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April 12

Scripture for today: Joshua 5:1-7:15; Luke 15:1-32; Psalm 81:1-16; Proverbs 13:1

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“Sing aloud to God our strength; Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob” (Psalm 81:1 NKJV).

From: April 12, 2017

“Sing aloud.” Not humming softly. Not just tapping your foot to the sound in your head. “Sing aloud!” Sing the words of praise and worship to our God. Sing of His character. Sing of His works. Sing to Him by Name (i.e..”God of Jacob”). Sing and let His strength flow to and through you, that you might be filled afresh with spiritual power and joy for the day!

“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7 NKJV)

From: April 12, 2015

Luke 15 has three “lost” parables in a row: The lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. The verse above is from the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus taught the importance of seeking the lost, which Israel had forgotten. They had become inward focused and self-absorbed. Today’s church can be like this. The focus tends to be on keeping the “ninety-nine” members happy and meeting their needs. But the mission of the church should be to help rescue the one. If we want our churches to experience the “joy of heaven,” we will get out of our comfort zones, take our eyes off ourselves, and put them on seeking the lost.

“But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the Lord. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites” (Joshua 7:1 NLT)

From: April 12, 2014

Achan hid the things he had ransacked from Jericho under his tent after God had warned against it. When Israel fought against the city of Ai they lost the battle and 36 warriors as a result. Many say that their sin is their own and it doesn’t affect those around them. Yet, here we see the error. Sin in the camp affects all in the community.

“I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7 ESV)

From: April 12, 2013

From the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus taught the importance of seeking the lost, which Israel had forgotten. They had become inward focused and self-absorbed. Today’s church can be like this. The focus tends to be on keeping the 99 happy and meeting their needs. But the mission of the church should be to help rescue the one. If we want our churches to experience the “joy of heaven,” we will get out of our comfort zones, take our eyes off ourselves, and put them on seeking the lost.