“Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended'” (Matthew 19:8)

January 28, 2012

National statistics show that Christians are now just as likely to be divorced as non-believers. This shows the disconnect between our faith and our faithfulness. Should Christians suffer from “hardened hearts?” (As it turns out, this statistic was reported in error. Recent book by Shaunti Feldhahn, “Good News About Marriage”)

“Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord?” (Exodus 4:11)

January 27, 2012

Don’t worry about what you will say when witnessing. When we are obedient to go, He is faithful to speak through us. You are called to bear witness to what God has done for you. Open your mouth and let God speak.

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?” (Psalm 22:1)

January 26, 2012

A Davidic psalm that described the torturous death of crucifixion centuries before it was used. These are the very words that Jesus spoke from the cross. He took our death, so we might receive life. He was forsaken, that we might be brought near and cry out “Abba!”

“His mother brought him back to Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him as her own son. The princess named him Moses” (Exodus 2:10)

January 25, 2012

Rather than abort him, Moses’ mother gave her son up to adoption. Both Moses and Jesus were supposed to be killed as infants by the king’s command. Thankfully their parents feared God more than man.

“The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor” (Genesis 49:10)

January 24, 2012

Jacob’s prophecy over Judah is Messianic, pointing to the Lion of Judah, the Son of David, the Christ. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy and over 300 others in the OT.

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14)

January 23, 2012

A great prayer to begin every day and every conversation. Lord, guard my words and my thoughts. A prayer especially needed on a tired, dreary Monday morning.

“So it was God who sent me here, not you!” (Genesis 45:8)

January 22, 2012

Joseph forgives his brothers and offers to care for them during the famine. In spite of the years of slavery and prison, Joseph trusted God’s sovereignty. Instead of kicking against our circumstances and blaming others, we can learn from Joseph. We can trust that God is in charge, leaving the results up to Him.

“Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old” (Matthew 13:52)

January 21, 2012

Jesus directs this to His disciples who are able to understand His parables. There is an encouragement here for the preacher to set a table from the storehouse of both Old and New Testaments.

“I love you, Lord; you are my strength” (Psalm 18:1)

January 20, 2012

God never tires. He takes no naps, nor feels discouraged. God is omnipotent. And He sends His Holy Spirit to dwell in those of us who believe. Rise up believer! Declare your love for Him and draw on His strength! Rise up and be the world-changing overcomer God has called you to be!

“The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest” (Matthew 13:23)

January 19, 2012

Jesus compares God’s Word to a seed and the human heart to soil. He names types of soil that illustrate four heart conditions- hardened path, rocky, weedy, and good. Which is yours?