January 7, 2013
What we have called the Lord’s Prayer would better be called His model prayer, for this prayer was given to teach His disciples how to pray. They had heard prayers at home, in the synagogue and in the temple, but they had never heard anyone pray like Jesus, so they begged, “Lord, teach us how to pray.” And so, He did. Starting with the most radical idea of all, that we might pray to God, calling Him “Father.” Jesus makes it possible for us to have a relationship with God as Abba, Father. Have you prayed to Him today?
January 6, 2013
And he blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!’ And Abram gave him a tenth of everything” (Genesis 14:18-20).
“Melchizedek” (meaning “My king of righteousness”), was the king of “Salem” (Shalom – peace) and represents a Christological type. The book of Hebrews (ch.7) refers to him in such a way as to suggest that he is indeed the preincarnate Christ. Whatever his identity, Abram pays a tithe to him as God’s representative. This tithe was not given in response to law (the law hasn’t been given yet), nor request, but was given out of gratitude and recognition of God Most High that had given Abram success. Abram gave it willingly.
January 5, 2013
The Jews often referred to the whole of the Hebrew Bible as the Torah (the Law), even though it was the title to the first five Mosaic books only. Here, Jesus is saying that the Word of God is more permanent, lasting, and dependable than heaven and earth themselves. Jesus had such a high view of Scripture that He said even the smallest stroke of the pen would not only be preserved but fulfilled. If Jesus has such a view of Scripture, how should we regard God’s Word?
January 4, 2013
These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the people of the whole earth were dispersed” (Genesis 9:18-19).
Racism is without real basis. There is only one race, the human race. We are all related. It appears that Japheth’s tribe settled Europe, so there’s a strong possibility that the Combs clan (from Combe Manor, England) goes back to him. Regardless, we all go back to Noah, and Noah back to Adam and Adam… from God.
January 3, 2013
Jesus was tempted by Satan in the same three ways as Eve. However, Jesus responded with Scripture to Satan’s attack. Jesus doesn’t question God’s Word, He stands on it! Who do you want to be like, the one who doubts the Word or the One who stands on it?
January 2, 2013
The first temptation by the serpent was to question God’s Word. His evil strategy hasn’t changed. It’s not enough to know the Word, we must also believe it. Let’s counter today’s culture of biblical illiteracy and doubt. Read, know and believe God’s Word.
January 1, 2013
The first verse of the Bible sets the tone and the foundation for a truly biblical worldview. “In the beginning God,” not me first, not some other thing, but God first. God is Creator and everything else that exists is His creation. Understand this. Meditate on it. That God is God and you are not. That He is in control and you are not. On this first day of 2013, let us recognize God’s first place in all things. First day, first things, first place… Lord, I give you my life afresh for a new year. What do you want to do? You go first. I’ll follow.
December 31, 2012
God both sends and invites. First, He sends Jesus, and Jesus sends the Spirit and the Spirit sends the Bride, which is the Church. Then, the Spirit and the Bride together invite others to “come.” If you hear the Spirit’s voice calling, if you are spiritually dry and thirsty, if you desire real and fulfilling life, then “Come.” This is the last day of 2012, perhaps the Last Day is today or tomorrow, so why not “Come.”
December 30, 2012
God was displeased with the priests and people of Israel because their hearts didn’t line up with their worship. He told them to stop bringing blemished offerings and breaking their marriage vows, for these exposed their true idolatrous hearts. Heaven forbid that God would feel this way about our worship, that He would want us to lock the church’s doors until we can enter again in repentance. As 2012 winds down, let us ask God to examine our hearts and strengthen us to live wholeheartedly for Him. Let’s fling the church doors wide open in 2013!
December 29, 2012
Have you been given a voice? Then, use it to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Do not be silent when others are being crushed.