“Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips” (Proverbs 4:24)

January 24, 2011

In a culture of course and uncouth mouths, God’s people should stand out by what we don’t say and how we don’t say it. You can tell where a person is from by the way they talk. Where are you from?

“My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers” (Genesis 47:9)

January 23, 2011

Jacob sees life as a pilgrimage, a short journey on the way to eternity. Surely Abraham and Isaac taught him this. Seeing a heavenly ladder, wrestling an angel, and seeing Joseph alive must have convinced him of God’s promise of paradise.

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them” (Matthew 14:14)

January 22, 2011

That the Creator of the universe would even take notice of us is surprising. That He would feel compassion is miraculous. What joy! That our God loves us so.

“You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great” (Psalm 18:35)

January 21, 2011

And God has stooped down, offering His Son to us, exchanging His righteousness for our sin. In Christ, God stooped down to make us great!

“Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field” (Matthew 13:36)

January 20, 2011

There is a weed that looks similar to wheat until maturity when it bears no fruit. Some will question whether the seed was good. Others will want to pull up the weeds. But the purity of the church is the Lord’s job. Ours is to grow and bear fruit.

“Joseph found favor in his eyes” (Genesis 39:4)

January 19, 2011

Whether enslaved or in prison, Joseph was faithful. Stop complaining about your boss or your situation. Bloom where you are planted. And God will give you favor with those over you.

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act” (Proverbs 3:27)

January 18, 2011

What makes us withhold good? Are we afraid we won’t have enough? Do we wonder if they deserve good? What good is within “your power to act?” Do the good you’ve been empowered to do!

“Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place” (Matthew 12:15)

January 17, 2011

When Jesus withdraws from a place, we should follow. No effective work can be done without Him. Troubling question: Would you notice His leaving?

“Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome” (Genesis 32:28)

January 16, 2011

God is still offering name/identity changes to those who seek Him. What’s your name?

“And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:30)

January 15, 2011

With these words, Jesus encouraged His disciples not to worry about God’s awareness of their situation. God knows us better than we know ourselves.