March 18, 2013
The continuity of leadership is an often overlooked step by the senior leader. But Moses prayed that the Lord would not leave the Israelites without a shepherd after his passing. The Lord answered Moses’ prayer and instructed him to lay hands on Joshua, setting him apart and investing him with authority. In this way, the people learned to follow Joshua as they had Moses and there was no breakdown in leadership nor unity. A great leader not only leads well himself, he also trains up and lays hands on the next generation of leaders.
March 17, 2013
The 84 year old widow, Anna was looking for the redemption of her people. She fasted, prayed, and spoke of this daily at the temple. Seeing the infant Jesus, she worshiped and gave thanks to God. Where are the modern day people like Anna who are looking for Christ’s return? If the Lord delays, I plan to still be preaching at 84 too.
March 16, 2013
Singing praises to God puts our hearts and heads in alignment with His. Even when (or especially when) we are weak, recognizing God as our Strength and Fortress in song, strengthens us to face what the day holds. Singing praises to God, we actually climb to the top of His fortress and see life from above.
March 15, 2013
Against family tradition, but in accordance with the Lord’s instruction, Zechariah named his son John. The boy grew and became known as John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Christ. When Zechariah wrote the name, no doubt he wrote it in Hebrew: יוֹחָנָן (Yôḥanan), which means “Graced by Yahweh.” Since the New Testament is written in Greek, his name appeared as: Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs) in Luke’s text. In English, the name “John” is derived from this Hebrew/Greek lineage and has become the most common masculine name in the Western world. According to Jesus, John was the greatest ever born up until that time. He truly lived up to his name, as the angel Gabriel had predicted. He was great before the Lord.
March 14, 2013
God calls us to be a blessing to the city in which we live. We are to bless and not curse. We are tempted to curse the darkness we see in the culture around us. But isn’t it better to light a candle, than to curse the dark? After all, aren’t we called to be salt and light? Where can you speak a word of blessing over your city today?
March 13, 2013
David probably wrote this psalm while hiding in the cave of Adullam. This after fleeing from Saul to the Philistine King Achish of Gath, then fleeing from him as well when the reception turned dangerous. While every circumstance around David turned negative, he still didn’t blame it on God. He still believed that God was for him. David decided to place his trust in God rather than man. A broken and scared David went into that cave, but a man who believed that if God was for him, no one could stand against him emerged. Have you ever met with God in a cave?
March 12, 2013
This was the question the women who wanted to anoint the Lord’s body had as they headed towards the tomb on that first Easter morning. Arriving there, they found the huge stone had already been rolled away, revealing the empty tomb. Do you know someone that seems close to believing, yet there is a kind of unmovable stone standing in the way? You can lead them to the cross and to the tomb, but only God can remove the stone. Pray that the stone is removed, so that they can finally see and believe.
March 11, 2013
David wrote this psalm while hiding from King Saul. He called God his helper and upholder. David encouraged himself with this. Saul had the support and help of all Israel, but David had the Lord. Some may have wealth or worldly power to help, but we have the help of God. He not only helps us, He sustains, supports, upholds and keeps us alive. Who do you call upon when you need help?
March 10, 2013
This was Jesus’ response to the high priest who asked whether he was the Christ. His answer? “I am.” Jesus used both the Hebrew name for God and the prophetic title of “Son of Man” in his answer. Jesus was crucified for claiming to be the Messiah. Then, three days later he defeated death and the grave and proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that His claim was true!
March 9, 2013
How Moses responded to Joshua’s concern that two of the 70 elders were prophesying in the camp. This revealed Moses’ humble heart and also its alignment with God’s. For Moses’ desire was fulfilled when the Spirit came to abide in those who believed in Christ after His ascension. This event in the wilderness is a foreshadow of Pentecost.