October 22, 2013
This psalm, attributed to Moses, encourages us to be aware of the fleeting nature of life and to determine not to waste our days. This is not a morbid instruction, but one that faces reality. We have a finite number of days appointed unto us on planet Earth. Number them, be aware that each day is a gift from God and a holy stewardship. The promise of eternal life should not release us to waste this season, but should pull us toward investing every moment we have for God, so that we store up riches in heaven.
October 21, 2013
“Take hold” (seize with focused resolve) of the prize of your salvation which is eternal life, and by implication do not try and take hold of worldly things. Focus on the prize. Live as a soldier in a foreign land, not becoming entangled in worldly pursuits, focusing on the victor’s crown of eternal life. What’s in your hand? Release that which is worldly and take hold of that which is eternal and don’t let go.
October 20, 2013
A Messianic psalm fulfilled in Jesus, Son of David. King David was promised that one of his sons would always sit on the throne. Yet, his royal line was removed from power by Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzer and has not led since. However, Jesus has come in the line of David as both Son of Man and Son of God. He has inaugurated the Kingdom of Heaven and all who believe in Him have become His offspring. This Kingdom is an everlasting one. This King and His people will endure forever.
October 19, 2013
Paul told the young pastor Timothy to avoid focusing on silly distractions and people who might despise his leadership. Instead, “devote” (To give all or a large part of one’s time and resources to) the ministry of the Word. Today’s young pastor faces perhaps the most complex, multi-faceted set of needs and expectations of any generation. The modern church wants him to be and do all things well. Yet, Paul’s instruction holds more true than ever. We need churches that are led by pastors who are “devoted” to the ministry of the Word. And we need church members who recognize their responsibility to be equipped by pastors and teachers to find and do the ministry in the other areas.
October 18, 2013
God told the prophet Jeremiah of a new covenant that He would make with His people in the future. That future is now. The law is no longer written on stone tablets, but it is written by grace on the hearts of those who have believed and received the righteousness of Christ.
October 17, 2013
“Mediator” – a person who acts as a “go-between” to bring parties involved in a conflict to a resolution. Jesus is our Mediator. He is the only one who reconciles us to God. Some may cry, “Judgmental, intolerant!” But as John Adams once said, “Facts are stubborn things.” And the fact is, Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. Like Paul, I have been appointed a preacher of this message. How about you?
October 16, 2013
Are you a blessing to the city to which you’ve been sent? If your church ceased to exist in your city, would anyone notice? In our zeal to separate ourselves from the world we tend to gather in a holy huddle around the Light while leaving those around us in darkness. Instead, let us be a light in our city, seeking its welfare in Jesus’ name.
October 15, 2013
Whether we come with questions seeking answers or desiring to start the day to the sound of the Savior’s voice, God still speaks to those who seek Him. We sometimes complain of God’s silence, when it’s our hearing that’s at fault. Today, I begin by listening and saying to myself, “Let me hear…”
October 14, 2013
A beautiful benediction for today. May God “comfort” (encourage, urge, call) your heart and “establish” (strengthen, plant, to make stand) every “good word” and every “good work” of yours. Now go. Live for Jesus. You have all you need in Him.
October 13, 2013
Words have power. A thoughtful and well chosen word is like a beautiful and expensive gift to the hearer. It has the power to hang about the neck and wrist of its recipient as a continual reminder of encouraging grace. We have the power in Jesus’ name to bless others with such words.