Verse of the Day: Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NIV)

Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NIV)

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.

Read Ecclesiastes 11
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Verse of the Day

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Pastors Who Didn't Make the Cut

Search Team Process: Pastors Who Didn’t Make the Cut

I found this while reading through some emails this morning. I thought it was humorous.

By William Vanderbloemen

Search Committee Report:
The following is a confidential report on several candidates being considered for our new Pastor.

Adam: Good man but problems with his wife. Also one reference told of how his wife and he enjoy walking nude in the woods.

Noah: Former pastorate of 120 years with not even one convert. Prone to unrealistic building projects.

Abraham: Though the references reported wife-swapping, the facts seem to show he never slept with another man’s wife, but did offer to share his own wife with another man.

Joseph: A big thinker, but a braggart, believes in dream-interpreting, and has a prison record.

Moses: A modest and meek man, but poor communicator, even stuttering at times. Sometimes blows his stack and acts rashly. Some say he left an earlier church over a murder charge.

David: The most promising leader of all until we discovered the affair he had with his neighbor’s wife.

Solomon: Great preacher but our relocation costs for all his wives are out of our budget.

Elijah: Prone to depression. Collapses under pressure.

Elisha: Reported to have lived with a single widow while at his former church.

Hosea: A tender and loving pastor but our people could never handle his wife’s occupation.

Deborah: Strong leader and seems to be anointed, but she is female.

Jeremiah: Emotionally unstable, alarmist, negative, always lamenting things, reported to have taken a long trip to bury his underwear on the bank of a foreign river.

Isaiah: On the fringe? Claims to have seen angels in church. Has trouble with his language.

Jonah: Refused God’s call into ministry until he was forced to obey by getting swallowed up by a great fish. He told us the fish later spit him out on the shore near here. We hung up.

Amos: Too backward and unpolished. With some seminary training he might have promise, but has a hang-up against wealthy people–might fit in better in a poor congregation.

Melchizedek: Great credentials at current work place, but where does this guy come from? No information on his resume about former work records. Every line about parents was left blank and he refused to supply a birth date.

John: Says he is a Baptist, but definitely doesn’t dress like one. Has slept in the outdoors for months on end, has a weird diet, and provokes denominational leaders.

Peter: Too blue collar. Has a bad temper-even has been known to curse. Had a big run-in with Paul in Antioch. Aggressive, but a loose cannon.

Paul: Powerful CEO type leader and fascinating preacher. However, short on tact, unforgiving with younger ministers, harsh and has been known to preach all night.

James & John: Package deal preacher & associate seemed good at first, but found out they have an ego problem regarding other fellow workers and seating positions. Threatened an entire town after an insult. Also known to try to discourage workers who didn’t follow along with them.

Timothy: Too young!

Methuselah: Too old . . . WAY too old!

Jesus: Has had popular times, but once his church grew to 5000 he managed to offend them all, and then this church dwindled down to twelve people. Seldom stays in one place very long. And, of course, he’s single.

Judas: His references are solid. A steady plodder. Conservative. Good connections. Knows how to handle money. We’re inviting him to preach this Sunday. Possibilities here.

I decided to add a few of my own favorites:

Gideon: Seems to struggle with self confidence. Afraid to take a risk. Can’t seem to make a decision quickly.

Thomas: Wouldn’t interview over the phone. Said he wouldn’t believe it was a us unless he saw us in person. Weird.

Barnabas: Too positive. Couldn’t find anything bad to say about anyone. Seemed suspicious for anyone working in the church.

Matthew: Shady business background. Sources say he was a crook.

Judas (The other Judas): Claims to have walked with Jesus. Found him on an old list, but could find no record of his actual service.

Samuel: Seems to have a hard time listening. We said his name three times. He just looked at the ceiling and said, “What? You talking to me?”

Daniel: Nice young man, but seems to defy authority.

Could you add more?

Verse of the Day

Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Read Deuteronomy 4
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Sinner's Prayer

Been doing a lot of soul searching here lately and know that Jesus is the only person who can help me with this. I made this Ps project this morning after not being able to sleep....

Verse of the Day

Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV)

"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

Read Genesis 12
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Verse of the Day

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Read 2 Corinthians 9
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Verse of the Day

Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Read Isaiah 40
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Verse of the Day

Hebrews 10:19-23 (NIV)

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Read Hebrews 10
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Verse of the Day

Matthew 20:18-19 (NIV)

"We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"

Read Matthew 20
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Verse of the Day

Hebrews 9:15 (NIV)

For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

Read Hebrews 9
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Verse of the Day

Proverbs 11:30-31 (NIV)

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

Read Proverbs 11
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Verse of the Day

Malachi 4:2 (NIV)

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

Read Malachi 4
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Verse of the Day

3 John 1:4 (NIV)

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Read 3 John 1
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Devotions: Matthew 26:31-35

Jesus Again Predicts Peter's Denial

Points:
Jesus then told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

"I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered"

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee - Then Peter said, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will". Then Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times". But Peter could not believe this and tells Jesus, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you". All the other disciples said the same thing.

Problems:
The problem in this passage is how the disciples declare their undying devotion to Jesus, but only a few hours later they will all scatter in the face of persecution. I think they truly believed that they would never abandon Jesus, and God may have intervened in this matter. Yet, the truth remains that the disciples would say they did not know Jesus and were not his friends.

Parallels:
Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:31-34

Promises:
In this passage, Jesus promises that nothing will be able to stop the death and resurrection of the Christ. Even the disciples, who have vowed undying love and devotion to Him, will fall away from him so that many will benefit from the sacrifice that is about to take place.

Perils:
The perils I see in this passage have to do with the disciples and how they are sure that they are not the one who will "fall away" from Jesus. All of them except Judas have no idea of what is about to take place and the importance it will have on all mankind.

Precepts:
The command I find in this passage comes from the actions of the disciples. How can they protect Jesus and at the same time allow his sacrifice for the greater good of man? For this reason, I find that God may have intervened with the disciples and revealed to them the importance of what Jesus was about to go through. In this case, the precept is one of obedience. To not act on my own behalf, but do what is right for the greater benefit of all man.

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by being obedient to God and acting, not selfishly and for my own benefit, but for the greater good of all man. I should love my neighbor as my self and love my God with all of my strength, all of my mind, and all of my spirit. In this way I will continue to build my relationship with Him and recognize His voice. I can only hope that I will never "disown" my belief in the face of persecution, but I also know that I am human.

Verse of the Day

Ephesians 3:17-21 (NIV)

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Read Ephesians 3
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Devotions: Matthew 26:17-30

The Lord's Supper

Points:
Jesus  and his disciples prepared for the Festival of Unleavened Bread by securing a room from a man in the city. At evening time Jesus sat down at the table with his 12 disciples. He told them that someone at the table would betray him. The disciples were distressed and each asked him if that disciple would be the one. "one of you who is eating with me now will betray me. For I, the Son of Man must die as the scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for my betrayer. Far better for him if he had never been born". Then, as they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread and asked God's blessing on it, broke it apart, and gave it to the disciples saying, "Take it and eat it, for this is my body." Then Jesus took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. This he also gave to the disciples saying, "Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood which seals the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out to forgive the sins of many. Then Jesus said that he would not drink wine again "until the day I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom".

Problems:
The biggest problem I see in this passage is the fact that one of Jesus' disciples will betray him to the authorities. But he does say that "I must die" to fulfill the prophesies and scriptures that were "declared long ago". So, if Jesus wasn't betrayed, would the prophecies have been fulfilled? Would the authorities have eventually found him or maybe he would have turned himself in?

Parallels:

Mk 14:12-16; Lk 22:7-13 26:20-24pp -- Mk 14:17-21 26:26-29pp -- Mk 14:22-25; Lk 22:17-20; 1Co 11:23-25

Promises: 

Promises apparent in this passage is the "new covenant" between God and His people. Jesus' blood will be poured out to cleanse the sins of many. This is Jesus' and God's promise that we may be able to have a relationship with God regardless of our sinful nature as long as we profess Christ as our savior and repent.

Perils:

Jesus makes it clear that one of his disciples will betray him and that this betrayer will not be in such a good position. Jesus says, "But how terrible it will be for my betrayer. Far better for him if he had never been born". What would've happened if the other disciples had found out who the betrayer was? The other perils I see are those who still refuse to acknowledge what Jesus has done for us and turn their backs on his sacrifice.

Precepts: 

The command or precept I find in this passage is the one of obedience. I should recognize the sacrifice that God has made for me and build my relationship with Him. The taking of holy communion is a "remembrance" of this sacrifice and I should partake in this to accept the blood and body of Jesus that was broken and spilled for me.

Applications:

I can apply this message in my life today by recognizing the sacrifice that was made for me and all men. I should be asking myself daily what can I do to be worthy of such a sacrifice, but then I know that all I have to do is repent from sin, build my relationship with God, and give praise and worship to the Great I Am for creating me in His image and making me perfect in His eyes. Thank you Lord and give me the opportunities to glorify you in all that I do today.

Verse of the Day

2 Samuel 22:4 (NIV)

I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

Read 2 Samuel 22
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Devotions: Matthew 26:14-16

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

Points:
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples went to the leading priests and asked them how much they would pay him to turn Jesus over to them. "And they gave him 30 pieces of silver". From that point on, Judas was always looking for an opportunity for the right time and place to betray Jesus.

Problems:
The biggest problem here is that one of Jesus' inner circle of disciples was going to betray him to the Jewish leaders. These are Jesus' closest friends and followers, yet one was willing to betray the Son of God for 30 pieces of silver.

Parallels:
Mark 14:10,11; Luke 22:3-6

Promises:
The promise I see in this passage is one of fulfilling the Old Testament prophesies of the sacrifice of an innocent for the benefit of all man. Judas has been demonized for his role in this, but without his betrayal, the leaders would not have arrested Jesus and fulfilled the prophecy. Obviously the promise here is from God who promises man to bridge the gap between their sins and Him. Jesus was a "sin" offering for all of us that we may have a relationship with the Father.

Perils:
I see the perils in this passage, as the arrest and subsequent crucifixion of Jesus, of those who do not accept what he did for us. There was a reason for Jesus' death on the cross and those who do not believe or accept this fact will be cast out into the darkness.

Precepts:
The command or precept I find in this passage is for all Christians to accept the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. Jesus died for all sinners that we may have everlasting and eternal life in the kingdom of heaven.

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by believing that Jesus was the Son of God and that he died on the cross for me. Because of this beautiful sacrifice, there is a way for me to have a relationship with God regardless of my sins. Thank you Lord for loving me this much that you would send your only Son to die so I might live.

Verse of the Day

2 Peter 1:16 (NIV)

We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Read 2 Peter 1
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Verse of the Day

Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NIV)

Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.

Read Ecclesiastes 5
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Devotions: Matthew 26:6-13

A Woman Anoints Jesus With Perfume

Points:
At the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany, Jesus was anointed with expensive perfume by a woman in the house. After witnessing this, the disciples became upset with the woman and told her that she had wasted the perfume that could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor. Jesus then points out to them that the woman had done a "beautiful" thing for him. He said, "The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured the perfume on me, she prepared me for burial". Then Jesus told them that this gospel should always include the fact that this woman had done this for him and to do this will be in memory of her.

Problems:
The disciples were quick to chastise the woman for wasting a valuable commodity, but they failed to see her purpose. I wonder how the disciples felt after hearing Jesus tell them that she had done a good thing for him and why they hadn't performed some similar form of preparation?

Parallels:
Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-11

Promises:
In this passage Jesus makes the promise to the woman who had anointed him with the perfume that this act of hers will always be mentioned in the gospel. By doing this, Jesus has preserved the memory of this woman for others to witness. I am also relatively sure that this woman, by definition of this act, revered Jesus and recognized him as the Messiah. Not only will her actions be honored, but also her faith and belief.

Perils:
The perils I see here are those who had witnessed the miracles Jesus had performed and the prophecies he had spoken, but not even those who walked with him realized or even condoned the act of kindness that this woman had shown him. To me this message speaks of those who think they know Jesus and may even have a special relationship with him, but fail to show, in the most basic way, they understand what this means.

Precepts:
The precept or command I see in this passage is that we should not judge the actions of others. This woman was doing a most "beautiful" thing for Jesus, but others viewed her actions as wasteful and maybe even harmful. All we can do is to build our own relationship with Jesus and accept that others are doing what they need to do for this relationship as well.

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today first to remember the woman who did such a wonderful thing for Jesus, and then to ask myself, "What have I done today that Jesus would want it written down somewhere for everyone to read about"? I cannot judge the relationship others have with Jesus, but I can nurture mine. This is the only thing that is important.

Verse of the Day

Hosea 6:1-2 (NIV)

"Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.

Read Hosea 6
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Devotions: Matthew 26:1-5

Religious Leaders Plot to Kill Jesus

Points:
After Jesus gave the parables to the people, he told his disciples that in two days, during the Passover feast, the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified. At this moment, the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the palace of the Caiaphas, the high priest. There they plotted to arrest Jesus and kill him in some way. But they did not want to do this during the Passover feast for fear of rioting by the people.

Problems:
The problems I see in this passage are that the religious leaders care more for their own positions than the word of God. They want to get rid of this "Jesus" who was causing them so much trouble. The problem is, Jesus will only become even more of a problem to them after his death and resurrection.

Parallels:
Mark 14:1,2; Luke 22:1-11

Promises:
Here Jesus is fulfilling the prophecies of the old testament and God's promise of a Savior for His people. Jesus promises to fulfill this promise.

Perils:
There is only one glaring peril I see in this pasage and that is for those who are plotting Jesus' death. They don't seem too worried that by killing the Son of God, that they will seal their fate for eternal life. To me, they are like the Egyptians whose hearts were hardened by God preceding the exodus of the Jews. God did this to show His power over men and the earth.

Precepts:
The precept or command I find in this passage is that of John 3:16 where God sent His beloved son to die for our sins. And whoever believes in him will have everlasting and eternal life.

Applications:
I can apply this mesage in my life today by believing what Jesus said and accept him as my savior. His sacrifice on the cross was for everyone and I am saddened by those who reject him and what he endured to bridge the chasm of sin between man and God.

Please Pray for Christians in Tanzania

NEW PRAYER BULLETIN: TANZANIA PASTOR KILLED

February 27, 2013

Dear Friends: A new Prayer Bulletin entitled "Tanzania Pastor Killed" has been added. Pastor Matayo Kachili was beheaded on Feb. 11 by radical Muslims who became enraged because Christians were not adhering to Sharia when butchering meat. Halal (permissible) meat is produced through ritual slaughter with the words "Bismillah allahu akbar" (the name of Allah the greatest) said over the animal. The Christians had investigated the laws of Tanzania and found that slaughtering animals was not restricted to Muslims only. ... Download Bulletin   Thanks for the prayers everyone. This news is extremely personal for me and my family because we actually sponsor a child in Tanzania through Compassion International. I hope this violence doesn't spill over into his area and that God protects him from the carnage.

Verse of the Day

Genesis 1:26 (NIV)

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

Read Genesis 1
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Verse of the Day

John 1:16 (NIV)

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

Read John 1
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Devotions: Matthew 25:31-46

Jesus Tells About Final Judgement:

Points:
Jesus begins this story by saying, "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him and he will separate the people from one another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats". Jesus goes on to say that the sheep will be to the right and the goats will be on the left. The sheep will be the chosen ones (blessed by the Father) because they:

1. Fed those who were hungry
2. Gave water to those in thirst
3. Gave shelter to strangers
4. Clothed the unclothed
5. Cared for the sick
6. Visited those in prison

Jesus then says that, "Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me". Those that did these things will receive their inheritance. While those who did not do these things, he says, "Depart from me, whatever you did not do for the least of these, you did not do for me. Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

Problems:
The problems I see in this passage have to do with selfish people who do not care for other people and only for themselves. They will be cast out into eternal punishment. But those who do care for their fellow man will receive their heavenly reward.

Parallels:
Ezekiel 34:17,20; 1 Corinthians 15:50; Revelations 13:8; Hebrews 13:2; James 2:15, 16; 2 Timothy 1:16; Mark 9:43, 48; Jude 7; 2 Peter 2:4

Promises:
In this passage Jesus promises those who have remained righteous and care for their fellow man a place in the kingdom of heaven, but also promises eternal punishment for those who are too selfish and think only of themselves.

Perils:
This passage contains perils pertaining to those who do not or cannot change their ways and start seeing that every person was created in God's image. Each individual is a special creation of His. To not care about others is to not care about the one who created them.

Precepts
The precepts or command I see in this passage is about the greatest commandment Jesus gave and that is to love the Lord God with all your heart, your strength, your mind, and your spirit. The second precept is to love your neighbor as yourself. If we truly followed these commandments, then we would do everything we possibly could for the "least" of our brothers.

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by abiding in Jesus' words and keeping the commandments he has set forth to love the Lord my God with all my strength, all my mind, all spirit, and all my heart. I will also love my neighbor as myself and give of myself, my resources to those who were created in God's image and who do not have. I can volunteer at a homeless shelter and give of my time for a prison ministry. I can share God's word into the community to better gauge its needs. I can become selfless.

Verse of the Day

Acts 3:19 (NIV)

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Read Acts 3
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Devotions: Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus Tells of the Parable of the Loaned Money

Points:
Jesus continues talking about the kingdom of heaven and gives an example of a "man going on a journey". The man had three servants and to each one he entrusted different sums of money. The first servant was given five talents and when the master returned, the servant had doubled that amount to 10. The master was pleased and wanted to share his "happiness". The second servant had been given two talents and when the master returned, the servant had doubled his amount to four. Again the master was pleased and offered to share his happiness with the servant. The third servant was given charge of one talent and he was afraid. He dug a hole and buried the money in the ground. When the master returned, the servant told him that he knew he was a "hard man" because he harvests where he has not sown and gathered where he had not scattered seed. "So I dug a hole in the ground and buried your money. See here is what belongs to you". The master was furious with the servant. He told him that if he knew he was a hard man, then he should have at least deposited the money in a bank and drawn interest on it until his return. The master called the servant wicked and lazy. His money was taken from him and given to the servant with 10 talents. Jesus then says this, "For everyone who has will be given more and will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Parallels:
Luke 19:12; Matthew 18:24,25; 18:23;24:45,47; 8:12

Promises: 
The talents represent any type of resource we may have and that we should invest in those resources. Jesus is promising us that if we can be trusted with the small things, then we can be trusted with even more. The issue is not what we have, but how well we use what we have. Jesus promises us the kingdom of heaven if we invest our resources wisely while waiting for his return.

Perils:
The parable of the loaned money gives examples of the perils that await those who do not use their resources wisely while waiting for Jesus' return. Those "wicked and lazy" servants will have what is theirs given to those who have an abundance. Then they will be cast outside where there will be "weeping and gnashing of teeth".

Precepts:
The command or precept I see in this passage is that I should use my resources diligently and wisely while waiting for Jesus' return. I need to grow my resources and have an abundance by that time. If I only have what God has given me without wisely investing it, I will be at a loss. I can use my time, money, or other things to invest in God's work and make it prosperous here on earth.

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by using the resources God has given me to grow into an abundance. I can volunteer my time at a homeless shelter, help feed those needing food, and donate whatever resources I have into helping others. When I do this, my countenance will increase and my investment in God's work will return to me rewards in the kingdom of heaven.

Verse of the Day

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Read Galatians 5
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Verse of the Day

Jude 1:20 (NIV)

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

Read Jude 1
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Devotions: Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus Tells the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids:

Points:
Jesus explains the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom, only five were wise and five were foolish. The wise virgins took extra oil for their lamps because they did not know the exact hour that the bridegroom would arrive. However, the five foolish virgins did not take extra oil. "The bridegroom was a long time coming, and they became drowsy and fell asleep." According to Jesus' parable, the bridegroom came at the midnight hour for his brides and the cry rang out that the bridegroom was there and to go out and meet him. But, the foolish virgins were out of oil and asked to borrow some from the wiser women. The wise virgins refused to give up any of their oil for fear there might not be enough for all of them. They told the foolish girls to go and buy more oil for their lamps. While the women were out buying more oil, the bridegroom arrived and only those who were there went with him to "the wedding banquet". Then the door was shut and nobody else was allowed in. When the other women arrived from  buying their oil, they were not let in. They were not known to the bridegroom. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."

Problems:
The five foolish virgins are indicative of the problems with those who do not keep watch and are prepared when the bridegroom arrives. It will be like this in Jesus' second coming. Since we do not know the day or hour, we must be responsible for our own spiritual condition. We will not be able to "loan" our faith and preparedness to anyone else. It is solely their responsibility. When we are prepared, we will be met with Jesus' open arms and allowed into the kingdom of heaven. We will be known to him.  

Parallels:
Revelations 19:7 (For the wedding of the lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean was given to her to wear). 1Thessolonians 5:6 (So then let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled).

Promises:
In this parable of the 10 bridesmaids, Jesus promises those who are faithful and prepared will be allowed into the kingdom of heaven and promises those who are not prepared will not be granted access. These people will not be known to the bridegroom. Those who remain watchful will not be able to loan the others any of their oil.

Perils:
I see the perils in this passage as those that are not applied to being watchful and being ready for Jesus' return. Those who need to go out and buy more oil will not be here when he does return and will not be allowed into the kingdom of heaven.

Precepts:
The command or precept I see in this passage has to do with remaining watchful. Being ever vigilant and faithful that Jesus will keep his promise to return and reward those who have been expecting him. "Remain watchful, faithful, and believe that the bridegroom will return when least expected and those who have remained loyal will receive their rewards by being granted front row seats in the kingdom of heaven."

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by remaining watchful for Jesus' return to earth. I will stay the course, fight the good fight, and be prepared with extra oil for my lamp. I will not need to go to K-Mart and buy any more and I will not loan any out to others. I feel that I will be rewarded for my faithfulness by entering the kingdom of heaven if I do these things. I am ready Lord.

Verse of the Day

1 Samuel 2:2 (NIV)

"There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.

Read 1 Samuel 2
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Verse of the Day

2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Read 2 Timothy 4
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Be a Voice Prayer Request

NEW PRAYER BULLETIN: VIETNAM DECREE	February 20, 2013
Dear Friends: A new Prayer Bulletin entitled "Vietnam Decree" has been added. Christian leaders in Vietnam are concerned that the passage of Decree 92/2012/ND-CP on Nov. 8, 2012, will further complicate efforts by Christians to meet and worship. The decree, which took effect on Jan. 1, details how to implement the Ordinance on Religion and Belief of 2004. Under the ordinance, registration is required to conduct religious "activities," such as worship, prayer and expression of religious faith. ... Download Bulletin Please logon to the Be-A-Voice Network site to learn about this and other prayer needs.

Devotions: Matthew 24:36-51

Jesus Tells About Remaining Watchful

Points:
Jesus continues his teaching of the end times and lets everyone know that, "No one knows about that day, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father". Jesus then relates the comparison between Noah and the flood and how the people of that time didn't really take him seriously. He says it will be the same for his second coming. "...and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away". Then Jesus says something interesting here - he begins talking of the rapture and how two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Then he tells his disciples to "keep watch". Because we do not know the day or hour this will happen, we must be ever vigilant. Jesus tells them of the homeowner who was away when the thief came in and stole his things. If he had known when the thief would come, he would have been there to watch over his belongings. Jesus tells his disciples that the Son of Man "will come at an hour when you do not expect him". Also, just to give them a better understanding of how it will be, Jesus tells his disciples that the servant who is doing what he is supposed to be doing while the master is away, will reap the benefits. "I tell you the truth, he will be put in charge of all his possessions." On the other hand, Jesus gives an example of the wicked servant who gives into violence and drunkenness. That servant will "be cut to pieces" and find himself assigned "a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth". 

Problems:
The problems I see in this passage comes from what Jesus says about Noah and how nobody took him seriously about the flood. It will be the same when Jesus returns - there will be multitudes of people unaware that the end times are at hand and they will pay the consequences. I find the allusion to the rapture also problematic for those left behind. Will they even notice that a supernatural occurrence is at hand and turn their lives over to God, or will they seize the opportunity to rob, loot, and plunder? From what I experience on a day-to-day basis, I would hope the former, but expect the latter.

Parallels:
Mark 13:32-37; Luke 21:34-38

Promises:
The promises from Jesus I find in this passage are of being rewarded for being obedient and faithful. The parable of the faithful servant tells me that those who remain dedicated to God will receive their rewards earlier than those who are lukewarm. The promise is that we shall be put in charge and be lifted up, but on the opposite side of the coin, the promise to those who are unfaithful will be very unpleasant to say the least.

Perils:
Jesus has basically told his disciples that they will be rewarded for staying the course, but has given details of what will happen to those who refuse to turn their lives around and live for him. He has made it very clear that peril awaits those who do not remain watchful and risk being "assigned with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth".

Precepts:
Jesus' commands obedience in this passage, not from just one or two people; not just from his disciples, but from all men. I see the command as this, "Obey, keep watchful, and remain faithful while I am away and you will be richly rewarded on my return".

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by heeding Jesus' words and remaining watchful. I will believe what he says as truth and look forward to his return. I know that if I follow Jesus' teachings, I will receive my reward in heaven.

Verse of the Day

Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Read Proverbs 13
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Devotions: Matthew 24:26-35

Jesus Tells About His Return

Points:
Jesus is telling his disciples about His return and speaks about how it will be obvious to everyone what is happening. He says, "For as lightening that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man". Jesus continues to give details of what will happen at that time and describes a very somber awakening - "Immediately after the distress of those days; the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn." Jesus tells his disciples that the people will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky "with power and great glory". Angels will sound trumpets announcing the arrival of the Son of Man. Jesus goes on to give an analogy of a fig tree that will signal the coming such as when the twigs of the tree become tender and the leaves come out, "you know that summer is near". "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."

Problems:
Jesus says many things here about the second coming and specifically how "the nations of the earth will mourn". This is because they will suddenly realize that the Bible is true and that they are about to be held accountable for the lives that they've led. It's going to be a rude awakening for a lot of people on that day.

Parallels:
Mark 13:24-31; Luke 21:25-33

Promises:
Jesus promises that His words are true and they will never "pass away". The earth is only temporary and will, at some point, pass away. He also mentions that heaven will pass away and and obviously He is speaking of the prophecy of Revelations. If so, then there will be a new heaven and a new earth. "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea" (Revelation 21:1).

Perils:
The perils I see in this passage stem from the people not believing Jesus' words and see him as a prophet; not the Messiah. This is what Jesus means when he says, "and all the nations of the earth will mourn". And again, the signs that Jesus talks about will be pretty evident that something major is happening. I would just bet that there will be a lot of conversions on the day of Jesus' second coming.

Precepts: 
The command or precept that jumps out to me in this passage is that we should believe what Jesus is saying as truth and make every effort to prepare for His second coming because we really don't know when that day will be. Instead of being a "Doomsday Prepper" and burying ourselves in bunkers with guns, ammo, and food, the Christian bunkers will be  a never failing faith in our Lord, our arsenal consists of the Word of God as written in the Bible, and our nourishment comes from spiritual fulfillment of our souls through the Son who provides to us life-giving water.

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by believing in Jesus' teachings and words as truths. I will stay focused on Him to manage what I do not understand and remain faithful. I see evidence every day of the signs Jesus spoke about in this passage and know that the fig tree twigs are growing tender. The leaves on the tree are starting to open. I know Jesus could come at any time and I will be ready by sheltering myself in my bunker, preparing my arsenal, and by gathering my nourishment.  

Verse of the Day

Jonah 2:2 (NIV)

He said: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.

Read Jonah 2
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Verse of the Day

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Read Zephaniah 3
View in parallel
Compare Translations

Devotions: John 4:27-38

Jesus' Disciples Arrive at the Well

Points:
Jesus' disciples arrive at the well and see him talking with a woman. Although  they were surprised at this, none of them asked him why or what they were discussing. The woman went back to her village and told everyone of the man at the well "who told her everything" she ever did. Then she asks them, "can this be the Messiah"? At this a steady stream from the village went to see Jesus. During all this, the disciples were trying to get Jesus to eat something, but he told them that he had food they did not know about. Of course they were confused, then Jesus told them that he receives nourishment from doing God's will and finishing His work. Jesus then tells the disciples a parable of the fields and how the harvest is ripening and will be ready four months from now. "The harvesters are paid good wages and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!" Jesus then tells the disciples that he had sent them to a harvest they didn't plant, "others had already done the work, and you will gather the harvest".

Problems:
Problems arise between Jesus and the disciples when they do not understand what Jesus is doing and why he is doing it. This also holds true to other followers because, if the chosen few cannot discern what Jesus is trying to tell them, who then among men would be able to understand? Jesus gives them parables of harvests and planting and works miracles before their eyes so they will understand and believe he is the Messiah - Son of God.

Parallels:
Matthew 12:23; 23:7; 19:29; Luke 6:13; Mark 11:25; 9:5; 14:45

Perils:
The perils I see in this passage, is when people think they are not good enough to speak to a "righteous" person such as Jesus. The woman at the well told Jesus that she was a Samaritan and that he was a Jew. They had differences of opinions on how and where to worship, but Jesus explained the basics to her and she understood. The woman was also of questionable character having been married five times and now living with a man who was not her husband. Yet, Jesus broke down the traditional barriers and accepted her as she was.

Precepts:
The commands I see here are that we are to harvest what has been planted. Even though someone else has planted the seed, we can still harvest those men and women who have been ripening over time. I feel that just because we as Christians do not initially bring God's word to others, there is still a chance we will happen along in their lives just as their fields are ready. They may have been raised in the church, but have fallen away, then we set an example of God's love for them that they are ready to receive. "Others have already done the work and we will gather the harvest."

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by being an example of Christ and ready to gather the harvest from those who may have been disillusioned by religion or have been struggling with doubts, or those who have questions. I know that by staying in the word and trying to model my life after Christ, people will know there is something different about me and that living by faith is not such a scary thing. I pray every day for the strength to be that beacon for God that others look at and say, "This guy has something that I want. I've been struggling for years with questions about becoming a follower of Christ and have seen so many contradictions out there that it doesn't sound any different than what I have now, but this guy John really makes me want to have a relationship with the Father and be open to receiving His love, grace and mercy."

God I Need You Now!

I love hearing this song on the radio and was fortunate enough to find it on YouTube. It says almost everything I have been thinking at least once throughout the day and just really like the way it's done. Hope everyone else finds it as enjoyable.... I     

Verse of the Day

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

Read 1 Corinthians 13
View in parallel
Compare Translations