By His Word

Let Us Sing

Pastor Bob Giles — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:59:18 +0000

Psalm 95 is a call to worship God. In the context of this call we learn several things about worship.
In the first five verses we see that rejoicing is a vital part of worship – “let us sing for joy,” “let us shout aloud,” “with thanksgiving,” “extol him with music and song” . . . The writer of this song lets us know that worship has elements of making a joyful sound before God. As I read the context it seems he is talking about the fact that worship is to be vocal, it is to be typified by energy and exuberance, and it is to be done corporately. Sing and shout! To my mind comes the exuberance that fans express at a ball game when their team has done something significant. An element of our corporate worship before God should have that kind of outward expression of joy.
Worship needs to be God-centered and not worship centered. Verses 3-5 tell us why we are getting loud in the presence of God. He is God! The one and only God. If we are not careful we can make our worship time more about how we feel than we make it a time to declare praise and honor to the Lord of all.
Verses 6-7 remind us that there is also an element of reverence in true worship. “Come, let us bow down.” The song starts with the worshiper standing in the presence of God rejoicing with joy, and then it moves to the worshiper prostrating himself in the presence of God in an attitude of awe. In the first 5 verses the object of worship is the Lord, the Sovereign creator and sustainer of all things. In verses 6-7 the object of our reverent worship is the Lord our redeemer – “we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care,”
Worship is about rejoicing. Worship is about reverence. And worship is about the right response to God in worship. Worship is not only about giving vocal praise and honor to God, it is also about listening for his voice to speak to us. (Verses 7-11) And when we hear that voice we need to respond with a heart that says yes Lord, lest we become like the children of Israel who missed obtaining the best that God had for them because of their hard hearts and unbelief.
I think of the words of Jesus in John 4 where we read the conversation he had with the woman at the well in Sychar. Jesus said the Father seeks worshipers who worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Worship is required. It is something that we are all called to do. Worship is to be perpetual. It is to be our lifestyle.
He’s worthy!

Suggested Readings To Read Through The Bible In A Year
Wed.   Oct. 19, 2011 Daniel 5, Ps. 95, Prov. 19, 1 Cor. 5-6
Thurs. Oct. 20, 2011   Daniel 6-7, Ps. 96, Pr.20, 1 Cor. 7-8
Fri.     Oct. 21, 2011 Daniel 8, Ps. 97, Prov.21, 1 Cor. 9-10
Sat.    Oct. 22, 2011 Daniel 9-10, Ps. 98, Prov. 22, 1 Cor. 11-12
Sun.   Oct. 23, 2011 Daniel 11-12, Ps. 99, Prov. 23, 1 Cor. 13-14
Mon.  Oct. 24, 2011   Job 1-3, Ps. 100, Prov. 24, 1 Cor. 15
Tues. Oct. 25, 2011   Job 4-5, Ps. 101, Prov. 25, 1 Cor. 16

Widsom for today

Pastor Bob Giles — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:30:59 +0000

Proverbs has been called the book of Wisdom. Wisdom is a word that we see often in the 31 chapters. We can all enhance the quality and productivity of our lives by taking to heart the principles and axioms of life that we read in these pages. For example, today in chapter 13 we are given some wisdom that if followed could diminish the number of arguments and disagreements that we experience in our lives.
Proverbs 13:10
Pride only breeds quarrels,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Had a quarrel lately? A disagreement? What was it that caused that disagreement? Most of us would say – the fact that the other person was wrong! In our pride we believe that if everyone was just like we are – if they thought like we think – then everyone would be happy and this world would be a more wonderful place. Problem is, our pride can blind us to the truth. Our pride can keep us from being able to see the situation from another point of view. Our pride can hinder us from being able to hear a matter from another perspective . . . which may be as valid as our own. In our pride we believe that there is only one right answer to the situation – and that is our answer. But God wants us to know that kind of thinking will only fuel war. Pride only breeds quarrels.

James asks the question in the 4th chapter of his epistle, “what causes fights and quarrels among you?” His answer would seem to agree with Solomon. It is our pride. That is why James quoted what Solomon said in Proverbs 3:34. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” He goes on in verse 7 to say, “Submit yourselves then, to God.” . . . and verse 10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

Wisdom says learn to listen. Wisdom says you may learn something new. Wisdom says let God vindicate the truth. Wisdom says let your attitude be full of grace – and that grace comes from the Lord as you commit everything to Him.

Lord, we want to humble ourselves before you again today – to heed the advice of the Apostle Paul, Philip. 2:4 (NIV)
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Lord, I understand that it is not about “me”; it is about You!

Suggested Readings To Read Through The Bible In A Year
Thurs. Oct. 13, 2011   Jer. 51, Ps. 89:38-52, Pr.13, 1 Thes. 1-3
Fri.      Oct. 14, 2011 Jer. 52, Ps. 90, Prov.14, 1 Thes. 4-5
Sat.     Oct. 15, 2011 Daniel 1, Ps. 91, Prov. 15, 2 Thes.
Sun.    Oct. 16, 2011 Daniel 2, Ps. 92, Prov. 16, Acts 18
Mon. Oct. 17, 2011   Daniel 3, Ps. 93, Prov. 17, 1 Cor. 1-2
Tues.   Oct.18, 2011 Daniel 4, Ps. 94, Prov. 18, 1 Cor. 3-4
Wed.   Oct. 19, 2011 Daniel 5, Ps. 95, Prov. 19, 1 Cor. 5-6

In His Presence

Pastor Bob Giles — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:30:50 +0000

Psalm 84:1-2
For the director of music. According to gittith. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord Almighty!
[2] My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.

Psalm 84 is one of my favorite passages of scripture. While Psalm 84 is a song in itself, there have been several modern day worship songs that have been written using the lyrics from the verses of Psalm 84. This psalm is all about the desire to be in the presence of God. It is the description of the Israeli man making a pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem in order to worship in the presence of God. In the song the writer gives several reasons why he longs to be there and rejoices in the blessing that results from being there.
Part of my affection for this particular psalm stems from what I read in its title. This is a song that was written by the Sons of Korah. You will find the story of Korah in Numbers 16. He was part of the group of Levites appointed to serve in certain areas of worship in the tabernacle that Moses had built at the Lord’s command. However, Korah and a group of others- about 250 leaders in Israel - felt that Moses and Aaron were taking too much responsibility upon themselves and lording it over the rest of the Levites. Korah felt that he and his comrades could approach God and worship on their terms. The end result of their revolt against the leadership of Moses and Aaron was God opened the earth and swallowed up the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. 250 men died in the tabernacle as they tried to offer incense to God according to their whim instead of in obedience to the Lord. Numbers 16 tells the story of severe judgment upon men who did not properly respect the presence of the Lord.
There were descendants of Korah who survived that judgment. Not only did they survive, they learned something. It was the Sons of Korah who wrote the lyrics of this song we are reading today declaring the wonder of being in the presence of God. The writers have learned that when you come to the presence of the Lord with the right heart there is no better place on earth to. In the presence of the Lord there is safety, there is strength that replaces weakness, there is joy that replaces weeping, there is divine protection, and there is the favor of the Living God!
The good news for you and me today is we do not have to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to be in the presence of God. We can live in his presence 24/7. Jesus said that he will be with us and never leave us. The presence of the Lord is as close as our thoughts. All we need to do is turn our heart and mind toward him and we can become keenly aware of the fact that He is my sun and shield . . . He is the source of strength that I need for today . . . He is my King and my God.

Why not take a moment and click on the link below and go to YouTube and sing along

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndVRcqziKWA

Have a blessed day in His presence!

Suggested Readings To Read Through The Bible In A Year
Thurs. Oct. 6, 2011   Jer. 39-40, Ps. 84, Prov. 6, Gal. 1-2
Fri.      Oct. 7, 2011   Jer. 41-42, Ps. 85, Prov.7, Gal.3-4
Sat.    Oct. 8, 2011 Jer. 43-44, Ps. 86, Prov. 8, Gal. 5-6
Sun.    Oct. 9, 2011   Jer. 45-47, Ps. 87, Prov. 9, Acts 16
Mon.   Oct. 10, 2011  Jer. 48, Ps. 88, Prov. 10, Phil. 1-2
Tues.  Oct.11, 2011  Jer. 49, Ps. 89:1-18, Prov. 11, Phil. 3-4
Wed.  Oct. 12, 2011   Jer. 50, Ps. 89:19-37, Prov. 12, Acts 17

A Future . . .

Pastor Bob Giles — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:42:08 +0000

God gave Jeremiah “the heart of a shepherd” for the nation of Judah. He had faithfully preached the Word of the Lord for years that if they did not repent God would send Babylon to judge them. That word came to pass. Jeremiah could have taken the posture, I told you so! But you wouldn’t listen . . . you got what you deserved! But in chapter 29 Jeremiah writes a letter of encouragement to the Jewish people who have been taken from their homes to Babylon. Jeremiah is concerned that they respond to what God is doing in the right way. He wants them to know that they are where they are by the hand of God . . . and that God has a time table . . . they will be there for 70 years. Jeremiah’s instructions are to make the best of it . . . build yourselves homes - build families – increase your population while there in Babylon. Pray for Babylon – that God blesses so that they too would be prosperous.

Jeremiah was greatly concerned about the fact there were men prophesying that this was a temporary exile – maybe a year or two and they would be back home in Jerusalem. It was kind of like going on a short trip and staying in a hotel . . . no need to really unpack all your bags. Jeremiah wanted them to clearly understand that was a lie. God said it was going to be seventy years, so it would be seventy years. It is in this letter that we read one of the great statements about God and his heart for his people . . . and while it is a direct word to that group of people in Babylon – it is also a word of promise that every child of God can take hold of . . .
Jeremiah 29:11-14
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. [12] Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. [14] I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."

The Jews of Jeremiah’s day thought they were in the worst of circumstances. They had lost everything – moved to foreign soil to become servants of another nation of people – far away from their place of worship and their homes. Yet in the midst of those circumstances God said, “I want to do something good in your lives – I really do have a plan for you – there is a purpose for all that you are going through. When all is said and done you will draw closer to me and I will bring you home in victory. . . . I am giving you hope and a future!”

You would think that the people would be encouraged by such a word – and maybe some of them were. However, there was at least one elder of the people who shot a letter back to Jerusalem telling the authorities there to put Jeremiah in stocks and neck-irons for preaching such a message. Shemaiah claimed that Jeremiah was lying – that he was teaching false doctrine. Shemaiah’s rejection of Jeremiah and the Word of the Lord cost him and his family their lives. God wanted to bless them, but their unbelief and rebellion kept them from receiving, or even seeing, the blessing of God come to pass.

To you and me today . . . we live in a very perilous day. Some of the things that we have taken for granted and as the blessing of the Lord for the past two hundred years seem to be in jeopardy today. Our economy is on shaky ground. The world scene is volatile in many places. But God is still at work in his church – wherever it is — He said I will build my church! In my opinion, that means that you and I need to take heed to Jeremiah 29:12- 14 more than ever so that Jeremiah 29:11 will be fulfilled in the circumstances of our lives. The people who enjoy the promise of the hope and a future are the people who learn to seek God with all their heart . . . regardless of circumstances . . . . it is the people who call on the name of the Lord and pray for his kingdom to come and his will to be done . . . that is my prayer again today . . . how about you?
Suggested Readings To Read Through The Bible In A Year
Fri.     Sept. 30, 2011   Jer. 28-29, Ps. 78:56-72, Pr. 30-31, Acts 11
Sat.    Oct. 1, 2011    Jer. 30-31, Ps. 79, Prov. 1, James 1-2
Sun.    Oct. 2, 2011    Jer. 32, Ps. 80, Prov. 2, James 3-4
Mon. Oct. 3, 2011   Jer. 33-34, Ps. 81, Prov. 3, Acts 12
Tues. Oct. 4, 2011   Jer. 35-36, Ps. 82, Prov. 4, Acts 13-14
Wed.   Oct. 5, 2011    Jer. 37-38, Ps. 83, Prov. 5, Acts 15
Thurs. Oct. 6, 2011    Jer. 39-40, Ps. 84, Prov. 6, Gal. 1-2

Jesus began . . .

Pastor Bob Giles — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:44:36 +0000

Acts 1:1
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach

So begins the book of Acts, called by some Luke II because of the fact that the beloved physician, Luke is the author. Luke makes an interesting statement to his friend Theophilus in this first sentence. (The Gospel of Luke is also addressed to this person Theophilus). Luke says in my first book I wrote about the things that Jesus began to do. Why didn’t he say I wrote about what Jesus did and taught while he was here among us? After all, Jesus is gone now. The answer to my question is found in verse 4 when Jesus tells the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the gift the Father had promised. That gift was the fact that the Father was going to send a “comforter” who would not just be with them, but would be in them. Jesus had told the disciples that it is better for you that I go away because the Holy Spirit will come and reside in you. In verse 8 of Acts 1 Jesus told the apostles that when the Spirit comes on you, you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. In other words, Luke was saying to Theophilus just because Jesus ascended back into heaven it does not mean he was finished ministering here on earth. In the 28 chapters of this book Luke is going to show how Jesus continued to teach about and expand the kingdom of God through the lives of the men and women who received the promise of the Father. In Acts 3 the apostle Peter is used by the Lord to heal a crippled man. When a crowd of astonished people gather to see what all the commotion is Peter makes it very clear to them that it was Jesus who healed this man – it was in Jesus name and faith that come through him.
By the time we get to the final chapter of the Book of Acts the gospel message and the power of Jesus name has been taken to the ends of the great Roman empire. In the Gospel of Luke the message was taken to the Jewish people in Judah and Galilee. In the book of Acts there are now believers from nations and ethnic origins — all in a matter of 30 years or less. During those years the church of Jesus Christ that was birthed in Acts 2 faced all kinds of oppositions and hardships. But the church continued to grow . . . the message continued to spread further and further. That is because Jesus still lives. Jesus still reigns. Jesus is still at work. . . yet today. We are only in Acts 1 in our reading today, but for those who have read this book before, you know that there is no “the end” at the final verse of chapter 28. That is because Jesus is still at work. He is still calling people into his kingdom. He is still performing miracles in the lives of people. He is doing it through people like you and me who understand that by his Holy Spirit he lives and moves in our lives. What an incredible privilege is ours! To be his hand extended to the world in which we live!

Suggested Readings To Read Through The Bible In A Year
Tues. Sept. 20, 2011 Jer. 8-9, Ps. 73:1-14, Prov. 20, Acts 1
Wed.   Sept. 21, 2011 Jer. 10-11, Ps. 73:15-28, Prov. 21, Acts 2
Thurs. Sept. 22, 2011   Jer. 12-13, Ps. 74:1-11, Prov. 22, Acts 3
Fri.    Sept. 23, 2011   Jer. 14-15, Ps. 74:12-23, Prov. 23, Acts 4
Sat.   Sept.24, 2011   Jer. 16-17, Ps. 75, Prov. 24, Acts 5
Sun.   Sept.25, 2011   Jer. 18-20, Ps. 76, Prov. 25, Acts 6
Mon.   Sept. 26, 2011   Jer. 21-22, Ps. 77, Prov. 26, Acts 7

A New Command

Pastor Bob Giles — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:29:05 +0000

John 13:1
It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.

Beginning with this 13th chapter and continuing through the 17th chapter Jesus is with the disciples in the upper room for the Passover feast, and then they walk through the city of Jerusalem and make their way to the Garden of Gethsemane on the mount of Olives. During the course of the evening Jesus did several things to express his love – and ultimately surrenders himself to be crucified for the sins of the world. But the first act of love was when he took off his outer garment, got a basin of water and began washing the feet of the disciples . . .

In this 13th chapter of John, Jesus gave a “new commandment”. John 13:34
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

So what is “new” about that commandment? It seems to me that when Jesus had been asked about what the greatest commandment was His response had been to love God with all your heart, and all your soul and all your mind, . . . And the second . . . Love your neighbor as yourself. Love had been a command since the days of Moses some 2000 years before the gospel of John was written.

Looking at the Greek word for “new” in this context, it doesn’t mean new in the sense of most recent or different. It is more along the line of “fresh” . . . I give you a command to love one another out of the context of a fresh commitment to love each other.

Jesus command was “fresh”in the sense that it was no longer about loving just your neighbor – believers were now going to be brothers and sisters in the family of God . A family thing is more intimate than a neighbor thing.

Secondly, Jesus freshened up the command to love by raising the bar . . . the Old Testament command was to love your neighbor as yourself . . . the fresh command is to love as Christ has loved us. That is a totally self-sacrificing love – living for the good of others.

Thirdly, Jesus indicated that when we love like he loves it would have a fresh impact on the world . . . people will know that we are followers of Jesus by the way we love each other. Our strongest testimony to the fact that Jesus died and rose again will be our love for each other.

Two more thoughts to ponder today:
1. Love was not a “suggestion”. It is a commandment.
2. People don’t go where the action is, they go to where the love is. (Jess Moody)

Suggested Readings To Read Through The Bible In A Year
Wed.   Sept. 14, 2011   Habakkuk, Ps. 69:1-15, Prov. 14, John 13
Thurs. Sept. 15, 2011 Zephaniah, Ps. 69:16-36, Pr. 15, Jn. 14-15
Fri.      Sept. 16, 2011   Jer. 1-2, Ps. 70, Prov. 16, John 16-17
Sat.    Sept.17, 2011 Jer. 3, Ps. 71:1-16, Prov. 17, John 18
Sun.   Sept.18, 2011   Jer. 4-5, Ps. 71:17-24, Prov. 18, John 19
Mon. Sept. 19, 2011 Jer. 6-7, Ps. 72, Prov. 19, John 20-21
Tues. Sept. 20, 2011 Jer. 8-9, Ps. 73:1-14, Prov. 20, Acts 1

It’s Not Fair!

Pastor Bob Giles — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:57:37 +0000

It’s not fair! Those words have been heard by every parent who has more than one child. Children have used that small sentence to try to manipulate their parents by making them feel guilty – the inference being that you as a parent are bound by the code of treating me fair! (Of course, my standard response was “life is not fair” . . . )
Isaiah 55 smacks of “it’s not fair.” You are thirsty and hungry? Well come here, you can find all you want to eat and drink. What’s that? You have no money? That is not a problem friend, we’ve got you covered, just come eat and drink and be satisfied. That is not fair. Every one should have to pay.
What is that you say? You have messed up your life by the wrong decisions you have made? You have set a course that leads to hell and eternal judgment? Don’t be afraid – I have something for you. No, it is not your execution papers, it is your pardon. Yep, that is right – I can give you a full pardon today for every sin that you have ever committed – just call on me (the LORD) – just ask for mercy today and it is yours! That is not fair – and thank God it isn’t! What you deserve is the most terrible punishment that God can devise. But what God wants to give to us is peace, joy and singing. God wants to turn the ugly things in our lives into beautiful things – like changing the thorn bushes into pine trees. It’s not fair – it is grace!
Why? I don’t know. Isaiah said God’s thoughts are not our thoughts . . . as the heavens are higher than the earth, so God’s ways are higher than ours. I guess God decided that “fair” won’t work if we are going to have a relationship with Him. So instead of being fair, he found a way that he could be gracious and loving – a way in which he could give us mercy, . . . a hope, and a future. (See Isaiah 53 and John 4)
Suggested Readings To Read Through The Bible In A Year
Mon.   Sept. 5, 2011 Isaiah 53-55, Ps. 61, Prov. 5, John 4
Tues. Sept. 6, 2011 Isaiah 56-57, Ps. 62, Prov. 6, John 5
Wed.   Sept. 7, 2011 Isaiah 58-59, Ps. 63, Prov. 7, John 6
Thurs. Sept. 8, 2011   Isaiah 60-61, Ps. 64, Prov. 8, John 7
Fri.      Sept. 9, 2011 Isaiah 62-64, Ps. 65, Prov. 9, John 8
Sat.    Sept.10, 2011 Isaiah 65, Ps. 66, Prov. 10, John 9
Sun. Sept.11, 2011 Isaiah 66, Ps. 67, Prov. 11, John 10

The “Look”

Pastor Bob Giles — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:55:56 +0000

Luke 22:61
The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."
Luke includes this one detail about Peter’s denial of Jesus that none of the other gospel writers included in their narratives. “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter”. The other three gospels tell about Peter hearing the rooster crow and then remembering the words that Jesus had said to him the evening before about his three denials . . . but Dr Luke includes this detail that Jesus looked straight at Peter . . . there was eye-contact made between them. Jesus gave Peter a “look”. That makes me curious. What did Peter see in that “look”?
I have been accused by members of my family of having a particular “look” that I give them when I don’t approve of their actions or words. Personally, I think that they are making it up!
But what was in that “look” between Jesus and Peter when the crowing of the rooster was heard?
It is interesting to me to read some of what Peter wrote in his first letter to the churches. In 1 Peter 3 he is writing about the importance of the way we live, act, and think as Christians. In the midst of his exhortation he quotes from the Old Testament. One of the verses he quotes is from Psalm 34:15 - For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous . . .but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil”
When Peter’s eyes saw the eyes of Jesus he was suddenly overcome with remorse for what he had just done. He went to a private place and wept bitterly. What did he see in Jesus’s eyes? Was it condemnation? Was it anger? Was it “I told you so”? What was it that moved Peter to lose control of himself to the point that he had to weep? Could it have been that in that glance Peter saw the love of Christ, and he heard once again the words of Jesus when he said Peter I am praying for you???
The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.
Remember this fact, the eyes of the Lord are always on us. Sin has a way of making us think that God is not watching or God can’t see me now. Sin keeps us from looking at the one we need most when we fail. But the fact is, Jesus is watching.
What we learn from Peter’s experience is that when we fail the first thing we need to do is turn our eyes toward Jesus. Yes, it may lead to some bitter weeping, but that is the first step toward healing.
Secondly, I ask myself, what would have happened had Peter kept his eye on Jesus the whole time? Instead of trying to blend it with the crowd and keep warm by the fire, what would have happened in his heart and mind if his focus would have been about Jesus and not his own safety? When I read the book of Hebrews I am instructed to keep my eyes on Jesus like a runner keeps his eye on the finish line.
I don’t know what Jesus intended to communicate with the “look” he gave Peter – but here is what I think this morning – if we keep our eyes on Jesus, the love in his eyes will keep us from choosing to sin.
Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, . . .
Suggested Readings To Read Through The Bible In A Year
Tues. Aug. 30, 2011 Isaiah 41-42, Ps. 55, Prov. 30, Luke 22
Wed.   Aug. 31, 2011 Isaiah 43-44, Ps. 56, Prov. 31, Luke 23
Thurs. Sept. 1, 2011   Isaiah 45-46, Ps. 57, Prov. 1, Luke 24
Fri.      Sept. 2, 2011   Isaiah 47-48, Ps. 58, Prov. 2, John 1
Sat.     Sept. 3, 2011 Isaiah 49-50, Ps. 59, Prov. 3, John 2
Sun.    Sept. 4, 2011 Isaiah 51-52, Ps. 60, Prov. 4, John 3
Mon.  Sept.. 5, 2011 Isaiah 53-55, Ps. 61, Prov. 5, John 4

Money

Pastor Bob Giles — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:36:02 +0000

I find it interesting the way the readings for today worked out. Psalm 49 and Luke 16 are basically about the same issue. Money. In both chapters we are warned about the false sense of security and blessing that comes from having money - or should I say - that comes from money having you. We all need a certain amount of money in order to get by in this world. Money is the medium of exchange by which we are able to buy the things that sustain our lives. But no amount of money can buy the things that really matter. In Luke 16 as Jesus was talking about the proper perspective about money and made the statement in verse 13 that you cannot serve God and money, Luke says that the Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. It is in this context that Jesus gives us a look at hell. It is as if he is saying to the Pharisees who equated money and wealth with the blessing of the Lord, it doesn’t matter how much money you have it cannot and will not redeem your soul. It is only God who can save me. And the only way he can save me is for me to make Him my master. We live for Him.
I think of what Jesus said in Matthew 13 when he told the parable of the sower and the four kinds of soil that seed fell on. Jesus said some seed fell on thorny ground. He went on to say that the thorny ground represented people who were consumed with the worries of life and the deceitfulness of riches, thus choking out the word of God and making it unfruitful.
So, thank you Lord for the reminder today to keep my priorities straight. It is easy to lose focus of the really big picture. It is easy to forget that our number responsibility with our life and our money is the kingdom of God. Lord, it is You I love!
Suggested Readings To Read Through The Bible In A Year
Wed.   Aug. 24, 2011 Isaiah 27-28, Ps. 49, Prov. 24, Luke 16
Thurs. Aug. 25, 2011 Isaiah 29-30, Ps. 50, Prov. 25, Luke 17
Fri.    Aug.26, 2011   Isaiah 31-33, Ps. 51, Prov. 26, Luke 18
Sat.    Aug. 27, 2011 Isaiah 34-36, Ps. 52, Prov. 27, Luke 19
Sun.   Aug. 28, 2011 Isaiah 37-38, Ps. 53, Prov. 28, Luke 20
Mon. Aug. 29, 2011   Isaiah 39-40, Ps. 54, Prov. 29, Luke 21
Tues. Aug. 30, 2011   Isaiah 41-42, Ps. 55, Prov. 30, Luke 22

Woe to

Pastor Bob Giles — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:03:00 +0000

The heading in my Bible that precedes verse 37 in Luke 11 says Six Woes. Jesus was the invited guest at a meal with a Pharisee. In fact, it would appear that there was more than one Pharisee along with some experts in Jewish law that had been invited to share this meal together. It is easy to read this passage in which Jesus is pointing out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and become very critical of the Pharisees. After all, they are the “bad guys” all through the ministry of Jesus. For the most part, Pharisees rejected and even hated Jesus. However, this morning as I read the words of Jesus to this group of very “religious” people I am reminded that if I am not careful I can miss the mark as well. I believe Jesus’ words to these two groups of men call us to take personal inventory of where our hearts are today. Perhaps we should be asking ourselves some questions, such as:
1. Am I more concerned about looking holy or being holy? (Verses 39-41)
2. Are my priorities the same as God’s priorities? (Verse 42)
3. Am I living for God’s glory or my own? (Verse 43)
4. What kind of influence am I to people watching me? (Verse 44) One of the things that would make a Jewish person “unclean” was to come in contact with a corpse. When you were “unclean” you were not welcome in the place of worship. During holy days the Jews would whitewash the markers on graves so people would not inadvertently walk on one and become contaminated. Jesus was saying to the Pharisees, your influence on people does not lead them to holiness but to just the opposite!
5.Am I more concerned with the letter of the law or the heart of the law? (Verse 46)
6. Do I hear and receive the Word of the Lord from those he has sent to speak into my life? Or do I just listen to the ones who say the things I want to hear? (Verses 47-51)
7. Am I inclined to be legalistic and make it difficult for others to enter the kingdom of God? (Verse 52)
Jesus was sharing these thoughts with the people who thought they were the best in the land in terms of holiness and understanding of the Law. But the fact is they had become very self-righteous and self-centered and were missing the mark completely. The point is, that can happen to anyone of us if our focus is on self rather than on Jesus and his kingdom.
In this context I hear the hurt in Jesus heart as he says to the Pharisees and lawyers, “Woe to you.” He was heartbroken over their spiritual blindness and hard hearts. I contrast that with what we read yesterday morning in chapter 10 verse 21: At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said . . .
My prayer for you and me today is, Lord, may our lives bring to you great joy today as we surrender our lives to you and your purposes. May our hearts be pure before you and your Spirit flow through us. May your kingdom come and your will be done!
Suggested Readings To Read Through The Bible In A Year
Fri.     Aug.19, 2011   Isaiah 14-15, Ps. 44:9-26, Prov. 19, Luke 11
Sat.    Aug. 20, 2011 Isaiah 16–18, Ps. 45, Prov. 20, Luke 12
Sun.   Aug. 21, 2011   Isaiah 19-21, Ps. 46, Prov. 21, Luke 13
Mon.  Aug. 22, 2011 Isaiah 22-23, Ps. 47, Prov. 22, Luke 14
Tues. Aug. 23, 2011 Isaiah 24-26, Ps. 48, Prov. 23, Luke 15