything in between.

This is encouragement at its finest.

God Bless.

We have a Father in heaven with infinite wisdom. He knew we would be sick beyond recovery from sin, from giving in to “evil desires,” so at great cost he gave us a Savior, “Christ, a lamb without blemish,” chosen “before the creation of the world.”

Jesus came to pay for our sin by giving his own life on a cross so that we can live now in faith, free of any worries about the outcome of our life. Because of Jesus, our “faith and hope are in God.”

Prayer:

Father, forgive us if we try to be independent from your wise counsel and care. We are blessed by your love for us from before the creation of the world. In Jesus, Amen.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Ultimate Deliverance

Lead me to the cross so I can get the ultimate gift of deliverance.

Sometimes I have to wonder if I truly understand what took place. My answer would be no but I want to. I long to. I strive to. And one day, I will come face to face with the it and my prayer is He will welcome me into the fold.

God Bless.

Ultimate Deliverance

Because of the Cross, there is nothing we struggle with that is without either a purpose or an end.

No struggle need ever again be pointless.

No suffering need ever again be unending.

We never face any assault of flesh, devil, circumstances, or personal weakness, but that God’s hand is present, mighty, and available to work through it all and beyond it all. This doesn’t mean God has planned every bad thing that happens to people. Evil things that are initiated by hell’s hatefulness or by human sin, failure, and rebellion create their own problems. But beyond them all, God’s ultimate deliverance is our promised inheritance.

How to Live Through a Bad Day

Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 5

This is a prayer the Jewish people pray. We could learn a lot from their ways to help strengthen our relationship with the Father without going back under the law.

God Bless.

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Day 5 (9/29/14)

The Al Chet – 44 mistakes

The Al Chet, a liturgical confession of sins is said ten times in the course of the Yom Kippur-Day of Atonement services. During the afternoon prayers of the day before Yom Kippur; just before sunset on Yom Kippur Eve; twice during each of the following services: the evening service of Yom Kippur eve, the morning service and the afternoon service of Yom Kippur day, and the Musaf service.

Three times in the reciting of the confession we find these words: For all these, God of pardon, pardon us, forgive us, atone for us.

If you are not familiar with this prayer, it would be helpful for you to read through it. Perhaps some of what the sages of Israel called upon the Jewish people to repent from will strike a chord in your heart and God will use this to give you an idea of what to confess before Him during this season that will bring about renewal in your heart and soul?

You might try reading through this lengthy prayer with your spouse, a child or good friend. At the end of the prayer, you might pray and assure one another of God’s forgiveness through the Messiah Jesus.

Read it slowly and with heart!

For the sin which we have committed before You under duress or willingly.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by hard-heartedness.

For the sin which we have committed before You inadvertently.

And for the sin which we have committed before You with an utterance of the lips.

For the sin which we have committed before You with immorality.

And for the sin which we have committed before You openly or secretly.

For the sin which we have committed before You with knowledge and with deceit.

And for the sin which we have committed before You through speech.

For the sin which we have committed before You by deceiving a fellowman.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by improper thoughts.

For the sin which we have committed before You by a gathering of lewdness.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by verbal [insincere] confession.

For the sin which we have committed before You by disrespect for parents and teachers.

And for the sin which we have committed before You intentionally or unintentionally.

For the sin which we have committed before You by using coercion.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by desecrating the Divine Name.

For the sin which we have committed before You by impurity of speech.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by foolish talk.

For the sin which we have committed before You with the evil inclination.

And for the sin which we have committed before You knowingly or unknowingly.

For all these, God of pardon, pardon us, forgive us, atone for us.

For the sin which we have committed before You by false denial and lying.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by a bribe-taking or a bribe-giving hand.

For the sin which we have committed before You by scoffing.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by evil talk [about another].

For the sin which we have committed before You in business dealings.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by eating and drinking.

For the sin which we have committed before You by [taking or giving] interest and by usury.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by a haughty demeanor.

For the sin which we have committed before You by the prattle of our lips.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by a glance of the eye.

For the sin which we have committed before You with proud looks.

And for the sin which we have committed before You with impudence.

For all these, God of pardon, pardon us, forgive us, atone for us.

For the sin which we have committed before You by casting off the yoke [of Heaven].

And for the sin which we have committed before You in passing judgment.

For the sin which we have committed before You by scheming against a fellowman.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by a begrudging eye.

For the sin which we have committed before You by frivolity.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by obduracy.

For the sin which we have committed before You by running to do evil.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by tale-bearing.

For the sin which we have committed before You by swearing in vain.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by causeless hatred.

For the sin which we have committed before You by embezzlement.

And for the sin which we have committed before You by a confused heart.

For all these, God of pardon, pardon us, forgive us, atone for us.

And for the sins for which we are obligated to bring a burnt-offering.

And for the sins for which we are obligated to bring a sin-offering.

And for the sins for which we are obligated to bring a varying offering [according to one's means].

And for the sins for which we are obligated to bring a guilt-offering for a certain or doubtful trespass.

And for the sins for which we incur the penalty of lashing for rebelliousness.

And for the sins for which we incur the penalty of forty lashes.

And for the sins for which we incur the penalty of death by the hand of Heaven.

And for the sins for which we incur the penalty of excision and childlessness.

And for the sins for which we incur the penalty of the four forms of capital punishment executed by the Court: stoning, burning, decapitation and strangulation.

For [transgressing] positive and prohibitory commandments, whether [the prohibitions] can be rectified by a specifically prescribed act or not, those of which we are aware and those of which we are not aware; those of which we are aware, we have already declared them before You and confessed them to You, and those of which we are not aware --- before You they are revealed and known, as it is stated:

The hidden things belong to the Lord our God, but the revealed things are for us and for our children forever, that we may carry out all the words of this Torah. For You are the Pardoner of Israel and the Forgiver of the tribes of Yeshurun in every generation, and aside from You we have no King who forgives and pardons. (Quoted at the end of the prayer from Deuteronomy 29:29).

Jewish tradition, as you can see from this ancient prayer of confession, effectively helps us to understand how to confess our sins. Personally, one of the reasons I love the Jewish High Holidays is because it gives me the opportunity to seek spiritual renewal and, as a Messianic Jew, to be reminded each day of the power of the once for all eternal sacrifice of our Messiah Jesus for our sins.

You might further consider the following guidelines to help you during this season of renewal to confess sin, leading to spiritual renewal for believers and perhaps salvation for those who have not yet trusted in the finished work of Yeshua the Messiah at Calvary.

1. Confession should be personal.

2. Confession should be as specific as possible.

3. Confession should be forthright and honest.

4. Confession should lead to a change of heart and behavior.

5. Confession, though personal, can also be offered by a group (a congregation, family, etc.) and should lead to forgiveness of one another.

6. Confession should be based upon the death and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah who died in our place, so that God would accept us as blameless in Him.

7. Confession should lead to forgiving oneself.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Scripture Meditation:

The above is a wonderful verse to meditate upon during this season of the year. It was one of the first verses I learned as a new believer. Memorizing this passage and hiding it in the depth of my soul has helped me immensely during my life as a believer. It is reminds me that forgiveness is not simply for all I had done before I accepted Yeshua, but His forgiveness extends to every additional sin committed before I pass into His presence. What a comfort to know that He never ceases to forgive and that this atonement is not for the past alone, but for the present and the future. I pray the Lord will grant you great encouragement and freedom knowing that the One who died also intercedes for us at all times and that forgiveness for our daily sins is constantly available for the asking.

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Ten Days Awe Devotionals - Day 4

This was yesterday's devotional but since I have made a habit of sitting Sunday aside for God and family, I am posting it today.

It's deep but such great information about what and why for this holiday that I feel like it is important to share.

God Bless.

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Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 4

Day 4 (9/28/14)

The Sacrifices (Karbanot)

Moses, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, described the importance of sacrifice in Leviticus 17:11,

For the life of the flesh is in the blood and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.

During the Ten Days of Awe, we understand that we are marching towards the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the most important sacrifice of the Jewish year; atonement for the sins of the nation would take place on this day. This season of the year, initiated by the blowing of the shofar, is consummated with the Yom Kippur sacrifice.

However, the idea of sacrifice and blood atonement is not easily understood for us 21st century people. Why did the Lord our God require the blood of bulls, rams and lambs as the price of readmission to fellowship with Him? Part of the answer is that the concept of sacrifice includes a cost to someone—a cost that reminds us that there is a price for sin. Disobedience to God degrades our relationship to Him and to one other.

But, there is more to it and this calls our hearts and minds to consider the biblical principle of substitution. Throughout the Hebrew Scripture and until the destruction of the Temple in the year 70AD, the principle of substitutionary sacrifice was understood to restore a balance that the presence of sin had upset. The innocent substitute acts as the means through which “shalom” (peace or completeness) is reestablished between the sinner and God. Therefore, the primary purpose of sacrifice is to allow the estranged person to be drawn once more into unbroken fellowship with God.1

However, traditional and post-Temple Judaism has a problem and understands what was missing! Since the destruction of the Temple, sacrifice could no longer be made as the one and true altar in the Temple was destroyed. How then do Jewish people find reconciliation with God?

The sages declare that in the days without the Temple, Judaism rested upon three pillars–prayer, repentance and works of mercy. However, at the time, these three elements were thought to work in conjunction with the sacrifices. Today…and because we do not have the Temple nor an altar, these three are said to actually take the place of substitutionary sacrifice.

Yet, Jewish memory is not so easy to erase. That is why observant Jews carry out an obscure ritual called kapporot (“covering”). For this ritual, the head of the household will take a live kosher hen or rooster and slaughter it. He will swing the body around his head three times while reciting, "This is my exchange, my substitute, my atonement; this rooster (or hen) shall go to its death, but I shall go to a good, long life and to peace." The fowl, which is sometimes stuffed with coins, is given to the poor for food.2

For followers of Yeshua, neither sacrifices in the Temple nor any other means of reconciliation are needed beyond that of Messiah, whose once and for all sacrifice is more than sufficient to satisfy our need for atonement—provided we receive this priceless gift through our faith in Him. As the writer of the letter to the Hebrews reminds us,

But the Messiah came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of the Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:11-15).

Scripture Meditation:

I encourage you to meditate on the above passages of Scripture to help you again appreciate the wonder of God’s love in sending His Son to be our once for all atonement for sin. He did for us what we could never do for ourselves. Whether you be Jewish or part of some other religious faith – if you rely upon your own self efforts to please God you will assuredly fail. We know this in the depth of our souls. We understand that we need our guilt lifted and it is only through the power of His sacrificial atonement that we can be forgiven and enjoy peace with God forever more.

1 “Sacrifices and Offerings (Karbanot) | Jewish Virtual Library,” accessed September 18, 2014, http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/qorbanot.html.

2 “The Custom of Kapparot in the Jewish Tradition | Jewish Virtual Library,” accessed September 18, 2014, https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/kapparot.html.

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Saturday, September 27, 2014

And the Very Hairs on Your head

Wow, isn't it amazing to think the God of this universe cares about my hair when He has so many other things to think about.

He is always getting blamed for the bad things its time to start mediating and showing the world the good things of God including how wonderful your hair is today!

God Bless.

And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. (NLT) -Luke 12:7

Yes, you are very important to God. He concerns Himself with many details you may be unaware of. That's because He loves you so much. How awesome is it that we serve a God who knows more minuscule details about each of us and still loves us for who we are? Take a moment to express your gratitude to God for being personally involved in your life.

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Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 3

Love this...so much good information. Let the trumpet sound!

God Bless.

Home Holidays and Festivals Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 3
Holidays and Festivals
Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 3

Day 3 (9/27/14)

Blowing of the Shofar (Shofarot)

As mentioned before, the blowing of the shofar is one of the unique moments that set Rosh Hashanah apart from the other seven biblical festivals. There is so much to learn about the importance of the blowing of the shofar and the lessons God would have us learn from this great moment in the observation of the festival.

For example, in Numbers chapter 10 the sacrifices of the holy day are detailed.

The priestly sons of Aaron, moreover, shall blow the trumpets; and this shall be for you a perpetual statute throughout your generations. When you go to war in your land against the adversary who attacks you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, that you may be remembered before the Lord your God, and be saved from your enemies. Also in the day of your gladness and in your appointed feasts, and on the first days of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be as a reminder of you before your God. I am the Lord your God (Num. 10:8-10).

The blowing of the shofar is a piercing reminder to Israel that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is their God, by covenant, and He should be adored and worshipped. If you look at the passage carefully, especially in the Hebrew, it becomes clear that the shofar was not simply blown to warn Israel of what was coming but according to the text, was also blown to remind God of the value He attached to His relationship with the Jewish people.

The heart of the holiday revolves around the word relationship. God wants us to have a pure relationship with Him, but also with those who are part of our family, neighborhood, workplace, spiritual community – and beyond!

The blowing of the shofar is a call to remember that we belong to God. Our primary relationship in life is as His child and we were created to serve Him. Life is so fast-paced that we can easily forget our primary relationship in light of the incessant demands for relationship placed upon us by others. Of course, we must pay careful attention to those God has given to us to love and care for, but in the process we cannot neglect our relationship with Him. This is one reason I appreciate this season of the year. It almost forces me to remember that my primary relationship is to God.

This is why we are called to repent, as sin is what usually separates us from God. Even if we know His forgiveness and are assured of our place in the age to come – we still easily become detached from the Lord in the midst of everyday business and responsibility. And so part of heeding the shofar blast is to repent and return to the Lord and to ask Him to make your relationship with Him as close and intimate as possible. We know this requires repentance and turning from whatever it is that keeps us away from Him. So, take a moment today and ask the Lord to draw you to Himself and to give you the strength to turn from whatever it is that keeps you from His presence each day.

The same is true for our relationships with others. We have ten days to repent and make things right with our family, neighbors, those we love and whomever it is that we have hurt or offended during the year. We must ask God for the strength to say the words, “I am sorry” and to ask for forgiveness from others, that the Lord would then restore and heal broken or ruptured relationships.

This is not easy and it takes His power and grace – especially in the most difficult of situations. So, who is the person that will be the hardest for you to ask forgiveness of during these ten days? Perhaps it is a husband, wife, child, mother, father, a now more distant relative…or your school mate, coworker, etc. You know who it is! Perhaps you should begin with those who might be a little easier, but make it your goal to at least try, with God’s help, to ask forgiveness of the person you least want to face.

And remember, you do not need to be forgiven to forgive. As God took the initiative and sent His Son to die in our place, so we also need to take the first step. Human relationships are so complicated. So often, mutual forgiveness is needed to restore a broken relationship. But still, you and I must take the first step. We cannot forgive based upon the forgiveness of others, as this counters the very idea of grace. Ask Him for help and take the first step!

Finally, as followers of Yeshua, the shofar blasts also reminds us that this world will not last forever. One day, the Blast will sound from heaven and those who believe will be raised to meet the Lord. As Rabbi Saul – the Apostle Paul writes,

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord (1 Thess. 4: 16-17).

Scripture Meditation:

By meditating on the above verses of Scripture, we will also be reminded of the return of the Lord. His coming is soon and we must live today in light of His return. We will see Him face to face. So, now is the time to repent and return to the Lord, to ask Him to renew our strength and empower us to live pure and holy lives – as this is what it means to prepare His coming. Now is the time to make relationships right by the power of the Spirit and allowing His love to flow through us! The blowing of the shofar reminds us that day will come when it will simply be too late for repentance and reconciliation. We must begin today.

Tens

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Friday, September 26, 2014

Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 2

Today's devotional with more good information on the holiday.

God Bless.

Home Holidays and Festivals Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 2
Holidays and Festivals
Ten Days of Awe Devotionals - Day 2

Day 2 (9/26/14)

Traditionally, there are three dominant themes described in Jewish tradition that dominate the liturgy and prayers for Rosh Hashanah. The first theme is Kingship (Malchiyot), the second is Remembrance (Zichronot) and the third is the Shofar (Shofarot). Each of these themes is designed to remind us God’s purpose and plan for mankind at the beginning of the New Year.

Kingship

On Rosh Hashanah, we remind ourselves that the Creator of the universe is King of the universe and Lord of our lives.

According to Jewish tradition,

In Malchiyot, just as trumpets are joyously sounded when a king ascends his throne, we sound the shofar as we reestablish God’s dominion over us as our King for another year. This also emphasizes the fact that we must serve the Almighty the same way a servant serves his king -- with absolute and total dedication. This concept is called Kabalat Ol Malchut Shamayim, which means, "Accepting the yoke of Heaven." This type of service is considered most sublime, for we have subjugated our own desires and proclivities to a selfless service of God.

This is also a wonderful reminder to me as a follower of King Yeshua. He is my Lord and King and one day He will come again to reign in His literal Davidic kingdom and the blessings promised to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 will flow throughout the earth and be enjoyed by both Jews and Gentiles. As Paul describes in Philippians chapter 2,

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).

Rosh Hashanah is a wonderful time of the year to rededicate yourself to Yeshua and to make sure He reigns on the throne of your life. Are there any particular areas that you continue to control or have you bowed in obedience and asked Him to be Lord in every area of your life? This is a good time to identify the areas of your life you believe are not currently under His dominion. List them, ask God to guide you to see yourself as He sees you and then turn from your self-control, elevating the Lord to His rightful place in every area of your life.

Remembrance

This second theme of the holiday again harkens us back to Genesis 22 – the great story of Abraham’s almost-sacrifice of his son Isaac, which is read in the synagogue during the holiday. The rabbis reflect upon this encounter between Abraham and God, which took place on Mount Moriah where the Temple would later be built and, of course, where Jesus would be sacrificed.

Again, according to tradition,

In Zichronot we call upon to God to “remember” the dedication of our ancestors as exhibited by both Abraham and Isaac. God commanded Abraham to offer his beloved son Isaac as a sacrifice. At the last moment, God informed Abraham that it was merely a test, and instead of sacrificing Isaac he would offer a nearby ram. By blowing the shofar, a ram’s horn, we remind God of the dedication displayed by both Abraham and Isaac.

I am further reminded of the parallels between Isaac and Jesus when I read and study Genesis 22 in the synagogue as part of the High Holiday services. Both Isaac and Jesus were young men who suffered innocently. They were perfectly obedient to their fathers and accepted their roles as sacrifices without complaint. Of course, Isaac was spared, but the Messiah Jesus literally died for our sins. This foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Jesus in Genesis 22 stirs my heart and reminds me of the well-known verse in the Gospel of John,

For God so loved the world that He gave (in sacrifice) His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Scripture Meditation:

I hope you will meditate on the above verse and think deeply as to how His sacrifice, love and the truth found in this well-known passage of Scripture has changed your life, and if shared and believed by others, would transform theirs as well. You might focus on the word “gave” for a moment. In what way did God give us Jesus? A few thoughts come to my mind.

1. He was given through incarnation.

This is the fulfillment of the words of the prophet Isaiah in chapter 7:14, and 9:6-7 and in the prophecies of Isaiah’s contemporary Micah, in chapter 5:8. The God of the universe took on human flesh and all of the weakness this implies, without taking on our sinful nature. He then endured the hardships of life when He could have remained in heaven. He was hungry, thirsty; He understood hard work and even the pain of enduring the death of a loved one. Yet, He was without sin. I find that knowing He understands me and what I go through each day draws me closer to the Savior who, the author of the Book of Hebrews declares, is a “merciful and faithful high priest” (Hebrews 2:18).

2. He was given in death

When I recite John 3:16 or mediate on the truth and power of the verse, I am gripped by the voluntary nature of His death. He did not have to die. God was not forced to send the son of His love to a gruesome and painful physical death. And the Holy One of Israel certainly did not need to turn His face from His Son in that moment when eternity was transformed, as He bore our sin and endured hell on our behalf. The giving of Jesus in sacrifice and death is the crowning moment in redemption’s story and the evidence of God’s love for His creation.

May the Lord give you insight into the depth of His love!

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