Thursday, September 30, 2010

Mark 9 DEVO: Transfiguration, Humility & Temptation

Chapter 9:
In this chapter we read of one of the “perks” of being Jesus’ closest buddies. Peter, James & John got invited on a mountain top experience they’d never forget. Jesus clothes turn glowingly white and suddenly they see Jesus talking with Moses & Elijah! Although they’re not exactly sure what to do, they know it’s a radical experience: “it is good for us to be here.” A cloud comes over, opens up (whatever that means) and God says “This is My Son whom I love. Listen to him.” Then poof - everyone is gone – whoah! God is again confirming who Jesus is!
Following this, Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy and then, for the second time, predicts His death. The disciples didn’t get it and were afraid to ask. Imagine that, Peter speechless.
The next two incidents recorded I believe have to do with humility. First, Jesus knows they’ve been arguing about who is gonna’ be the greatest in heaven, so He asks them “what were you arguing about on the road?” I can hear it already, “I told you He’d overhear us!~” Anyway, Jesus basically tells them that the way up is down! "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." With these words, the arguing ceased.
The next lesson on humility was when John says to Jesus, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us." Kinda’ like, “Hey Jesus, we’re the ones in charge not this guy, so we told him so.” Ummm – wrong! Jesus’ reply? “whoever is not against us is for us.”
Finally we finish with a short but sweet lesson on temptation. The main point? We are to remove whatever causes us to sin, or another to sin, even if it means a part of our own body! For “It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell.” Is God serious about dealing with sin? Yes.
SO WHAT?!
*What is the most awesome experience you’ve ever had with God? E-mail me, I’d love to hear it! (mrbill6761@mac.com) And why not share that experience with someone else this week. You may be of great encouragement to a fellow believer or a great witness to a “pre-Christian.” Either way, you can’t go wrong!
*At what times are we most tempted to be prideful? When we’re good at something? When we don’t want to ask forgiveness? When we think we’re right? Regardless, pride is often at the center of our sinning. It’s always important to come before God and others in an attitude of humility. I’ve heard that doing this is often called “eating crow.” I’ve never had crow, but I’m guessing it’s better when it’s warm. So, make things right as soon as possible – with God and with others.
*What things tempt you most? Do you lust after people? Maybe it’s the latest iPhone or iPad or iTouch or iCan’t name them all…….Whatever it is, let’s pray “Lord help us to throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily binds us and help us to run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Amen.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Mark 8 DEVO: Ministry with Jesus

Chapter 8:
12 guys got to spend 3 years in an intimate relationship with our Almighty, Creator God doing ministry together. WOW - Talk about an internship!~ Today we read some more of what that was like.
First, we have another miraculous feeding, this time 4000 men, so maybe only 16,000+ total people to feed (hehe). Last time Jesus feed a primarily Jewish crew, this time it’s a primarily Gentile bunch. Jesus compassion for non-Jews as well is confirmed as He miraculously feeds them all with only seven loaves.
Next, the Pharisees want Jesus to perform a miracle that could only come from God. Duh – what do you call every miracle He’s been doing? Jesus knew their hearts had already chosen not to believe so He denied their request. We must be careful not to let our hearts become so hardened toward God that even the most convincing of facts won’t change us.
This next section has to stab the disciples in the chest. Jesus tells them to “watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees.” Jesus is thinking bad teaching that can affect them, the disciples are thinking “it is because we have no bread” – Ha! “Do you still not understand?” Jesus says to them.
Mark, like Matthew & Luke, also records Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah! All of us have to answer, at some point in this life, the question of who Jesus is! Peter nails it and if we want to spend eternity with God in heaven, we must nail it as well!
Finally, we end with Jesus predicting His death. After doing this, Peter decides to take Jesus (God) aside and give Him the what for! Jesus lived “On Mission” for God and never lost sight of His purpose & plan. Supernatural living will always baffle natural living and we see that as Peter gets rebuked and becomes the only disciple whom Jesus called “Satan.” Ouch!
The chapter ends with a reminder of our purpose & calling: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”
SO WHAT?!
*How long have you been a believer? One year? 3 years? 10 years? More than 10? However long it is, you and I have been invited into an intimate relationship with our Almighty, Merciful, Gracious & Loving Creator! Lets never see spending time with Him as a burden but rather to approach each day with this amazing privilege always in mind!!!
*Who are you hanging out with? “Bad company corrupts good morals” – so choose your friends wisely! I’m not talking about avoiding mixing it up with unbelievers so we can show & tell them about Jesus. I’m talking about those you spend a lot of hours with. Are they drawing you closer & deeper to Jesus or farther away? Let’s ask this question often!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Mark 7 DEVO: True Cleanliness & 2 Miracles

Chapter 7:
Wash your hands, don’t pick your nose, put deodorant on………ever hear these from your mom? Thank the Lord for moms who told us these things – it has probably kept us from many a sickness! Having good hygiene is important, but we must never confuse it with having a clean heart. These are two totally different things! It is this very issue that Jesus addresses in chapter seven. The Pharisees were more concerned with how they looked (outwardly) than with how they loved (inwardly). Jesus summed it up best: “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." Whenever we put our little “rules” as equal or above God’s Word we get into trouble! The fact is “Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'" And the stuff that comes from deep down in our heart? Not very pretty: “evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.”
The chapter ends with two miracles. First, Jesus sends a demon out of a girl, then He makes a deaf & mute man hear and talk. As I read miracle after miracle that Jesus lovingly and graciously performed, I cant help but believe Jesus is giving repeated evidence that He IS the Messiah Gad!
So What?!
*How’s your “spiritual hygiene?” Let me rephrase it, how’s your heart? If Jesus were to give you & I a spiritual heart examination, what would His diagnosis be? A strong & healthy heart? Or…..…In need of a pacemaker? Quadruple bi-pass? Electrical shock??? Lets ask God to work on our hearts more than our exteriors, because it’s the inside that truly needs cleansing!
*Who is Jesus to you? Repeatedly ,throughout the Bible, Jesus has and is revealing Himself to us as Lord, Messiah, King, Creator, etc…. Do you believe it? I don’t mean in your head, I mean in your heart too – Do you believe it? I pray you do!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Mark 6 DEVO: No Honor, Fellow Ministers, A Beheading & 2 Miracles

Chapter 6:
Jesus is in the middle of His ministry years – teaching like no other, healing and doing miracles. Prior to that, He spent close to 30 years as a carpenter’s son in Nazareth. These peers from His own hometown were offended that people we’re impressed with Jesus! Come on, they “knew Him better than them” and these preconceived ideas of who they thought Jesus was made it impossible for them to accept His message. This left Jesus “amazed at their lack of faith.”
The next thing I noticed is that Jesus always had in His mind to pass on the ministry. He was less about classroom lectures and more about on the job training and so “They Jesus & the disciples) went out and preached that people should repent.” The 12 were fellow ministers.
Up next we see confusion as to who Jesus is: John? Elijah? A prophet? Apparently they didn’t want to listen to Jesus. Mark then recounts the events leading up to John the Baptizer’s death because Herod thought that it was John raised to life. Maybe Herod was haunted with guilt because John confronted his sin of marrying his brother’s wife. As a result “Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him.” To do so, she has her daughter perform for Herod a “gimmie what I want” dance and John loses his head as the prize.
Last up are two miracles which we have already addressed in our readings of Luke & Matthew. First, Jesus feeds like 20,000+. Yeah, it reads 5000, but that’s just the men. Include women & children and you’ve got an even larger buffet to serve. Jesus “had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.”
Second, Jesus walks out to them on the water and it says “They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.” The disciples still had not realized who Jesus was. The good news - Jesus never gave up on them!
SO WHAT?!
*Ever have preconceived ideas about someone? We must be careful not to let those ideas become keep us from truth. People can change. I’m not at all who I was in high school (whew) yet often, when I see a former schoolmate, they still see me the same. Get to know people and that way you’ll know the truth about them. And yeah, allow them to still improve as well!
*How are you & I involved with Jesus in ministry? Are you regularly serving? Are you making Jesus known? Passing the baton of ministry IS the plan of Jesus! Talk to your pastor or youth pastor about how you can get involved today!
*I’m glad Jesus never gives up on me. Sometimes (ok, maybe most of the time) I wonder if Jesus is going, “God, is this all you’ve given me to work with?!” But God is patient and merciful and gracious and wants to use unqualified people like you & me to do His eternal work! Thank You Lord!!!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Mark 5 DEVO: Sinking Pigs, Touching Jesus & Raising the Dead

Chapter 5:
We again see in this chapter the Deity of Jesus – the fact that He is God! Mark begins with the account of Jesus casting some demons out of a man & into some pigs. (By the way, my good friends, The Skit Guys, have a hilarious video on this) This “animal of a man” whom no one could restrain and was in torment comes to Jesus. First note that he KNOWS who Jesus is. Second note that he is afraid: “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" Jesus grants these demons (Legion = many) permission to go into the pigs, the pigs run over the side of the hill and all drown. The towns people come out, because they just lost their means of income, and plead with Jesus to leave. Apparently, their income was more important to them than protection from this “man-freak!” Imagine how this demon-possessed man, now delivered, must have felt – seeing the immensity of the evil he was set free from! He obeyed Jesus by telling “how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." The result? AMAZEMENT!
The next miracle of Jesus here is bringing Jairus’ daughter back to life. A leader in the synagogue comes to Jesus pleading to heal his daughter, but before Jesus could do it, the leader gets word that she has died and not to “bother” Jesus. Jesus upon hearing this says, “Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe." Imagine then, being the elite group of Peter, James, John & the parents, who got to watch Jesus bring her back to life – WOWSA – would have loved to have been there!
In the midst of this miracle, is recorded another one. This bleeding lady, whom no one can help any more, feels that if she could just “touch” Jesus it would be enough. And it was! Then Jesus, being God, even in a crowd, can tell when someone touches Him and so asks who it was. “Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you.” I am ever amazed by the faith events recorded in scripture!
SO WHAT?!
*When you’ve truly gotten a glimpse of who Jesus really IS, what has been your response? Whenever people came into the presence of God in the Bible, they fell on their face in reverence, in honor and in fear. Because of Jesus and by God’s grace, today we can today “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). But let us always remember to view God for Who He Is as well!
*What is the most incredible supernatural thing that God has allowed you to be a part of? Email me today and tell me your story. I love to hear Cool God stuff!!! mrbill6761@mac.com
*How’s your faith today? Remember, we do not need to have big faith for we have a Big God. All we need have is small faith in our Big God! Ask God for a little today!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Mark 4 DEVO: Five Stories

Chapter 4:
Parable of the Sower – Seed represents the Word of God, the Farmer is Jesus (and all who proclaim the Gospel), and the people represent the different kinds of soil where the seed falls. I love this parable and I believe understanding this one helps us understand the rest of them! Some will be receptive, some won’t. Some will be troubled & distracted from God more than others. And some will multiply like Jesus intended!
Lamp on the Stand – Lamps were meant to bring to light everything in a room and were for everyone in that room. Jesus’ free gift of salvation opens our eyes and is available to all who desire the truth! And the more we put into practice the Word of God (being good soil), the more we will be given to be faithful with.
Growing Seed – Short, but sweet, this one is only recorded by Mark. I believe it has to do with the results of spiritual growth occurring in the “good soil.” All of which is meant to reproduce “because the harvest has come.”
Mustard Seed – The Gospel, God’s offer of salvation, may seem simple because it is a free gift, accepted by faith, not earned. But the benefits are HUGE! Even unbelieving friends can benefit from a believers faith. Amazing!
Calming of the Storm – The chapter ends with a demonstration of Jesus’ power over even the weather & seas. The disciples are in a boat in a really bad storm and are freaking out. They accuse Jesus of not caring because He was sleeping in the stern. So He gets up, tells the wind & the waves to “chill” and basically says they have weak faith! Wow. “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!”
SO WHAT?!
*Which of these parables stands out to you? Why? Which one challenges you in your walk with the Lord? Will you ask God to help you to put in to practice what you’ve learned?
*How are you letting your “light” shine to those around you? Are you living the Gospel by doing good deeds, loving your neighbors, helping those in need, etc…? Are you speaking the Gospel by turning conversations to spiritual things, bringing God up, sharing the good news, etc..? BOTH are a vital in Knowing Jesus & Making Him Known!~
*Interesting that the disciples were “afraid” they were going to die but were “terrified” when they realized who was with them! Often we can get so used to Jesus being our friend (which He is) that we lose sight of the fact that He is GOD too! Lets take some time today to be in awe and revere God for who He is – it will give us a refreshing perspective!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Mark 3 DEVO: Silence, The 12, Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit & Family

Chapter 3:
Often times our mouth, the things we say, can get us in trouble. But remaining silent can also speak volumes that can damage as well. We see this happen in the first part of this chapter. A man with a shriveled hand came to Jesus for healing. It was the Sabbath and work was not allowed and they were watching Jesus to see what He would do. Like always, Jesus knew their hearts and asked, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" Their response? “They remained silent.” They wouldn’t answer because they knew Jesus was right. Instead, from this point on they worked at plotting to kill Him!
Later in this chapter Jesus “called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” Here we see the Master’s Plan: He chose them, they learned from Him, He gave them the purpose right up front and He gave them the authority to accomplish the task. Great model to follow!
Next up, the religious peeps accuse Jesus of being demon possessed – Ha! Jesus refutes their accusations and instead goes for the spiritual jugular – the unbelief in their hearts! All but one sin can be forgiven through belief in Christ. That one sin? “Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.” What is this sin? It is the sin of unbelief. Makes sense, if all sins can be forgiven by believing in what Christ did in our place, then only if you don’t believe can your sins not be forgiven!
Finally, Jesus makes a statement regarding eternity. Physical families are great things but when a person becomes a follower/believer of Jesus, they are given an eternal, spiritual family that is even greater! Jesus wasn’t dissin’ His family, He was pointing out a new family that transcends the physical one!
SO WHAT?!
*When have you been silent when you should have spoken up? Often times we want o be liked so we don’t address things. Other times we may stay quiet because it may be awkward to bring it up. Regardless, our silence can speak volumes. When a student in our ministry does something wrong in front of the entire group, if I don’t say anything, then I’ve silently told everyone else “it’s ok to do.” – NOT good! Let’s ask God for wisdom as to when to speak and for courage to do it when we should. And to speak up lovingly!
*What has God called you to do and to be? He gives each of us at least one gift, what is yours? Are you using it for Him? If you’re not currently involved in doing so, why not talk with your parents or youth leader or pastor and see how you can be used!?~!
*I am living proof that God can forgive anyone of anything if they’ll believe! Have you done things you’re ashamed of? Disgusted by? Me too and my Bible reads “If we confess our sins, god is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Now THAT is good news!
*Family is meant to be priority, to be of first importance, both your physical family and your spiritual family. How can you show today that you value these families? Take your answer then and do it!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Mark 2 DEVO: Amazement, An Outcast & Overruling

Chapter 2:
Because Mark presents Jesus as Servant, we will read a lot of what Jesus DOES! And there is no better word to use than…
Amazement: People constantly wanted to be around Jesus. Who wouldn’t?! He taught the Bible like no one before, He was healing people, casting out demons, calming storms – the special effects in themselves would have been pretty incredible to see! He always drew a crowd, and apparently if you can’t push through the crowd to get to Jesus, you come in from above! Jesus is so impressed with their FAITH that He tells the paralytic “Son, your sins are forgiven." (This statement upset the religious peeps) And you guessed it, the guy walked away! Was this amazing? Absolutely! But what is more amazing is “Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, ‘Why are you thinking these things?’” I think they were even more amazed (& scared) that Jesus knew exactly what they were thinking!
An Outcast: Tax Collectors were seen as traitors. They were worked for the Roman government (the enemy) as well as collected extra for themselves when they made their rounds. So when Jesus says to Matthew “follow me” He was not out to win neighbors and influence friends! We see that in the Pharisees disapproval to Jesus eating at Matthew’s home. Jesus’ reply? “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus loved all people and was a cheerleader of the Outcasts!
Overruling: If there is one thing clear in Scripture over & over again is that Jesus overrules. Two times here – First fasting: The Pharisees were upset that Jesus’ disciples were not fasting (rules). Jesus basically tells them that would be a bit awkward since fasting involves mourning HE is with them (relationship). This should be a time of celebration, not mourning. Second the Sabbath: Again, tradition & rules are being held above relationship. The idea of the Sabbath was rest, but rabbis had added all kinds of goofy restrictions - like you couldn’t travel 3000 feet from your home, etc… The disciples were not breaking God’s law, just these silly, added traditions. Maybe the real sin was that the rabbis were holding their “traditions” as equal to God’s Word!
SO WHAT?!
*Does Jesus amaze you? Are you drawn to Him? OT peeps were! What about Jesus is most attractive to you? His Love? Compassion? Power? Wisdom? Why not thank Him for whatever it is that attracts you to Him?! And, since He knows our thoughts, let’s ask forgiveness for our sins as well!
*All over scripture, God is reaching out to the poor, the helpless, the shameful, the weak. This is just the opposite of our culture where the rich, talented, athletic, funny and intellectual are seen as the biggest assets. Who can you reach out to this week? Someone sitting by themselves? That person with a bad attitude? Etc… You never know what kind of an impact you could make in their life! Go for it!
*When it comes to your Christian life, are you more about the rules or the relationship? Without a doubt, God has holy standards that He desires us to seek, but if those become our focus we will miss out on the joy of the relationship! Dine with Jesus – today & everyday1 He’s knocking……let Him in!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Mark 1 DEVO: Beginnings of Jesus’ Ministry

Introduction:
The Gospel of Luke presents Jesus as the Son of Man. The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as King. And now we come to the Gospel of Mark which presents Jesus as Servant. This Gospel was written before the other three and was most likely used by the other three writers. It was written to encourage believers and to prove beyond a doubt that Jesus is Messiah.

Chapter 1:
Wow – A LOT in this chapter! Where to begin…..
Preparation: John the Baptizer’s coming was a fulfillment of what Isaiah spoke. He came to ”prepare the way for the Lord.” He himself wasn’t God & he knew it (7). He came to get people ready for Jesus and then his baptism OF Jesus prepared Jesus for His earthly ministry. Another preparation involved Jesus calling two sets of brothers to something greater than their careers - to follow Him and HE would make them “fishers of men.”
Ministry - 3 Specific Miracles & Prayer: Ok, so this didn’t describe my ministry last week, but then, I’m not Jesus! The first miracle happens at a “church service.” Jesus is teaching “as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law” (slam on the religious peeps) and the demon in this dude is scared that Jesus is gonna’ do something with him and he’s right! Evil is always fearful in the presence of holiness!
The second miracle involves Peter’s mother-in-law. She is sick with a fever and all Jesus does is grab her hand & help her up…….healed! Thanks Jesus, can I get you anything? And then He does quite a few more miracles as well.
The third miracle was healing a man of leprosy. People would stay away from lepers so as to not catch their disease – not Jesus! His love & compassion for people overruled so He “reached out His hand and touched the man.” And yep, you know what happened – healed!
What catches my attention in this chapter is verse 35: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Ok, if Jesus felt the need to go to His Father in heaven, how much more should I?!~! Want to know the key to His earthly ministry? He relied on strength from above. So should we!
SO WHAT?!
*How are you & I preparing to be with Jesus? If Jesus gave you the choice today of either staying here on earth or leaving to be with Him, which would you choose? Jean, Drew, Jessica – I LOVE Y’ALL, but I’d be out of here! If this life is preparation for eternity, let’s use it to drag as many others with us to heaven!
*Where in your life are you in need of a miracle? Is there a relationship that needs restoring & seems impossible? Are you having financial problems like never before? Physical problems? Regardless, our God is a God of miracles and still does them. Take your impossibilities to Him today and watch Him work!
*How’s your prayer life? Would others be so I impressed that they would ask you to pray? That is exactly what Jesus’ disciples asked Him. Lord. please let my prayer life reflect that I need you and I am trusting in YOUR strength for my daily living!

Friday, September 17, 2010

James 5 DEVO: Warnings, Commands, Prayer

Chapter 5:
If yesterday’s rebukes weren’t enough, don’t fear, James has some more for us today!
Let me begin by asking you – Are you rich? The question can be pretty relative, but I ask it anyway. I’m certainly rich! I live in the richest country in the world. I’m rich. I live in Katy, Texas, one of the most affluent cities in the nation. I’m rich. We have two vehicles, 3 TV’s, 2 computers, 3 cell phones. And we have JESUS! We’re rich! We may not have as much money as most of those around us, but we’re rich. And so are you! Which brings me to this point: James is addressing US in this chapter. You, You, You, You, You. Five times he says it!
YOU have hoarded wealth…
YOU failed to pay the workmen…
YOU lived on earth in luxury & self-indulgence…
YOU have fattened yourselves…
YOU have condemned & murdered innocent men…
Whenever we earn or receive money and think it’s ours, instead of realizing we are managers of God’s money, it causes selfish problems: hoarding, stingy-ness, spending it all on ourselves and, sadly, “murdering” the poor – people in financial need who are dying for help – help we could give! I realize there will always be more need than I can meet. But one by one I am to seek to meet needs with what the Lord has given!
This takes patience – for it means sacrificially giving, and having to do without ourselves. AND we are no to grumble in doing it. It also takes integrity. If we say we will help, we must. God’s name is at stake! We are to let our “Yes” be yes and our “No” be no!
Finally, James calls his readers to prayer! It could very well be that the trouble, unhappiness & sickness mentioned in 13-14 came from people being shown unfair favoritism, receiving tongue lashings, having promises broken and the poor being dissed. So we should PRAY! We need the strength of heaven to combat the stuff of this earth!
SO WHAT?!
*How are you managing the riches God has given you? Let’s not compare ourselves with others! We will never have to answer for what others have, but we will give an account to God of what He gave us. So, who could you & I help out today financially? Know of anyone going thru some financial troubles? Surpise ‘em! Doesn’t matter how much the gift, God will use it!
*When was the last time you went to God desperate in prayer? I believe God loves to hear us cry out to Him because it shows we NEED Him – and God loves to be needed and CAN MEET our every need!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

James 4 DEVO: Rebuke

Chapter 4:
Chapter 3 ends with “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” Then chapter 4 begins with “What causes fights and quarrels among you?” Quite the contrast huh?!
It’s hard to read this chapter without feeling rebuked! And we all know how much we love that, yet rebuke is one of the very things God’s word is useful for (2 Timothy 3:16). Maybe the first 12 verses from God should be rephrased like this: “You selfish pig (1-3), choose your side (4-6), humbly repent (7-10) and let me take care of your brother (11-12).” Nah, that’s too convicting!
Anyway, I believe the big idea here is submission to God. When we live a life of daily trusting the Lord to meet our needs, it helps remove selfishness, draws us closer in our friendship with God and makes us humbly treat others with the same mercy & grace we have received.
James goes on to address the prideful spirit of making plans without God. It’s easy to forget that we’re really not here on this planet very long before we spend eternity elsewhere! That’s why James tells us “Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." So – will you do it? “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.” Ouch.
SO WHAT?!
*Selfishness, pride and fear often get in the way of what God wants to do TO us and THRU us. What about you? Is there a relationship that has caused quarrels and now it’s strained? Why not ask God to give you the strength today to make it right?! “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
*Making plans is not bad. Actually I believe if you aim at nothing you’ll hit it every time. But when we make plans and leave God out of the picture, that’s when it’s bad. What plans do you have? Hopes? Desires? Dreams? Why not pray to the Lord and give them over to Him?! They may turn out even better than we could have ever hoped for!!!
*Finally, I believe that most of the time we think of sin as things we DO. But the last verse of this chapter tells us that sin is also the things we know we should do but don’t! Has the holy Spirit prompted you to do something recently that you ignored? If so, let’s ask God’s forgiveness and then ask Him to help us to DO what we know we should!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

James 3 DEVO: Bite Your Tongue!

Chapter 3:
When I started student ministry in Katy in 1990, Chris Tomlin & Ross King used to help lead student worship at FBC Katy on Wednesday nights. They had an album out called “Too Much Free Time” which was hilarious! One of the songs on it was “Foot in my Mouth.” I always think of this song when I read James chapter 3 because I’ve been there, and as much as I don’t want to go there again, I will. It’s true: “All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue.”
Although James sets this in the context of teaching, the principles are true everywhere. That little ½ pound in our mouth can both give great encouragement & praise, as well as tear down & destroy. What is the biggest issue here? When we don’t watch what we say, we use what the Lord gave us (our mouth) for evil. “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”
It takes wisdom to do this, so that is how James concludes the chapter. A good life shown in deeds with humility will keep us from bitter envy & selfish ambition. “Wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Wow - This ought to keep us busy ‘til at least lunch time. ☺
SO WHAT?!
*Ever heard “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all?” It’s Biblical: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…” (Ephesians 4:29). Who have you spoken unwholesome talk to this week? Will you go to them today and ask forgiveness? You can’t take back words, but asking forgiveness helps heal wound.
*How are you showing the wisdom of God in your life? Do you desire to live pure? Are you a peacemaker? When someone is hurting, how can you be considerate towards them? Are you being impartial (see yesterday’s devo)? And is your life sincere, not fake - doing what you say

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

James 2 DEVO: Favoritism & Genuine Faith

Chapter 2:
James is in our face with two topics in chapter 2: Favoring some people over others and how works demonstrate true faith.
1-13: I don’t know about you, but if the events of theses few verses actually occurred in our church, I’d be furious! Maybe it’s because I have been that shabby clothed, poor outcast. Maybe it’s because I work with students and they always seem to get blamed for whatever is broken or stolen. Maybe it’s because deep down, I know that I too show favoritism at times.!?~! If we’re honest, all of us are prone to partiality. Maybe it doesn’t look like these verses, but we do it. Maybe for us it’s the tendency to go talk with the good looking or funny or athletic person, instead of the plain or overweight or depressed person that requires a lot of maintenance. Maybe it’s not confronting someone in sin because they are your boss or in the church because they give a lot. Maybe it’s planting a church in an affluent neighborhood because you know they can financially help instead of planting a church in a poor area of town because it can drain resources – yet both need Jesus. Whatever the scenario, James (actually GOD) says it’s wrong! Why? Because it causes us to make unfair, inappropriate judgments on people; “have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” Instead, we are to “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” Yikes!
14-26: These next few verses have often been used to say that the Bible contradicts itself. Paul says Christians are saved by grace thru faith, not works, and here James says its works. WRONG. Paul and James do not disagree. Paul is speaking of salvation, what it takes to be made right with God – by grace thru faith alone. Here James is dealing with sanctification, how a person lives out their faith. To explain this he uses Abraham and reminds us, “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” Deeds are not what makes a person right with God but are a natural by product of a person who HAS a relationship with Jesus! It can’t be just intellectual: “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”
SO WHAT?!
*Who do you tend to favor? Come on, who is it? Will you ask God TODAY to help you quit doing that?! Ask Him also to remind us that we are no better than anyone else. And hey, I’ll do the same!
*What make a person right with God? GREAT question! What makes you or I right with God? It’s easy to get saved by grace and then try to keep up the relationship by works. Don’t do it. ALWAYS remember that our acceptance before God is never based on our performance! But that what we DO is just a “Thank You” back to god for all He’s done for us! Lord help our lives to be thank you letters back to You – today and every day!

Monday, September 13, 2010

James 1 DEVO: Trials, Trust, Temptation, Application

Chapter 1:
Ok, so I couldn’t come up with a “T” word for putting God’s word into practice, so I flunk as a Baptist today! Regardless, these are the four topics of this chapter:
TRIALS: (1-5) – Not sure about you, but I don’t really care for trials. My theory of “no pain, no pain” has always been my preference. But God says a lot of good about them here. First, our attitude is to welcome them with joy. Why? Because “the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” If we never went thru anything tough, we’d crumble at the smallest things. But as we develop perseverance, it helps us become “mature and complete.” And the ultimate prize is found in vs 12: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
TRUST: (6-12) – The whole concept of faith involves trust. Trusting in what you cannot see. We read last week in Hebrews that it’s “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Doubt kills trust and from the beginning in the garden, Satan’s desire is to get God’s kids to doubt God’s Word!
TEMPTATION: (13-18) – Wow does this describe how we get into sin or what?! I DESIRE things I shouldn’t, then I follow that desire and DO things I shouldn’t, and boom – I sin! And if it isn’t addressed, it will kill me!
APPLICATION: (19-27) – I’ve always been told God gave me two ears and one mouth because I should listen twice as much as I speak. Good advice, and here very Biblical. Then James hits us with what I call “nike theology” – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Just Do It!
SO WHAT?!
*What are you going through right now that you need to trust God in? How is your attitude? I admit, it’s tough in the midst of things to have joy if we don’t look beyond them. Get with a friend today and pray together about these things. It’s always better to go through things with a friend than alone. And never forget GOD is ALWAYS there!
*When and where do your greatest temptations occur? At night? When you’re alone? Away from home? Any combination of these can be detrimental! Share these with someone who will keep you accountable. Marcus Evans is my accountability partner. I talk or meet with him weekly and he also gets sent a copy from Covenant Eyes of everywhere I’ve been on my computer. Let me encourage you to do similar things! We NEED brothers & sisters who can truth with us in love!
*How’s your “nike theology?” I don’t know about you, but I am far educated beyond my level of obedience. I need most to just obey what I already know in the Lord! How about you?

Friday, September 10, 2010

Angel Sighting!

Ok, some days are just bigger Brag on God days than others, and today is one of those for me! This was part of my Bible reading today: "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Even though it wasn't the focus of my Devo today, it went thru my mind throughout the morning.
Then it happened, the "angels" arrived! I was making copies in the church office and in walked Dewayne & Dante. Their truck had a blowout on the feeder of Grand Parkway and they had walked to Discount Tire (across from our church) for help. They had bought a tire, but needed a jack. So... I finished my last copy and off we went, hoping to use my jack and for the Lord to give me an opportunity to talk to them about Him. Little did I know that I was the one who would come away more blessed!
When we got to the truck, my jack worked great, but my lug nut wrench was too small for their big truck. So I ran home quick and got one that would work & returned. We were able to get the tire off & head back to Discount to get it changed. The entire time Dewayne & I chatted about the Lord (he was quoting tons of verses) and how He works through difficult times. They're from Wharton, do landscape and usually don't come to Katy, but are taking any work they can. When we got to discount, the manager told Dewayne he couldn't put the tire he bought on his rim because it was too small and would be a safety hazard. The correct size tire would be another $30. Dewayne's head hung low, as he had spent everything he had on the cheaper tire. So I offered to pay for it and the manager, Paul proceeded to get it changed. It was at that time that Dewayne told me he was a preacher too and that next week he was to preach on "faith" and how God had leaded him to me - Ha, imagine that!
And hey, God wasn't done! As I went to pay for the tire, the manager Paul looks at me and says, don't worry about it, I've got it covered! (Dang, he stole my blessing.....hehe...) At this point, both Dewayne & I are totally praising God about this whole thing! So I look over at Dante, who has been rather quiet, and I tell him he needs to not talk so much! He's smiling in disbelief of everything as well!
Finally, it's now time for me to get Drew from school, so I drop them off at their truck, they say they'll bring the tools back to the church, and simultaneously we say lets pray - sweet! Awesome to be praying together on the side of the road with two guys whom I've only known for less than 60 minutes! How cool is that?! "Angels unaware" I'm tellin' ya'. My tools were at the church and I may never see them again, but I will never forget today either!
Gods ways TOTALLY ROCK! Dewayne & Dante got to be the recipients of help, I got to be blessed, the Discount Tire dude got to BE a blessing, Dewayne go some great sermon material, quiet Dante got to hear and see the Gospel - I mean, is this is Cool God Stuff or what! Had to share all of this or I'd just burst!
Incredibly Amazed by Grace,
Mr Bill
PS - If you're ever out in the Wharton area and need some yard work, call A&D Landscaping!

Hebrews 13 DEVO: Random Concluding Exhortations

Chapter 13:
Wow that title included progressively a 2, a 3 and a 4 syllable word! Yeah – that’s random too huh?!
Anyway, this final chapter in Hebrews is filled with advice on Christian behavior. So here we go:
Keep Loving: As we do this we may be showing love to angels!
Remember those in Prison: Those who suffer for Jesus name we are to in a sense “suffer with.”
Honor Marriage: Imagine what would happen if couples would just keep the promise they made to God & each other!~
Be Content: Don’t love money more than God!
Remember & Imitate Your Leaders: Pastors, Sunday school teachers, etc… Thank ‘em and be like ‘em! Oh, and later it says to obey them, so that they will like being your leader!
Don’t Be Deceived: The rules & rituals are not what Christianity is all about. It’s the relationship with our Savior! When this one is right, all the other stuff falls in place.
Keep Praisin’ God: Tell Him, serve Him and love others!
Pray: Never, never, never stop praying about anything and everything!
As we read these challenging exhortations from God, let’s be doers and not just hearers!
SO WHAT?
*When you think of God, do you break out in praise? The better you know Him, the more you will be able to praise Him for! Lord help us to Know you and Make You Known more & more, each day, for the rest of our lives!
*What is your view on marriage? Next to a person’s relationship with Jesus, there is no greater decision. Get it down right now – Marriage is a covenant (contract, promise) you make with God (& your soon to be spouse). I promise NO MATTER WHAT to love, honor cherish…. ‘til death do we part. Decide NOW, before you get married, that you will keep your promise! Then pray, pray, pray for the person whom God would have you make that promise to. And be patient. It’s better to be single wishing you were married, than to be married wishing you were single!
*Finally, when was the last time you thanked your spiritual leaders? They put together lessons each week , pray for you, meet with you, etc…all to help you to Know Jesus and Make Him Known! When was the last time you thanked them? Yeah, yeah, I know this sounds self-serving (so don’t do it with me then), but seriously, take some time this weekend to write them a note, meet with them, get them a gift, etc… but somehow let them know how much you appreciate them and how it has helped you in your faith! GO FOR IT!!!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Hebrews 12 DEVO: Run for Your Life!

Chapter 12:
The first 10 chapters of Hebrews are about Jesus being “The Bomb” – superior to everything and everyone! Chapter 11 describes how faith alone in Jesus alone was demonstrated by faithful greats. “Therefore…” = Chapters 12-13 is the “so what” of this letter, the application.
The “great cloud of witnesses” are those faithful peeps from chapter 11. It’s as of the writer is saying, “Look around you at all the examples of faith! If they can live by faith, so can you!” It’s as if you & are are on the track ready to run and they’re in the stands cheering us on! What a great motivation!!! So how do we do this? He mentions five things:
• Throwing Off Everything that Hinders: one of the greatest problems runners face is weight. Pounds, clothes, etc… have to be taken off. You never see a runner run the race in their warm ups! Why? You can’t win carrying excess weight. The problem here is not what the weight IS but what the weight DOES – it slows us down.
• Throwing Off Sin that Entangles: The problem here IS with sin issues, the things we KNOW are wrong but we do them anyway. They can cause us to stumble and fall. I don’t know of any runners who have fallen in a track race, got up and won.
• Running with Perseverance: Determination to not give up is key to an athletes success and it’s the same with our faith in Jesus! Patience would be another good word here. The Christian life of faith is a marathon, not a sprint and God is calling us on to go the distance! There WILL be obstacles, we WILL get tired, but we MUST NOT give up!
• The Race Marked Out for Us: This is a race of faith. There are many differing races and different ones who run those races. We must be sure to run OUR race, not someone else’s! Same are harder, some are easier, some are shorter, some are longer.
• Fix Our Eyes On Jesus: Two thoughts here. First, Jesus is THE greatest example of One who ran the race God marked out for Him! Second, many things distract us in life, even good things at times. The runner who looks into the crowd to see who is cheering for them may lose the race in doing so. We must set godly priorities and stick to them! In doing so we “will not grow weary and lose heart.”
The rest of the chapter gives more applications on how to live a faithful life in Jesus: Do not lose heart, endure hardship, know that discipline produces a harvest of righteousness and peace, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees, make level your paths, live in peace with all men and be holy, worship with reverence & awe and BE THANKFUL!
SO WHAT?!
*So how is your race of faith going? Are you running? Jogging? Walking? Sitting on the track tripping people? Watching from the stands? There is nothing more encouraging than the successful example of one who has done it before! JESUS ran for two things (1) joy set before him and (2) sitting down at right hand. Only what was at the end of the race could have motivated Jesus to leave what He did and endure what He did. Do these things motivate you?
*What “excess weight” do you need to throw off that may not even be sin but distracts you from running? Obsessions with Video games? Facebook? Clothes (don’t throw these off in public)? Stuff? Maybe ask a friend if they notice anything that keeps you from being sold out to God. Scary, but it may be the best thing for us!
*Who in your life has been an example of faithfulness? Why not take some time today and tell them thanks!? Email, facebook, tweet or snail mail a note to them while they are on your mind. It may be just what THEY need to make it through another day!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Hebrews 11 DEVO: The Hall of Faith

Chapter 11:
I like sports, especially football. Someday it would be fun to visit the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio to remember all the greats of the game. Chapter 11 of Hebrews is kinda’ like that when it come to faith. The phrase “by faith” appears 23x’s as the writer emphasizes the reason these people were accepted before God: by FAITH, not works!
All of us, in a sense live by faith (drink water, eat food, sit on chairs, etc…). Spiritual faith is similar (acting/accepting things we don’t understand) with one radical difference: The capacity for faith is created in us! Natural trust comes from natural birth, spiritual trust comes from God (spiritual birth). Ephesians 2:8-9
The writer defines faith for us: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Being sure of = the real vs. mere appearance, certain of = implies a response, an outward action. And “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Why? “because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” The author then goes on to list as examples, those who lived and acted “by faith”:
ABEL: Worshipped in faith.
ENOCH: Walked in faith, believed God is, that He rewards, he preached for God and entered God’s presence.
NOAH: Obeyed in faith! Dropped everything & started building an ark. Ummmm what’s an ark? What’s rain? Will this thing float? This may take a while………….120 years!
ABRAHAM: His was a LIFE of faith, not sight. He based his life primarily on what he could not see! Have a kid at 99 – Ha! (oops) Kill Isaac as a sacrifice - what?!~!
ISAAC: Was a liar & deceiver but by faith blessed Jacob knowing God would fulfill His promises.
JACOB: Had an up & down life of faith like his dad, yet by faith, believed God.
JOSEPH: Knew God would fulfill his promises and there fore wanted bones buried in promised land.
MOSES: He made decisions of faith! The course and quality of our lives are more determined by our decisions than by our circumstances. Moses, by faith, decided to accept God’s plans, though he often did not understand them: passing thru the Red sea, the walls of Jericho, etc…
RAHAB: Yep – her faith (not her profession) has been recorded here for millions to read over the centuries (Doesn’t God’s Grace ROCK!?).
AND TONS MORE… (32-40). What is the author’s conclusion? “…the world was not worthy of them. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”
SO WHAT?!
*Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that our faith is a gift given from God. We can’t earn it, but once we have truly received it, we can’t lose it either! Have you received the free gift of FAITH in Jesus Christ? There is NO GREATER GIFT! And without it, it is impossible to please God (6).
*Each of these examples put their faith into action, even though “They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.” What are you trusting God for that ONLY GOD can accomplish?
*Obedience to God is not always easy, but in the end, sin is much, much harder! The song is true: “Trust & Obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus than to trust & obey!”

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Hebrews 10 DEVO: Christ the Perfect Sacrifice – Let us Draw Near

Chapter 10:
I don’t know about you, but I need hope. Not only do I need hope, but I need it every day! In Corinth, Paul was determined to know nothing except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. This is the only hope we have and is the theme of this chapter. In His death, Jesus was and is THE perfect sacrifice!
The old sacrificial system could not bring access to God, it could not remove sin and was totally external and ultimately unpleasing to God. They were however, “…an annual reminder of sins…” (1-6).
The New Sacrifice (Jesus) reflects God’s will (5-7), replaces the old system (8-9), makes us holy (10), removes sin (11-12), conquers (13), perfects believers (14) and fulfills the promise God made (15-18).
Verse 19, “Therefore…” = How then are we to live? Three things are mentioned:
Draw Near in Faith: (19-22) – When it comes to God, it’s always been about relationship. Can you believe He desires to have us near Him?!~! And He provides the way for that to occur when we humbly realize our sinful, helpless condition and trust in what Jesus did for us that we could not! What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Hold Unswervingly to Hope: (23) – Perseverance is the key to victory. In Revelation 2-3 the promises in each church are given “To him who overcomes.” We are to be overcomers and that means sticking it out through the good and the not so good.
Encourage One Another in Love: (24-25) – It is amazing how big an impact just a small compliment or a word aptly spoken can have! And the best words are God’s Words when shared together.
But some will reject this truth of Christ (26-31) and will receive judgment for doing so. Because of this, the writer ends with a final appeal to not reject Christ (towards unbelievers) and to persevere (believe & be saved).
SO WHAT?!
*In what ways are working ant drawing near to God? Do you regularly spend time in the Bible? In prayer? Confessing sin? With God’s people? Serving the Lord? All of these will help you & I draw near to our Savior who desires to be near to us!
*How are you persevering? I’ve run a lot of races in my life. I’ve never won any of them but I HAVE finished them all! So here’s the deal: EVERYONE who finishes the Christian life WINS! I know at times this life can dish out a lot of crap. But let’s ask God to give us spiritual pitchforks so we can toss the manure of this life aside and run with perseverance the race marked out for us!
*Encouragement – we love to receive it, but are often to busy to give it. I challenge each of y’all reading this TODAY to send a note, a text, an email, etc… of encouragement to someone who you think needs a “word aptly spoken.” Go ahead, I Double-Dog Dare Ya’!

Monday, September 6, 2010

Hebrews 9 DEVO: Old Covenant vs. New Covenant

Chapter 9:
Trying new things does not always come easy for most. People tend to like routine. This will never fly in student ministry and we have to realize it doesn’t fly in regards to our relationship with God either. The old way of doing things - external regulations that only covered sin for a time - has been replaced by a new way – internal relationship with God based on the blood of Jesus!
1-5: The old sanctuary was a picture of what was to come but was earthly, temporary and never provided true access to God. There was only ONE entrance, symbolizing only ONE way = Jesus! God made it that way! Jesus now lights our path, feeds us and intercedes for us.
6-7: Priests would daily “carry on their ministry” of representing the people, Now Jesus continually intercedes for us!
8-10: Worship has changed too! In the old way, only the high priest could get close to God, and that only once a year. But “They are only…………external regulations applying until the time of the new order.” Now we can all have a relationship with God through Jesus!
11-14: The old covenant was designed by God, but made by man. The new is designed by God, made by God and Christ is THE sacrifice, ONCE for ALL! It’s permanent & eternal. The old sacrifices symbolized external cleansing of sin, the new cleanses internally (where sin really exists).
KEY VERSE: “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.”
The writer now gives 3 reasons it was necessary for Jesus to die:
15-17 - A Will Demands Death: Ok, no brainer.
18-22 – Forgiveness Demands Blood: Blood is the symbol of death and the payment for sin (22). Since the penalty for sin is death, nothing but death could pay for sin. We cannot enter into God’s presence by trying to live good, do good, etc.
23-28 – Judgment Demands a Substitute: All of us must die, our death is by divine appointment, and after death comes judgment (vs. 27). So this leaves us two Choices: Either (1) we pay for our sins by our own death and sentence to hell or (2) we have a substitute. Ummmmm…I choose #2! (2 Cor. 5:21!)
SO WHAT?!
*What must a person do to inherit eternal life? NOTHING! It’s already been done and all we need do is trust in Him who did it for us! Have you? Jesus truly is INDESCRIBABLE!
*When was the last time we truly thought about the devastation that our sins bring us? I wonder if not seeing sin the way God does causes us to take it lightly at times? Lord, help me to see my sin the way you see it and to have Your strength to turn from it!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Hebrews 8 DEVO: The High Priesthood Of Jesus Christ

Chapter 8:
Everything said up to this point in Hebrews relates to Jesus!
HE IS Superior as High Priest of this new covenant because:
• He sits at God’s right hand (1). Priests never sat down (10:11), but Jesus does because it is finished! The right hand is also the place of ultimate power and Jesus has it!
• His sanctuary is superior (2-5). The one on earth is only a “copy”
The New Covenant (6) is Superior because:
• It is written by God (7-8) I will make a new covenant!
• It’s not legalistic (9).
• It’s internal & personal, not external (10-11)
• It brings total forgiveness (12)
• It is for now (13)
SO WHAT?!
*Knowledge of God is not the same as Knowing God. We can know a lot of facts about someone and still not have a relationship with them. Lets spend time getting to know God personally – He’s worth it!
*Forgiveness is an awesome thing! Both giving it and receiving it! Is there someone today you need to show forgiveness to? Ask forgiveness from? Don’t delay in enjoying the freedom there is in both forgiving and being forgiven!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Hebrews 7 DEVO: Melchizedek & Jesus

Chapter 7:
The focus of Hebrews is the Priesthood, and chapter 7 is all about it! Melchizedek is a “Type” – which is something in the Old Testament which has a counterpart in the New Testament. Ex: the “serpent on the stick” in Exodus represents the sacrificial lamb Jesus. And the NT one is always better, permanent & perfect. Does this make sense?
Anyway, there are lots of “guesses” as to who Melchizedek was. We do know that he was a historical man whose priestly ministry typifies Christ!
In the Levitical priesthood, all priests were Levites but not all Levites were priests. It was strictly national and strictly Jewish. Levites set aside as first fruits to God and priestly sacrifices were not permanent but had to be repeated. You had to be born into family to be a priest and it was a temporary position (age 25-50 – Num. 8:24, 25). And you could not be king.
Well, Melchizedek’s priesthood was superior to the Levitical priesthood in every way! It was for everyone (1), you could be a king (1-2), it was truly righteous & peaceful (2), it was personal, not hereditary (3), and it was eternal, not temporary since no priest could serve more than 25yrs (4-7). PS – There is no mention of Melchizedek’s death or end of his priesthood.
Verses 11-28 then explain to us how Jesus is THE Superior Priest for us! The writer is again encouraging wavering Jews to break the old system and come to Christ. It was hard for a Jew to believe the system Moses gave them was temporary, inadequate and defective (7:18, 9:8-10, 10:1-4).
God never in tended for the Levitical priesthood to last forever. “Perfection” in Hebrews speaks of access to God. If the Levitical priesthood could have brought “perfection”, then why would God have provided Jesus as Priest? There was a “change” of priesthood! This new priesthood provides perfection. It’s different & eternal. The “former regulation” = the old way of sacrifice after sacrifice after sacrifice, could reveal sin, cover sin, but not REMOVE sin! New priesthood (Jesus) can!
“Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.” Because He is eternal, holy & sinless! And whereas the old was based on rules & regulations, the new one is based on relationship, the essence of Christianity, by which we “draw near to God.”
SO WHAT?!
*Through Jesus, believer have direct access to God Himself, because of Christ’s blood! Wwe n o longer have to kill an animal every time we sin to cover things for a time. Jesus REMOVED our sin once and for all! Let’s thank Him for this today!
*How “near” are you to God today? Friendship? Acquaintance? Deep & Intimate? Couldn’t pick Him out of a line up? The rest of our lives we get the privilege of drawing nearer to God. Let’s take advantage of that privilege!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Hebrews 6 DEVO: Growth, Tasting & Trusting

Chapter 6:
Spiritually, the people whom the writer is addressing were growing dull, hard and stupid. So the writer offers a solution: “…leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…” When the only answer we can give to spiritual questions are Jesus, God & the Bible, we’re not growing spiritually. Repentance, faith, baptism, laying hold of Jesus’ teachings, the resurrection and judgment are all things we should know what the Bible says about.
Verses 4-6 are some of the most controversial verses in the Bible. Many see this as a passage that teaches you can lose your salvation. Yet, there is no reference to salvation. Nor is there any mention of sanctification, justification, new birth or regeneration (sorry to toss out a bunch of churchy words). I believe this passage was written to Jews who had not fully surrendered (only tasted) to Christ but were holding on to Judaism. “Enlightened” = to be mentally aware, doesn’t require a response. “Tasted” = sampled, not feasted; not accepted. “Shared in the Holy Spirit” = to associate with, not possess. These were “make-believers” who had not truly trusted in Christ alone for the forgiveness of their sins! If you believe, from this passage, that salvation can be lost, then you have to believe it can’t be regained either – something these proponents aren’t willing to accept. I do believe that the “opportunity” to receive salvation can be lost, but not salvation itself. Once you become a child of God, you never cease to be His child! Then 9-12 just gives a list of things that accompany salvation.
The final section, 13-20, has to do with trusting God. God invented truth, cannot lie and keeps His Word! God can be trusted because of WHO He is, because of His Pledge and because of Christ, His and our High Priest!
SO WHAT?!
*How long have you been a Christian? 1 Year? 3 Years? 5 Years? 20 years? The disciples had only been believers for 3 years max and Jesus expected a lot out of them! If we were still feeding our teens with a spoon and wiping their butts, people would be aghast! But how often does God feel that way about us spiritually? Pledge today to make regular Bible reading, prayer, fellowship and witnessing a part of your weekly schedule! 2 Timothy 2:15
*True believers can’t lose their salvation (John 10:27-29), Romans 8:35, 38-39, Philippians 1:6). Make-believers & unbelievers don’t have salvation to lose. So, which camp do you fall into? I pray that you truly believe. By the way, this challenge is not to get anyone to doubt their salvation, but rather to affirm it!
*Finally, do you & I truly believe God is trustworthy? In tough times we tend to think “What are you doing God?!” I know I’ve done this! But inside I KNOW God is to wise to ever make a mistake, and to loving to ever be unkind, and I can trust Him. Lord help my unbelief!