October 18 – No Comparison

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.” – Romans 8:18-19 (NASB)

 

We considered briefly verse 18 of this passage yesterday.  But truly, there’s so much more in the way of promises to rejoice in. The BIG promise is that whatever difficulty, whatever conflict, whatever treatment we receive in our present lives because we have boldly spoken and stood for Jesus Christ and God our Father, it will never ever compare to the reward of glory that we will receive. We’re assured all will be okay and all wrongs will be made right. Now, we have a hope that will not let us down and a promise that one day it’ll be revealed in us. We’ll have what’s far beyond the pain heaped on us in this life. The suffering therefore doesn’t knock us down. Who’s the source and cause of our suffering? Isn’t it other people who do not by faith believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord? But our glory comes from God and there’s no comparison. Our suffering is of this world and our glory is of heaven. Our suffering is short and temporary, our glory is forever. What we suffer is light while our glory is substantial. Our glory promises total perfection of our personhood.

 

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October 12 – What We Imagine We Know

 “And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.” – Revelation 21:23-24 (NASB)

The past few days we have been sort of looking toward Heaven. We considered in part the question, “What is Heaven?” It’s God’s abode, where He is with believers and Old Testament saint. Yesterday, the question “Where is Heaven” was answered by saying “It is Up” because that is how the Bible speaks of it and of those who come and go to heaven.  Did you ever hear the saying “He’s so heavenly minded he’s no earthly good?” Is that still true or might we today say it in reverse? Today we ask “What is Heaven like?” Not easy to answer but we have glimpses. Revelation 3:12 says there’s a temple in heaven that the saints never leave, Revelation 7:15 for it is immense, infinite, eternal and God Himself is its Light,.  John sees a vision of the New Jerusalem descend out of  Heaven He sees the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. What kind of temple is it that God in eternal heaven spreads over all His people?  It is His Presence which is why the saints – that will be faith believers – will never leave. For that, Let’s Imagine and rejoice with thanksgiving!  

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September 11 – Access to Overflowing Grace

 “...we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” – Romans 1b-2 (NASB)

As we read yesterday, we have a relationship with God based on objective peace. We were brought into this relationship of peace through our Lord Jesus Christ and by no self-effort or work. And now, “through whom [that is Christ] also we have obtained our introduction by faith." Again, to be clear, our introduction, our access, to grace is by faith; and it's through Christ alone.  Everything is because of Him.  This truth is rich, it has boundaries which are untouchable and unreachable.  “Through whom” ⸺  Jesus Christ, ⸺ we have peace with God and through Him we stand in grace.  It’s because of Him. Peace with God is a first link and standing in grace is a second link to our security in Christ.  The key thought is that the intercession of Christ brings all this to us all.  Through Christ “we have obtained our introduction,” or literally, obtained our access (see NKJV).   The word “access,” here is translated in the NASB by the word ‘introduction,’  which in Greek means access, entrée. It is a word of epic importance. It's a staggering word. Through Christ alone we have access by faith into God's realm where grace overflows.

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July 28 – Listen. Hear. Receive.

“I will hear what God the LORD will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land.” -  Psalm 85:8-9 (NASB)

God has many things to tell us each day and He has several ways of speaking to us. We are so glad for the way He speaks to us when we read the Bible or hear someone teach us from it. Sometimes He speaks to us by reminding us of something we have read earlier in the Bible, maybe years ago.  We know that He can also speak through our consciences through the Holy Spirit who lives within us. Our verse reminds us of what happens in our hearts when we become conscious that God is speaking to us. When we recognize God's voice speaking to us and we receive what He tells us in an obedient manner we sense His peace within. How wonderful to know it is the voice of God speaking to us. The peace ultimately comes in fullness in the Messiah’s kingdom. In Ezekiel 10-11 we can read about the time that the glory of God departed from Israel because of their apostasy and refusal to believe and obey God’s word.  His promises were delayed until the end of time when the glory will return. Listen today for God’s voice from His Word. Listen and learn.

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July 17 –Affliction Which Is Momentary

“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,” – 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NASB)

If you ever feel burdened down because of your witness and faith in God, this is a passage for you. Within a broader context, we learn from the Apostle Paul that he experienced many great and difficult circumstance as he carried about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let’s add two more verses (8-9) from earlier in this chapter where Paul details the tough times he had. “we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;”  And yet he describes these as ‘momentary’ and ‘light afflictions.’ How can he say this? The Greek words for “light” mean “a weightless trifle” and “affliction” refers to intense pressure. From a human perspective, Paul’s own testimony lists a seemingly unbearable litany of sufferings and persecutions he endured throughout his life. The Greek word for “weight” refers to a heavy mass. For Paul, declares the future glory he would experience with the Lord far outweighed any suffering he experienced in this world. This is a promise from God. And a promise we can depend on to help us walk according to our calling in Christ. 

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June 29 – In Spirit and Truth

“For we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,” -  Philippians 3:3 (NASB)

Our verse selected today is straightforward and direct. It pulls no punches presenting truth. But first, let's understand the first phrase. When God commanded of Abraham to perform circumcision on every male child on the eighth day after birth, it was to be established as a covenant sign. The practice wasn't foreign in the culture of that time but it was given by God with special religious significance. Physical circumcision identified a male as belonging to the physical and ethnic lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel). Christians are not commanded to abide by the physical act. But it is a spiritual characteristic of a person whose wages of sin has been forgiven and removed. We find three proofs of a true believer. First: “worship in the Spirit of God” means we render inner and respectful spiritual service with our spirit as one with the Spirit of God.  Second: “glory in Christ Jesus” means⸺to boast with exultant joy⸺giving all the credit for all that we are to Christ Jesus. Third:  “no confidence in the flesh” references our unredeemed humanness, ability, and achievements apart from God. It’s us trying to prove ourselves good enough for God’s approval.

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June 22 – Singing Does Worship

“Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
    Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
Tell of His glory among the nations,
    His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.” – 1 Chronicles 16:23-24 (NASB)

Today’s passage is found in 1 Chronicles and was ordered by David to become part of the dedication of the newly refurbished Tent of Meeting or also known as the Tabernacle during the 40 years of Israel’s wandering in the dessert. Since the settlement and partition of the Promised Land to the 12 tribes of Jacob the Ark of God (also known as the Ark of the Covenant) had been kept safe in various places. David brought the Ark into Jerusalem which would become the site of Solomon’s temple. This hymn of thanksgiving is actually a compilation of passages from other psalms, which suggests the priority of those psalms for worship and thanksgiving. David, an experienced song writer must have excerpted parts from his earlier poetry and woven them together into this beautiful piece. The portion from verses 7-22 are from Psalm 105:1-6 where the psalmist began with a call to praise and rejoice because of the Lord’s many wonderful acts and His holy name. His name means His attributes that are revealed to us. Like Israel all who believe should depend on the Lord (look and seek His face), remembering His miraculous works.

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June 21 – When It Literally Happens

Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel,
      “O sun, stand still at Gibeon,
       And O moon in the valley of Aijalon.”
       So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped,
       Until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies. Joshua 10:12-13 (NASB)

Today, for those living north of the equator, this is the day with the longest span of daylight. It is so by design. However, there was a longer day. Joshua, leading the armies of Israel according to God’s sovereign and holy command, was acting according to what the LORD God promised. “I have given them into your hands; not one of them shall stand before you.” (Joshua 10:8)  Joshua needed and prayed for more time to fully rout the enemy. To do justice to our passage, it’s best accepted as an outright, monumental miracle. Joshua, moved by the Lord’s will, commanded the sun to delay. Some say it was an eclipse hid the sun, or a local refraction of the sun’s rays, or it only seemed to Joshua’s men that the sun and moon stopped as God helped them accomplish in one literal 24-hour day what would’ve take longer. However, such ideas fail to do justice to this passage and needlessly question God’s power as Creator. The sun does not move but the earth revolves so it appear to move, God who created all things as they are, could also stop the earth’s rotation and the sun would appear stop.

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June 10 – Making Opportunity Count

“The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. Now his master saw that the Lord was with him and how the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hand.” – Genesis 39:2-3 (NASB)

Within the story of Joseph, the son of Israel we find many promises from God. A favored son of Jacob, Joseph was treated badly and sold into slavery by his 10 older brothers. If all that Joseph had was his famous brightly colored coat, he would have been ruined when his brothers took it from him and sold him into slavery. But even then Joseph had character and when Joseph lost his coat, he didn’t lose his character. When finding himself a slave to an Egyptian, we would understand a measure of despondency. We’d not be surprised if Joseph refused to become involved in the world around him, protesting Egypt’s paganism, and resenting Potiphar’s authority. This approach, though, would not have provided him an opportunity show God’s mercy and grace. When God’s blessing is on a life, it will be apparent—and sometimes, as we see with Potiphar, even pagans can’t help but notice. Let’s learn to live with like awareness that every matter in our lives, every moment we’re given, and every move we make, and every word we speak is an opportunity to bring glory and praise to God.  

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June 10 – Making Opportunity Count

“The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. Now his master saw that the Lord was with him and how the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hand.” – Genesis 39:2-3 (NASB)

Within the story of Joseph, the son of Israel we find many promises from God. A favored son of Jacob, Joseph was treated badly and sold into slavery by his 10 older brothers. If all that Joseph had was his famous brightly colored coat, he would have been ruined when his brothers took it from him and sold him into slavery. But even then Joseph had character and when Joseph lost his coat, he didn’t lose his character. When finding himself a slave to an Egyptian, we would understand a measure of despondency. We’d not be surprised if Joseph refused to become involved in the world around him, protesting Egypt’s paganism, and resenting Potiphar’s authority. This approach, though, would not have provided him an opportunity show God’s mercy and grace. When God’s blessing is on a life, it will be apparent—and sometimes, as we see with Potiphar, even pagans can’t help but notice. Let’s learn to live with like awareness that every matter in our lives, every moment we’re given, and every move we make, and every word we speak is an opportunity to bring glory and praise to God.  

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May 30 – Of the House of Yahweh*

“Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later,  but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.” -  Hebrews 3:5-6 (ESV)

There are many pictures in the Bible to represent our relation to our God and also to His Son our Savior. The phrase “we are His house” uses the word ‘house’ in a way similar to ruling aristocratic houses. A close example: Queen Elizabeth II is in the line of The House of  Windsor.  Our verse today paints a mental picture of a household – of a family. It says that we are God's house. This doesn't mean a physical building. It includes the people who have been born spiritually into God’s family. It is also a picture of a household in which a father placed his son in charge of things. We are God's house, adopted as full sons and daughters into His family, and His Son Jesus Christ is in charge. Let's not forget that Jesus is watching over us, praying for us, mindful of our needs and meeting our needs each day.  This is the way it really is, let's rejoice in the knowledge that we are a part of this family and this household today. Let’s hold firmly to our confidence in that hope of the glory of God.

* Yahweh - Name of God

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May 10 – Eyes Opened By Faith

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 1:8-9 (ESV)

 

As an Apostle, Peter, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus helped spread the news of the early Christian Church. Peter walked with Jesus and heard him teach. He many times ate meals with Jesus and talked with him face to face. Peter wrote these words in his first letter because he wanted those who would be reading it but had never seen Jesus. We have never seen Jesus as Peter did but we love him and we believe in him. The promises are many as we focus on verse 9. “Obtaining” could be translated “presently receiving for yourselves.” Christians now possess the result of their faith, a constant deliverance from the power of sin. In another sense, we are waiting to receive the full salvation of eternal glory in the redemption of our bodies We can experience this inexpressible and glorious joy because we have believed in Christ – even though we have never seen him.  Our faith has opened the eyes of our hearts and minds to believe in Him as our Savior and Lord.  It’s hard to express sometimes but in our hearts we know He is true. What a joy it is to have that assurance.

 

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April 10 – Palm Sunday

“As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”  Luke 19:38 (ESV)

Today is another special day for us who know Jesus Christ as our Savior. We call it Passion Sunday or Palm Sunday because as the people welcomed Jesus they laid down their robes and palm branches in the road in front of Jesus It is the day the people outside of Jerusalem followed him and sang praises to the Lord as he approached the city. Notice the words “the whole multitude of his disciples.” Many people were following Jesus hoping He would establish His kingdom and free them from Roman tyranny. But Jesus had a different plan. The verse we have for today is the message that God wanted people to proclaim on that day. When the Pharisees suggested that Jesus rebuke those who were singing, He replied that if these people did not tell the message, the stones would cry out. What the people sang was the truth which needed to be heard. It's is a message which we all need to proclaim. This Jesus who was to die on the cross that very week is our King. We need to recognize Him as the King of our lives and we need to honor Him every day. 

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March 24 – Praise For Glory

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!"  Psalm 115:1 (ESV)

We would be right to understand that nothing we can do that is greater than giving God the Glory He deserves.* Many of the songs in the Psalms remind us of the reasons we have for thanking and for praising our Lord. We notice that the very act of giving praise to God is the way we are to give Him glory. We do not worship God in order to generate good feelings within ourselves – although sincere praise does bring satisfaction and joy to us. Our verse teaches us that the reason we have any reason for thankfulness and praise is because of God's love and because of His faithfulness. It is true, isn't it? The reason God helps us and does so much for his children is His love for us. His love is steadfast, it is the lovingkindness that he has for us. When God does something for us, if He answers our prayers and meets our needs because of His love, not our merit.  God also helps us because He is faithful to His promises and to His character also.  He can be depended on, what He says, He will do.

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*What is Glory of God?

January 8 – More Than We Can Think

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)

Can we say that the promise in today’s passage is the promise of God's power working within us? Yes, we can. For this is just what the Apostle Paul is praying for with confidence for all believers. This power is abundant to the point of exceeding our ability to ask or imagine. Beyond our thoughts. But, again we need the context to understand more completely how this power is made available. Spiritual power is a mark of every Christian who submits to God’s Word and Spirit. It is not reserved for some special class of Christian, but for all those who discipline their minds and spirits to study the Word, understand it, and live by it. Paul’s prayer included requests for: strength for our inner person; the dwelling of Christ in our hearts through faith; solidly grounded and rooted in love; ability to comprehend the fullness of God’s love which surpasses knowledge; and filled with the fullness of God. When these conditions are met, God’s power working in and through believers, is unlimited and far beyond any comprehension. All for His glory in Christ Jesus and His church forever. That is God’s promise of power for us.

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December 13 – Grace and Truth

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NASB)

The signs of Christmas are all around us. We've seen the lights for some time and are now hearing the music of Christmas.  The true meaning of this celebration is found in today's verse from the first chapter of the Gospel of John. While Christ as God was uncreated and eternal, the word “became” emphasizes Christ’s taking on humanity. This is a most profound promise that the Infinite became finite; the Eternal was conformed to time and space; the Invisible became visible; the supernatural One humbled Himself  and became natural. But God the Son did not cease to be God. He became God in human flesh, and was undiminished deity in human form as a man. As a disciple who knew and walked with Jesus, John says that they got to see His glory. The glory the disciples saw was in His person because He was God in human form. John and those who saw Jesus when He was here on earth understood the event that we celebrate at Christmas.  This Christmas season, remember the promise that Jesus is with us today and we can see His glory each day because He lives in us.  

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November 27 – Our Light Within

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV) 

Our Father in heaven has done so very much for us. He is the God of light in many ways and our verse reminds us that He brings that light into our hearts. The Apostle Paul makes a direct reference to God as Creator, who commanded physical light into existence (Genesis 1:3). The God who created physical light in the universe creates supernatural light in the soul and bring believers from the kingdom of darkness to His kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13). The light is expressed as “the knowledge of the glory of God.” That means to know that Christ is God incarnate. To be saved, one must understand that the glory of God shone in Jesus Christ and He drives darkness from our lives. Isn't it wonderful to know that we don't have to live in that darkness or with it in our hearts? God has made his light shine in our hearts and it is a glorious light for us who have believed. Be encouraged today as you recognize that God is a God of glory and He wants us to know of His glory. It is a promise that will bring light to our hearts and to our lives.

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October 30 – All To God’s Glory and Honor

“I will cut off sorceries from your hand, And you will have fortune-tellers no more.” – Micah 5:12 (NASB)
“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NASB)

Primarily, Micah proclaimed a message of judgment to a people persistently pursuing evil. Halloween is an odd mixture of creepy creatures, costume parties, and harvest festivals. It is also a confusing time for those hesitant to celebrate a holiday that traces its roots to pagan practices and beliefs. Halloween has become synonymous with bags of candy and children running through the streets in costumes. But it hasn’t always been that way. About 2000 years ago, it was a serious time dedicated to frightening away ghosts and spirits. The Celts had a festival called Samhain (pronounced “sow-win”). What we do know is that sorceries and witchcraft have been in existence since the Great Flood. God warned His people to not dabble in sorcery or witchcraft or practice the evil arts but they did not obey. Today’s verse is a promise God made to Israel that He would eliminate all such practices. True believers in Jesus Christ should be on guard and avoid Halloween practices that glorify Satan which can give the devil a foothold. Take the opportunity instead to be a light to the world. Whatever and all we do should be done to the glory of God.

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October 11 – All Means All

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19 (NASB)

Has your supply of anything run out? Are your reserves low? Energy, hope, faith, maybe just a few of the needs we’re facing. Maybe we’re blindsided by something totally unexpected and we’re laid flat out on our back. We hardly have the energy to get up. When we do, we struggle to regain focus and direction. God has given us a promise in this verse. We can lean on this verse and trust it even if we’re having a hard time understanding. Who will fulfill this promise? God. Not just any god but my God, our God. The one and only true God who is the supplier of everything we need. Sometimes we may not even know what we need or what we think we need is not what God knows we need. He will supply what we truly need and it is according to His riches. It’s not out of his riches, which would deplete the balance, but according to which will never deplete His store of infinite riches. These riches are in the Bank of Glory in Christ Jesus. What Jesus has done for us is permanent, lasting for eternity. All Your Needs Supplied by God.

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July 10 – God’s Visual Testimony

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge.” – Psalm  19:1-2 (NASB)

Today we consider a promise for us from God’s Word that He is here. With an objective look at the world around us and especially, as in today’s verse, looking up to the sky day and night, we see the evidence that God exists. He has given us a testimony in the heavens and their expanse; both are vital elements of God’s work in creation. Observing we know without hearing a voice because creation itself is telling and declaring this truth; both emphasize the permanence of these corresponding revelations. The psalmist, who is David the King, uses an anthropomorphism (ascription of human attributes to God) to illustrate God’s great power in creation of the universe. God has placed these evidences of His existence and work so that we can know without excuse that He exists (Romans 1:18-20). God has done this for our benefit and for His glory. He is perfect in every way, powerful without any weakness and worthy of honor and praise from us; we are His creatures made for this purpose. This is the sense and urgency behind David’s words in this Psalm. Today, let us see God in His creation and rejoice with thanksgiving.

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