Daily Bible Blog

In Jeremiah this morning two verses struck me as I read of the account of Jehoiakim (King of Judah) burning the scroll which contained the prophetic Word of God for Judah and for Jerusalem.  The first verse referring to the act of burning the scroll says this:

Yet neither the king nor any of his servants who heard all these words was afraid, nor did they tear their garments.  Jeremiah 36:24 (ESV)

What struck me was that they were not afraid of the prophecy (foretelling the demised of Judah), nor were they afraid of disregarding God’s Word in such a disrespectful way.  The second verse that struck me was verse 28 where the Lord tells Jeremiah to prepare another scroll …

Take another scroll and write on it all the former words that were in the first scroll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah has burned.

The Lord then goes on to prophecy in detail how badly things will end for Jehoiakim.

From all of that, the Spirit seemed to remind me of the great need we all have to HEAR the voice of God, and then to OBEY when we hear.  I know we’re not dealing with scrolls and O.T. Prophets anymore, but we ARE still dealing with our Father in Heaven who wants to engage us by His Spirit and lead us in our path on this earth.  My prayer today is that each of us will come to know HIM and know HIS voice more and more as we continue this journey of faith with Him.

Prayer:

Father in heaven, thank you for the reminder today that you speak, and we are meant to listen.  Protect our hearts from an attitude of “burning scrolls”, and draw us by your grace into a place of complete surrender to Your voice and Your plans.  Speak Lord, for your servants are listening.  We long to connect with You and encounter you in fresh ways today.  I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: (Jeremiah 26, 25-26, John 20)

Amazing love, how can it be, that you my King would die for me?

I am remembering today the sacrifice of Jesus that makes is possible for ALL people to experience salvation and restoration to right relationship with God.  Though we are all born in sin, there is a way out … there is one way out of a life of sin, futility, hopelessness and wandering.  That way is through faith in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son!

Will we honor Christ with our life today?  Will we approach every encounter with an open heart, expecting that God may open the door to share this love of Jesus with someone?

There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. … When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ”It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 19:18 and 30 (ESV)

Prayer:

Father in heaven who loves us so much, I give you thanks and praise for the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.  Quicken us today with opportunities to honor you with our lives!  Draw our attention to the needs around us, and may You be honored as we represent you and Your Son Jesus with hope and joy this day.  I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading (Jeremiah 23-25, John 19)

The word of the Lord from Jeremiah was a call to turn back to the “Ancient Paths”. What do we know about “ancient”? Especially those of us with a distinctly western/modern mindset, our minds are not often drawn to the ancient places. We think 200 years is “ancient” and we base our lifestyle, our choices, and our direction on things learned basically within those few years. In fact, we probably reject even the 200 year old paths for even more recent “enlightenment”. Then we try to place the “ancient paths” revealed in God’s Word on top of our assumptions so that it fits within what we “know”. I believe one of the greatest struggles with the church and with our “modern” version of Christianity is that we have not returned to the ancient paths. We have not embraced God’s story as genuine history and based our lives on it while fitting the modern into the ancient. We’re exactly upside down in how we view God’s world and God’s story. We believe that WE are the story, when in fact, HE is the story and we are his treasure within HIS story. Father, draw us back to the ancient paths where we will see truth and embrace it with the grace you offer us in Jesus Christ your son.
Update: Since writing this blog I’ve been singing this song by Robin Mark. Enjoy.

Thus says the Lord:
“Stand by the roads, and look,
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way is; and walk in it,
and find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ (Jeremiah 6:16 ESV)

Prayer

Father, draw us to Your truth and replace our “enlightened” filters based on the recent with “ancient truth” based n Your Story! I ask in Jesus name, Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading (Jeremiah 5-6, John 12)

Looking back through time, it is sort of comical to watch as Martha takes to advising Jesus on the “realities” of the situation.  I realize that in the moment, it was simply the first thought that came to her mind, and I realize that her statement was factually true.  Yet, it is an amazing picture into day to day interactions with Jesus isn’t it?  Jesus is God himself.  He knows ALL things.  Jesus has a plan and is working the Father’s will.  And still somehow, we are adept at seeing the “natural flaws” with the plans, with the next steps … we, like Martha get so focused on the natural that we can easily dismiss the Supernatural!  Is it possible that Jesus is standing even now to bring miracles to life for us?  Is it possible that we, like Martha, stand next to him solely pointing out what’s wrong with his plan?  Oh, that we will embrace the full glory of God and allow Jesus free reign in our hearts, in our lives, and in our homes so that God is glorified as He moves beyond what we can see and brings His glory down to our everyday lives through miracles that only HE can do.

Jesus said, ”Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.”

John 11:39 (ESV)

Prayer

Father, forgive us for our unwillingness to step into YOUR world and into YOUR power and to simply receive YOUR miracles!  Open our eyes to the truth of who you are and be glorified in every area of our lives as we embrace living life WITH the Supernatural realities of Jesus … actively working in us and through us.  I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading (Jeremiah 3-4, John 11)

At New Life, we are calling this weekend, our “Weekend Without Walls”.  The church is spending time outside of the physical walls of the Lucy Simms building (where we normally meet for Sunday Worship), and we are asking God to lead us into His places of ministry which He has prepared for us.  While physical walls will certainly keep us from connecting with people who are on God’s heart, there are many other “walls” that have been built up by us, or for us, which keep us from seeing, hearing, and engaging the same people whom God is concerned about.  In John 9:34 this morning, I was challenged by the “wall of pride and arrogance” the pharisees displayed which kept them from being able to hear common sense questions from a man who had been truly touched by the God whom they claimed to represent.  Is it possible that we also have this same wall along with many other walls which are keeping us from hearing the simple cry of hearts all around us?

They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out.

John 9:34

Prayer

Father, touch our hearts today and reveal the places where we have “walled out” the opportunities to connect and share YOUR love with anyone YOU bring into our circle of influence.  Humble us with Your grace and lead us to genuine places of love and ministry by Your Spirit.  Fill us up and empower us to speak boldly of You.  Be glorified as your people take Your love “outside the walls”.  I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading (Zephaniah 1-3, John 9)

In a prophetic word concerning the restoration of Israel, Isaiah declares a truth that ought to make any child of God stand up and walk with boldness!  Even when we are suffering “trials of many kinds”, even when we are experiencing the suffering that produces righteousness … whatever the difficulties we face, there is this promise that came to the Israelites that says essentially, In the end, I WILL FIGHT FOR YOU, and I WILL MAKE THINGS RIGHT …

While it may be hard to see suffering and injustice and to feel these things even in our own lives, our hope is in our “Dad” who is God and Father … Hear his words today for Israel, and know that He will contend for us as well … in His own time … It is the heart of our Father in Heaven.

For thus says the Lord:
“Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken,
and the prey of the tyrant be rescued,
for I will contend with those who contend with you,
and I will save your children.

Isaiah 49:25 (ESV)

Prayer

Father (Papa in Heaven), our hearts cry out to you as children today believing and looking for that day when you make all things right … Enable us to walk in complete trust of You and to accept the truth that You are at work ALWAYS and that You are at work even now, when we may not feel it.  Fill us with new hope today, and remind us of the ultimate “contending” that was done on the cross by your own son, Jesus.  Empower your church to walk with boldness and faith in You in all things.  I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading (Isaiah 46-49, 1 Peter 5)

“Do I REALLY believe what I say I believe?”

That question may tend to linger and remain unresolved for many Christians for many years.  In 1 Peter, we’re told that there is a “proving ground” for our faith, and the proof is in the trials … How do we respond in times of trial?  Are we “fair weather Christians”, or are we rooted deeply in a faith in Jesus Christ at the core of our existence?

It is one thing to declare, “I believe in Jesus”.  It can be quite another thing to live it during “various trials” that we face in this world.

If you’re facing a trial today, my hope is that you will embrace the truth of these verses, press “deeper” into the truth of who Jesus is, and embrace the ultimate joy of knowing Him again today as the Savior of your soul.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:6-9 (ESV)

Prayer:

Father in heaven, some of us are in need of encouragement and strength today as we face the trials that go along with living in this fallen world.  I ask for the grace of Jesus, Your Son to overwhelm us and remind us of the ultimate prize that is salvation of our souls.  Remind us, encourage us, embolden us, and empower us for YOUR glory today.  I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading (Isaiah 36-37, Psalm 76, 1 Peter 1)

So I leave home a few days ago with much less “margin” than I needed.  Actually, I was in the “negative margin” I needed to be at my appointment on time.  Quickly to the end of the road … ready to turn onto a 55mph road … and there he came … meandering at about 35-40 mph … should I cut him off and get in front of him?  I chose safety this time and pulled directly behind … Now what?  You’ve all been there.  I have my plans, my appointments, my schedule and I know the speed limit is not 35 here!!!  What is wrong with this …

And then the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart … “Are you going to bless him?”

What?!! Now?!!

How many times have I used the same tongue to “curse” those who don’t fit my agenda while blessing God in worship at other times?  Father, refine us and tame this tongue.  We could certainly use the help!

With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.

James 3:9 (ESV)

Prayer:

Father, make us a people who bless without cursing!  When we are tempted to “call out” someone for getting in the way of our plans, I pray for the prompting of Your Spirit to speak a word of blessing over that life instead.  We cannot tame our tongue, but You are able!  I ask for the grace to speak blessings over all I encounter this day.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading (2 Kings 17, 2 Chron, 28. Psalm 46, James 3)

Generally, when we highlight the “Faith” chapter – Hebrews 11, we focus on all the great “heros of the faith” and how they accomplished so much for God.  It’s not nearly as common to see Christians today acknowledge and embrace verses 35-38 as models of people living in faith.  However, there they are … right alongside Abraham, Noah, Moses … are all of those who died for their faith, or suffered in their faith.  It is a clear statement of fact that faith is NOT a guarantee of “prosperity and good things” as we describe them in this world.  Rather, faith is the core belief we hold to that moves us forward in ANY circumstance.  By faith, what will your life be like today?

Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two,tthey were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

Hebrews 12:35-38 (ESV)

Prayer

Father, grow your church up to a place of genuine and strong faith in You!  Lead us to a life of steadfast direction toward you, and daily walking with you so that we will be those who live a life that “the world is not worthy of”.  Challenge our “easy life” attitudes and empower us by Your spirit to press forward in everything You call us to.  I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading (Isaiah 19-21, Hebrews 11)

Walk into a Christian book store and you will be inundated with options for improving our “Christian Faith”.  At any given time, I tend to have three or four books in process of being read.  Many, if not all of them have very good information about the Christian life.  I wonder, however, if we sometimes get too caught up in “doing it all correctly”, and we lose sight of the “confession of our hope”?  With so many “do it this way” books, is it possible that we lose sight of the simple fact that we are saved by the blood of Jesus … PERIOD.  His sacrifice was all that was needed.  Our hope can ONLY be in HIM and in what HE has done.  And for that, I love Him even more today.  Where is your hope?

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Prayer

Father God in Heaven, draw us back to a simple faith in Jesus Christ, and empower us to live in a COMPLETE hope of salvation that comes through the shed blood of Jesus alone.  Where we have devised our own plans and attempted to gain a “better salvation” through our works and ideas, call us to repentance, and lead us back to the cross of Jesus.  We confess our hope is in Jesus alone again today.  Amen

Today’s Bible Reading (Isaiah 15-18, Hebrews 10)